A wonderful day...not so much for a waffler

[Kai Winters]

Hi all,
I finally had an opportunity to give some gear a test drive and thought I would share my thoughts with you and also encourage your comments, suggestions, etc.
To start, I have been considering what to do regarding my current receiver (Yamaha RX-V659) and possibly my front speakers (Paradigm Monitor 3 v.4). I am unable to listen to the newest codecs when watching movies on my Sony 350 Blu-ray player. Currently I use hdmi from the 350 direct to the tv for video and optical from the 350 to the receiver and usually use the “sci-fi, adventure, etc. DSP mode” for the audio. For tv viewing I run component from my cable box direct to the tv for video and optical to the receiver using the signal from the network for Dolby Digital and when PCM I use Pro Logic.
I would like to improve the audio experience for movies, tv and music thus the reason for thinking about replacing the receiver and/or front speakers.

Today I had a chance to drive to Syracuse…75 miles one way…to listen to some gear at Clark Music. I was interested in listening to the Marantz SR6003 (Would prefer the 5003 but they do not carry that model saying for little more money the 6003 ($999) is so much better) receiver, Paradigm Studio 10 speaker and Monitor 7 speaker. Unfortunately they did not have the Studio 10 but did have the 20 v.5 connected to a 2 channel Marantz receiver. They also did not have the Monitor 7 but did have the Monitor 9 v.6 connected to an “in-house” audio system allowing for many comparison testing between all the speakers in that sound room.
The 6003 was connected to a Millenium on wall system but they were in the process of changing the flat panel so I was unable to listen to the new codecs, which was one of my most important reasons for going there.
I brought several favorite music cd’s with me: Phil Collings; Hello I Must Be Going (Thru These Walls), Frank Sinatra; The Best of The Capitol Years (Come Fly With Me) and Eurythmics;Greatest Hits (Who’s That Girl) for the specific tracks I love and thought I could remember lol.
First listening to these tracks on the Studio 20’s ($1200 per pair retail at Clark’s) I was blown away by the clarity, separation and presence of the speakers. The detail was crystal clear and they were able to hit quite low in the bass range with a crispness that was so enjoyable.
Second was the Monitor 9’s. Listening to the same songs I noticed the upper range was somewhat lacking, compared to the 20’s, and on many of the low notes they seemed to over power the vocals and were perhaps a bit muddy. I did not ask the price but expect msrp.
Last but not least the SR6003 receiver. I immediately noticed a smoother mid and upper range compared to my 659. Vocals were crystal clear…I was not particularly impressed by the Millenium on wall speakers but felt they were acceptable for what I was hoping to hear and learn. It was also clear how much more head room the 6003 seemed to have compared to my 659. It just seemed much louder but with more clarity and smoothness especially in the mid range.

As soon as I returned home I went through the same listening tests on my home system in 2 channel mode as I heard at Clark’s and was able to notice immediate differences between what I tested and my 659/Monitor 3’s. It took much more power to get to similar sound levels compared to the receiver (Used -30 on the 6003 and -20 on my 659). Also the 3’s were a bit more harsh in the uppers and did not go nearly as low as the 20’s nor with the clarity…Not surprised considering the cost lol.

Now for the waffling dilemma…what to do. I can either afford the 6003 of the 20’s. Looking at my system and considering my wife and I love to watch tv and dvd movies while music listening is more background what would you do if you were in a similar predicament?

[Kai Winters]

As the drama/saga continues I am demoing a pair of Monitor 7's v.4 from my local shop. They have loaned them to me for a week and I have them connected to my system as speaker "B".

[-DLS-]

If you go with the Studio 20's you already have speaker stands but are you also thinking of upgrading your center channel? If not then I would stay with the Monitor line and save a few hundred bucks since you mentioned you both love watching TV and movies more and music listening is more background - plus you already have a sub so all you need is that Marantz receiver and you can enjoy all the newest codecs. I have the Monitor line and I love them!! They are perfect for Home Theater movie watching and when I can listen to music they are good enough for now.

You are kind of like me - music is usually just for background. I have 4 kids that are still young so I can't really sit down and enjoy music alone but we can all sit as a family and watch movies so I won't be upgrading to the Studios til I know I would actually have time to enjoy them for music.

It's all you and what you want - just giving my opinion cuz I know I really want to listen to the Studios but my wife even said it - we only watch movies so why pay so much more for good speakers for music that I cant enjoy.

[Johnny Vinyl]

I agree with a lot that DLS22 posted above. Because watching movies means more to you and your current receiver doesn't handle all of the codecs you want, I'd go for a new receiver first. I like Marantz products, but am not too familiar with the models you quote. I can say however, like DLS22 I'm sure, that the Yamaha HTR-6190 is a great receiver (I own it as well).

John

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by DLS_222

You are kind of like me - music is usually just for background. I have 4 kids that are still young so I can't really sit down and enjoy music alone but we can all sit as a family and watch movies so I won't be upgrading to the Studios til I know I would actually have time to enjoy them for music.
.

