Would love opinions on my HT puzzle


I'm a new member and I want to say that I love this forum! All you folks out there seem very passonate about this community! Glad to be a member now...

OK, I have recently started to build my HT system... The first component was the addition of the Krell HTSII. I also just picked up a used Aerial CC3 for my center speaker. I am currently running an Aragon 4004 with Thiel CS3.5 speakers. They are the only components that I'm even considering keeping while I build the HT system. My goal is to buy as many "great" components online as I reasonably can, obviously for the cost saving benefits... I also would like to build over time, so I want to my smart acquisitions that give me the most flexibility too!

Here's my plan so far

Amplification:
Krell KAV 200a/5 and get rid of the Aragon or
Krell KAV 3250a/3 and use the Aragon for front or rear depending on speaker selection

Speakers: (If I go this way, considering using the Thiels for rear) Budget is < $5,000 new or used
Aerial 10t or
B&W Nautilus 803 or
Dynaudio Contour 3.3 or
Dynaudio Confidence 3 or
Aerial SR3 for rear and keep the Thiels for the front for now

Subwoofer: Budget is < $2,000 new or used
Revel B15 or
REL Storm III

DVD:
Pioneer Elite DV-37

I think that the speaker decission will drive the direction on amp options. I'd love some input from this forum! Thanks.
Patrick
128x128patricksweeney

Showing 3 responses by patricksweeney

I agree, thanks guys... I've auditioned the Dynaudio 3.3s but not the 10Ts... I will try and do so soon, but until then, any thoughts between the two? Both are in the same price category.
Pat
Good advice, thank you! My room size is 19x14. Ceilings are 8.9. My objective is not only to get great HT, but to get even better sounding music then I already have. I don't have any problem getting rid of the Aragon and Thiels. I am looking to make sure that my main front speakers do both tasks great.
Patrick
Thanks all, for your great input! This has been quite the learning experience... Just when I thought I had a piece figured out, I ended up going back to start! The good news is that I haven't made any "major", in my opinion, mistakes yet... Although E. Alexander might give me a bit of grief! Just kidding... Hopefully I can get him to set this beast up properly for me!

This is what I have acquired so far: The Krell HTS II, Revel Studios, piano black with piano black panels, not comemrcially avialable, hand made specifically for CES (got them from their Northridge campus, great story!) and the Aerial CC3 (previously owned, can always sell it, but the Revel is a bit large for my setup!). I'm probably going to go with the Krell 200a/5, because they look great with the HTS... I know I might be sounding a little feminine here, but "chicks" dig that! Especially here in Newport Beach!!! I will get rid of all my old gear, but use the Thiels for the rears as an interim solution. I also have a Sony 36 XBR 250, which will stay for now. I'm trying to decide on DVD/CD now. I also like the idea of a jukebox for disc storage. Price is always a consideration, and my acquistion objectives are close to 50% of retail. Thanks again for all your thoughts!
Best wishes for the New Year!
Patrick