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I need help with the audio side

I am a novice as far as high end audio and would like to upgrade my current setup. I have upgraded over the years from an older Bose Lifestyle 12 system (I know I just made a bunch of you cringe) to a Lifestyle 28 system. Then I learned that no highs, no lows, must be Bose and upgraded to a Harmon Kardon AVR 340 with Infinity TSS750 7.1 system. I have stayed with the Infinity's but upgraded the receiver to an Onkyo 804. I have it all tied into a Monster 3500 Power Center to try to clean up the power and used Monster XP speaker cable's and 1000 series HDMI and optical cables to connect the cable box, Samsung BDP1200 bluray, and Roku Soundbrige M1000.
My system sounds decent but I know it can sound better. Way better. I have listened to Definitive, Vienna Acoustics, Boston Acoustics, Polk, and Martin Logan and fell in love with the ML's and how clear and precise the sound was (like what I was listening to was live in front of me). I was looking at replacing the front 3 speakers, but would like some advice on brand/models to look in to. I am on a budget, so I know some of the extreme high end like Wilson audio is probably out of the question. I also need some advice about preamps and amps...mainly do I need them? Can I use the Onkyo as a preamp and maybe just get amplifiers?

I watch a lot of movies, but also love music (I listen to mostly everything except country and would say Pink Floyd is my favorite).

Any suggestions?
brooksd
neway317
28 posts
 
Congrats on realizing that there is life after Bose. (I will admit, I was one of the ones that cringed when I saw the B word.)

With regards to the setup, unfortunately I'm not familiar with your receiver. But as for the speakers, you can always start off with a pair of Magnepan MMGs for around $400-500 and then work your way from there. They're also electrostatic/planars like Martin Logans. Bang for buck they're a great deal, and worse comes to worst, you can sell them back out 6 months later for the same price.

As for the amp recommendation, I originally went the same route that Chaskell did also, debating between a Krell KAV-x00i or a Classe 151. They're both fantastic integrated for their price point (around $1200-1400 second hand). The Krell leans towards being a lil tighter and faster, and the Classe leans towatds being a lil softer and smoother. So at that point it'll depend on which speakers you decide on first. Good luck and keep us all posted!
chaskelljr2001's avatar
chaskelljr2001
458 posts
 
"Neway317":

"As for the amp recommendation, I originally went the same route that Chaskell did also, debating between a Krell KAV-x00i or a Classe 151."

Well, actually...... I only suggested the Krell and Classe Integrateds to "Brooksd" as possible budget alternatives to his speaker of choice. Those aren't the amps I am personally using. I am driving my Vandersteen 2Ce Signatures with an Adcom GFA-5400 and an Adcom GFP-750 with MITerminator Cables.

And being that the Vandersteens seem to produce a warm sound with plenty of deep bass and a clean and neutral top-end, I think that a used Krell KAV Integrated would be a good match for the Vandersteens, which should result in a neutral sound.

--Charles--
dcstep
1,518 posts
 
Definitive, Vienna Acoustics, Boston Acoustics, Polk, and Martin Logan are all great speakers and a major upgrade from your current position. You're right to focus on speakers now Worry about further upgrades after you pick your speakers. I'm partial to the VA Beethoven Baby Grands, but MLs are also great.

You really don't need much advice at this point, just follow your ears.

Dave
neway317
28 posts
 
Chaskell, sorry about the misunderstanding. But great recommendations nonetheless..

As for my set up, I think I should have tried the Classe instead... I dunno.. It might be a symptom of the grass being greener on the other side. Ha ha.

And as for Vandersteens, i've just never been a big fan for some reason... there's a big Vandersteen dealer where I am in the NY/NJ area, and every time I listen to them, they've just left me something to be desired.. But I will say the sounds on it are very warm.

Whats your take in the MIT Terminators? They've been around for years.. What do they do to your system?
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
My father is powering his Vandersteens with Classe and they sound great but he is changing amps shortly. I imagine you may be talking about Audio Connection in Verona, if so stop back in and listen again...those guys are great. As far as MIT Terminators, my father used them for years and I never liked them, I used them in my system and yanked them quickly, Audioquest is my preference.
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