Rethinking my system: Your ideas are appreciated

Johnnyb53,

The Rotel is from a home theater setup that I had several years ago. I recently moved into a different house, so I don't run surrounds anymore - just mains and a sub.

Interesting that you recommended the RX8s - I briefly auditioned the RX6s a few months ago, and decided to stick with the Dyns. I didn't think the RX6s added anything that I wasn't already getting. That said, I have not heard the RX8s, but since you feel there is a substantial difference between those and the RX6s, I may have to give them a try.

I will also probably trade in the Rotel in favor of an integrated amp with more power.

Thanks for your helpful suggestions!

^^^

Thanks for the info Alderash. Sitting next to each other in the audition room and driven by the same source and amplification, the RX6 sounded like what it was, a compact floorstander. With the addition of one more woofer and a couple inches bigger in each direction, the RX8 somehow sounded like a huge floorstander by comparison.

A powerful 2-channel integrated is certainly the Anthem 225. You can use it with your sub and everything. Another integrated I like *a lot* is the Marantz PM8004. Although it's in their regular product lineup, it is built at Marantz's Reference line facility in Japan. It shares similar component quality and is the only mid-level Marantz amp to use their HDAM gain module, which they use throughout the Reference line. The PM8004 doesn't have the brute power of the Anthem, but at 100w into 4 ohms (the Monitor Audio RX8 is 4 ohms) it sounds like it's much more powerful. Its grip on multi-woofered ported speakers is exemplary. It has the speed and low level detail of a boutique amp. It reproduces all the recording venue ambience and draws the listener (me) into the performance. I heard this $999 integrated power a $12K pair of Sonus Faber Cremona Ms as though it was born to the task.

The Anthem is a great amp with lots of power at $1500, but the Marantz is kind of special. Here's the TAS review.

If you like the dynaudio sound, and from what I have heard of them they are great speakers, consider moving up their range to suit your room size. To get a full sound, big rooms need big speakers and powerful amps. You will need a new amp. I dont think you will get there with standmounts.

Zu omen may be good. I listen to similar music and Zu speakers are full of tone and dynamics that project into the room. Guitar/vocals are especially good as most Marshall/Fender stacks use Eminance speakers upon which Zu is based. They're designed to work with HT amps. ........ Just a thought