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In Reply to: Re: How to start up an HT system ? posted by dgavrile on May 29, 2000 at 05:55:48:
Daniel,
I have heard only positive things about the Totem Forest speakers. To your questions:A local dealer has the NAD Silver Integrated (the 300, I think) and it sounds (to my ears) somewhat closed in and unemotional. This surprised me, because the other NAD I have heard was quite different. While in Texas last year, I listened to a great deal of Classe, but not the Classe 151 integrated. As a product line, Classe seems to me be to be a good balance between what are considered tube attributes (warmth, great mid-range) and solid state attributes (deep bass, good detail). Other people may feel differently, especially Stereophile magazine Again, a lot depends on the interaction between your speakers, room, and amp.
Most HT processor play the role of traditional pre-amp, though if you are only using the processor for music and not HT, there will be some features you will not need or use that often.
There are three companies I am familiar with that might fit your needs (from a five channel prospective):
NAD- 118 Digital preamp combined with one of their 5 channel amp
B & K- Ref 20 preamp with one of their 5 channel amps
Parasound- AV 2500 (?) preamp with 5 channel ampI don't list the amp models because B & K and Parasound have several 5 channel models out there, some new, some used, with different watt ratings.
Any of these three combinations exced the $2000.00 limit you have for this year, unless you consider buying used off of EBAY or Audiogon.
In my opinion, while all three systems offer great value for the money, the NAD has a warm, easy on the ears sonic signature. The Parasound is closer to a neutral sound, while the B & K sound very detailed, but occasionally bright. Just one person's opinion.While the timeframe of future releases of DVD-Audio and SACD CD releases is clouded at best, it is certainly possible that 5 channel audio will be the standand in the next 5-10 years. However, if the major players continue to argue about encryption and profits, all bets are off.
Bottomline, I would opt for the best two channel system you could afford. Listen to your old integrated for a year, then go out with $3000.00 (if I have understood your allocation properly) and get the best two channel pre/amp system you like/can afford. Also look at Plinus in this area. I have not heard any Krell or Bryston. Since you are not into HT, this would get you a great musical system.
Then if Sony and Microsoft buy the world and decree that 5 channel audio will be the standard, then you could just add a three channel amp for the center and surround. Of course buy that time, we could go from 5 channels to 7 channels.Hope this helps, Michael
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- HT Suggestions - michaelb 06:49:48 05/31/00 (0)
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