More talk about amps etc for 804S..??

[Storm]

Hi all,

Second big post here : I had asked about Cary Cinema 5 Amp and Cinema 11 Pro last December. Only one response...

I placed a deposit yesterday for the following: (Black Ash)!
804S
HTM3
Center Stand
Velodyne DD-12

This is really a huge step up from what I currently own and I am more than a little excited to say the least. I will pick up the 805S for rear in a few months.

I am really stuck on how to handle the amp/pre side of things. I have read just about every thread in this forum and I know many of you will suggest Classe or McIntosh. I would love to own either one of these but they are higher$$ than I can afford right now.

I am around the $6k to $7k max. A new CDP tossed into the mix would be great but I can wait a while for this.

The Dealer carries Rotel, McIntosh, Classe and Anthem.

Are there some other choices folks can suggest that is perhaps ahead of Rotel but not quite at the Classe level?

I also just bought my first Blu-Ray player and it seems to be kind of a sit-tight and wait for the next gen of gear to come along...

Some choices I have came up with but won't be able to hear with the B&W is:
1. Cary Audio Cinema 5 Amp/Cinema 11
2. Parasound Halo Amp/Pro
3. Parasound Halo Amp/Arcam AVP700
4. Two Channel Amp/Arcam AVR350 and wait for some of the next gen gear to come along.

Any other suggestions??

Also I hate to really bring this up but I will to vent. I don't consider my shopping experience to be the best it could have been. This was a big purchase for me and I am still not done. I am not a good negotiator I guess but the Salesman I worked with would not budge on the prices. I am spending over $10k just for the front/center speakers/stand and sub. I thought I could have got some sort of discount?? He also seemed to be in a hurry (lunch-time)...

I know that I should not expect a discount but this is my first fairly sizeable audio purchase and I didn't know what to expect.. I did just give a deposit and stated that I would be in next week to pay the rest and dicuss pricing further.

I think when I get the components settled and equipment in my home all will be forgotten as I have dreamed of this set-up for several years. The HTM3 is more than my entire current system!

Anyway, enough of that and back to some help with the electronics!!
Also, thoughts on Blue Heaven Speaker Cable?

Thanks
Tony

[beden1]

The dealers seemed to be controlled not to give discounts on B&W speakers, but, you should be able to get a minimum of 10%. For other equipment, a minimum of 20-22% has been my norm. I'm not sure about Classe though, as I have not priced any to buy as yet.

[Briz vegas]

Speaker cable code - BH is fine RD is better, particularly with gear at the price you are paying

Price negotiation- This varies (you are talking to the world here) but you have given away your trump card with your deposit. The discount helps the sale along but by giving a deposit you have basically said "I'm buying from you".

Don't forget that this is a specialist hifi store you are dealing with so in theory their business is based on giving you time to listen to gear with your CDs, their technical experience and the after sales service that they offer. Someone has to pay for their time and stocking gear that joe blow would never dream of spending that much money on. That being said I have always managed to get a modest discount - particularly on second and third purchases when they know you are not a tyre kicker that buys squat.

[Boone38]

I have close to the same set up you have and bought a large chunk from my dealer and was given 20% off the top. I have gone throught the Rotel ranks and am using a Classe CAV 75 on my 804s and Htm4, I ran the 805s on the rear for some time. The Classe 75x6 performed flawlessly. Even at levels I was not able to hear the wife scream. I bought mine used for 750.00. As for the pre/pro I listened to the Classe, Rotels and the Anthem. I got a new AVM30 for 2150.00. It was the better of the three and has the best upgrade features. I have not been able to listen to the Cary but thought about this myself. I would vote this over the Halo.

Good Luck

[scanido]

Congrats on the setup Storm. I have the exact same setup and love it.

Since your dealer can get you McIntosh, I suggest you look there. Not quite as expensive as Classe but still garners reputable status.

Check out the new MC-205 - 200W x 5. I'm actually eyeing this unit and it should couple perfectly with your speakers!