[navin]

Knowing what the ideal is you can then alter based on your own restrictions.

I have always found marantz gear ( and higher up denon's) to be on the warmer side .

Thanks JRace,

What about Marantz 6006 compared to NAD's 748, Integra 40.3, Pioneer SC 35 (Elite) or Anthem MRX300? Speakers would most proabably be Rick Craig's RC4 (without the subwoofer) with a matching center and the subwoofer would be the TC15.  I am looking at using the AVR to do all the processsing, switching and drive the rears and use a power amp to drive the front and center.

For another system where there is no room for a power amp (or a center speaker) I was looking at the Arcan AVR 400 or NAD's 757 or 777 as they can be passive bi-amped. I know passive bi-amping does not keep the bass out of the mid-hf amp and vice versa but it is better than nothing given the limited space on the audio rack. The other options would be a AVR with a bigger power section and forget passive bi-amping.

2 channel audio seems so much easier and simpler than 5.1.

Peabody, one option I can think of is angling the center up a about 5 degrees so that it is at ear level at say 3-5m (10-16 ft) from the TV. That is the usual distance for most of us right?

[Mr Peabody]

Yeah, many centers come with either an angle adjustment or even stands.

For space saving you might consider a digital power amp, they have "auto turn on" and can be put almost any where since no heat is generated.  I use a 5-channel digital amp, it's in a bottom cabinet and I haven't touched it since hooking it up.  If interested you may want to start another post to see if any one has suggestions on a budget digital amp.

[navin]

I use a 5-channel digital amp, it's in a bottom cabinet and I haven't touched it since hooking it up. 

Which Amp did you use? Wyerd 4? How do you compare digital to Class A/B for the front speakers especially when its used for 2 channel audio.

[saisunil]

I would suggest that you decide on what equipment you want and have the installers do the installation.

We are planning to move to a new house this summer. I called Danny from gr-research and Bryan from GIK acoustics - that took care of my home theater config.

1. The AV line from gr-research for speakers along with his 8 inch subs. there are folks who will assemble it for you - which is what I am going to do or buy used ...
2. Integra receiver
3. Bass traps and panels from GIK acoustics. Room acoustics are even more important in hometheater - now sound is coming from front and rear
4. Oppo blue ray - pick one based on your budget.
5. Mac-mini or apple tv or something similar for digital streaming
In your case you have to take care of second zone systems too

Of course do not forget AC and signal cables and cable management.

Placement of speakers is also important -how far would you be seated and how far apart the left and right Chanels should be ...

Cheers

[Mr Peabody]

I'm using a Linn 5125 "Class V", it's 11lbs. and 5x125 watts rated.  This particular amp had no problems driving a set of five Dynaudio nor my current Revel Performa set up.  I haven't checked Audiogon lately but they used to run about $1800.00 used.  I still can't get over the fact an 11lb amp can drive my speakers the way it does.

I think these days there are some good digital amps and you probably couldn't tell they were digital by listening.

[kbuzz3]

Hi folks figured id update the thread since i was able to obtain a used bryston 9b for a very good price.... anyway,  the plan is two fold, change to on-walls flanking the tv with center below, or ultra thin floor standers that wife will allow.  Re the on walls im looking at the monitor audio sound frames, or pmc wafers.  both look similar.....on walls seem like a decent compromise between sound and wife....

As for narrow floorstanders, thats still of a negotiation with wifey but some contenders include the ridiculously underrated ohm micro walsh talls, role audio, or amphions or if wife agrees the small pmc floorstanders.

thanks again everyone for the suggestions and comments

[Mr Peabody]

Nice amp.  If the wife might allow narrow floorstanders did you look at Totem?  I find them to sound very good but not sure how they'd compare to what you already mentioned, just another option.

[navin]

I'm using a Linn 5125 "Class V", it's 11lbs. and 5x125 watts rated. .. they used to run about $1800.00 used.  I still can't get over the fact an 11lb amp can drive my speakers the way it does...I think these days there are some good digital amps and you probably couldn't tell they were digital by listening.

The only digital amp I have heard is the amp Pioneer has stuffed into their Elite AVRs. My old Carver M1.0t was more listenable but I did not get the chance to listen to both using the same pair of speakers.