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Am I going insane?

I am not what most of you would call an audiophile, although I do appreciate a nice soundstage. I figured this was a good place to ask my questions. First I want to give you my situation though...

Last year I bought the Sony 40"XBR. I love it. Now it's time to purchase a very modest sound system for HT and 2channel. I don't have ANY equipment yet. I do know that the speakers are the first, most important piece to aquire.

So, I was at a dealer last week. I was listening to the B&W CDM NT1 series in both 5.1 and 2 channel. The sound was clear and I was pretty impressed. This is the B&W series (at least retail) that is in my price range.
Then, the fella helping me switched to the Boston Acoustics VR-M60s, with the matching center and surrounds. I thought that the BAs sounded better...much better...more free, less boxy. Both sets were being played from a Yamaha reciever (not hifi to be sure, but I can't afford good components yet). AM I NUTS? Would seperates make this setup sound better? The room was setup nicely, at least as far as my limited experience can tell.

Since then I have listened to a PSB setup, but wasn't as impressed. I also teased myself with a BEAUFIFUL Sonus Faber setup that I might be albe to afford in about 1000 years. I am looking for other options, but am limited by around a $2000 budget for speakers. If I can get something used that is higher quality (but able to be pushed from a reciever for a while), I certainly will go that way. I read similar posts as this regarding Thiel 1.5s. I am searching for a place to hear these.

I have decided to go with the Velodyne SPL800 or SPL1000 sub, as I really liked how it dissapeared in the B&W and BA setups.

Please help a really green newbie who is trying to get some bang for bucks.

Thanks,
Z
zstokes
bbtuna
96 posts
 
The Theils will do just fine in your home. Ask the dealer if you can bring them home and it will settle it for you. They will probably lend you the electronics needed too.

I have had the 1.5s in my 11 x 19.5 x 8 which opens into my dinning room. No loft ceiling but this shouldn't hurt anything. I really loved the Thiels, they are a truely great speaker and if the the new 1.6s follow suit, and I have heard they do, then you are buying a truely elegant speaker.

Lots of choices in the 2k range new and even more used. However with the Theils, as with a number of others, you will be proud and happy. Plus these have a very high wife factor. You will of course need a sub for home theater but that will always be true.

If you want music first and video second then I recommend you look to a sub that is better known for music then movies. Rel is my favorite, kinda expensive but no better build quality and they are made specifically for music.

happy listening,
cd

zstokes OP
124 posts
 
I listened to the speakers I will be buying today...

JMLabs Cobalt 826s. I listened to them being pushed from a Denon reciever, and everything was good. These speakers are so efficient, I can run them (quite well) from a reciever.

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who posted, and I will let know know when I make the purchase!

Cheers!
Z
inscrutable
313 posts
 
Glad you found something you really like. I heard a Nak AV10 drive either these or the 816's (can't quite remember) fine as well. They *do* have impedance dips down around 3 ohms I think, but I can't recall at what frequencies ... *might* be covered by the sub ... but most decently powered receivers should handle it ok. Enjoy!
gumbydammit
186 posts
 
Oh come on, Nue:.....ANY american car??
Also, I said Rabbit/Jetta, not Diesel. The diesels, while still having the electrical issues to a lesser degree, were pretty awesome (though totally gutless) little vehicles.
(Also you should know I have owned 5 of them through the years.) But if you want a REAL diesel, 1984 Camry Turbo-D :)
Same mileage, MUCH more guts and a whole lot bigger. (I sadly had to part with mine @ 200k plus....and it still had no blow-by. (Pull the oil breather off your rabbits valve cover while it idles...you will be afraid...my little run-away..if it has 160k or better, it must hav happned to you at least once or twice (<:)

Zstokes: Your post made me start looking for a dealer to check those JMLabs out. I thank YOU for all the info here!!!!
neubilder
129 posts
 
David Byrne said "The last good looking American car was made in (circa) 1962" - and I completely agree. But as good looking as they were back then, American cars were still behemoths.
I seriously can't think of one American car that I wouldn't trade in for a TDI as soon as it was in my possession. I like small efficient well designed things. I would love the additional power that the new TDI offers over the 54(!) hp that my Jetta has, but they managed to achieve that extra power with no sacrifice to efficiency.
By contrast every American car I can think of either:

1/ looks and drives like fridge,

2/ is a tacky, unrefined, overpowered, and under-controlled "sports car".

3/ is an (fn)S.U.V. or some sort of truck - most of which I would like to see get taxed off the road - unless they are being used for a legitimate purpose (delivery, trades etc.). (and no, having an SUV so that little Johnny is safe -because your vehicle is so big you can cream the other guy in an accident - doesn't count as a "legitimate purpose").

What does this have to do with HiFi? Nothing really I suppose. After all, Krells and Levinsons are fairly benign, just don’t drop one on your toe.
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