callas01 Home Theatre

[callas01]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

Arcam it will be I think, I am positive that you will be impressed by the pairing, I would be surprised if you did not like it. The Naim is exceptional no question there and the Arcam is great too sounding slightly different but still amazing.

My biggest things that I want is that I want Classical to sound like Classical. I want to hear the tiny details, the bow of the strings to reach their highest peaks and the chunky lows. I want a nice neutral but rich sound. I want great low level dynamics, w/o loosing its linear progression up the mid-range and upper octaves, but not being etched.

Im actually getting more into Classical the more time goes by. I want it on CD, Vinyl, or Computer Audio... however it can come.... However I still want rock music to sound right, and I want it to sound like its a concert in front of me.

Sounds like a lot, but I know its doable even at this price range.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by aces high

I think I probably like a bit brighter forward sound than you do. I just found the Creek a slightly boring sound for my tastes, although I've only heard it hooked up to Harbeth speakers. Maybe it's the speakers.

I got the impression that the harbeths are a little laidback in the highs, but a nice neutral mid-range, however the lows aren't very deep on the P3ESR.

It could be that you like a more forward sound. Focal or the Dynaudio Special 25s might be more your speed. But you won't be able to drive the S25s with the marantz, theyll want more juice. The S25s have a nice forward sound you might enjoy, the Sapphires were a little more then what I like, and the S25s are basically bookshelf versions of the Sapphires, so theyll be more to your liking. The bass on them will play as well or better then most 3-way speakers. And on audiogon you can get them for about what you want to spend. And you could probably resell them for what you pay for them, if you ever want to change it up. Heck, SeanMF sold his S3.4s for more then he bought them for.

[aces high]

Originally Posted by callas01

I got the impression that the harbeths are a little laidback in the highs, but a nice neutral mid-range, however the lows aren't very deep on the P3ESR.

It could be that you like a more forward sound. Focal or the Dynaudio Special 25s might be more your speed. But you won't be able to drive the S25s with the marantz, theyll want more juice. The S25s have a nice forward sound you might enjoy, the Sapphires were a little more then what I like, and the S25s are basically bookshelf versions of the Sapphires, so theyll be more to your liking. The bass on them will play as well or better then most 3-way speakers. And on audiogon you can get them for about what you want to spend. And you could probably resell them for what you pay for them, if you ever want to change it up. Heck, SeanMF sold his S3.4s for more then he bought them for.

I've got some time before any big two channel upgrades are going to happen. A new IA will be in the budget as I know my Marantz isn't up to par with the level of speakers I would be considering. One thing I'm interested in hearing is a Naim/Focal pairing. Now that they're partners I'm hoping the local Focal dealer will start carrying Naim.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by aces high

I've got some time before any big two channel upgrades are going to happen. A new IA will be in the budget as I know my Marantz isn't up to par with the level of speakers I would be considering. One thing I'm interested in hearing is a Naim/Focal pairing. Now that they're partners I'm hoping the local Focal dealer will start carrying Naim.

Focal is nice. I think Naim is great to pair with just about anything. It has a tube like sound. So hows the Center and XPA-1s going?

[aces high]

Originally Posted by callas01

Focal is nice. I think Naim is great to pair with just about anything. It has a tube like sound. So hows the Center and XPA-1s going?

I'm on the right track with the HT system other than having a noisy XPA-5. The next Holiday Sale I'll grab another XPA-1 for the center. For the levels that I listen at everything is effortless and very dynamic, I need to spend more time getting the sub dialed in perfectly though. The problem is that I have limited placement options in the current room, the SubM is definitely capable enough I just need to optimize it.

I got the Pangea PS-100 power supply for my DAC as an X-Mas present. I wouldn't say it's a night and day difference but there's some improvements, mainly in the bass. When I researching dac's I read that dac's power by a wall wart ps didn't produce bass as well as ones with a better built in or external ps. Seems to be true to my ears.

Enjoying having your TT back? Any vinyl purchases planned?

[BigAl87]

Originally Posted by callas01

My biggest things that I want is that I want Classical to sound like Classical. I want to hear the tiny details, the bow of the strings to reach their highest peaks and the chunky lows. I want a nice neutral but rich sound. I want great low level dynamics, w/o loosing its linear progression up the mid-range and upper octaves, but not being etched.

Im actually getting more into Classical the more time goes by. I want it on CD, Vinyl, or Computer Audio... however it can come.... However I still want rock music to sound right, and I want it to sound like its a concert in front of me.

Sounds like a lot, but I know its doable even at this price range.

