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speakers of his own design.
Hmm. Where can we read more about these?
Is your budget the same as before? Do you have additional money for sub(s). I'd personally want subs if I had to trade my HT2-TLs for a pair of Songtowers. Songtowers sound amazing, but they just don't have enough low frequency impact for me without subs. Not really an issue at low to medium listening levels or in smaller rooms though.How many people will typically listen to your system when used for HT? If you're normally the only person, Salk speakers produce a great center image, and I'd suggest spending more on 2 speakers and skipping the center.
You'll likely find that the Salk's provide a larger sweet spot when compared to the electrostats, not to mention far better off-axis frequency response. The latter are very difficult to set up correctly IMO. Oh, and don't buy into the 72-hour break-in nonsense. It's more likely your ears will adjust to the sound of the speakers rather than the sound characteristics of them changing much. To my ears the Salk SongTower's with ribbons are the best speaker under $4000, but YMMV. I hope you can find an owner to allow an audition!
Contact Dennis.
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.
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).
Or come to Capital Audio Fest.
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?
A trip to Dennis', Saturn's place or Capitol Audio Fest would be most beneficial for you. Definitely take them up on their offer!
I know some of you own or have sought the Parasound A21 amp. I have an opportunity to buy one from the original owner, local to me, for $1400 in 8-9 out of 10 condition.OK deal? Really good deal? Great deal?
FWIW, I recently (a few months ago) switched from an ATI 1506 to a Parasound A51 to drive my five Song Towers in a HT setup. The Parasound/Salk combo produced more detail, less haze, and is less fatiguing and more enjoyable to listen to. While the A51 cost a good deal more than the ATI amp, I felt the level of improvement was worth the extra cost.I haven't heard the Emotiva amps, so I can't say anything based on personal experience. As has already been pointed out, there are passionate opinions on both sides. One thing to consider with the Emotiva amps is the higher than normal input sensitivity. This could be an issue depending on the preamp or pre/pro used.George
Sweet. If I could afford a BAT 6200, I'd go with their sound, so for now I'll stick with the ATI's - will be using a 1506 bridged at 450 for the fronts and a 1505 for the rears. Yowza!I am on record as not a fan of Emo amps. Like the company, like their friendliness, their look, but there are better amps for sure.
I was using the 1506 bridged for the front three channels and letting the receiver handle the rear channels. I thought this sounded better than using the 1506 to power all five channels.The ATI is a great amp for the money and has been super reliable.George
