Help with upgrade path - Blu-ray Forum

Intamin · 04-02-2009, 04:03 PM

Well, the summer is fast approaching, and with that in mind it means I get to make money again, aka blow money on audio upgrades! I've recently priced out some different options for me to upgrade to, including new and used prices, and I'm trying to figure out the best route for me, which is why I came here asking for advice. Things to take into consideration: I want this to be my last upgrade for years to come. I also plan on eventually upgrading speakers to Salk HT4's whenever Jim releases them. They go down to 15hz, and he is suggesting an amp with at least 200-250wpc to effectively drive them. I will also be picking up a matching center channel speaker to go with my ST's, and a pair of surrounds (probably Mythos Gem Xl's since they are small, good price, sound good to me, and have WAF).That being said, here is where I am:

Amp Selection: I've narrowed it down between a few different amps/combinations. The amp I want the most is an Anthem Statement P2. It has all the head room I need for now and the future, it runs cool and quiet, it's a huge beastly amp (I want a big honking amp), and it passes the WAF. It runs around 2700 new (I'm guessing with dealer discount, but it could be closer to 3k), and 2k on the used market. I would pair this with an outlaw monoblock for the center channel, and use my current amp for the rears. The other amp is a Parasound Halo A21 with the outlaw mono. This amp runs 2200 new and 1500ish used, give or take. It has 250wpc, so it'll be good for now and the future, it's also huge, and has the WAF. However, I like the looks of the P2 more, but saving money isn't always bad. The final option is the Halo A51, which is 4kish new, 2500 used. This is sort of a last resort, as I'd prefer to keep my current amp for the rears and have a good 2 channel amp.Thoughts on the P2 vs the A21?

Pre/Pro: Integra DTR 9.8 vs Marantz AV8003. The integra can be had for around 1400 new and 1000 used, vs 2300 new (I'm guessing what kind of discount I can get) and 1650 used. They both have essentially the same set of features, so I'm not sure if one has a better upscaler or video chipset than the other, although I don't really watch dvd's to begin with. I prefer the looks of the Marantz more, but again, saving money is nice so if the performance aspect between the two is moot, then I'd probably go with the Integra. I do like that I can stream music with the AV8003. I guess another possibility would be the Onkyo Pre/pro, possibly upgraded but I don't know how much that runs. Can anyone provide info in regards to performance for the two?

BDP: I just want one that will bit-stream the audio, and would prefer to keep the price under 500. This allows for the Marantz BD 7003, a Sony S550 and the Oppo, and I'm sure a plethora of others. So which bdp should I throw in the mix?

Finally, what are your thoughts on new vs used for a processor? Processors can be buggy and finicky, so I'm sort of hesitant about going the used route since there wouldn't be a warranty. However, I've bought used before and haven't had any issues. My ideal set up would be the P2 and AV8003 as I like the styling of them more (yes, I know, I may be sacrificing audio quality, but I want to be able to enjoy looking at this stuff on a daily basis as well

), but I am willing to compromise in either area due to price concerns and or not noticing differences in quality. So thoughts, suggestions, comments are greatly appreciated!

Josh · 04-02-2009, 06:59 PM

As far as the Pre/Pro, the big problem with the Marantz (and the reason I took it off my watch list) was that it can't Matrix 5.1 material to 7.1. Might want to see if they fixed that yet.

Another BDP to throw into the mix would be the Panasonics. I have a BD35 (and a BD10 before that) and they work great! Some even say they are the best sounding on the market (under $1000).

Intamin · 04-02-2009, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josh

As far as the Pre/Pro, the big problem with the Marantz (and the reason I took it off my watch list) was that it can't Matrix 5.1 material to 7.1. Might want to see if they fixed that yet.

Another BDP to throw into the mix would be the Panasonics. I have a BD35 (and a BD10 before that) and they work great! Some even say they are the best sounding on the market (under $1000).

I'll be in a 5.1 setup for the foreseeable future, so that isn't a concern. I'm sure by the time I have room/want 7.1, there will be a firmware to matrix 5.1 to 7.1. And I had forgot about Panasonic, I'll look into their offerings.

SRTCraig · 04-02-2009, 07:50 PM

How much are you looking to spend total on the power amp? Channels required?

