No more preamp or sub for me!

[pearsall001]

I suprised even myself with this one. After my recent purchase of a Velodyne SPL-1200R sub I had a lot of fun with different hook-up scenerios. The one I liked the best was with the Krell preamp thru the velo hi-pass hook-up back to the Krell amp. This sounded wonderful. Then on a wim I decided to try something different.

I took the Krell preamp out completely & using the NAD T773 receiver as the preamp & for bass management I was taken back by the performance (NAD isn't kidding with their "Music First" slogan). To these old worn out ears there was absolutely no difference in sound between the two set-ups. I listened for about a week then went back to the Krell pre. Yep, my ears were right, so out came the Krell pre.

Next up was the SVS cylinder sub. The velo made mince meat out of it in HT & especially 2 channel listening (for music it simply was no contest). So now I have the NAD T773 as my control center & with it's great bass management my system now performs flawlessly. Bottom line...less gear, less IC & PC's all equals exceptional sound.

And I must add that with the addition of the Velo, my 2 channel listening has been raised thru the roof. What a sub like that brings to the table has to be heard to be believed!! You guys that are balls sure that you don't need a sub...think again. Ther's a whole lot that your missing. I don't care what bottom end you think your speakers are bringing to the table, it's just not there.

And for all you guys who thought I'd be selling the Velo...:p

The Krell pre & SVS have been sold!

[Early B.]

Hmmm...the Krell pre & SVS doesn't surprise me.

And I can certainly understand your use of the NAD receiver as a pre. I'm currently using the Emotiva LMC-1 as a pre and it sounds very good. Never thought I'd do it, either. However, that last little 1-2% of tone and midrange magic are missing, so I gotta get it back. Then I'm done. Eventually, you'll come to the same conclusion (except for the "I'm done" part).

[AudioFilet]

Which SVS did you have?

[pearsall001]

Which SVS did you have?

SVS...25-31plus cylinder.

[McLoki]

Next up was the SVS cylinder sub. The velo made mince meat out of it in HT & especially 2 channel listening (for music it simply was no contest).

SVS...25-31plus cylinder.

Damn - wish I hadnt read that. Now I really want to upgrade..... :o:p:rolleyes:

Epik - here I come....

[greene1968]

.does the svs just not go as low, or just dont have the output?

Thanks

[pearsall001]

Hmmm...the Krell pre & SVS doesn't surprise me.

And I can certainly understand your use of the NAD receiver as a pre. I'm currently using the Emotiva LMC-1 as a pre and it sounds very good. Never thought I'd do it, either. However, that last little 1-2% of tone and midrange magic are missing, so I gotta get it back. Then I'm done. Eventually, you'll come to the same conclusion (except for the "I'm done" part).

I hear ya EB. But I think I'm finally winning the battle of "Audio Nutism". If what I just did cost me 1-2% of sonic bliss...then I am quite happy & estatic!!. Truth be told, I couldn't hear the difference or really care if I did. This constant tail chasing (relates to $$$$ & a whole lot of nonsense) for that last, minute, unaudible & unattainable bit of detail. Because once you've thought that you've found it...the quest for even better continues. One has got to learn when to apply the brakes & return to audio sanity.

Right now, with the addition of the Velo SPL-1200R my system is literally rocking in both HT & 2 channel. I've cut my tail off & am kicking back & enjoying my system. I am at peace with the audio gods now!! :D:D

[pearsall001]

.does the svs just not go as low, or just dont have the output?

Thanks

Not wanting to turn this into svs/velo discussion thread here's a quick answer.

The svs is a superb sub, so is the velo. I would be just as happy with either in HT but not for music. Just my $.02

Now if you move up to the svs ultra series...that's a whole different ball game. Howerer the ultra series are just to darn big for my space limitations. The velo at 14x14x15 is just perfect space & performance wise.

[obieone]

Nice to see SOMEONE stop drinking the "Upgrade Koolaid"!
Congrats.

[Dennis Gardner]

I can swap out good solid state AVR/preamps all day long and not miss them. Its my tube preamps that I have a hard time letting go of.....and my mains have been big enough for years to sound best without a sub for music.

I do use the subs for HT but with 8 ft. front projection for going on 5 years now, you stop effing your mind up with how good things look and sound and just enjoy the film.

What I do like about your choice is just keepin' it simple........

[cfrizz]

Congrats Phil! Enjoy your setup & having more money in your pocket & time on your hands to just kick back & listen to what you've put together!

[Early B.]

