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GoldenEar Technologies Anticipation Thread - Page 45

post #1321 of 1623
5/6/12 at 9:15am
Has anyone actually used either of the Aon models as a center channel speaker? If so are you happy with its performance?

I am very interested in the Triton speakers for a home theater setup, but I am not too impressed with the specs of the SuperSat 50C. I previously owned a Definitive Tech Mythos system and thought the STS speakers were great, but ultimately I sold the system because of shortcomings in the matching center (Mythos Ten). I thought the Mythos Ten was very weak sounding and lacked dialogue clarity - at least at louder volumes. I experimented with different crossover settings and could never get it to sound good. The SuperSat 50C seems very similar to the Mythos Ten.

The Aon is intriguing, but I am not sure if it was designed to be a good center.
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post #1322 of 1623
5/8/12 at 8:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by tboe77 View Post

Hi all. I'm considering a possible upgrade to my HT system. I'm currently running a 5.1 system with Paradigm Monitor v5 bookshelf speakers (Titans for mains and Atoms for surrounds), a CC-290, and an SVS PB-10NSD sub. The Paradigms are driven by a Denon 3808CI.

The Paradigms are just a bit bright for my ears and I haven't yet figured out how to use my Denon to make them sound a bit warmer. To compound this, my CC-290 needs repair (faulty driver, or something . . . male voices have a "buzzing" quality to them). It is still under warranty.

I've also recently subscribed to HT Magazine, and their reviews of the Golden Ear products, as well as the new RSL system, combined with the issues I've described regarding my current gear, are giving me a wicked case of "upgrade-itis".

I'm really fond of my SVS. For an entry level sub, I think it kicks some serious butt! When I do upgrade, I'm planning to go for their PC-12 Plus. However I'm not planning to do that anytime soon. Still pretty happy with what I've got.

For this reason, I think I'm leaning towards a set based on Aon 3s for mains, rather than a Triton 3 system. I think I'd go with the SS3 for surrounds. Not sure about the center. I like the idea of a 3rd Aon 3 for the center, but wondering if the SS50C is really better suited for that job.

Going this way would be more budget friendly than a Triton 3 system, as I would keep my existing sub for now, and upgrade that later on.

It also seems like it might be a bit simpler. From what I've read here, some don't seem to think that the subs in the Tritons go quite low enough. It also seems that some are finding the setup for the Triton subs rather tricky and those who are also integrating additional, standalone subs seem to have even more issues to deal with.

My current system is my first foray beyond HTIB, so I'm not terribly experienced at this. I also have very few dealers in the area ( but there is one that sells Golden Ear). So auditioning equipment is difficult.

I'd like to hear your thoughts, pertinent to any and all of the above, and especially about the Aon vs Triton system issue, and also the Aon vs SS50C center channel issue.

I hope at least a few of you make it through this long-winded post so you can give me your insight.

Thanks in advance. Cheers. ?

I recently moved from a 5.1 Def Tec system to a 2.1-ish Aon 3 system. I say 2.1-ish because I have an Outlaw LFM-1 Plus sub that I used for a day, and realized I actually prefer the Aon's without it...(or should I say I feel as if I don't need it?) I have a Denon AVR 2112CI with Audyssey XT, which handles the sub, but still...The Aon's do just fine without a sub in my 10x14ft room, in my opinion. I listen to mostly music and find the Aon's go plenty low to capture the bass drums and bass guitar. The bassline on Radiohead's Nude has some serious thickness to it, and the Aon 3's make me feel it every time. In fact, every time I bring someone up to hear them, I always act as if my sub is on. When I finally tell them it's been off the whole time, they don't believe me and check to make sure it's unplugged. I find for movies, Netflix, etc., the sub definitely helps with explosions, but by no means do I feel like I'm really missing anything without it (If I really cared that much, I'd have a 5.1 system!)

All I can say is that the Aon 3's offer a great sound, great imaging, and very surprising bass response. For 2-channel music, these are tough to beat. I spent a month listening to everything my two high-end shops had under $2000...from paradigm to Vienna Acoustics...the Aon's are tough to beat at this price point. I even auditioned the Triton 3's and 2's...Both great speakers, but in my honest opinion, the Aon 3's are the real stars here. For $1000, you're getting a "bookshelf" speaker with a range that rivals plenty of towers I've heard.

