I'm just getting back into the aural habit (you know the seemingly never-ending pursuit of audio nirvana). I'm also buying either a new AVR and external amp, or a prepro with HT bypass and new amp -- and I think a new 2nd sub is a likely new addition in the coming year as well. So much to buy, so little room, so tight the budget! I've seen Nuance's use of two products I'm seriously considering: Parasound A23 with 2100 pre. That DAC also looks enticing also as I have a Squeezebox Duet here (well, no remote for I just bought and installed the streamer device solo).
My "needs" have changed just slightly from my original post. I've decided to more fully embrace 2-channel listening still, but a bit torn on the pairing of the new amp with a Parasound 2100 or a new AVR (which also gets me HDMI switching, OSD over HDMI, maybe Audyssey room correction). Trying not to make too many compromises to detract from the ultimate 2-channel goal. So many in the AVR as pre-pro camp, makes me wonder if I'm really interested in going for the stereo pre just for the sake of doing things differently than I have in the past? My room had to be totally recombobulated to accommodate the MLs (which want a wall behind them), everything was previously in the only "free" corner (and one speaker backs to the open foyer). I have a wonderful room here at the beach, but it sucks for equipment placement (too much glass, too many doors, too open, it's the hub of the home and only room I can use for AV), so lots of compromises which reduces taking full advantage of nicer gear, and few room treatment options exist really.
Can you accommodate both the AVR and 2-channel analog preamp? The HT bypass feature on the Parasound preamp is really convenient, and it works even when the pre is powered off. All you have to do is run three analog cables from the preouts (be sure the AVR has the preouts) on the receiver to the bypass inputs on the preamp.
Would you be willing to post pictures of your listening room?
Indeed the MLs are notoriusly off-axis deficient (and they apparently expanded the sweet spot on this new model). I hear you on the "ears adjusting thing." Odd, still, that the manufacturer in the owner's manual says not to even listen to them or bother trying to optimally position them until the pair has done 72 hours at 90dB +. My dog is unsure why we're having 16 hour daily marathon listening sessions. But hey at least I'm playing that Pink Floyd tune, from Meddle, with the singing dog for him.
Not to digress, but I have Wisconsin ties, and am a huge Packer fan since Dad's from Tomah, and Lombardi was winning SBs when I was just knee-high to a grasshopper. As many in my family did before me, I graduated from Carroll College (now University). I return to Waukesha every Fall for homecoming. And party like nobody's business at the old stomping grounds of Lester William Polsfuss (a good friend now owns the joint).
That's pretty cool about your Wisconsin ties. Tomah is a few hours from me, but I am very familiar with the area. If you still haven't heard Salk's by the time the Fall rolls around, give me a shout and I'll have you over for a listen.
I like the new ML stuff, so it should make for a good comparison. I do find it strange that they want 72 hours of breakin at 90dB+, though. Wow - that's loud! But if they recommend not evening listening, well, why not, right? Most manufacturers say the same thing, but they encourage listening during that time. I am not engineer, but as far as I know the drivers fully break-in within the first few hours, and I'd imagine the crossover components only take minutes. But again, I have no clue.
A trip to Dennis', Saturn's place or Capitol Audio Fest would be most beneficial for you. Definitely take them up on their offer!
