need opinions on getting out of HT into 2 channel


When I started my stereo's, I thought I would listen to HT more than 2 channel. But now the opposite is true. Recently my 2 channel amp caught on fire, so I have moved my rotel 6 channel in and am using that. I put my denon 2801 up for sale, but am considering selling all of my gear and starting fresh with a good 2 channel system. Here is what I have-

Denon DCM-560 CD Player
Apature Silver Coax Digital Interconnect
Audio Alchemy DTI DA converter
MIT T3 Digital Coax Interconnect
Sony TA-E1000esd Preamplifier
Axiom Loudspeakers M40ti Speaker
Monster Power HTS2000 AC filter
MIT Terminator 3 Digital Interconnect
Sony SCD-CE775 SACD Player
Apature Toslink Optical Cable Interconnect
Proscan DVD Player Video
Phillips S-VHS VCR Video
Sony XBR41 Video
Denon AVR-2801 Surround Pre
MIT 330 Plus Series IC Interconnect
MIT Terminator 2 IC Interconnect
Rotel RB-976 Amplifier
MIT Terminator 2 Speaker Cable Speaker cable
Klipsch KG-4 Monitor
MIT Terminator 4 Speaker cable
Klipsch KV-3 Monitor
Carrol Studio Series Silver Speaker cable
Klipsch KG-1.2 Monitor
Monster Power 2500 AC filter

Of these components what should I sell? I really like the klipsch speakers that I have, but only for HT use. My new apartment is configured in such a way that I really only need one stereo for now.

First off, I am looking to get a "warm and musical" system, I don't really want something that is too detailed and is going to give me a headache. I mainly use CD/SACD, but I would probably get some vinyl (like a MMF 2.1 or something used in the $150-300 range to start).

I currently use the Sony TAE-1000ESD (maybe a tough item to sell) in my 2 channel system. I can either build the system with a integrated or a amp/tae-1000esd.

The integrateds I was looking at were on the top price wise the Krell KAV-300i (much more powerful, maybe someday would like to move toward a little more demanding speaker) to more realistic the Audio Refinement Complete (have heard this with my Axioms and sounded very nice) or Bryston B-60 (like the idea of a 20 year warranty, but have not had the chance to hear a bryston product).

If I kept the Sony (what are people's opinions who have heard this pre or have owned it) and went the amp route ($700 budget), I would be looking at maybe the McCormack line (perhaps a micro drive or the next model up), B&K, Rotel, Aragon, Bryston, or perhaps some type of hybrid tube amp.
pe3046

Showing 2 responses by pe3046

I would like to do it in stages, I would prefer to keep the axiom speakers as I just bought them a couple of weeks ago and am happy with their performance for now. At some point I probably will own Vandersteen speakers, I am from the Hanford/Lemoore area where they are produced but have never found a pair that I could pickup rather than pay for shipping.

My budget is somewhat limited, based upon what items I sell. The first things to go would probably be the 2801 receiver and the Rotel 6 channel amp. I should be able to get somewhere between $650-750 to spend on a upgrade. With that money I could get the Audio Refinement Complete Integrated or again purchase a McCormack Micro or .5 amp. Then the next thing I would sell is my Klipsch speakers. I think I could probably get about $800 for them, at that point could also sell the Axiom speakers too and have around $1100 for speakers. Or purchase a better pre-amp (something such as the Adcom 750 with home theater pass through) and cables. Once I had the 2 channel where I wanted it, then I would probably think about adding in HT again. Really I have not been able to hear many components or systems and am unsure wether or not a integrated would be the best investment at this point vs. a amplifier.

Patrick
Thinks for the suggestions, as I have moved to a new town my local dealer carries some of the products that have been mentioned, so I will do some more studying. Will post back what I end with.

Thanks,
Patrick