FYI, Mr. Gross, we're going to have to work out some sort of customer referral program, as everyone that hears these at my place asks where they can get a pair...Job well done, Sir!
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post #1323 of 1623
5/9/12 at 6:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by guteLaune View Post

I recently moved from a 5.1 Def Tec system to a 2.1-ish Aon 3 system. I say 2.1-ish because I have an Outlaw LFM-1 Plus sub that I used for a day, and realized I actually prefer the Aon's without it...(or should I say I feel as if I don't need it?) I have a Denon AVR 2112CI with Audyssey XT, which handles the sub, but still...The Aon's do just fine without a sub in my 10x14ft room, in my opinion. I listen to mostly music and find the Aon's go plenty low to capture the bass drums and bass guitar. The bassline on Radiohead's Nude has some serious thickness to it, and the Aon 3's make me feel it every time. In fact, every time I bring someone up to hear them, I always act as if my sub is on. When I finally tell them it's been off the whole time, they don't believe me and check to make sure it's unplugged. I find for movies, Netflix, etc., the sub definitely helps with explosions, but by no means do I feel like I'm really missing anything without it (If I really cared that much, I'd have a 5.1 system!)

All I can say is that the Aon 3's offer a great sound, great imaging, and very surprising bass response. For 2-channel music, these are tough to beat. I spent a month listening to everything my two high-end shops had under $2000...from paradigm to Vienna Acoustics...the Aon's are tough to beat at this price point. I even auditioned the Triton 3's and 2's...Both great speakers, but in my honest opinion, the Aon 3's are the real stars here. For $1000, you're getting a "bookshelf" speaker with a range that rivals plenty of towers I've heard.

FYI, Mr. Gross, we're going to have to work out some sort of customer referral program, as everyone that hears these at my place asks where they can get a pair...Job well done, Sir!


Nice review! Do you think they would be overkill being used as surrounds with Triton two's?
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post #1324 of 1623
5/9/12 at 6:50pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by DyeLooper View Post

Nice review! Do you think they would be overkill being used as surrounds with Triton two's?

Not at all...but these speakers can do well on their own as front L/R. As surrounds...considering not much really happens in a surround channel...obviously theyll do fine. When i had my surround sound (5.1), i swapped out the rear channels for higher and lower quality (price-wise) speakers and really didn't hear much of a difference...

Either way...you cant go wrong with these speakers.
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post #1325 of 1623
5/11/12 at 6:15am
The Tritons Twos have finally arrived, and I will be setting them up this weekend. As L/R, they will replace NHTs 2.7s, which will be moved to surrounds role in my 5.1 system. Also, my trusty Yamaha DSP-A1 receiver will be replaced with a new Denon 4311CI. An Oppo BDP-95 is coming.

I will keep the NHT Center2 for now and see how it matches with the Tritons.

I am hoping for a major upgrade in sound quality overall, at least for two-channel listening. At my dealer, I heard detail from the TTs that I never heard from NHT 2.7s, which are no slouches.

I hope to hear the same at home.
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post #1326 of 1623
5/11/12 at 7:23pm
Give them a nice break in period, the sounds will really start to come alive after 40-60 hours. 80-100 hours and they will be awesome.
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post #1327 of 1623
5/13/12 at 10:59pm
I had a chance to listen to the triton 2s today in a hi-fi shop and they were pretty amazing. I heard them on a tube amp, the PrimaLuna Dialogue II. Again, they sounded perfectly balanced for classical and jazz, but maybe they would miss some lows in R&B etc. I consider the B&W CM9s competition assuming they have a sub to help their low end, but I need more listening time. The main thing I want to ensure comes through is the 15-25hz range for movies and music that has very low lows (trying to get the best of both worlds). Can owners chime in? How are the Tritons for bass in movies? Would they benefit from an extra sub with a bigger box to help these lows? I know this would take some tweaking with either the CM9 or the triton to keep it from overwhelming/occluding the rest of the spectrum, but I'd love to get the best of both if possible.
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post #1328 of 1623
5/14/12 at 6:15am
Quote:
Originally Posted by ransom23 View Post

I had a chance to listen to the triton 2s today in a hi-fi shop and they were pretty amazing. I heard them on a tube amp, the PrimaLuna Dialogue II. Again, they sounded perfectly balanced for classical and jazz, but maybe they would miss some lows in R&B etc. I consider the B&W CM9s competition assuming they have a sub to help their low end, but I need more listening time. The main thing I want to ensure comes through is the 15-25hz range for movies and music that has very low lows (trying to get the best of both worlds). Can owners chime in? How are the Tritons for bass in movies? Would they benefit from an extra sub with a bigger box to help these lows? I know this would take some tweaking with either the CM9 or the triton to keep it from overwhelming/occluding the rest of the spectrum, but I'd love to get the best of both if possible.

