Video Asylum

Posted by Justin on January 17, 2000 at 17:55:21:

In Reply to: PSB Goldi dilemma posted by John Q. Public on January 17, 2000 at 12:12:47:

I bought PSB Goldis and a C6 about three months ago. First off, they are great HT/music speaker (I have a separate stereo system, but the Goldis acutally get a fair amount of music played on them). Also you do not need a sub with them, as there is plenty of bass output at 25hz. Plenty of bass to shake my 25x15x9 room. However, you are correct that the Goldis like power.

The good news is that I have a cheap, good solution for you. It's called the Harman/Kardon PA5800 amp. It lists for $1000 and has received accolades from Home Theater Magazine and Stereo Review, but J&R is closing them out at $299 each! They'll be gone very soon, however. The H/K is rated at 80x5@ohms, but it was measured at 90x5@8ohms, all channels driven simultaneously. Buy two of the H/Ks and a pre/pro like the Sherwood Newcastle or the new Parasound, and you're under $1500 for a great amp/pre/pro combo. This will sound better than any receiver on the market (except the $7000 McIntosh). Use one H/K to bi-amp one Goldi and the center, and use the other H/K to biamp the other Goldi and the rears. With some channels remaining idle, the H/K will produce an honest 100wpc. The Goldis will get 200wpc. Now while the H/K won't be confused with a Levinson, it is a very good amp and very stable with 4 ohm loads (which the Goldi presents). I've got this exact combo and am extremely satisfied. The Second H/K really helps the Goldis a lot. Bass got better, tighter, and more authoritative, and the mids and highs cleared up a bit.

This is a long term solution in my eyes. BTW: I'd forget the Rotel player. Use your DVD player as a transport and the DACs in the pre/pro. This will get you sound as good, if not better, than the Rotel. Good luck!