Intamin · 04-02-2009, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SRTCraig

How much are you looking to spend total on the power amp? Channels required?

The amps that I'm choosing from are the ones listed above. I've looked into many, and I mean many, other amps, and those are the ones I've narrowed it down to for various reasons. Then again, if for some reason I can find a great deal on a Pass x250 or 350 I may jump on that.

SRTCraig · 04-03-2009, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Intamin

The amps that I'm choosing from are the ones listed above. I've looked into many, and I mean many, other amps, and those are the ones I've narrowed it down to for various reasons. Then again, if for some reason I can find a great deal on a Pass x250 or 350 I may jump on that.

I've never heard of the pass? Have you heard them, can you compare it with another amplifier? I'm curious....

Intamin · 04-03-2009, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SRTCraig

I've never heard of the pass? Have you heard them, can you compare it with another amplifier? I'm curious....

The real name is Pass Labs, http://passlabs.com/default.htmlI have not heard one, but read/heard great things, and Andrew (Mdbabb) highly recommends his x150.5

SRTCraig · 04-03-2009, 09:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Intamin

The real name is Pass Labs, http://passlabs.com/default.html

I looked up the specs on their webpage. We don't have quite the selection you guys have being from NZ. A lot of brands simply aren't imported into NZ due i guess to a small market.

We have to shop by spec and reviews and just pray for the best. We have some great NZ made stuff, not a lot for multi-ch though, and IMO way to expensive in relation to performance/specs.

mdabb · 04-03-2009, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Intamin

The real name is Pass Labs, http://passlabs.com/default.htmlI have not heard one, but read/heard great things, and Andrew (Mdbabb) highly recommends his x150.5

Check out Nelson Pass' papers and thoughts on the website. The next time I upgrade and stay within solid state amps, it will be a Pass for sure. So sweet and simple, It would be very hard to top his work. Unless much much more money is spent and even then........ I believe you will be extremely happy with a Pass amp.

There is a a great write up in the newest Absolute Sound magazine about Nelson Pass. Not a long article but an interesting character !!!

If the HT4's become a reality, you will be very happy you went with a Pass. I have never been so happy with a piece of audio gear and I will never get rid of the amp I have now. It will stay in my collection for good.

If you go with the Oppo BDP, I might know of a mod for this player. Although that depends on if there is enough interest from people. There might be a choice of a solid state mod and/or a vacuum tube mod to the power supply and output stage. Among other mods to enhance the audio and video of the player. If this happens I will be getting this player and best of all the mods will vary in price, so the mods can be very affordable but make it scream hi-end quality !!!

primaz · 04-04-2009, 03:50 AM

What about selling your existing amps and going for the monster http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/7900.html Outlaw Audio 7 channel balanced output 7900 that puts out 300 watts by 7 channels for $3499 or the one below the 7700 that puts out 200 watts by 7 channels balanced for $ 2149; that way you will have plenty of power for any future speaker changes. Then since your waiting til the summer or so hopefully their new processor the 997 for $1399 will be available. I think the OPPO 83 is the hot blu ray player.

I did buy a used B & K processor which I enjoy but I think my next processor is the 997.

Intamin · 04-04-2009, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by primaz

What about selling your existing amps and going for the monster http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/7900.html Outlaw Audio 7 channel balanced output 7900 that puts out 300 watts by 7 channels for $3499 or the one below the 7700 that puts out 200 watts by 7 channels balanced for $ 2149; that way you will have plenty of power for any future speaker changes. Then since your waiting til the summer or so hopefully their new processor the 997 for $1399 will be available. I think the OPPO 83 is the hot blu ray player.

I did buy a used B & K processor which I enjoy but I think my next processor is the 997.

I would prefer to stick with 2 channel and mono amps, as I'm of the same camp of Rich when it comes to multichannel amps. Outlaw has 0 appeal due to WAF, but thanks.

