703 to 803S --- significant upgrade for HT?

[EAmin]

Guys, I'm thinking about upgrading my HT to an 803S/HTM3S combo for the front. I really, really wanted to upgrade my set up to the 803D/HTM2D, but I would rather save the money for a high-end 2-channel setup in another room in the house. Hopefully some 802Ds down the road. Plus, I'm keeping my Rotel equipment (processor and amps). I felt I might have to step up to higher-end components above the 803S.

The big reason for my upgrade is to use the new HTM3S center, as my HTM7 center is not as good a fit for the 703s. Also, my dealer offered the option to take in my 700s to trade up to the 800 series for a fairly good price.

Just wondering if you guys would consider this a significant step up from what you've heard and listened. Again, I'm looking at it for HT benefits only as this will be my HT system for a long, long time.

I haven't been able to listen to any of the new stuff yet. I hope to next week.

Thanks!

[jlee]

Hello EAmin, since you PM'd me to reply, I feel obligated to put in my 2 cents.

1. Good call on using the extra money for your 2 channel setup instead of getting the 803D and HTM2D... and I totally agree that if you're keeping your Rotel stuff, the benefits of the 803D and HTM2D could not be fully realized. Rotels, although some of the best components for the money, don't quite have the refinement of the finest amps and preamps.

2. For HT, the BIGGEST benefit will be in improving the center channel... this is where the HTM3S will be a HUGE improvement over the HTM7... if this is JUST for HT, then I would even go as far as to recommend a used HTM1 and N804... the benefits of the N803 are most noticeable during 2 channel listening but since you are planning on a separate 2 channel system, I think the N804 or N804S would be just fine. For my personal system, I use it for 2 ch and HT, which is why I want to upgrade to N803 or N803S... if it was purely HT, I think I'd be happy with my N804, which is what I have now.

3. The N803S is $500 more than the old N803, but I guess you get decent value for that extra $500 over the last N803... 26 lbs to the cabinet, improved crossover, improved tweeter, and slightly improved bass driver and midrange driver (although I noticed the harmonic distortion specs were both lower AND higher depending on how the measurement was taken - 1% vs. 0.5%). The HTM3S being $500 on the other hand is a bit pricey, which is why I threw out the idea of getting the used HTM1 and N803 or N804. However....

4. If you plan on having this for a LONG LONG TIME, then I would just get the N803S and HTM3S and be done with it... that way you have the current range... the N803S is the best of the "S" range before all the prices get outrageous in the "D" range... so you'll at least have the best of that range and won't have to upgrade for a while...

Good luck.

[EAmin]

Thanks jlee for the reply (both on the posting and my PMs).

One thing that I forgot to really think through was the different tweeter design differences between the HTM3S and the HTM7. My center sits on a sound anchor stand which right about where kids could try to grab the "microphone", and rip that puppy off. From what I've learned, some serious damage can be done by tugging on that thing. And we have kids over all the time so I don't think this is a good option. I actually get away with it pretty well with the 700 series by scotch-taping the tweeter housing down, and it works great in keeping out the little buggers. Long story short, I guess I be keeping my 700s as my HT speaker system as I have no where to mount an HTM3S. I guess I gotta get back to my campaign for a new 700 series center with B&W.

Thanks!