I'm in the same process so let me tell you what I did. If you don't mind buying used equipments, you can build a very decent system. These are what I bought and will look for 1. Classe SSP-25 ($1400 shipped) 2. Citation 7.1 power-amp ($1000 shipped) 3. B&W ASW100 ($500 shipped) 4. B&W Matrix 802 S2 (in progress of buying for $1900) 5. Sony DVP S7700 ($700 new) Hope this helps |
I've auditioned the B&K Ref 20 as well as the B&K 3090 preamps. the 3090 wasn't as good as my Conrad-Johnson PV10A preamp with a Wadia 12 DAC for 2 channel music, so I didn't returned it. the Ref 20, however, seemed about equal, plus all the additional inputs, S-VHS switching, and DD/DTS processing makes it a good buy, IMHO. never heard the new Parasound, but the conversion of all analog to digital makes me wonder about it's 2 channel analog abilities. as for amps, I've tried the Parasound 2200II, now discontinued, 225wpc model. great amp. big, heavy, and plenty of power. I suppose subwoofers also count as separates, so I vote for the Def Tech PF15TL, which I've owed for a year now. 15" woofer + 325 watt amp for ~$700 = great bargain. |
Not saying anyone is wrong above, but I think there missing out on the King. "Lexicon" for Home theater. You can pick up a DC-1 for about 1700.00 from a store if they have any trade ins. As for amps, the ATI1505 is a very good amp, I have heard it and it's smooth. Also look at reveiws. As stated above Proceed and Classe are very good, but if your interested in pure A/v and not so much audio, I think there are better value's out there. Also if you want to save a few bucks. B&K REF20 and AV5000ii combo is a great way to go. Has very good reveiws. I have heard it and was very impressed. I know B&K is upgradable, but have not talked to them about Logic7 and EX formats. Brian |
Although I do not own Parasound gear but rather some Proceed and Aragon gear, a friend of mine does. I would strongly suggest you audition Parasound in your price range. Until recently I was unfamiliar with the brand but am certain that this brand represents a very good value combined with very good performance. |
If analog music playback is a primary requirement, as well as the HT side of the house, then the Classe' SSP-25 (which I own) is the choice at $3000. It has DTS/DD/THX, and a true high-end analog bypass mode for analog sources, and the unit sounds wonderful..open, spacious, and, on the analog bypass, a wonderful pre-amp in on it's own right. If analog is not a concern, or focus, the Parasound AVC-2500, at $3295 ( usually about $2800 with the RF for DD LD's), has OSD, and a tuner, as well. All it's analog inputs are first converted to digital, however, but the sound is very good. I never find the Classe's lack of an OSD to be an issue, as the display is very well-done, conveying all information needed. Also, when I am doing a "balance trim", on the fly, no OSD to distract the viewers. Multi-channel amps from Rotel and Parasound are about $1000, so the $4000 budget could be satisfied. Hope this helps. I researched the processors extensively, and had $3000 for my upgrade. I was able to get the SSP-25, with the internal RF, a line conditioner, some upgraded cables, and some new small signal tubes for my JoLida 502, all for the $3000 price point. Mike Colwell [email protected] |
