[dvenardos]

I am evaluating my system and looking for suitable components to pair with the NX-Studio.

I have a shared home theater / two-channel room (Southern California housing is expensive) and am planning on replacing my N3S with the new studio monitor when the flat packs come out and Danny can catch up on orders. I have been dying to try open baffle, but just don't have the space (until the kids move out, but let's not rush that), so the NX-Studio is my ticket.

Currently my speaker system is composed of:
Main - GR N3S (fully upgraded and built by Ron [don't think he is around anymore])
Center - AV123 REF100
Surround - GR AV-1RS (cross over built and cabinet veneered by me  )
Sub - Outlaw Audio LFM-1EX

I love the N3S and hate to move it to center channel (really deserves a good 2-channel system to live in), but my mother is now having trouble hearing dialog from the hand me down system that I gave her years ago, so she is getting one N3S for center channel duty and the other one will replace my REF100. The Outlaw Audio LFM-1EX (I was an Outlaw Audio guy, then AV123, then here) is way too overpowering for my room even though I have it dialed way down (ran frequency sweeps back in the day and have bass traps in the corners), probably going to my mother as well (she has a large main area).

New System:
Mains - GR NX-Studio
Center - GR N3S
Surround - GR AV-1RS
Sub - TBD

Subwoofer: I have an area behind the listening area that would be a good spot for an OB sub. I have the speakers and amplifier for GR's pre-servo OB that I might give a try. If that works out then maybe upgrade to the OB server subs, otherwise, probably going with Rythmik GR sub(s) unless there is a flatpack (sandbox preferred) available for the GR kit.

[Electronics: here are the big questions...]
Amplifier: I used to have a Virtue Audio Two (Tripath) in my system (which I loved), got pulled out for repair / upgrade and given to my son.
Currently using the Outlaw Audio Model 7100: https://www.outlawaudio.com/products/7100.html
Any ideas on potentially upgrading this amp? It is solid but uninspiring (should an amp be inspiring?).

Considering amplification with:
- Mains by an AVA Vision Set 120: https://avahifi.com/collections/power-amplifiers/products/vision-set-120-power-amplifier and remaining with the Outlaw 7100.
- All channel with Wyred4Sound MC 7150: https://wyred4sound.com/products/power-amps/multichannel/mc-7150
- Mains by a Wyred4Sound ST500: https://wyred4sound.com/products/power-amps/stereo/st-mkii-series and remaining with the Outlaw 7100.
- Various channels with IcePower 200 ASC/AC modules from PartExpress and case by GhentAudio and any remaining with the Outlaw 7100:
    https://www.parts-express.com/icepower-200asc-class-d-audio-amplifier-with-power-supply-module-1-x-200w--326-208
    https://www.parts-express.com/icepower-200ac-class-d-audio-amplifier-module-1-x-200w--326-210
    http://ghentaudio.com/kit/asc200-mxr.html
    http://ghentaudio.com/kit/asc200-ac200.html

Any other ideas in the same price range (I can snap in parts and do some very basic soldering put need a laid out plan and kit)?

Preamp: Currently using an Emotiva UMC-100 in analog bypass mode input from Oppo BDP-93 via six channel analog output.
Here is where it gets tricky, given that the MX-Studio monitor is going to need a sub, I am going to need something that has 2.1 channel bass management with a home theater bypass.
The UMC-100 isn't bad (and perfectly fine for home theater - again using analog direct from the Oppo), but I think I am going to want something better for two-channel.
I would love to have a pure two-channel system, but that just isn't realistic right now.
Considering the Emotiva XSP-1: https://emotiva.com/collections/pre-amps/products/xsp-1 I imagine that everyone here frowns on that, but the specs look good and doesn't seem to be too much else in the price range unless there is a way to get around the bass management for NX-Studio that will work for both HT and two-channel. I could just stay with the UMC-100 and the Oppo BDP-93 (it has analog bass management), but I would like to add other sources.

Thoughts oh learned audiophiles?

[Tyson]

I'd use OB subs as stands for the NX-Studios (they do best near speakers) and I'd use a sealed servo sub for the .1 channel.

[roscoe65]

I'd use OB subs as stands for the NX-Studios (they do best near speakers) and I'd use a sealed servo sub for the .1 channel.

I’ve been in OP’s position regarding tight space:  I’m in metro ny.  My solution was a pair of Rhythmik F8 sealed subwoofers.  They can be run in stereo or mono depending on your HT processor options.  I use a pair of Isoacoustics ISO-L8R200 stands on top to make a 24” speaker stand.  Two subwoofers can be used in mono with the advantage of spreading room nodes around.

I bought mine secondhand, but they go for about $1,000 each now (ouch).

[Early B.]

I'd use OB subs as stands for the NX-Studios (they do best near speakers) and I'd use a sealed servo sub for the .1 channel.

Definitely. No need to think any more about it.

[Saturn94]

This looks interesting;

https://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PAC200INT

[dvenardos]

I'd use OB subs as stands for the NX-Studios (they do best near speakers) and I'd use a sealed servo sub for the .1 channel.

There is not enough distance from the front wall for full OB, NX Studio will be probably 2’ max form the front to the rear wall.

This looks interesting;

https://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PAC200INT

That does look interesting...

[WGH]

Another option is to use a sub with dual inputs like REL which has both a .1 LFE (low frequency effects) and a high (speaker) level input from your new amp. Both inputs are designed to be used at the same time. Home theater processors roll off the bass at 80 Hz sending all the thunderous movie bass to the sub. The fronts, center, surrounds can now play louder with a greater dynamic range because they are not burdened by bass.

When playing stereo through your new integrated the REL's high level inputs perfectly integrate the low bass with the NX-Studio monitor. I use a REL and love it.

Here is a review from another AC member:

Got a Pair of REL S/812
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=170815.msg1808224#msg1808224

[Early B.]

There is not enough distance from the front wall for full OB, NX Studio will be probably 2’ max form the front to the rear wall.

Two feet is good enough. Sure, if you had 4 feet, they'd probably sound slightly better, but I'll take 2 ft. any day of the week for world class bass.

When I first started out, my single OB servo sub was two inches from the side wall. I knew it wasn't optimal, but it was still the best bass I ever heard, by far.   

[mlundy57]

The Studio Monitors are fairly efficient and an easy load to drive. A low powered SET amp won’t do a good job but any quality gear with 20wpc or more will work. Sold state, tube, hybrid, or combination, whatever fits your tastes and budget would be fine so long as the company is dedicated to sound quality first. If you want to go DIY with tubes, check out OddWatt. I’d recommend their preamp and OddBlock monoblocks

[dvenardos]

The Studio Monitors are fairly efficient and an easy load to drive. A low powered SET amp won’t do a good job but any quality gear with 20wpc or more will work. Sold state, tube, hybrid, or combination, whatever fits your tastes and budget would be fine so long as the company is dedicated to sound quality first. If you want to go DIY with tubes, check out OddWatt. I’d recommend their preamp and OddBlock monoblocks

The Audio Van Alstine is 60 wpc into 8 ohm and higher into 4 ohm loads.

[dvenardos]

Thanks for all your comments, I really appreciate it!