Oh is that right I am just saying both will sound great, I'll let you be the judge of that, No worries you will get all that with the Arcam but the question is which one will you prefer, I am telling at this point I will tell you it does sound right nothing wrong they are subtle differences that will make you go one way or the other. Arcam will give you some really chunky lows maybe balsier than Naim and lots of fun with plenty of details and lots of separation, with a deep wide soundstage. I tell you they still sound a bit different but both sound great and I think you could like both for different reasons, I tell you it's just a matter of choice and what you will prioritize in your sound. You have to hear it to fully understand where the differences lies. Maybe the Naim has a tiny bit more finesse although the Arcam can hold it's own it that department.

Honestly I am pleased by the AVR400 sound . Regardless bright recordings always sound bright no matter what.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by aces high

I'm on the right track with the HT system other than having a noisy XPA-5. The next Holiday Sale I'll grab another XPA-1 for the center. For the levels that I listen at everything is effortless and very dynamic, I need to spend more time getting the sub dialed in perfectly though. The problem is that I have limited placement options in the current room, the SubM is definitely capable enough I just need to optimize it.

I got the Pangea PS-100 power supply for my DAC as an X-Mas present. I wouldn't say it's a night and day difference but there's some improvements, mainly in the bass. When I researching dac's I read that dac's power by a wall wart ps didn't produce bass as well as ones with a better built in or external ps. Seems to be true to my ears.

Enjoying having your TT back? Any vinyl purchases planned?

Im loving the TT, I didn't think we would be home so much this weekend, but we were with everyone but me getting sick, and I didn't listen to music even one time... everyone was sleeping or needing something that I couldn't really listen to any music. So I watched a lot of movies on Stars and HBO.

My wife got a nice coat for her gift from her parents, so they gave me a $25 gift card. Im thinking of getting a record or records with it.... I want to get some classical on vinyl, or I might just get like 2-3 CDs.

That is a nice gift. I got a 49ers hat and my TT fixed and cart upgrade, and those 3 albums a few weeks ago, so I was happy. The kids made out tho.. my wife and I don't open gifts on Xmas day... we do it when we get the items... LOL.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

Oh is that right I am just saying both will sound great, I'll let you be the judge of that, No worries you will get all that with the Arcam but the question is which one will you prefer, I am telling at this point I will tell you it does sound right nothing wrong they are subtle differences that will make you go one way or the other. Arcam will give you some really chunky lows maybe balsier than Naim and lots of fun with plenty of details and lots of separation, with a deep wide soundstage. I tell you they still sound a bit different but both sound great and I think you could like both for different reasons, I tell you it's just a matter of choice and what you will prioritize in your sound. You have to hear it to fully understand where the differences lies. Maybe the Naim has a tiny bit more finesse although the Arcam can hold it's own it that department.

Honestly I am pleased by the AVR400 sound . Regardless bright recordings always sound bright no matter what.

Well thats good to know. I just want to love whatever I buy. Ill tell my dealer to set up the M3i again in a better setup so that i can get a real feel for it with the X16. Ill see if he will bring in the Naim and Arcam also so I can compare. It would be nice to compare them all at the same time to one another... if that were the case I probably wouldn't even go listen to the Creek... But you never know..Ill ask him to bring them in when I get closer to having the $$.

[bz1080p]

Happy hump day Steve

[callas01]

Originally Posted by bz1080p

Happy hump day Steve

hey bill... better late then never huh?

yesterday was very busy.

[Almadacr]

Happy New Year Steve all the best .

[D]

Happy New Year Steve!

[BigAl87]

Happy New Year Steve

[callas01]

Thanks Dennis, Fernando, Olivier, I hope this new year is full of joy for you all. Happy New Year.

[bz1080p]

Have a happy hump day Steve

[aces high]

What's up Steve?

So when are you going to start seriously auditioning IA's?

[callas01]

Originally Posted by aces high

What's up Steve?

So when are you going to start seriously auditioning IA's?

hey whats up andrew....

probably about the time I get my taxes filed, that way I know how much I can put down.

I was talking with someone the other day that was telling me that the Music Halls and Creeks sound almost the same, but the Creeks offer a bit more detail and soundstaging. That is making me almost want to just go straight to the Naim.

I bought 2 pieces of music today, one was Jimi Hendrix In The West. The other is Leonard Bernstein conducting the New York Philharmonic playing Schubert Symphony 8 and Symphony 9. Both are great.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by bz1080p

Have a happy hump day Steve

Hey Bill... thanks. Hope you have a great rest of the week. Ill be in a regional kickoff meeting all day tomorrow surfing my phone from the back row... trying to stay awake.

[BigAl87]

Get that 5i Steve

g2g btw take care man!

[callas01]

Originally Posted by BigAl87

Get that 5i Steve

g2g btw take care man!

thats what Im thinking. I found a place nearish here that has a mint demo for $1299, Ill see if my dealer can get me close to that. Have a good night buddy.