Blitzula

"Also need to know how big your room is and how loud do you want to go? How much room do you have for speakers? Is your source mainly CD's? Does your current CD player have a digital output on it for audio?" I've purposely not gone into my room details...it's MUCH harder for me to find a speaker/source/amp with the sound signature I like than it is to deal with that same speaker in a sub-par room. I do think the RF-7 is too big for my room, but the RF-35 seemed like it would be a good fit. I'm not a loud volume listener (by desire and my condo limitations), so I'd ideally like something that doesn't sacrifice dynamics too much at lower volumes. Right now I'm thinking my source will alternate between a CD player and a quality soundcard with a digital out (lossless recordings). "You tell me how much money you have in your budget and I'll get you there." I currently have a Naim CDX/XPS. I'm probably selling that; I think my budget for source/amp/speakers will be in the $3-5,000 range. I think I basically enjoy a mid-fi sound more than a hi-fi one. I'm a strong believer in source first, but I'd like something that mates well with a Klipsch speaker/whatever amp setup. I'm also new to speakers, so I'm not sure what kinds of amplification I need to consider/buy. Oh, and this is strictly for stereo listening...I've got a ht setup that's fine for movies.

I don't think those are available retail any more.

I'm looking for some setup help. Let's assume an average sized bedroom for the listening area. I'm a huge rock fan, but in particular I love heavy metal. I listen to a lot of Finnish/Swedish metal (complex death metal with melody-Children of Bodom, Kalmah, Amon Amarth, Arch Enemy, etc.). I like an impactful (doesn't have to be that deep, but it must have great impact/punch) bass. I also prefer extended and clear treble. I like an aggressive, in your face sound. Smooth music bores me....I'm all about the excitement and fun. Neutrality last, visceral enjoyment of the music first. I'm not a high volume listener. I'd like to build a system from scratch. What would you recommend (source, amp, speakers)? I recently listened to and somewhat enjoyed the RF-35 and RF-7. But I need a source/amp/other speaker recommendations also. And I'd like to buy all this from a store, I've had it with auditioning used equipment or purchasing from the web and having to deal with resales and returns. Any input is appreciated.

I listened to a pair of RF-7s today, using the in-store gear. I have a Naim CDX/XPS. Two questions: 1. Do you think the CDX/XPS is a good match for the RF-7? More importantly, as I don't think I'll have any way to confirm this before a non-refundable purchase on the 5i, 2. Do you think the Nait 5i will power the RF-7s sufficiently (I am not a high volume listener, but I don't want to lose dynamics). Here are the 5i specs.... Specifications Analogue inputs 4 Input sensitivities 225mV, 20kOhm Output level, tape 225mV, 100 Ohm Power output (into 8 Ohms) 50W per channel Overload margin, all inputs, all audio frequencies 35dB Mains supply 115V, 230V Dimensions (H x W x D) 70 x 432 x 301mm Finish Black Any input is appreciated.