[jv8]

I used a Tact 2.2X to cross over to my SVS sub at 80 Hz.  The difference was amazing.  If you have a good processor and a good sub then I wouldn't hesitate to cross them over to the sub for 2 channel music.  Removing the bass load from the SongTowers helps significantly.

Unfortunately the Tact 2.2X is out of my price range.  If I were going to throw thousands at the SongTower bass I would probably just buy a pair of HT3's and be done with it.  Fortunately I only listen at moderate volumes so I hope I won't load the SongTowers too much.

I would add "a good setup" to the list of "a good processor" and "a good sub".  Integrating a sub is basically speaker design... and I trust Jim and Dennis more than myself in this regard.

When I get time I will probably still play around with TrueRTA and/or RoomEQ Wizard to optimize placement and room treatments.

[krugorg]

Hi, jv8.  What processor are you running now?  I am running an Anthem AVM20 pre-pro that has a 3-way crossover (separate cutoffs for center, mains and surrounds).  I set my floorstanders at 40 Hz when in home theater mode.  I like the bass management in this unit, but no HDMI 1.3 switchingm etc.  It does have a nice two-channel mode, but I made things more complicated by adding a tube preamp to the mix with home theater pass through. 

I was looking at the SongTowers, but I absolutely want to run my mains full range.  I sometimes use the subwoofer for "fill-in" via the tube preamp outs.  fRsimms - were you getting too much boom when you ran them full range?  How big is your room?  Thanks.

[fsimms]

fRsimms - were you getting too much boom when you ran them full range?  How big is your room?  Thanks.

I was just checking them out.  I didn't have any problems with running the SongTowers full range.  I just thought I would see how they would do with my SVS.   It is a snap to integrate a sub well with my TACT 2.2x.  I was surprised at how much it improved the sound taking the base duties off of the midrange drivers.

[BrianM]

If I were going to throw thousands at the SongTower bass I would probably just buy a pair of HT3's and be done with it.

(Exactly.)

[jv8]

Hi, jv8.  What processor are you running now?  I am running an Anthem AVM20 pre-pro that has a 3-way crossover (separate cutoffs for center, mains and surrounds).

Here is my dilemma...  in my price range I can run either:

1) Used high-end separate processor with good bass management that will only decode 500kbps Dolby Digital or 1.5Mbps DTS.

2) Newer AVR that plays 7.1 LPCM over HDMI allowing me to hear all the new lossless Blu-Ray and HD-DVD audio formats.

So currently I am running with option #2 - I picked up a Marantz SR8001 for a great price that I use as a HT processor.  This gets completely bypassed in 2-channel mode.

Someday when LPCM over HDMI is commonplace in separates I will upgrade.

Any comments?  Is the Marantz analog stage so bad that I should be using an Anthem to decode 500kps versus Marantz lossless?

[krugorg]

The timing is tough with the upcoming audio formats...  I am very interested in both TrueHD and DTS Master Audio (both lossless).  From the research I did, it seemed that the future player (whoever "wins" the format war) I purchased would handle the decoding.  I would then just feed 7.1 analog into my Anthem.  That means that I have to buy a decent player with a good analog output stage and with flexible bass management.  I will not be able to get a triple crossover in my future player, so I want to make sure my to-be-purchased floorstanders can run full range.  All this means that I'm going to stick with my Anthem and then pick up a good player when the war is over in 2011.   

I think you are doing the right thing by sticking with the Marantz.  Especially in HT mode, I do not think you will notice enough of a difference to justify buying another processor (crazy that 5.1 channels are crammed into 512 Kbps, 1/3 of the bandwidth of a 2-channel CD).  If the 2-channel bypass isn't working for you, you could always pick up a solid-state or tube preamp with home theater bypass.  I really like my Cary SLP-2002. 

[jv8]

The timing is tough with the upcoming audio formats...  I am very interested in both TrueHD and DTS Master Audio (both lossless).  From the research I did, it seemed that the future player (whoever "wins" the format war) I purchased would handle the decoding.  I would then just feed 7.1 analog into my Anthem.  That means that I have to buy a decent player with a good analog output stage and with flexible bass management.  I will not be able to get a triple crossover in my future player, so I want to make sure my to-be-purchased floorstanders can run full range.  All this means that I'm going to stick with my Anthem and then pick up a good player when the war is over in 2011.   

I thought about the above approach... but decided to just "test the waters" with an "entry-level" player in each format: $100 Toshiba HD-A2 (black Friday) and a $300 PS3 (after credit card rebate).  I was blown away!  I promptly sold my well-respected DVD player.  The only thing I'm missing is DTS-MA (which may actually still show up on the PS3!).

With netflix I have the full HD-DVD/Blu-ray libraries available immediately at no additional cost.  Honestly, if you're a netflix renter and you're not purchasing large libraries of discs, the entry cost and risk are low to go HD format neutral.  The payoff is big IMHO.  Also to note: the payoff is bigger if you are running a 100inch front projector.  For my 45in LCD in the family room I will most likely just stick to upconverted DVDs.

So when the war is over in 2011 I will probably upgrade the processor and DTS-MA solution... but I will have enjoyed those 4 extra years of high-def movies!  If HD-DVD loses, I'm out $100.  If Blu-ray loses, I'm out nothing - the family will still be playing Gran Tourismo on the PS3.

My fear is that they will both lose and the market will move to some crappy overly-compressed video-on-demand service as the new "HD" standard.

BTW, for 2 channel I bypass the Marantz box completely using HT bypass in a separate preamp.

One other note on the "future player w/analog-out" plan - I wonder how long good players will include analog outs once HDMI is the standard.  Also, I worry about the quality of the DACs in the player since they are essentially an "add-on" to the main function of the video box.