[raztec]

I've got my media room finished and am building a home theatre system from scratch. It's 22' x 11' with short 6'5" ceilings and I listen to 50-50 music-cinema.

I've narrowed my choice of receivers down to the Arcam AVR300 vs. Rotel RSP-1069 and speakers between the Strata Mini vs. ACI Sapphire XLs + sub.

Does anyone have any recommendations between these components and which receiver would best match which speaker? I like to listen to music fairly loud but don't want a fatiguing sound either.

Thanks a bunch,
Raz

[ajayrav]

I use the Arcam AVR300 with the Sapphire XLs and really like the combo.  My sub is an Adire Audio Rava and I have the crossover set at 60 Hz.  Front end is a Marantz SA8260 routed through a Musical Fidelity upsampling DAC and tube buffer.  Sounds great to me.....

Regards,
Ajay

[Bob Reynolds]

Since you haven't committed to anything yet, how about the NAD pre/pro with Audyssey room correction and active speakers (Mackie, Genelec, ATC, JBL, Dynaudio, Blue Sky)?

[lonewolfny42]

I like to listen to music fairly loud but don't want a fatiguing sound either.

I'd go for the ACI Sapphire XLs + sub.....you can listen all day (and night)....its a very good speaker.

[Zero]

Ditto to the above.

[raztec]

Since you haven't committed to anything yet, how about the NAD pre/pro with Audyssey room correction and active speakers (Mackie, Genelec, ATC, JBL, Dynaudio, Blue Sky)?

Though I've heard OF active speakers, I've never actually heard them to determine how much better they are in real life and to my moderately discerning ear.

I haven't looked into this setup but may. Will the whole system set me back more than $5000?, my budget.

Raz

[raztec]

I like to listen to music fairly loud but don't want a fatiguing sound either.

I'd go for the ACI Sapphire XLs + sub.....you can listen all day (and night)....its a very good speaker.

After doing the math, it's no wonder, the Xls sound better. I think these speakers must be in a different category all together.

Strata Mini + Center channel = $1700

Sapphire XL + center channel + stands + sub = $3500

[sts9fan]

what center for the strata? I don't think you will get a new pair of mini's + a center for $1700

[Hoots]

I like to listen to music fairly loud but don't want a fatiguing sound either.

.....you can listen all day (and night)....its a very good speaker.

From what I've heard of the Mini I would say the same thing...it didn't seem fatiguing at all and it's a very good speaker with  "Planar Magnetic / Cone hybrid & Powered 8" woofer" design--"a taste of the high-end at a fraction of the price".

I listened to femail vocals like Diana Krall, Kate Bush, Cat Power, Laurie Anderson, etc.  I was listening for smooth non-fatiguing sound.  I didn't play any 90db+ Black Sabbath, etc. but with the music I heard I dialed down the powered woofer. 

[Zero]

It also may be a stretch to assert that the Mini can fill such a large space by itself.  According to MLS, this speaker was designed for 'intimate' (read: close quarters) stereo listening. 

[lonewolfny42]

After doing the math, it's no wonder, the Xls sound better.

I don't deal with math....just sound quality. As for math....its not always that the most expensive is better.

[bpape]

I like to listen to music fairly loud but don't want a fatiguing sound either.

.....you can listen all day (and night)....its a very good speaker.

From what I've heard of the Mini I would say the same thing...it didn't seem fatiguing at all and it's a very good speaker with  "Planar Magnetic / Cone hybrid & Powered 8" woofer" design--"a taste of the high-end at a fraction of the price".

I listened to femail vocals like Diana Krall, Kate Bush, Cat Power, Laurie Anderson, etc.  I was listening for smooth non-fatiguing sound.  I didn't play and 90db+ Black Sabbath, etc.

I think Wolfy was referring to the Sapphire when he made the statement about being easy to listen to - not the mini.

Bryan

[lonewolfny42]

I think Wolfy was referring to the Sapphire when he made the statement about being easy to listen to - not the mini.

Bryan

Correct.....

And the Sapphire's sound very good loud....I still remember....the Tubes - "White Punks On Dope"......

[Hoots]

I think Wolfy was referring to the Sapphire when he made the statement about being easy to listen to - not the mini.

Bryan

Correct.....

