803S Amplification

[Pookie007]

I am considering getting a new amplifier for my 803S. They are part of a 5 channel surround system so I can get a 2 channel amplifier and continue to use my current amp for the center and rears, or replace it with a 5 channel amplifier. My budget is about $3000.

[Eliav]

hi
which electronics (amp/pre/pro/source) are you currently using with the 803s?
Eliav

[Zoran]

Try Parasound Halo A51. Heard this is a very nice match...

[KEF]

I am running a Krell FPB 300cx with my 803S - you can pick them up on Audiogon for just under 4K, I know it is a bit more than you listed, but it is worth the price of admission....

Cheers,
Keith

[Pookie007]

I am systematically upgrading my electronics. I am currently running an NAD receiver that I had with my previous speakers. I have purchased the 803S mains, the HTM3S center, and Monitor Audio Gold in wall surrounds. The B&W in walls wouldn’t fit the existing holes in my walls from the previous owner. I also replaced all my cables with Wirewold (middle of the range) interconnects. My mains are bi-wired with Richland Technology on the highs, and Monster Cable Z2 on the lows. The center is Monster Cable Z3.

My electronics upgrades so far were the DVD player and TV. I went with the Marantz DV9600 and Hitachi 55” directors’ series plasma. Due to budget constraints, I was going to add an amplifier now and use the NAD receive as the pre-amp. This fall I will replace the pre-amp. If necessary I could get on outboard video processor next spring.

I was considering the Anthem Statement A5 amplifier. This will cover all 5 channels. I originally looked at Rotel, but it seemed to run a lot hotter. The electronics are in a enclosed cabinet with an Active Thermal Management ventilation system that draws and vents cool air from the basement. The intake and discharge are approximately 10 feet apart, it seems to work well.

After the pre-amp purchase this fall I could improve sound quality by adding another 2 channel amp for the mains and use the spare 2 channels for outdoor speakers on the deck. I am hoping the Anthem amplifier and pre-amp would perform to a level I wouldn’t require the extra amplifier or outboard processor. I don’t want to spend money on this if it isn’t necessary.

[chinets]

Pookie007,
I would go with a Rotel 100W x5 receiver ,or the RSP1098 processor with the Rotel 1095 Amp 200x 5 watts per channel sounds wonderful with the Marantz 9600 I have that combination, and they sound sensational.
Since you have the Marantz DV 9600, how do you like the Audio part of it compared to let us say the Rotel RDV-1060???
I find the Audio part of the DV9600 In DVD-Video to be very warm with no Dynamics Unlike the Rorel 1060 that has amazing Dynamics....Do you hear that or are you satisfied with it?.
Have you auditioned many DVD players before getting the DV 9600 ?and what are your opinions of the rest of the players in Audio??? Which other players did you audition???Very curious here!!!
I was impressed with the DV 9600 In Video picture over other palyers ,and I loved the correct, natural sound it has in DVD-A and SA-CD ,but quite dissappointed in the Audio of DVD-Video as it was too lame and laid back IMHO!!! Warm because it was very deatiled in sound and had a correct neutral and Natural sound that made the Action in DVD-Video sound too warm and no Dynamics unlike the Rotel that lacked correct detail but sounded so loud and full of Dynamics especially in Action movies.

I was so happy with the Audio In DVD-A and SA-CD..I guess that is what counts for me.

Any reviews on the Audio or your experience of the Audio of the DV 9600 would be very much appreciated from someone who has one of those palyers...Not many out there have this palyer as it is NOT cheap!
Thanks In advance,
Cheers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Chinets

[htsteve]

New Rotel Amps

Pookie007,

Take a look at Rotel's new line of amps. I've recently bought the Rotel 1077 (7x100, $2500). It replaced a 1080 and most of a 1095. I bi-amped my front three with this (N804's and an HTM1). The results are outstanding. Also, it runs very slightly warm (definitely not hot) and is only 3 inches high. You could bi-amp your front three (and use the NAD for rears and second zone) or bi-amp the 803S's and run the center and rears off the other channels of the 1077.

Another interesting option is the Rotel 1092 stereo amp (2 x 500, $2500) or the 1091 monoblock amp (1 x 500, $1500). You could get two 1091's for your budget. I suspect that your 803S's would love any of these set-ups.

Don't be skeptical of the size of these amps. They are powerful and perform very well.


Hope this helps.

[Pookie007]

When I was shopping for the DVD player I was trying to get the best all around player at my budget. But I also wanted to purchase for a local business and not mail order. I never compared the Rotel because the Rotel dealer was more interested in trying to convince me to by the Lexicon player.

I looked at the Rotel 1095 initially but preferred the sound of the Anthem Statement A5 in the side by side comparison. My perception of heat was made during this comparison. I just wanted to look at a few other brands prior to committing to the purchase.