I have had the tritons II's since July and absolutely can't say enough great things about them. They do very well for bass. They will shake the room if that is what you are looking for? I have mine set at eleven of clock and get great bass, not bloated or boomy. As far as down to the 15hz range you want you will need a stand alone sub such as an SVS. I run a Paradigm pw 2200 version 2 that is capable of very low bass and it is blended in with the tritons. My soundstage is excellent for both movies and especially music. The tritons are amazing. I have had them side by side with paradigm studio 100 version 5's and the tritons came out superior. Even against paradigm Studio series the tritons sounded better. Jmo of course.
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post #1329 of 1623
5/14/12 at 5:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ransom23 View Post

I had a chance to listen to the triton 2s today in a hi-fi shop and they were pretty amazing. I heard them on a tube amp, the PrimaLuna Dialogue II. Again, they sounded perfectly balanced for classical and jazz, but maybe they would miss some lows in R&B etc. I consider the B&W CM9s competition assuming they have a sub to help their low end, but I need more listening time. The main thing I want to ensure comes through is the 15-25hz range for movies and music that has very low lows (trying to get the best of both worlds). Can owners chime in? How are the Tritons for bass in movies? Would they benefit from an extra sub with a bigger box to help these lows? I know this would take some tweaking with either the CM9 or the triton to keep it from overwhelming/occluding the rest of the spectrum, but I'd love to get the best of both if possible.

I've had the Triton 2's for over a year now, and absolutely love them! For music, they will give you all the bass you need (other than the lowest of lows from a pipe organ) and for HT, will give your room a little shake. However, IMO, they need a good sub that can reach out and grab your soul! I am looking at HSU as a possible sub, but am waiting for the arrival of Sandy's ForceField 5 before I make a final decision. The FF5 was supposed to be in dealers' showrooms several months ago, but yet another delay. Makes me wonder if they don't quite have it down yet.
Regarding the 50C, I was really hoping that a larger one with powered subs would be available, but apparently nothing on the drawing board. Sandy?
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post #1330 of 1623
5/14/12 at 5:28pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ransom23 View Post

I had a chance to listen to the triton 2s today in a hi-fi shop and they were pretty amazing. I heard them on a tube amp, the PrimaLuna Dialogue II. Again, they sounded perfectly balanced for classical and jazz, but maybe they would miss some lows in R&B etc. I consider the B&W CM9s competition assuming they have a sub to help their low end, but I need more listening time. The main thing I want to ensure comes through is the 15-25hz range for movies and music that has very low lows (trying to get the best of both worlds). Can owners chime in? How are the Tritons for bass in movies? Would they benefit from an extra sub with a bigger box to help these lows? I know this would take some tweaking with either the CM9 or the triton to keep it from overwhelming/occluding the rest of the spectrum, but I'd love to get the best of both if possible.

I've had my triton 2's for several months. Love the sound. I opened up my ARC settings to see where they fall off. They start dropping at 35 and by 30 they're in freefall. For music this is fine. For movies you'll want a nice sub to compliment them. Personally I'm budgeting for a Seaton Submersive HP.

The best I can get the SS 50 center to go down to is 120 and then it drops like a rock. I will write the check right now if Sandy will send me something along the lines of a horizontal triton 3. :-)
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post #1331 of 1623
5/14/12 at 8:28pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by hydrotex View Post


I've had my triton 2's for several months. Love the sound. I opened up my ARC settings to see where they fall off. They start dropping at 35 and by 30 they're in freefall. For music this is fine. For movies you'll want a nice sub to compliment them. Personally I'm budgeting for a Seaton Submersive HP.