I hear ya EB. But I think I'm finally winning the battle of "Audio Nutism". If what I just did cost me 1-2% of sonic bliss...then I am quite happy & estatic!!. Truth be told, I couldn't hear the difference or really care if I did. This constant tail chasing (relates to $$$$ & a whole lot of nonsense) for that last, minute, unaudible & unattainable bit of detail. Because once you've thought that you've found it...the quest for even better continues. One has got to learn when to apply the brakes & return to audio sanity.

Right now, with the addition of the Velo SPL-1200R my system is literally rocking in both HT & 2 channel. I've cut my tail off & am kicking back & enjoying my system. I am at peace with the audio gods now!! :D:D

Very nice, then. I'm glad you found what you're looking for.

Here's my situation -- I know my system can sound better because I've heard it. Same CDP, same speakers, but now I have a different amp and pre. When my system sounded its best, it lacked dynamics, but I've fixed that issue with the subs and removal of the passive pre. Now I want to hear that nut-tingling female vocal midrange again. The Promitheus TVC and Marsh amp were the keys to this magic. Gonna get the magic back soon, but in a different (and less expensive) form. When I do, I'll should have the sound I want, then I can jump off the upgrade merry-go-round. Of course, Pear, I think you're still on the ride talkin' 'bout, "Wheeeeeeh!";)

[venomclan]

Does the NAD have balanced XLR's?

[pearsall001]

Does the NAD have balanced XLR's?

No it doesn't. That wasn't as much of a stumbling block as I first thought. Since the Velo doesn't have XLR connections, that pretty much finalized that decision. However down the road when it comes time to find a replacement for the T773, I'll make sure it has XLR's.

[reeltrouble1]

I have a sub that comes over sometimes when the mood hits me, we go into the Shed and the sub is always scared of the low sounds coming from the two speakers in the room.

RT1

[TroyD]

Good deal!

You know, as far as HT goes...I've done receivers and separates and gone back and forth a couple of times. I'm going back to a receiver. Yes, separates sound better for music but the simplicity and so forth just make a receiver a better option for HT for me.

BDT

[SolidSqual]

Nice to see SOMEONE stop drinking the "Upgrade Koolaid"!
Congrats.

He'll relapse . . . everyone does.

[Early B.]

He'll relapse . . . everyone does.

He probably relapsed already.;)

[SolidSqual]

He probably relapsed already.;)

Seriously, I remember when I bought my Odyssey gear and was running a pair of AZ Adagios. I thought I would have that system for years! It lasted a month. My present system is entirely new and is still here after one month. So I've hit a personal record. That being said, I did buy a new sub for HT apps.

You're screwed pearsall, all the extra room means you are gonna start itching to fill it with new gear.

[candyliquor35m]

I'm quite happy with +-$500 components. In other words, I have no desire to own a krell or a svs. Not that they aren't worth the money but they aren't for me.

[Ricardo]

I'm quite happy with +-$500 components. In other words, I have no desire to own a krell or a svs. Not that they aren't worth the money but they aren't for me.

Well, you could buy a Krell amp and just make it for you; you know, open it up and take out a few resistors, add a few caps. Make it orgarsmic like your SL2000's.

[candyliquor35m]

Well, .

Since you volunteered go ahead and do that for me and send it to me and I'll demo it so I can decide if it's worth $500 :p

[Ricardo]

I don't recall volunteering for anything. It seems you're now having visions? Hallucinating maybe?

[candyliquor35m]

I

No comment. I've already made my constructive comments to this thread.

[Ricardo]

No comment. I've already made my constructive comments to this thread.

Really? In this thread? Would you mind pointing them out? I just can't see them.

[candyliquor35m]

Really

No comment. You seem to have something other than the topic of this thread on your agenda.

[organ]

Glad to hear the set up is working well for you. I agree, NAD makes some really good stuff. I have a few pieces that I don't plan to sell. Good to hear you got the sub working out in the system. I'm still having some problems getting my PSW650 to blend in with my mains.
Rock on!

[Ricardo]

No comment. You seem to have something other than the topic of this thread on your agenda.

No comment? Well, you did make the comment on my agenda, didn't you.

I have no agenda really. Just reading your posts and replying, in what I think is not an offensive way. It's funny though...why do you always cut the quotes and just leave the first words? I've noticed you always do that.
I also noticed some threads you started were deleted; do you know why?

[Ricardo]

Phil, sorry for the derail....I'll stay out of it. Just couldn't help it.

