My system started out, as did most of ours, as a 2 channel system. I started simply with the Legacy Focus being driven by Carver Silver 9t's and Sony digital up front. 4 years ago I upgraded to the big Classe CA-400 after listening ad-nauseum to the Krell, Levinson, Spectral, and Clayton audio amps. I also spent quite a bit of time with the Fourier Sans Pareil OTL monoblocks in my home. But the only amp that came close to the Classe's smoothe, liquid sweetness yet with absolute death grip on the big woofers was the top Spectral monos. The Spectrals didn't do any more for me for the extra $$. I haven't heard the new Classe' amps but to me Classe' is the best value in high-end audio today. I purchased a Levinson No. 39 and fed it directly into the CA-400 via balanced Kimber KCTG. This was 2 channel nirvana for me. A little less than 2 years ago I decided to take the home theater plunge and traded the No. 39 in on a Meridian 568. At the time it was unparalleled in my opinion because it upsampled CDs to 88kHz, had the latest 7.1 decoding algorythm, and provided the upgradeability for DVD-A with it's MLP capabilities (since DVD-A vs. SACD wars were in their infancy at that time). I picked up a used No. 37 for my transport and a Pioneer Elite DV-05 for video to the Mitsubishi RPTV. The remaining speakers, subwoofers and amps were added. The sound is truly revalatory. I have grown quite fond of the TriField 3.1 channel mode for music listening where I used to just listen in 2 channel. While not all music is suited for it, small acoustic ensembles such as chamber music, solo piano, and acoustic jazz are absolutely stunning in this mode. You should try it. I just added the Pioneer multichannel SACD/DVD-A, mainly because I wanted to have progressive scan DVD and figured this gets me into the SACD/DVD-A realm for relatively cheap. I have been thrilled with the player so far, but the Meridian doesn't accept the multichannel inputs so I have been looking at a Krell HTS 7.1 to replace my beloved Meridian. I have to hear it in my system first, though. Future upgrades? Whispers to replace the Focus in a new construction listening room/home theater, add a second CA-400 and go monoblock to the Whisper's, and maybe a second LF Extreme. Video to become front projection of some variety. Other than that, I can't imagine a more satisfying audio experience. Comments?
Hitting the law of diminishing retureturns at the top of the curve.
Krell HTS-7.1
Great processor and very functional with Se/Bal 6 channel ins/outs.
Classe Audio CA-400
400w x 2, 145 lbs
Legacy Audio Whisper
These are the best to me. Outstanding tonal accuracy, imaging to die for, and lightening speed. They are a little light on the deep end, but which real world speakers aren't.
Legacy Audio Focus
These serve as the rear channels of the multi-channel audio system.
Pioneer DV 47A
Multichannel SACD, DVD-A, Prog. Scan
Legacy Audio Silver Screen
center ch, 2 - 7 in woofers
Classe Audio CA-100
400 W mono into center channel
Legacy Audio Low Frequency Extreme
Phase Technology PC-Surround
pair
Legacy Audio 432
140w into side & rear surrounds
Legacy Audio Steradian
bass management room control
Richard Gray PowerCompany 400s
Have the video projector and satellite receivers plugged into this.
Kimber BiFocal XL
1 to each of mains and center
Standdesign Amp stand
supporting the amps
Equitech 3Q
Balanced A/C line conditioner. An absolute behemouth.
2 years later and I have made many of the upgrades I referred to before. I have now added another CA-400 and drive the new fronts, now Whispers, with the big Classe's mono. The Krell HTS 7.1 is now the centerpiece controller and I have gone back to a No. 39. I've added a JVC 30000U D-VHS deck. A Classe CA 300 drives the center channel, also in mono. I will use the Focus as my rears when I do get a new listening room built. Plans are to start construction on a dedicated listening room/theater this fall if $$ permit. It will be 19' x 31.5' x 10'. This is the best system I've ever heard, period. The only changes I may make will be to add another LF Extreme or two in the new room, and finally go front projection video.
Your equipment sounds very involved, but what makes a truly warm and inviting successful home theater is not only the hardware but the design of the room. Is it designed tastefully, does it beckon you to sit and relax and be amazed before one piece of equipment is even turned on. That is a truley great home theater. How about some pictures. Check out the Poloman H.T.
Very impressive. Your comment about switching to Krell from Meridian I've been hearing quite a bit lately. Just curious as to what you're planning in the front projector arena.