The best I can get the SS 50 center to go down to is 120 and then it drops like a rock. I will write the check right now if Sandy will send me something along the lines of a horizontal triton 3. :-)

I've had my Triton IIs since Sep last year, I've got them on fronts and rears with 50C partnered with a FF4 for center ch along with SS50 for SBs. I have a pair of SVS PC13 ultra DSP with the STA 1000D and AS EQ 1 to hit the low end.. The tritons are set at 40 hz and I get the subs down below to produce clean pipe organ music.. My all time favorites- Andrew Litton's Tchaikovsky 1812 overture, Circus Maximus and Bach's Toccata En Fugue on SACDs. Paul Swartz's Aria I on CD.
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post #1332 of 1623
5/14/12 at 8:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by audvidgeek123 View Post


I've had my Triton IIs since Sep last year, I've got them on fronts and rears with 50C partnered with a FF4 for center ch along with SS50 for SBs. I have a pair of SVS PC13 ultra DSP with the STA 1000D and AS EQ 1 to hit the low end.. The tritons are set at 40 hz and I get the subs down below to produce clean pipe organ music.. My all time favorites- Andrew Litton's Tchaikovsky 1812 overture, Circus Maximus and Bach's Toccata En Fugue on SACDs. Paul Swartz's Aria I on CD.

So, if I'm counting right (two subs per Triton tower times four towers) your system has 11 subwoofers?!?! Including TWO SVS PC13 Ultras?!?!

DAMN!

There must be earthquake reports when you watch a movie!

In fact, why don't you pop in War of the Worlds, and crank it up to 11. I'm sure I'll be able to hear it for myself! ?

Man, I can only dream about something like that.
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post #1333 of 1623
5/14/12 at 9:48pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by hydrotex View Post


I've had my triton 2's for several months. Love the sound. I opened up my ARC settings to see where they fall off. They start dropping at 35 and by 30 they're in freefall. For music this is fine. For movies you'll want a nice sub to compliment them. Personally I'm budgeting for a Seaton Submersive HP.

The best I can get the SS 50 center to go down to is 120 and then it drops like a rock. I will write the check right now if Sandy will send me something along the lines of a horizontal triton 3. :-)

Same here, im missing out below 30Hz.
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post #1334 of 1623
5/14/12 at 10:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by tboe77 View Post


So, if I'm counting right (two subs per Triton tower times four towers) your system has 11 subwoofers?!?! Including TWO SVS PC13 Ultras?!?!

DAMN!

There must be earthquake reports when you watch a movie!

In fact, why don't you pop in War of the Worlds, and crank it up to 11. I'm sure I'll be able to hear it for myself! ?

Man, I can only dream about something like that.

Sorry, I have a total of 7 = 4 from the towers, 2 SVS and 1 FF4. And yes, I should be able to register at least a 3 on the Richter Scale... I do enjoy War Of The Worlds ( movie and rock opera) and my other fave- The Haunting(I love it when those pipes creaks!!!)..
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post #1335 of 1623
5/14/12 at 10:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by marknordlie View Post

I've had the Triton 2's for over a year now, and absolutely love them! For music, they will give you all the bass you need (other than the lowest of lows from a pipe organ) and for HT, will give your room a little shake. However, IMO, they need a good sub that can reach out and grab your soul! I am looking at HSU as a possible sub, but am waiting for the arrival of Sandy's ForceField 5 before I make a final decision. The FF5 was supposed to be in dealers' showrooms several months ago, but yet another delay. Makes me wonder if they don't quite have it down yet.
Regarding the 50C, I was really hoping that a larger one with powered subs would be available, but apparently nothing on the drawing board. Sandy?

Interesting on the forcefield and thank you all for chiming in. This is good to know. It sounds like I'll want a sub that can produce a strong 20-30ish Hz range to compliment these. Lower than 20hz is just a nice bonus

For music, yes, the tritons sounded perfect. I'm leaning toward these over the B&W CM9s.Maybe one more audition with a few more music genres to seal the deal. I'll still probably wait until I move in December to buy a set of these and a stereo amp.

Ironically, I may be in the market for a sub right away, as my Klipsch is beginning to die. It began to distort and cutout intermittently only yesterday during a movie, but it is very old and has been good. So now I guess I should find a sub/s that will compliment the tritons well. Sub makers like SVS, BK, and HSU have my attention for their ability to hit the lows I like with ease and size isn't an issue. I don't mind a nice looking end table

Trying to stay under $1,000 on the sub. Which of those would you guys go for? The graph for the HSU is impressive
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post #1336 of 1623
5/15/12 at 10:21am
Quote:
Originally Posted by ransom23 View Post

Interesting on the forcefield and thank you all for chiming in. This is good to know. It sounds like I'll want a sub that can produce a strong 20-30ish Hz range to compliment these. Lower than 20hz is just a nice bonus

For music, yes, the tritons sounded perfect. I'm leaning toward these over the B&W CM9s.Maybe one more audition with a few more music genres to seal the deal. I'll still probably wait until I move in December to buy a set of these and a stereo amp.

