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Any "Deadhead" audiophiles out there to help

Looking to fine tune my system for mostly music and then home theater. As apparent I am a deadhead since the early 80s and love the music and grew up on the sound. I have not really swayed much from that genre but do have an ear for classical too. I play a lot of SACD, DVD Audio and blu-ray DVDs. Currently I have a mix bag system and was wondering if I could tighten it up or move some things around. Unfortunately my room is awkward with 8 foot ceilings and 25 by 13 with an extended room open from the length to add about another 12 feet from the front speakers. This creates an "L" shape room, it was a remodel job from the prior owner converting the single car garage into another sitting room with a woodstove. I have been slowly building my system and would like any and all input on changes that could make it sound even better. This is a living area so I must keep it wife approved, as she has embraced this change as well. Now you know most "deadheads" aint got major loot, but I do save and will spend for the right gear. Here is my setup..

Pioneer Elite VSX 94TXH
B&K Reference 200.7
B&W CDM 7NT fronts (Bi-amped)
B&W CC6 center (looking to improve to CDM CNT version)
B&W 602 S1 (Bi-wired) rears along with 2 Athena bookshelfs near the ceiling
Martin Logan Motion 4's and 2-Mirage Nanosats for Side surrounds
Paradigm PDR-10 sub
Oppo BDP 93 player
Panasonic 50 inch plasma

I also have a few other mirage nanosats in other rooms to provide music in those locations and split that with a niles speaker selector
shakedown
shakedown OP
135 posts
 
Replaced the center channel with the CDM CNT version, almost night and day differnce to the CC6. Still playin around and tryin to get it seated in right. Seems to be a bit more forward.
peter_s
1,088 posts
 
I don't know if your living space can accomodate, but Vandersteen 2CE signatures and Vandersteen subs together can be quite satisfying and not too hard to drive. You need to be able to pull the speakers away from the wall by a couple of feet though. I've been impressed with this many times. You may want something more detailed though, given your enjoyment of B&W's. Something to consider.

Are you using fully digital sources or do you have any analog sources? That could affect the W4S recommendation above.
peter_s
1,088 posts
 
I'm thinking something like this:

FOR 2CH MUSIC LISTENING: Oppo goes to 2ch DAC ($500) into either preamp or integrated amp with HT bypass. The unit should have a spare set of variable outputs. That way, if you want to embellish the 2ch recordings with your other speakers, you take the variable out from the pre/int and send it to an analog input on your Pioneer receiver. Figure out a fixed volume for the Pioneer, and then the whole shebang is volume adjusted with your 2ch pre/int. Depending on which fronts you use, you may not be biamping. I figure you've got to spend atleast about $1200 to get a decent preamp. Please specify whether you have any aversion to tubes, and whether you require a remote control.

FOR HT WATCHING AND SURROUND SOUND LISTENING: OPPO source goes into your Pioneer Receiver. Analog front channel outs got to HT bypass in your 2ch pre/int, which essentially gives up control to the receiver.

You can use your B&K amp initially for the fronts. The amp you ultimately get will depend on which speakers you ultimately choose, and the synergy b/t them.
peter_s
1,088 posts
 
For reference, may want to check out the new Parasound JC-2 Bypass preamplifier with HT passthrough.
shakedown OP
135 posts
 
My best friend has these I believe, I know they are the 2 series not sure on the exact model. I have a restriction of my ability to come from the wall. Currently my speakers are about 16 inches from the wall only because of the room layout I cannot bring them forward anymore. I did enjoy my friends Vandersteens but did note that they were a bit excessive in the bass dept though. Could have been his setup and arrangement too.
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