04-02-2009, 04:03 PM	#1
Intamin Power Member Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Houston Home Theater Gallery:38 Blu-ray collection:318	Help with upgrade path Well, the summer is fast approaching, and with that in mind it means I get to make money again, aka blow money on audio upgrades! I've recently priced out some different options for me to upgrade to, including new and used prices, and I'm trying to figure out the best route for me, which is why I came here asking for advice. Things to take into consideration: I want this to be my last upgrade for years to come. I also plan on eventually upgrading speakers to Salk HT4's whenever Jim releases them. They go down to 15hz, and he is suggesting an amp with at least 200-250wpc to effectively drive them. I will also be picking up a matching center channel speaker to go with my ST's, and a pair of surrounds (probably Mythos Gem Xl's since they are small, good price, sound good to me, and have WAF).That being said, here is where I am: Amp Selection: I've narrowed it down between a few different amps/combinations. The amp I want the most is an Anthem Statement P2. It has all the head room I need for now and the future, it runs cool and quiet, it's a huge beastly amp (I want a big honking amp), and it passes the WAF. It runs around 2700 new (I'm guessing with dealer discount, but it could be closer to 3k), and 2k on the used market. I would pair this with an outlaw monoblock for the center channel, and use my current amp for the rears. The other amp is a Parasound Halo A21 with the outlaw mono. This amp runs 2200 new and 1500ish used, give or take. It has 250wpc, so it'll be good for now and the future, it's also huge, and has the WAF. However, I like the looks of the P2 more, but saving money isn't always bad. The final option is the Halo A51, which is 4kish new, 2500 used. This is sort of a last resort, as I'd prefer to keep my current amp for the rears and have a good 2 channel amp.Thoughts on the P2 vs the A21? Pre/Pro: Integra DTR 9.8 vs Marantz AV8003. The integra can be had for around 1400 new and 1000 used, vs 2300 new (I'm guessing what kind of discount I can get) and 1650 used. They both have essentially the same set of features, so I'm not sure if one has a better upscaler or video chipset than the other, although I don't really watch dvd's to begin with. I prefer the looks of the Marantz more, but again, saving money is nice so if the performance aspect between the two is moot, then I'd probably go with the Integra. I do like that I can stream music with the AV8003. I guess another possibility would be the Onkyo Pre/pro, possibly upgraded but I don't know how much that runs. Can anyone provide info in regards to performance for the two? BDP: I just want one that will bit-stream the audio, and would prefer to keep the price under 500. This allows for the Marantz BD 7003, a Sony S550 and the Oppo, and I'm sure a plethora of others. So which bdp should I throw in the mix? Finally, what are your thoughts on new vs used for a processor? Processors can be buggy and finicky, so I'm sort of hesitant about going the used route since there wouldn't be a warranty. However, I've bought used before and haven't had any issues. My ideal set up would be the P2 and AV8003 as I like the styling of them more (yes, I know, I may be sacrificing audio quality, but I want to be able to enjoy looking at this stuff on a daily basis as well ), but I am willing to compromise in either area due to price concerns and or not noticing differences in quality. So thoughts, suggestions, comments are greatly appreciated! Last edited by Intamin; 04-02-2009 at 05:53 PM.

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04-02-2009, 06:59 PM	#2
Josh Super Moderator Top contributor Member since:Sep 2006 Home Theater Gallery:50 4K collection:37 Blu-ray collection:407 Digital collection:1 Blu-ray reviews: 15 Trading Score:34	As far as the Pre/Pro, the big problem with the Marantz (and the reason I took it off my watch list) was that it can't Matrix 5.1 material to 7.1. Might want to see if they fixed that yet. Another BDP to throw into the mix would be the Panasonics. I have a BD35 (and a BD10 before that) and they work great! Some even say they are the best sounding on the market (under $1000).

04-02-2009, 07:50 PM	#4
SRTCraig Active Member Member since:Sep 2008 Location:Near middle earth Home Theater Gallery:10	How much are you looking to spend total on the power amp? Channels required?

04-04-2009, 03:50 AM	#10
primaz Active Member Member since:Dec 2008	What about selling your existing amps and going for the monster http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/7900.html Outlaw Audio 7 channel balanced output 7900 that puts out 300 watts by 7 channels for $3499 or the one below the 7700 that puts out 200 watts by 7 channels balanced for $ 2149; that way you will have plenty of power for any future speaker changes. Then since your waiting til the summer or so hopefully their new processor the 997 for $1399 will be available. I think the OPPO 83 is the hot blu ray player. I did buy a used B & K processor which I enjoy but I think my next processor is the 997.

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