Congrats in your new findings :)

[candyliquor35m]

No

No comment :D I don't understand the point of your (Ricardo) conversation nor does it involve this thread and doesn't appear to be constructive so I choose not to participate in your (Ricardo) conversation.

[pearsall001]

Good deal!

You know, as far as HT goes...I've done receivers and separates and gone back and forth a couple of times. I'm going back to a receiver. Yes, separates sound better for music but the simplicity and so forth just make a receiver a better option for HT for me.

BDT

That was my first concern...that separates would sound better for music. But my concerns were put quickly to rest. The NAD T773 receiver does a fabulous job as a preamp fpr two channel listening. I really don't miss the CJ or the Krell pre's at all. Sometimes I wonder how much we actually read into all this audio stuff & just don't trust our ears. There's a lot of sliced "bologna" that we've all eaten!!! :)

[tonyb]

I pretty much do a receiver as a pre also for convenience but wanted one with a decent pre section.The B&K works well for me.I guess alot of this has to do with how you match up your other gear.Some play well with others and some don't.Then there is the ever so sought after "point of diminishing returns",which is different for alot of folks.Sooner or later your ears have a sit down with your wallet.Glad your diggin on it though,thats what it's all about anyway.

[pearsall001]

Yep, just keeping it sweet & simple. It's all good to my ears!! I'm a big fan of the KISS principle.

[F1nut]

I'll give you 30 days max before you change your mind....again. :)

[hearingimpared]

I got my money on two weeks.

[venomclan]

31 Days

[Early B.]

I agree with HI. Pear won't make it to the end of April. But I ain't mad at ya!

[F1nut]

Hehe....Phil, we've got your number.

[Midnite Mick]

How does the Nad do without the Krell amp Phil?

[pearsall001]

I'll give you 30 days max before you change your mind....again. :)

You son's of be-atches have been drinking too much of the audio kool-aid!! :eek: Me, I'm off the stuff now & couldn't be happier. You'll see I tell ya! :D

[venomclan]

You son's of be-atches have been drinking too much of the audio kool-aid!! :eek: Me, I'm off the stuff now & couldn't be happier. You'll see I tell ya! :D

"Once I got out, they pulled me back in." Resistance is futile Phil, just accept your fate like the rest of us.
Venom

[pearsall001]

How does the Nad do without the Krell amp Phil?

Hey Mike,

The NAD T773 is one bear of a receiver. It was their top of the line until the new '08 stuff just came out. I ran a pair of Energy C-7 speakers for quite a while & had no issues at all. I never really tried it with my AAD's because I always had a 2 channel amp since I bought them. But, I'll bet if I ran them off the T773 I'm sure it would do them justice. The NAD can handle 8 & 4ohm loads without breaking a sweat. Hope this helps.

And now that I'm also using it as a preamp...I am totally convinced that NAD is all about "the music". They just get it right!!

[Midnite Mick]

Due to financial reasons (primarily house renovations) I have been moving my gear. I have sold my Consonance ref 2.2 MKII player. I have a buyer lined up for my preamp and someone is interested in my tube amps.

In addition I don't feel that my current speakers will be right in my new home. Therefore, I auditioned a few different speakers at my dealers and ended up purchasing a pair of Usher 6311's. I had a bit of an epiphany in that I actually preferred these to the 6381's (which are more in line with my existing speakers). They just sounded more musical and coherent. They don't dig as deep but I thought that I could get a sub later if I chose to.

Since I have sold my HT gear a few months back also due to financial reasons I am surprised at just how much I miss it. Therefore if a receiver can do both justice I may have to look into it. Sure would make life easier....However, still will need some tube smoothness in the mix somewhere.

At what model number do you feel that the NAD starts to drop off in sound quality. I have not seen the T773 for sale but have seen several lower models. I think I may hold off on purchasing anything as I need my money to go elsewhere but I like to keep looking and be educated.

Thanks,
Mike

[pearsall001]

"Once I got out, they pulled me back in." Resistance is futile Phil, just accept your fate like the rest of us.
Venom

Nope!!! I'm done drinking the kool-aid!! :)

[pearsall001]

Due to financial reasons (primarily house renovations) I have been moving my gear. I have sold my Consonance ref 2.2 MKII player. I have a buyer lined up for my preamp and someone is interested in my tube amps.

