It took a long time to get where I'm at now. I belive the individual pieces work very well together producing a very big, detailed and accurate sound. The soundstage is excellent...very wide and layered front to back. It has a warm tube like very musical quality to the overall sound.
I am now just starting to splice on a 5.1 home theater to this 2 channel system. However I will keep the 2 channel rig pure and not run anything through a processor.
I have not yet purchased a processor, center channel or L/R rear speakers or a subwoofer. For now I just watch 2 channel home theater and quite frankly it sounds pretty damn good!
System Edited: Well......I finally drove the final nails into this 2 channel/home theater system with the following purchases.
Processor, Anthem AVM 20
Power amp, Bryston 5BST 3 channel
Center speaker, Vienna Acoustics "Maestro"
L/R surrounds, Vienna Acoustics "Waltz"
Subwoofer, HSU VTF-3 MK2
I am delighted with the whole 5.1 home theater system. The sound is very clear, balanced all around and puts out a HUGE soundstage left to right and front to back. On DVDs such as U-571 the depthcharge scene is absolutely scary with the realism and sound pressure levels that are put out. I'll take some pictures and post them to let you see the final product.
Lots of headroom in these 350w monoblocks, with plenty of reserve power and micro/macro dynamics to drive the VA Mahler speakers.
Vienna Acoustics Mahler
A big full accurate sound on the warm side. Can produce incredible bass.
McIntosh MR-67
I've had this tuner for 30+ years and I listen to it now and then. I like the tube sound.
Synergistic Research Various models
I use this manufacture for all my interconnects and power cords.
Home made speaker cable Braided
A braided cable that sounds every bit a good as the Synergistic Research speaker cables I auditioned. Mine lets through a little more bass.
PS Audio P-300
A nice way to protect the system and it runs cool. My poweramps however are plugged directly into the wall on a 20 amp dedicated circuit.
Revox A-77
I've had this old deck for 35 years and I keep it just to listen to my old tapes now and then.
Custom made equipment racks Custom designed
Heavy solid oak with black laquered MDF floating shelves.
Piano Plus Piano HE-3100
A quiet running DLP projector with a crisp colorful image.
Daylite Screen 1.6
Custom made screen over 7 feet wide.
Anthem AVM-20
A good sounding very flexible processor
Bryston 5BST
A very nice sounding and reliable amp. It drives three channels at 120 watts and that is all I need in this part of the system
Vienna Acoustics Maestro
A fine choice for the center channel. Excellent for voices and for its size is very powerful.
Vienna Acoustics Waltz
I use these for my left and right surrounds. I was amazed by the sound these speakers can put out. For a small two channel system, two of these with a fast, musical subwoffer would make for an excellent sound.
Hsu Research HSU VTF-3 MK2
I use this only for home theater applications and it is working out fine. It will literally shake the room when required on certain sound effects. It is suprisingly musical as well.
System edited: System Edited: Well, I finished the 2 channel/home theater project. I added the following pieces: Processor, Anthem AVM 20 Power amp, Bryston 5BST 3channels at 120w Speakers, Vienna Acoustics "Maestro" center channel and VA "Waltz" for my rear left and right surrounds and the HSU VTF-3 MK2 subwoofer for LFE. I now have a straight-up 2 channel system with a spliced on 5.1 home theater. The home theater is great fun. It puts out a clean, balanced sound with a HUGE soundstage left to right and front to back. On certain DVDs such as U-571 (the depthcharge scene)it's almost scary! The sound pressure levels and realism it is capable of amazed me. Music DVDs come alive and sound excellent. A good balance of highs, mids and lows all clear, coherent and musical. As good as the 5.1 home theater sounds I still prefer the purity, spatial coherence and overall sound quality of a good 2 channel system when listening to music. Technology is wonderful when it works, but sometimes less is more for certain applications. I would like to thank all the Audiogon folks who answered my questions and provided thoughtful advice during the development process. As always, all comments and suggestions are welcome.
Thanks for the kind words from both of you Chadnliz and Art. Chadnliz, my intention is to do the HT right. I'll just take it slow, save up more money (always an issue,I am not wealthy)and buy the best I can afford.
Art......a question. I looked at your system (amazing!!) and just wanted to know what REL sub did you use when you were using a sub?
Lovely system indeed. Rowland + Classe + Meridian + Vienne is a well thought out and balanced combination of gear! I am sure your system really excels in All types of music: able to be big and strong, yet alsosweet and delicate - well done!
I bet it does sound good, but multi-channel done right (wich I am sure you will do correctly) will amaze you and you can still have a pure 2 channel rig....get some pics up to share, great choices on your gear!
