burtlively

nice save doug. i forgot that you can use something like the russound tbl-75 to impedence match and run multiple speakers. it costs around $150 and i'm sure there are multiple manufacturers (niles, etc.)

first of all if you want a main setup to run it all you have to utilize a high quality av center with at least 2 or 3 zones. then you have to amplify those zones with an outboard amp (a high quality seven channel amp potentially run at least 14 speakers). that is a start, but to be honest i don't know if you guys at best buy sell the equipment it takes to get this set up.

yes. tubes will blow your mind!

the rf-5's & 7's must have been too efficient for that moron.

i own two acurus amps. the sole reason i own acurus vs. aragon was i simply couldn't hear enough difference between the two in order to justify the additional $. both lines are nothing short of extraordinary. you can literally turn the volume up and run these amps all day and they will still run cool. quite frankly i couldn't imagine replacing these beauties ever!

jolida jd-302b for $770 or 1501rc if you like a hybrid. they will both rock. the jd-302b is also very pleasing to the eye and would make a great conversation piece. you can also have these modified for even more awesome sound!

take a look at the b&k ref 50 preamp. you'll love it.

whether you want thx or not, in my opinion th finest piece of equipment you can buy in an integrated is the b&k avr-507. i have the preamp version (ref 50) and i am more pleased with my purchase each day that passes. i only wish i would have discovered it sooner and saved a bunch of money being unsatisfied!

what are you thinking dude??? with that musical fidelity gear i don't see why you'd even consider a preamp. now all your buddies are putting bets on which set of speakers you'll keep. i predict you keep the la scalas AND get the rf-7's. throw in a couple of those everest subs, add in some more power, then you'll be satisfied. seriously though, i can't sit still with my getup for too long either. i can say the ref 50 preamp for ht is a no-brainer, but i can't imagine the mf integrated is far behind ANY stereo preamp/amp separate. i use a jolida 1501 RC for my 2 ch. the question is the same as you brought up prior. at what cost?

thanks again greg. i am interested in what everyone is saying in this forum. i have done a lot of searching over the past few days, and there are many differences in opinion. i think i am going to go with a musical fidelity a 3.24. i can get a new unit for just under $800. what do you think in terms of different dacs? the guy i trade with a lot also has channel islands audio. he said their dac would provide some improvement, but the musical fidelity was the way to go. your thoughts???

leave it on. i have heard frequently from "audiophiles" who swear by leaving solid state equipment on constantly. i have begun to do so as well. the amps run cool. the sound is great!

no, you can use a receiver as a preamp as long as you have preamp outs. i believe the sentiment here is that if you are redesigning your system with the amplifier as the centerpiece then there is no need to purchase a receiver. the best way to go from there is a true preamp.

thanks greg, do you think the effect was amplified because it married your tube so well? i have very little experience with tubes, but from what i have seen, they are truly the real deal! i would love to change my ss system over to tubes. i am realizing now what you mean by quality recordings as well. my ref 50 makes sure to remind me when a recording is not up to snuff. have a GREAT day!!!

arto, now that's the kind of info i need! i'm looking forward to some passionate discussion on this, but your original note was what i was expecting! have a GREAT day!!!

i don't think you have to drop $4000 to get something that sounds incredible. there are tons of options out there, but for 4,000 bones i would recommend the b&k ref 50 ($2100 from american theater systems) and the parasound hca-220at ($1750 from audio advisor). or you could get the b&k ref 200.7 for around $2000 as well. you can back down from there or move up to sunfire, bel canto, and krell. as you have heard from many others the outlaw and acurus brands sound awesome considering their price. don't rule out jolida either. they are bringing out a 5 channel amp soon which will be a beast as well. nevertheless as long as you get something of quality you will be very pleased.

is it neccesary to add an outboard DAC (channel islands audio vda-1, music al fidelity a3.24) in order to maximize performance. i know this can create much discussion, but I am unsure whether it would actually make a difference in my system.

go with separates. you'll be very pleased you did. B&K is a quality manufacturer

i need to replace the woofers on a damaged set of rb-5ii's. any suggestions???

i need to replace the woofers on a damaged set of rb-5ii's. any suggestions???

try audiogon and search for acurus, b&k, and outlaw. there are some good deals to be had. there is an outlaw 750 (165wpc) which i think may be an exceptional buy. there is some good acurus and b&k stuff as well.

i've done it that way for years utilizing my marantz and yamaha receivers as preamps. i use an acurus a125x5. i have recently got a true preamp and the difference is mind boggling.

Amen Colin! When you understand speaker efficiency and the value of clean, pure power your world changes. I'm sorry it took me so long and so much cash to realize that!

BEST PURCHASE YOU WILL EVER MAKE. see marksdad. i wish i would have realized it sooner. i too used a yamaha rxv-3000 and a marantz sr-96 for years as a preamp. NEVER again. got the ref50 and i'll take it to the grave with me! i am satisfied with my system for the first time EVER! the website is http://www.bkcomp.com/ and yes they do come in silver.

i personally love the quintets. i have a set and for their size, i have heard only one speaker that compares. the jamo 5 piece satellite system w/powered sub goes for $500. if your cousin cannot hear the audible superiority of the quintet or the jamo, you might as well give up!

i personally love the quintets. i have a set and for their size, i have neard only one speaker that compares. the jamo 5 piece satellite system w/powered sub goes for $500. if your cousin cannot hear the audible superiority of the quintet or the jamo, you might as well give up!