JJ's Year 12: First Year of the New HT in a New House

[JJ]

I concluded the wackyness of my living room means any sort of demo at a dealer's shop is moot - I'll never be able to simulate the open plan, double-height space, glass and drywall, reflective-as-hell environment I have. With this in mind, I'll definitely have to in-home trial anything I desire to buy, or else it would be pointless.

I consider, gear-wise, my subwoofer to be set, rear 4 to be set, TV and amplifier to be set. The front three, BDP, and receiver, I think, are finally on the "upgradeitis" moment.

What's important to me is:

- Clarity, definition, tonal accuracy
- Aesthetics, of course

Movies is 90%, and Music is 10%. Can't be speakers that have "sweet spots" as I frequently have movie get togethers. There's an importance to having a strong center channel to me, as I felt the HTM62 was always lacking in that department, and my new place did nothing but exacerbate the issue. So, I quest onward!

I've only demo'ed Sonus Faber Liutos, Totem Tribe IIIs, and Golden Ear Triton IIs. As I mentioned above, the short list right now is the GE T2s w/ 50C, ML ESLs w/ C2 center. Used I'm seeing I can finagle Gallo Reference 3.5s for a great price, I may have to consider those - but again, without a demo, it's difficult. The budget is theoretically $3,500-$3,950 - which includes the $1k-$1.2k of selling the B&Ws.

It's "technically" a 12'x14'x19'H space, but since it opens to the dining area, kitchen, loft above, stair case and all, it's basically 8000 cu ft of air. It's mostly drywall and glass (except when I close the blinds) - and I can't turn the place into the batcave either. So this is a tricky acoustic situation.

I started last year in demoing and planning, but a few personal issues created a delay - now it's time to hit it back. The goal is my Feb 1, 2013, to have new speakers in place. Would be sweet to have by Christmas or my birthday on 1/15.

ONWARD & OUTWARD! WHEEEEE....

[DangeRuss]

Dude..........

I want to thank you for the surprise visit today. It really shook me up

And I still bleed green

[hometheatergeek]

Hi JJ, I like the idea of the GE Triton 2. They have a very wide soundstage plus with the built-in subwoofers you will be able to fill that very open space with much better even response bass.

[JJ]

Its the Sat 50C that worries me. The center will play a key role in my speaker decision - so that's the first thing I'll probably buy.

[hometheatergeek]

Originally Posted by JJ

Its the Sat 50C that worries me. The center will play a key role in my speaker decision - so that's the first thing I'll probably buy.

Not a fan of their CC either.

[JJ]

Originally Posted by hometheatergeek

Not a fan of their CC either.

Al, I'm really wondering how a Logan ESL-C2 center would mix w/ GE Tritons. That's my first plan of attack.

[ZIPPO]

You should also add Magnepan speakers to your list. One of their designs might be your center solution.

[callas01]

have you thought about the new kef r series? the r600c and r500s would be in your budget and have a 3-way center plus they are highly touted and they would match some of your surrounds.

[JJ]

Originally Posted by ZIPPO

You should also add Magnepan speakers to your list. One of their designs might be your center solution.

Zip! How you doing ol buddy??

I read about the MMGs and 1.7 series, but ultimately felt the aesthetics weren't for me. So heck knows what I'm missing out on there.

Originally Posted by callas01

have you thought about the new kef r series? the r600c and r500s would be in your budget and have a 3-way center plus they are highly touted and they would match some of your surrounds.

I saw them in a thread on AVS where there were a few 2k-3k threads, I didn't know KEF had a new line out.

What I'm doing now is just reading online, seeing if anyone has similar spaces, similar equipment, who has auditioned or owns what I'm planning. There's a bevy of information.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by JJ

Zip! How you doing ol buddy??

I read about the MMGs and 1.7 series, but ultimately felt the aesthetics weren't for me. So heck knows what I'm missing out on there.



I saw them in a thread on AVS where there were a few 2k-3k threads, I didn't know KEF had a new line out.

What I'm doing now is just reading online, seeing if anyone has similar spaces, similar equipment, who has auditioned or owns what I'm planning. There's a bevy of information.

Id suggest that you look at Dynaudio but Im not sure what you would want would be in your budget.... maybe you could go that route but you would have to either increase the budget or buy the mains first and the center later.

[JJ]

Originally Posted by callas01

Id suggest that you look at Dynaudio but Im not sure what you would want would be in your budget.... maybe you could go that route but you would have to either increase the budget or buy the mains first and the center later.

I think so as well, hence why I never considered Dynaudio. When Sean told me his Sapphires were 6k, me heart skipped a beat.

You know, reading online, there's folks who have tried my proposed Triton + ML EM-C2 center combination with much success, and preferred it to the GE center? I thought I was pretty clever for coming up with that idea. Drat!

Hope you guys are all well, and GOOD MORNING!

[SeanMF]

Originally Posted by JJ

I think so as well, hence why I never considered Dynaudio. When Sean told me his Sapphires were 6k, me heart skipped a beat.

You know, reading online, there's folks who have tried my proposed Triton + ML EM-C2 center combination with much success, and preferred it to the GE center? I thought I was pretty clever for coming up with that idea. Drat!

