A new rig...

[Zero]

Well, I dont quite have the rig yet, but I am in the beginning process of weeding my way through information in order to build a decent one in the *hopefully* near future.

Here is what I have thus far:

(2) Polk Audio RT2000p towers
(1) JVC RX-6010v
(1) Mintek 1600
(6foot) 12 gauge *lowes* cable

....Ok, so this system is not impressive by any means. In fact, the sources are about as low-grade as you can get. Suprisingly enough however, the sound is quite accurate and clear considering the cost of the whole thing. Generally 40 watts can drive them without distortion, while giving you MORE then an earfull of sound.

In my experience with the RT2000's, the quality of sound varies incredibly with the source. This can be said for most speakers of course, but it tends to be implied more so with these. Though the sound is nice, something is lacking. The deph is just not there, the voices still dont come at me as if the artist or band is in my room, or somewhere close. The imaging also seems to be somewhat lacking.

The budget I have set aside is roughly $800.00. What I am looking for is

1) A better dedicated 2 channel reciever
2) Better Cables
3) Perhaps a better source then my $70.00 DVD player.

I am not sure if adding an amp is what I need/want. Not really looking for something capable of blowing my whole neighborhoods ears off.

And the Polks are there to stay, at least until I find a better job :lol:

Thanks

[briancs]

I would check out the karman kardon stereo receivers. May just be worth a listen. I would have reccomened Onkyo up till about a month ago. I am now pretty close to a boycott since I have seen their new TX-SR line. Speaker clips what the hell are they thinking. It appears they are now taking shortcuts to lessen the price. I will take my 595 over the 600 anyday even with one less channel! I am still liking the TX-DS line. I THINK about buying one of those (higher end than my current either a 797 or 898). But the sexy HK520 has really caught my eye.

[GuitarheadCA]

Completely agreed about the SR series. Not to mention the heat sinks are about half the size of what they used to be. And I can't stand the spring clips. I fear Onkyo is getting cheaper. H/K has averted this plague, and quality seems to be consistant throughout. I've owned 3 onkyos including the one I have now. The only ones I would ever consider now are their high end ones.

But I'd take the 797 or the 898 over the 520 for two reasons:
1. I like the sound better (duh- this should be the only reason)
2. I love Onkyo's remotes. I'd take learning over pre-programmed any day of the week. My mom just got a new AVR 225, and after programming the DVD code into the remote, the skip buttons don't work. It's a huge pain, since it's also used as a CD player, and there's nothing you can do about it.

[briancs]

Ahh but having owned the onkyo learning remote you could just program it to control the HK:D .

[GuitarheadCA]

Not a bad idea, except what's my mom going to use when I need my remote back?

[briancs]

share the wealth you have 3. or did you get rid of your other onk's?

[GuitarheadCA]

Had the 474- sold that to my sister- now lives out of state.

Had the 575x- sold that to my calculus teacher along with my CS245i, PSW 350, and my RT25is

Now the only Onyo remote belongs to my beloved 898

[briancs]

The 898 sounds nice but I think I should really upgrade my tv first this peak then comes the new receiver

[GuitarheadCA]

Thruth be told, I don't even have a TV. Did I say my system was mostly music? Okay, it's ALL music. I used to haul my mom's 19" up the stairs into my room, but once she got the new HK and polks downstairs, there's no need.

[briancs]

you may want to check out the new jvc I'art 56" big and wide screen we are shipping now. so they will be in stores soon

[Zero]

I had the Onkyo TX-SR 600 I believe, although it was better then most of the other recievers I have owned, it couldnt power my polks like the old JVC.

[Zero]

On the subject of Harmon Kardon and Onkyo, do they have any recievers dedicated to strictly 2 channel powering. I have seen some bottom end recievers from BestBuy and Circuit City but have yet to see, not to mention listen to, any higher end 2 channel recievers.