I know...the point is I think you can make the same non fatiguing & not harsh comment about both.   I also don't think 22 x 11 with 6.5" ceilings is very big.  While the Mini was designed for stereo it seems the HT results have been a surprise using the REF 100 center.   I think my biggest question would be around big dynamic movie events--or maybe getting that live arena-like hard rock sound (vs a big tower).

[raztec]

what center for the strata? I don't think you will get a new pair of mini's + a center for $1700

Check out the link below on the specials AV123 has going: Strata Mini $1299 when bought with Ref 100 Center $349

http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=78.1

[ajayrav]

I don't know how good of a match the Ref 100 center is for the Minis.  MLS has stated on the AV123 forum that they are working on a matching center and surrounds for the Minis, but this is still in the design stages.  Maybe they will allow you to upgrade to the new Center when it becomes available.  I would advise you to audition both and then see what your budget permits.  Both MLS and Mike D sell great products, so its a win-win situation for you!

Ajay

[emac]

I've heard the Sapphires w/ a sub and I currently own the Mini's.  Absolutely love the Mini's.  Such a wondefully intimate listening experience.  Will do just fine in a room that's 22x11, which is roughly the same as mine.  If you really want to crack 100+ dB, then they might not be the best, but for most listening, they do a fantastic job. 

For me at least, the Sapphires aren't much of a match for the Mini's.  They were very precise, but almost too much so.  Not my cup of tea. 

[Bob Reynolds]

Since you haven't committed to anything yet, how about the NAD pre/pro with Audyssey room correction and active speakers (Mackie, Genelec, ATC, JBL, Dynaudio, Blue Sky)?

Though I've heard OF active speakers, I've never actually heard them to determine how much better they are in real life and to my moderately discerning ear.

I haven't looked into this setup but may. Will the whole system set me back more than $5000?, my budget.

Raz

When you consider that you get a true biamped system in a 2-way speaker, active speakers are an excellent value.

You might want to peruse some pricing here: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/shop/1641/Active_Monitors.html

For example, the Blue Sky SAT 5 MKII is $400 each, which includes a pair of 60 watt amps. The SAT 6.5 MKII is $600 each, which includes a pair of 100 watt amps.

The three brands I would consider reasonably priced are: Blue Sky, JBL and Mackie. Note that the JBL LSR4300 series has room correction builtin - the speakers are all networked together. So an Outlaw pre/pro would be a good match with them.

One possibility would be a trio of JBL LSR4328s across the front, a pair of JBL LSR4326 for the rears and the JBL LSR4312 sub. Total cost is: $3687. The Outlaw Model 990 pre/pro is $800. Go to Blue Jeans cable for all your cabling and you will have a very nice system within a very reasonable budget.

[Mike Dzurko]

Thanks all, I'm sticking my nose in here so I can get auto notification and follow this most interesting thread.    

If I can be of assistance, do let me know.

[satfrat]

Scan-Speak cones has 1 of the most sweetest midrange drivers out there and even tho I've never heard the Sapphires, I have Scan-Speak drivers in my Lorelei's and they are truely captivating. That and the fact I trust Lonewolf who has heard them makes for an easy choice to me.


Oh yeah, I do have the Force XL and you won't be disappointed when you start feeling the vibrations in those bass ladened movies.   Are you planning on rear speakers or are going to just half step your home theater?   A center channel speaker is a must have item for correct direction and motion of the sound. Now it's no biggie if the center's different from your mains but today, there's a lot of Dolby Digital and DTS concerts available, my DirecTv HD has concerts in Dolby Digital each and every weekend and to properly enjoy this, ideally you'd have 5/6/7 speakers that were all the same. Anyways, I'd recommend that if you don't plan on rears (big mistake), I would try and get Mike to sell you 3 Sapphires for your front line speakers. You'll have correct tonal balance and even tho isn't not necessary for movies, it's a must for music. Even if you're only a 2-channel music fan, you'd be shorting yourself bigtime for those music shows in true digital surround, aka 5.1/6.1/7.1 with each speaker having it's own true individual sound. 2-channel doesn't cut it when you're talking about home theater DTS/Dolby Digital recorded music.

Something to think about and I know what I'm talking about from experience with my own home theater system. Ideally, 3 sets of Sapphires and Force XL for a mind blowing 6.1 system. With a good 6.1 Dolby Pro Logic 2x (that's coded surround, unlike Dolby Digital), it'll rival 2 channel head to head. That's TOTALLY the bias in me talking so YMMV.  aa

Good luck with your decision.  
Cheers,
Robin