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I've asked versions of this question on the B&W forum, so please bear with me if this sounds like a duplicate. I've spent about the last year (off and on) trying to decide on that "last" system capable of meeting my wish list for both audio and video (about 50-50 per audio, including multi-chan music but primarily stereo - the other 50 movies / tv.....am anxously looking forward to HD-DVD.
I thought I'd settled on a 5.1 system with B&W 802D all around except the center where I'd like to hear their new HTM1D, but haven't been able to do so. McIntosh MC501 monoblocks for the amps. McIntosh MX-135 for the processor. I'd like to hear this with the new B&W ASW875, but doesn't seem to be out yet; the dealer is pushing me to Velodyne DD.
I auditioned the above setup (except they only had two MC501's, they substituted a ARCAM amp for the other 3 channels).
Observation: pretty disappointed, and I'm assuming it was set up issues. The sub was in a corner, and did not integrate with the 802's at all. The universal player was noticeably less clear on SACD than my much cheaper sony.
Basis question: am I possibly considering a wrong combination of components to optimize for both music and Home Theater ? (This stuff is expensive.....i'd have thought it could do both well). Different speakers ? I've listened to quite a few, and have come back to the B&W, although this is more a music statement than HT. Differnt AMPs / processor ....i.e. should I audition the new Classe or something else.
I've somewhat decided that five full range speakers is for me at least more enjoyable than a 7.1 setup. Is this unusual ?
Anyone have experience with the Runco VX5000D ? That's the dealers recommendation. I saw the 4000d and it did look better on DVD than the other dlp systems i'd seen; about the same on High Def TV.
Again, I'm willing to accept the problems were set up related (the dealer is new to selling mcintosh) , but I was pretty negatively surprised, as I was ready to buy that day had i liked what I saw and heard.
Thanks for any insights / experiences.
I thought I'd settled on a 5.1 system with B&W 802D all around except the center where I'd like to hear their new HTM1D, but haven't been able to do so. McIntosh MC501 monoblocks for the amps. McIntosh MX-135 for the processor. I'd like to hear this with the new B&W ASW875, but doesn't seem to be out yet; the dealer is pushing me to Velodyne DD.
I auditioned the above setup (except they only had two MC501's, they substituted a ARCAM amp for the other 3 channels).
Observation: pretty disappointed, and I'm assuming it was set up issues. The sub was in a corner, and did not integrate with the 802's at all. The universal player was noticeably less clear on SACD than my much cheaper sony.
Basis question: am I possibly considering a wrong combination of components to optimize for both music and Home Theater ? (This stuff is expensive.....i'd have thought it could do both well). Different speakers ? I've listened to quite a few, and have come back to the B&W, although this is more a music statement than HT. Differnt AMPs / processor ....i.e. should I audition the new Classe or something else.
I've somewhat decided that five full range speakers is for me at least more enjoyable than a 7.1 setup. Is this unusual ?
Anyone have experience with the Runco VX5000D ? That's the dealers recommendation. I saw the 4000d and it did look better on DVD than the other dlp systems i'd seen; about the same on High Def TV.
Again, I'm willing to accept the problems were set up related (the dealer is new to selling mcintosh) , but I was pretty negatively surprised, as I was ready to buy that day had i liked what I saw and heard.
Thanks for any insights / experiences.