[mantis]

If you want a nice 2 channel on the cheap to sound real good.Your gonna have to speand just alittle more for new.
Id look at the Denon 685 stereo receiver.Good sound and if you wanted to do a second zone off of it you can. It will power your 2000's with grace.
Second I would try to go used like a B&K 2 channel amp and a B&K preamp.Many guys in here find good deals on used gear.This will be your best bet for top quality sound with low cost.
CD players also make a big difference.Look in used if you want.Id find a good quality single disk if thats your thing or a nice megachanger so you can sit and listen instead of changing out cd's all the time.
Wire.Just changing this will improve your sound without swapping out gear.I find this to be the be all end all of upgrading sound quality.
Interconnects like Monstercable M950i's I used to use and found great sound quality over many other brands and even other Monstercable M series.
Speaker wire can and will make a big big difference in tonal balance and bass impack.I also would use Monstercable ,M 1.2's or M1.4's with the rt2000's.Now if you want to save a penny or so, Go with the Monster xp series.They sound really good.I had a pair before I upgraded to M1.4s.
Monstercable is one of the single best wire companies on the market that I feel you get everything you pay for.They aren't way out there in price and the quality of performance you get is equally matched.
So Denon DTR685
Monstercable M950's or 850's
Monstercable xp bi wires or just 2 conductors
A new CD player of your choice.
Reuse your Rt2000's
And now I see a real nice 2 channel system not costing a ton of money and sounding real nice.
Good luck dude.Check out Tweeter for Wise buys, you can get a killer deal on a receiver there.

[RuSsMaN]

If you are staying with a 2ch rig, I say eff the receiver option. I have heard good things about the Better Cables company, and with your budget, you could get into a decent seperates system.

Rotel, Nad, Carver, AMC, Adcom to name a few.....

Cheers,
Russ

[nascarmann]

Tell this guy you will use the buy-it-now if he will pay the shipping...nice inter amp here with lots of power.....This unit will rock your 2000's and I will hook you up with a Yamaha tuner cheap..... http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1364910844

[Zero]

Mantis, thanks a bunch for the input. Till now, I have been unaware of which cables to choose. I have heard of many brands and have had little opportunity to test them out. Will go with the Monster Cables.... most likely the M1.2's

I still have yet to do research for sources *ie, dvd/sacd/* players. I am really not sure which one contains superior picture/audio quality.

I am also going to check into the amps, which seem to be decently priced from what I have seen so far.

I believe there is also a Tweeter shop within 40 minutes from here. Will have to check it out.


Nascar, I am seriously considering this Yamaha reciever, but I need to know how it sounds first, and if its worth the price. I already have a jcv which retails for under $150.00 but seems to crush its competition that is 4-5x as expensive.

I am simply trying to avoid putting down $200.00 on something which may not be worth the price. :)

[TroyD]

800 bucks?

Shoot, you could put together an entire 2ch rig for that.

Hook up an AMC cd8b from AMC for 175, pick up one of thier preamps for a C-note at audioadvisor and lesse that leaves you with around 500 bucks which buys a lot of amp used. In fact there is a Carver m200t (which Russ can attest how sweet that is) at qaudio.com for 249. I've bought from them and can attest that Bill is a great dude to do business with. For another bill you could pick up 2 pair of SignalCable interconnects and speaker wire. Good gear, and in way under budget.

You would still have about 150 or so left for a tuner and a few cd's

That's what I'd do.

BDT

[RuSsMaN]

Hate to see a good 2ch rig, bastardized with Monster and a Receiver......

But, whatever floats yer boat.....

Cheers,
Russ

[nascarmann]

Nascar, I am seriously considering this Yamaha reciever, but I need to know how it sounds first, and if its worth the price.

OK...keep in mind it an intergraded amp.....if the seller will pay the shipping......good deal if you ask me....email him and ask??

[Zero]

ALL:

Thanks for the help. I will be slow here as I have yet to demo any of this rig in person, I am simply going by peoples word. Not that I dont have faith in you all, but everyone hears things a bit differently.... so I may not jump on something fast, unless its sold at a store *like CC* to where I can return it right away with no hassle.

Troy, this carver seems to be within budget, but what will I expect with such an addition?

ahaha btw: whats a "AMC cd8b from AMC for 175" LOL!

Russ, the reason I am considering a new recieve is simple. The JVC I have provides more then enough noise, however, the voices could be much better. They sound incredibly surpressed. Unless an amp would magically refine this *dont see how*, then Im afraid if I wish to have an over-all better sound, buying a new recieve would be an un-avoidable option.

Nascar, before I E-mail him with that offer, I want to be sure Im inclined to back it up if he accepts. I do have it bookmarked however, and will put a lot of thought into it! :)

[RuSsMaN]

An amp, like a Carver, the difference will be night and day compared to that JVC, or ANY receiver in your price range. A good integrated, as fat-ass nascarmann mentioned, is a viable option also.