I agree..... the last time I listened to music, my year and a half old son spent the time spinning in circles until he would get dizzy and fall down...... it was "relaxing"

if you get the most "Focused" use of the system, at night when the kiddies are in bed (like we do) then I'd suggest building it up more for that purpose.


EDIT:

you could also pick up another blu-ray player that decodes the audio.... would be cheaper, and you could still swing new speakers probably

[aramis109]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

I agree..... the last time I listened to music, my year and a half old son spent the time spinning in circles until he would get dizzy and fall down...... it was "relaxing"

if you get the most "Focused" use of the system, at night when the kiddies are in bed (like we do) then I'd suggest building it up more for that purpose.


EDIT:

you could also pick up another blu-ray player that decodes the audio.... would be cheaper, and you could still swing new speakers probably

LOL... that's so us. My daughter dances around. It's cute, but I'm watching her like a hawk to make sure she's not near the speakers. Not exactly relaxing. For me, it's movie time after she's in bed that I get the most use out of the system.

Get lossless audio and save up for those speakers later man.

[Kai Winters]

Thanks for the input. It is very appreciated.
Beta, John and DLS I agree with you all.
As I started to say I have, on loan, a pair of Monitor 7 v.4 speakers. I have re-ran the YPAO and did the usual tweaking with my spl. The 7's are on "B" and the 3's on "A" to compare. I'm using either Pure Direct or 2 channel stereo with a set of sample cd's that I know extremely well.

First the 7's have a wider mid-range and handle vocals and uppers quite a bit better than the 3's. I was very pleased with the difference. The 7's have a much more "openness", the clarity in the mid to upper ranges was quite pronounced especially hearing back up singers individual voices and more subtle sounds. The bass hit a bit deeper but not much as the 7's use a 5 1/2" compared to the 7" in my 3. The breadth of the bass was more pronounced in the 7's however compared to the 3's.
I created a cd compilation using Nero and ripping the music at the highest bit rate I could to keep it as close to the originals as I could. I listened to 30 seconds of each song on each speaker rather than bouncing back and forth and did this for approx an hour straight with no distractions.

That is to be expected. However when watching tv, either PCM(using Pro-Logic for surround) or Dolby Digital, the difference is not as pronounced. But I have not had the opportunity to listen/watch my favorite shows since I am on second shift this week, swing shift's suck lol, and the wife and I don't have time to relax and watch much tv on this shift plus I don't run the system as loud as usual.
I will watch some movie bits to see how much a difference/if any I notice.

We watch approximately 70% tv, 20% dvd movies and 10% music.

I do have to make a bit of a change to my initial post. I am now thinking that the 9's I listened to at Clark's were not set up very well or the audio playback system they used was not set up well because the "muddiness" in the bass I noticed was totally absent on the 7's in my house.

LOL I am still perched mid-fence and feel like a freakin' Belgium waffle. I can get a new, in box, pair of 7's v.4 or 5 for $550 at my local shop...good customer price...and perhaps even add the Marantz SR5003 in the mix and spend around what the Studio 20's cost retail. I feel that is the most bang for my buck I can get considering what I have related as our media viewing/listening preferences.

Thank you all that have commented and please feel free to comment/suggest as you will.
Sorry to be so long winded but I am enjoying this experience and relating it to you as well.

[Beta Man]

I finally looked at your gallery.... I know with kids it's tough, but you should try to move the speakers away from the wall a little if possible (they're rear ported right?)

Either way... my son and I just got through an intense dance session with some Beatles, and he had grabbed a golf ball he found earlier on a dresser (getting the golf bug earlier than the weather allows around here... as usual) and he kept throwing it over his head..... scary!!!! either way, no speakers were harmed.... but I know to never let him in that room with a ball of any kind ever again! The dance session gave me time to move my speakers out another 18 inches or so.... and back 2 more feet.... so I have to get out the SPL myself soon..... I hope it works out, because the speakers are now completely invisible when the lights are out.....

[sandman6662]

Kai Winters Quote
Member (Today I had a chance to drive to Syracuse…75 miles one way…to listen to some gear at Clark Music. )

Hey I see you'r near me ,,LOL Have you ever come my way to Elmira Or to Ithaca. NY .. I have been to Syracuse to clarks , not really impressive, they have been there along time.. But hey I have have quite a few shops around me selling aot of differnent gear, and I could get you some good deals ,my friend owns his own shop , thats where I got all my Marantz & Klipsch stuff..anyways heres some shops here, its only a raod trip away..Up to you ..I'm about 1 hour 1/2 from Syracuse, 1 Hour from Bingamton, (johnson city vestial) ...


Bench Mark Audio=== Marantz-Klipsch-And more- Elmira
Stellar Strero===Klipsch - and alot more,,used EQ too-Ithaca
HighWay HiFi ===Marantz=Yamaha-Defet-Paradigiams-ETC Alot more-Ithaca
Rowes Audio& Photo=== Adcom-Klipsch-Rotel- ETCC--Henrietta-near Rochcester