Hope you guys are all well, and GOOD MORNING!

Lol about $9k used. 3 times the amount of your total budget. They are $16.5k new. Look at Dyn Contour S3.4 used. They go for about $2500-3000. They meet your style and budget. You can always re-do the finish like you did with your b&ws.

[DangeRuss]

Originally Posted by SeanMF

Lol about $9k used. 3 times the amount of your total budget. They are $16.5k new. Look at Dyn Contour S3.4 used. They go for about $2500-3000. They meet your style and budget. You can always re-do the finish like you did with your b&ws.

That's what I thought

[JJ]

Originally Posted by SeanMF

Lol about $9k used. 3 times the amount of your total budget. They are $16.5k new. Look at Dyn Contour S3.4 used. They go for about $2500-3000. They meet your style and budget. You can always re-do the finish like you did with your b&ws.

$9,000.

Right. Some other time for those lmao!

I did have the Contour 3.4s on my list, actually. The refinishing I'll probably do, depending on the speaker. Gloss white Martin Logan ESLs would be something to behold.

[ZIPPO]

Originally Posted by JJ

You know, reading online, there's folks who have tried my proposed Triton + ML EM-C2 center combination with much success, and preferred it to the GE center? I thought I was pretty clever for coming up with that idea. Drat!

I see now, the GE Triton & the ML EM-C2 have the same type of tweeter. The ML EM-C2 looks like a more substantial center than the GE SuperSat 50.


DownloadedFile.jpeg
GE tweeter

5597774639_d650be85f4_b.jpg
ML EM-C2

[JJ]

What are the chances?!?!

Right after I post about desiring them, yesterday, one of our clients that I'm working on a design project for and was reviewing with, ended up having the Gallo References!

I recognized the familiar cloth cover instantly, and what should've been a 30 minute design review turned into a 90 minute speaker audition. He even had the Gallo Nucleus References in his media room to go along with Paradigm Signatures in his music room. Drank beers w/ his wife and him, talked audio.

Now to somehow purchase them off him.

The References were powered by a Mark Levinson amp w/ an Emotiva UMC1 pre-pro, Dynaudio center channel. The Nucleus References were powered by older Pioneer and Yamaha stereo equipment, the vintage stuff. The Paradigm Signatures were powered by Linn Majik.

I found the Paradigms SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO bright it was borderline unbearable. Of course, I didn't mention it to him - we played several SACDs including Pink Floyd's famous one, and it seemed much more bright than me playing the same track in my 683s. Those I didnt like at all. But the Gallos - both of them - SANG, my friends, SANG.

Beautiful stuff. I'll see if I can write a more detailed review later...

[Intamin]

Hey JJ, check out the new SF veneers. They look great in person, would match your decor, and are in your budget. I really want a pair for my living room. Here's a link: http://www.sumikoaudio.net/sonus/prod_venere_25.htm

[JJ]

Originally Posted by Intamin

Hey JJ, check out the new SF veneers. They look great in person, would match your decor, and are in your budget. I really want a pair for my living room. Here's a link: http://www.sumikoaudio.net/sonus/prod_venere_25.htm

WOAH. Solely based off looks alone, those would be purchased! I had no idea Sonus Faber finally made the move to entry-level, offshore-made speakers from their Italy plants.

I just fear the dome tweeter. Considering the brightness of the Paradigm Sigs I demo'd, the CM series compared to the mellow, warm character of the electrostats and Golden Ears...I'm afraid to even consider it. I think that's why I'm so sold on the ESLC2 + GE T2/T3 combo.

[Intamin]

Originally Posted by JJ

WOAH. Solely based off looks alone, those would be purchased! I had no idea Sonus Faber finally made the move to entry-level, offshore-made speakers from their Italy plants.

I just fear the dome tweeter. Considering the brightness of the Paradigm Sigs I demo'd, the CM series compared to the mellow, warm character of the electrostats and Golden Ears...I'm afraid to even consider it. I think that's why I'm so sold on the ESLC2 + GE T2/T3 combo.

I the digms are a metal done whereas these are a soft dome (I believe), so shouldn't be bright at all. I heard them briefly and liked em, and I know Rhett has listened and thought they were better b&w 804s. The GEs are great speakers tho too, so can't lose there.

[DerrellB]

Originally Posted by JJ

WOAH. Solely based off looks alone, those would be purchased! I had no idea Sonus Faber finally made the move to entry-level, offshore-made speakers from their Italy plants.

I just fear the dome tweeter. Considering the brightness of the Paradigm Sigs I demo'd, the CM series compared to the mellow, warm character of the electrostats and Golden Ears...I'm afraid to even consider it. I think that's why I'm so sold on the ESLC2 + GE T2/T3 combo.

There is nothing bright about a Sonus Faber speaker. Honestly some would call them too warm for HT. I have heard the luito and cremona m's. For a strictly 2 channel system, the cremonas would be my pick hands down. I considered the Luito and Cremonas before getting Monitor Audio. I would think the new line would have similar characteristics. If you can get to hear them before assuming they are bright, that would be ideal especially considering the rest of their line is nowhere near bright.