In addition I don't feel that my current speakers will be right in my new home. Therefore, I auditioned a few different speakers at my dealers and ended up purchasing a pair of Usher 6311's. I had a bit of an epiphany in that I actually preferred these to the 6381's (which are more in line with my existing speakers). They just sounded more musical and coherent. They don't dig as deep but I thought that I could get a sub later if I chose to.

Since I have sold my HT gear a few months back also due to financial reasons I am surprised at just how much I miss it. Therefore if a receiver can do both justice I may have to look into it. Sure would make life easier....However, still will need some tube smoothness in the mix somewhere.

At what model number do you feel that the NAD starts to drop off in sound quality. I have not seen the T773 for sale but have seen several lower models. I think I may hold off on purchasing anything as I need my money to go elsewhere but I like to keep looking and be educated.

Thanks,
Mike

From my knowledge of the NAD receiver line, the "Music First" philosophy carries thru the whole line. The only difference is in the amp department & maybe a few different minor features. Don't forget that NAD power ratings are the real deal & some what conservative. You can't go wrong with any of their receivers as long as you match the correct amp power to your speakers.

Hey, and good luck on your house renovations. I know the feeling only too wel!!

[Midnite Mick]

Thanks, Phil.

Soooooo much work. Can't wait until it actually somewhat resembles a house.

[venomclan]

Nope!!! I'm done drinking the kool-aid!! :)

NOPE! You are still drinking it as long as you have the other pieces. Sell the Krell amp, the 840, the boutique cables etc., go to BB and replace them with off the shelf stuff. You will be done then, but how will it sound?

I agree a lot of it is Kool-aid, but the stuff that isn't is addictive.
Venom

[pearsall001]

NOPE! You are still drinking it as long as you have the other pieces. Sell the Krell amp, the 840, the boutique cables etc., go to BB and replace them with off the shelf stuff. You will be done then, but how will it sound?

I agree a lot of it is Kool-aid, but the stuff that isn't is addictive.
Venom

I'm down to drinking thru a straw now!! :D No more heavy drinking for me. I'll leave that to the other guys.

[venomclan]

I'm down to drinking thru a straw now!! :D No more heavy drinking for me. I'll leave that to the other guys.

Baby steps.;)

[tonyb]

C'mon Phil.....kool-aid ?

Better rip down those sound absorbers....I get where your comming from though.:p

[pearsall001]

C'mon Phil.....kool-aid ?

Better rip down those sound absorbers....I get where your comming from though.:p

There just comes a time when one must simply enjoy the music. Our constant quest for that elusive "perfect system" is really fruitless. There is always something out there that is better (very, very, subjective by the way). What we've all managed to put together, as long as it's pleasing to our ears, is a victory, sit back & put something on the CD player or TT & relish in the sound. How many amps, preamps, CD players, TT's, IC's, PC's must we keep going thru & yet we keep wanting more. Well, I for one am enjoying what I have & have stopped chasing my tail.

[cfrizz]

Phil, congrats! I'm glad you've found your sound & can now enjoy it. I'm also glad you realize that you can never catch that tail no matter how hard you try to!

[pearsall001]

Cathy, yeah, I'm very content & ready to settle in & just enjoy the tunes. I'll let the other guys keep chasing their tails & not getting anywhere! Sooner or later the lightbulb should go on!! :D

[F1nut]

How many times have we heard this from you? :D

[pearsall001]

How many times have we heard this from you? :D

The lightbulb part is new!! :D

[Early B.]

Pear -- almost a week has gone by. Surely, you've changed your mind by now.

So tell us -- which preamp did you buy?

[pearsall001]

Pear -- almost a week has gone by. Surely, you've changed your mind by now.

So tell us -- which preamp did you buy?

Nope!!! :D I'm truly enjoying my system just as it is. The NAD is terrific as a pre, I don't miss the CJ or the Krell at all. And after hearing what the velo has done for my system...there is one other item I might just go for down the road. Yep, you guessed it, another velo. I figure if one velo is this fantastic then two would be out of this world!! :D

[F1nut]

The lightbulb part is new!! :D

What wattage? :)

[pearsall001]

What wattage? :)

It's from cfrizz manufacturing co. Minimun 200 watts!!! ;)

[Lasareath]

The svs is a superb sub, so is the velo. I would be just as happy with either in HT but not for music. Just my $.02


Phill, you just need a pair of speakers that don't need a sub for music!

[pearsall001]

Phill, you just need a pair of speakers that don't need a sub for music!

Yo Sal, nobody on this forum ownes a pair of speakers that wouldn't reap the rewards of a quality sub. Even those non-musical stadium speakers!!! :D