Do this shit right the first time, so you aren't in the flea market in 6 months, trying to ditch a 'receiver'......

Cheers,
Russ

[TroyD]

go to AMChome.com, the cd8b is a cool cd player......

Separates is the only way to go amigo. An integrated isn't bad but for 349 plus shipping for the AMC pre and Carver, that's tough to beat.

BDT

[nascarmann]

A good integrate, as fat-ass nascarmann mentioned, is a viable option also.

Damn......it's tuff in here.........

[Zero]

Russ, doing it right the first time is EXACTLY what I am trying to do here. Will call around sound shops to see if anyone has a Carver , adcom, rel , etc.. to demo..

Troy, Im on my way to that site right after I submit this reply. Will check this stuff out.

Ah,, damn audio is so damn expansive, its almost overwhelming. But I like that :)

[Zero]

*cough, gasp*

That cd8b player is rather pricey for just playing nothing but CD's. Unless that thing would deliever me into a whole new musical element Im afraid Im looking for something more versitile.

Damn, why can there not be any audio stores here within a reasonable distance!

[mantis]

Russamn,
Whats your beef with Monstercable....come on man spill the beans.Did monstercable do you in??

[RuSsMaN]

No, they just sound like shit for the price, thats all.

Cheers,
Russ

[TroyD]

175, pricey, for a damn good cd player? The transport is the same as is used in the Sony ES line and also has a 24 bit DAC.....c'mon now, clean out the earwax. What else do you WANT it to do?

That is a deal amigo.

BDT

[HBombToo]

my cal labs is 24 bit and even old beat up cd's sound goooood!

[Zero]

Troy,

Sorry, cheapest one I saw was for $399.00

[Wesmo]

Since the subject of spring clips was brought up, I thought I'd check it out for myself. I noticed they only used the clips for the second zone speaker terminals....at least they went with binding posts for the main set. I really wouldn't think that it would be that hard for them to have put 2 more sets of posts instead of those cheap clips. I know that I'd rather pay an extra 10 bucks for the exra clips, but what do I know, I'm just a stupid kid. At least I went with the TX-DS696 instead. Hopefully they'll realize their mistake and add them in next year.
wes

mains : Rt600i
center : CS400i
rears : Rt35i
sub : DCM SW10
tv : RCA 27in entertainment series
dvd : Panasonic DCD-RV31
receiver: Onkyo TX-DS696
all wire : Monster

[TroyD]

ATC,

Go to the refurbished items listings, cd8b - 175, It's still there, I just checked.

BDT

[Zero]

Ah, now I see. Was too lazy to register in the first place. Damn you Troy....damn you! Now I am draining my account and ordering this beauty.

On top of this, I just ordeded a Carver M200t amp from Q-Audio as well.

Sheesh, Im feeling spent.

[RuSsMaN]

EXCELLENT choices so far, good on ya!! I own an m200t, GREAT amp....

Cheers,
Russ

[TroyD]

Cool beans......now just order you up an AMC preamp from audio advisor and you will be in bidness...

249 for the amp, with original box and manual...pretty solid deal there as well.


BDT

[RuSsMaN]

Are we talking the 1100 pre? I don't see it audio advisor. I think audiovideoshopper.com has it on their site, but not in stock....

Cheers,
Russ

[TroyD]

crap, I was going from memory......you can get one from AMC direct for 150, still not a bad deal...

BDT

[Zero]

Got the AMC1100 pre-amp for $107.00 at Audiovideoshopper.com ! Not a bad deal at all.

[RuSsMaN]

Man, they must be back in stock, I need to get one, just on principal alone....

Give us a heads up when you get it, I want to hear more about it, than the little tid-bit they have online....

Cheers,
Russ

[Zero]

Will do.

I have put off purchasing any cables. I have a funny feeling the 12 gauge speaker wire, even though sold at Lowes, is not the worst thing. It sounded a hell of a lot better then the typical cable you see in retail stores, dare I say, including the monster xp. Im incredibly interested in the Transparent speaker wire, but damn....that price tag is something else. lol

Will see how the amp and pre amp sound. I hope the voices will come to life, since this is the one thing my reciever cannot do well. If worse comes to worse, I will narrow my choices down to the Denon or the Harmon Kardon as a suffiecient replacement.

But its too soon to tell. By the end of this week all should be here.

