Advice, looking to upgrade my stereo[not stuff you get at Best Buy]!

[Scope]

Current System:
Rotel RB-991 Amplifier
Rotel RC-972 PreAmplifier
B&W 603 Loudspeakers S1
Harmon Kardon FL-8400 CD Changer

I'm looking at getting an upgrade for my stereo but I'm not sure weither to go HT or just get a sub to compliment the speakers I already have. The HT reciever I was looking at is the Rotel RSX1065. The place where I got my stuff has a trade up program so this would be the reciever I'm looking at. My system is usually 50/50 music and movies. All serious advice apprecaited.

Scope!

 

[cavdraco]

if you watch a lot of movies going to surround is a plus that is the way I would go

Cav

 

[Zugzwang152]

i was just ogling promedia's over at Klipsch the other day, and noticed they carry a home theater line as well, no idea on the quality or price though...

 

[Scope]

Well if did go home theater I would likely fill out the surrounds with Paradigm[Go Canada!] or B&W speakers. I'm not sure on the sub though, B&W subs are really expensive and not that great from listening experience[need to try 2002 models]. Thing is the reciever would have to come first and then the speakers later, or I could just ad a sub that go for music and movies to give everything that extra punch.

Scope!

 

[Goosemaster]

Originally posted by: Zugzwang152
i was just ogling promedia's over at Klipsch the other day, and noticed they carry a home theater line as well, no idea on the quality or price though...

Let's just say that they aren't the kind of speakers you buy at best buy.




Subs: Check out M&K. The V-75 MK II is a fantastic sub that has a hearty 75-watt amp. It goes for about $500. DIY Subs are also an option.
Then there are Velodyne, SVS etc.

Speakers: B & W is Fine

Pre: Rotel..well what is there to say


As for what to get, ther general rule is get the one that will sound better.(how obvious) Seriosuly.

If you want to blow your money on better equipment, think about what you will be able to afford.

A 5.1 or even better system without a sub will do if your Floorstanders will be able to pick up the slack, but still, a nice sub is a necessary compliment.

As for heading the 2.1 route, my system is as such and I couldn't be happier.

I have an Onkyo Tx-SR600 plugged into two Mirage Frx-5's and it sounds awesome during movies and music as well. I will be getting a 10'' 100watt sub soon to make it complete.

A simple way to put this into perspective for you is if I had gotten a cheap bundled Onkyo 5.1 Speaker set with the reciever. For the same price as just my two fronts I would be able to use DTS and DD instead of just using PCM, but I would have had worse sound through worse speakers, negating any accoustic advantages.

Basically see how far your budget will stretch. Stereo sound DOES NOT COMPARE when it comes to DVD's if you have good speakers.

If you can get the whole shebang go for it.

Movies such as U571 will maximize the need for a sub during the depth charge scenes.
Saving Private Private Ryan will do that AND make use of sourround sound by enveloping you litterally within the scene.

 

[Scope]

Thanks for not referring to Best Buy. One of my main problems is that I live in Canada and audio gear is very expensive here. That M&K V-75 is $1250[Can] plus 15% tax. Since Paradigm is a Canadian company the pricing on their stuff is very competitive, there is a store that has a Paradigm PS-1200 for $545[Can]. I really think i want to go the 2.1 route and a Sub is what I need. I was going to trade up my 603's to possibly to 604's S3 or to CDM NT but the main thing lacking from my system is nice clear lows[musical not just booming]. Anyone here have experience with Paradigm subs? Thank for the advice.

Scope!

 

[Savij]

My roommate got the Velodyne VLF 1012 last year and it sounded great! Linky. I think you should be able to find it for around $500

 

[BDawg]

Originally posted by: Scope
Current System:
Rotel RB-991 Amplifier
Rotel RC-972 PreAmplifier
B&W 603 Loudspeakers S1
Harmon Kardon FL-8400 CD Changer

I'm looking at getting an upgrade for my stereo but I'm not sure weither to go HT or just get a sub to compliment the speakers I already have. The HT reciever I was looking at is the Rotel RSX1065. The place where I got my stuff has a trade up program so this would be the reciever I'm looking at. My system is usually 50/50 music and movies. All serious advice apprecaited.

Scope!

If you're set on getting a receiver and getting rid of you seperates, I'd look at B&K or a high end Denon. I haven't heard good stuff about Rotel's receiver. Their seperates are top of the line though.

 

[Farbio]

while i don't know much about that model rotel ht amplifier, i do know that rotel has always had good high quality components, esp in their transports. personally, i love my ht system that blended monitor audio with paradigm and pioneer elite front end. i don't personally own a sub, and can't say that i've really missed it - my monitor silver 7's hit pretty good for their size especially, and i've never wanted for too much more in my listening room.
if you are on good terms with your hifi store, try out that rotel amp and some surround systems and see how you like it for a few days. most higher end shops will be willing to let you do that, esp if you have previous purchases with them.
i would vote for the ht route for one reason - you lose nothing as your 2 channel setup - you still have your same sound (i'm assumming that the rotel amp you're looking at is from the same line as the one u own, just ht) from your rotel and b&w, but you also have the added pleasure of surround for that 50% of the time that you watch your movies

 

[Zenmervolt]

I'm a huge fan of Nakamichi myself. I've got a Nakamichi TD35 mobile cassette deck in my car and it sounds better than the $300+ Sony CD player it replaced. I've never heard anything that made cassettes sound as good. I've also heard a few Nakamichi home systems and I've just been blown away.

ZV

 

[Scope]

The HT reciever will be putting way less power to my front speakers than my surrent amp. My Amp is 2x200rms into 8ohm and 2x330rms into 4ohm, the Ht reciever is 5x100rms into 8ohm. Granted the reciever puts out more overall wattage but is won't be driving my mains. I do have another option, I could upgrade the preamp to a HT model then get a new amp later on.

Scope!