Now on for the next question: What interconnects should I use to hook these all together?

[TroyD]

Man, I'm excited for you dude. Was that 107, shipped?

Check out the the SignalCable interconnects that we have been harping about. Excellent quality, excellent prices.

Definately clue us in on the preamp.

BDT

[RuSsMaN]

As far as the speaker wire, my thoughts and my thoughts only, you will be more than fine with some fat, cheap, o2 free 12 awg from Lowes. If you want a dressed up cable, Straight Wire, MIT, Audioquest, and Signal Cable all offer 'entry' level cables that won't break the bank.

Interconnects, my thoughts and my thoughts only, I would look at Frank Dai's Signal Cable (signalcable.com), Entry level options from Audioquest, MIT, Straight Wire, and Tributaries. (audioadvisor.com)

It will come down to personal preference, and it is hard to test each and every cable (as some have done out their 'ass'), but I have used or own every cable above, signalcable being my top choice, but it will be hard to really go wrong, bang for buck, with any listed above.

Some forum members have reported good results with IXOS cables (ac4l.com). Others rave on the AR cables for value/performance ratio.

I'd stick with $30~ a pair, and a good solid brand such as, but not limited to, the list above.

Quite a system coming together, good job brotha....

Cheers,
Russ (getting ready for the lunatic fringe to follow....)

[TroyD]

man, I'm still pumped about this. I was sitting here thinking, ATC is going to have a pretty pimping system for LESS than some crummy-ass receiver system. Although he probably could have got a receiver and bought some KILLER wire and gotten better results :rolleyes:

BDT

[Zero]

AKKKKKKK!! Running into some problems.

At first I was ordering from AMC's website, but I kept recieving script errors when I submitted to complete the process. I figured the problem lied somewhere within my IE and configuration. Dismissing the possibility the order went through, I went to audiovideoshopper.com and purchased the same thing for roughly $50 bucks cheaper *Yeah Troy, 107 was the final price :)*

Well, I suddenly recieve an E-mail from AMC confirming my purchase after I ordered from audiovideo. I hastly sent them a reply asking to retract the order. Expecting to get an angry reply back, I check to see a "thank you , your order has been processed and will be shipped today or tomorrow". AKKKKKKkkk Now for this marry-go-round. lol

[Zero]

Russman, thanks for your input. I will most likely go with the Frank Dai signal cables. I have heard nothing but positive things about them, and the price looks more then fair enough.

I may hold off on the actual speaker wire. At least until I demo a pair or two thats not the common mass-produced stuff.

Im rather excited for all this stuff to arrive. However, I know I will get completely b****ed at by parents and friends. They just dont understand the obsession. :)

[TroyD]

hey, it's your cash......eff 'em

Call AMC, it's actually a place called Weltronics, the girl who answeres the phone is Tina (or it was) and she is pretty helpful. Just give them a call and I'm sure you can get it squared away.

BDT

[Zero]

Squared away already. After we got along the same wavelength everything was smooth. :)

[RuSsMaN]

She speaka Engrish?

Cheers,
Russ

[Zero]

I just hope all these purchases will bring new life to the system.... I may use standard connections before purchasing any fancy wire, just to see where I stand. And also give my pocketbook some time to recover from shock.

Thanks for the help all, hell, I may even take a pic or two of the rig.

[Aaron]

Sounds like you have a bunch of cool toys coming your way! I'm jealous. :)

Aaron

[Zero]

hehe Aaron :)

I got a question for you all:

The AMC cd8b was out of stock, Im recieving the CD6 instead. Is this good?

[TroyD]

for 175?? Are you effing with us??

Dude, that's a 500 dollar cd player as a REFURB! It's like 700 new.

You lucky little shit.

BDT

[Zero]

I looked on the site but I was in dis-belief...... so I am asking if there was something I was unaware of.... perhaps its an older version.

Let me take this moment to celebrate

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Aaron]

Screw you, man! Now I'm really jealous!

Aaron

[TroyD]

not that I can think of, the cd8 has dual 24bit dac's and the cd6 has quad 24 bit dac's if memory serves. Like I said the damn thing is expensive. I think you should trade me for my cd8 just for being so damn helpful. Just kidding

BDT

[Zero]

heh Troy, now your makin me feel guilty. But in a good sort of way. haha

On a serious note, this group has taught me a lot in quite a short period of time. You guys are the best :)