Ironically, I may be in the market for a sub right away, as my Klipsch is beginning to die. It began to distort and cutout intermittently only yesterday during a movie, but it is very old and has been good. So now I guess I should find a sub/s that will compliment the tritons well. Sub makers like SVS, BK, and HSU have my attention for their ability to hit the lows I like with ease and size isn't an issue. I don't mind a nice looking end table

Trying to stay under $1,000 on the sub. Which of those would you guys go for? The graph for the HSU is impressive

To my ears the Triton 2's sound better than B&W CM9s, particulary in the high end - Tritons have better tweeters. Regarding subs, good ones for under $1k can be found at HSU, SVS and Epik.
On another note, it's going to be more difficult to audition and compare speakers (like Triton 2 vs B&W CM9) as the mortar and brick stores are continuing to fall. Here in Seattle, the last two remaining stand alone Magnolia HiFi & Video stores are closing (will be relocated to existing Best Buy stores). I've been a customer since 1968. The Magnolia "bump outs" at various Best Buy stores don't do much for me. And now I just heard rumor that Definitive Audio (where I bought my Tritons and have been a customer since about 1977) might not be renewing their respective leases on both stores. Most of their profit comes from custom install, not sales from their stores. Again, this is a rumor and I have not yet been able to confirm. Hope it's not true. So, down the road, I guess we will be at the mercy of magazine reviews and blogs on the internet. As Brian Wilson has said, "I wasn't meant for these times"!
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post #1337 of 1623
5/15/12 at 10:40am
Thanks for the suggestions. For the money, I'm leaning toward HSU, but I haven't checked out Epic yet. You mention auditioning high end speakers is getting more difficult, perhaps that is even more true for many of these subs!

I am lucky to have a high end store in town that carries both the tritons and the CM9. For anyone who is in Denver, ListenUp is having their annual Music Matters event a week from today, on the 22nd. There will be reps from plenty of makers there talking theory and doing demonstrations.
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post #1338 of 1623
5/16/12 at 5:40am
Watch out on the Epics. They are notorious for amp issues. Checkout SVS instead.
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post #1339 of 1623
5/16/12 at 8:23am
Add Rythmik to your research.
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post #1340 of 1623
5/17/12 at 5:01am
Quote:
Originally Posted by klh007 View Post

Add Rythmik to your research.

Wow, these sound impressive! Thank you
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post #1341 of 1623
5/17/12 at 5:35pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by sonic debauchery View Post

Watch out on the Epics. They are notorious for amp issues. Checkout SVS instead.

Was not aware of chronic amp issues - what is your source?
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post #1342 of 1623
5/18/12 at 10:01am
Hi, Just a few things: Regarding Aons as a center-They will absolutely work great as long as the size and shape works in your installation. Regarding center channels: we designed the big center channels with built-in subs back in the day of huge rear projection sets. Today things are very different. Honestly, when properly set up and bass management properly configured, the SuperSat 50C really works quite well. That said, for those that want a center channel with a sub there is a simple solution that still preserves the attractive form factor of the SuperSat 50C. You can combine a ForceField 3 or 4 with the SS 50C, run speaker wire into the sub, then from the sub to the SuperSat 50C utilizing the crossover in the sub. Center would then be set as Large. This can be quite great and clearly better than the centers we previously did with the built-in subs. Also, another trick that we've done is if you are using 4 Tritons front and rear, you can run a 4 way split from the LFR out and run them into the LFE in on the Tritons. You would then set the processor on Large left and right main, Large left and right Rears and Sub yes. This surrounds you with the LFE channel, which will rock your world. All the Best, Sandy
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post #1343 of 1623
5/18/12 at 10:13am
Sandy,
Any news on when the inwall speakers will be released?
Thanks,
Matt
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post #1344 of 1623
5/18/12 at 10:27am
Quote:
Originally Posted by marknordlie View Post

Was not aware of chronic amp issues - what is your source?

There is a amp issue with the Legends, but Chad is working on that issue. No problems with the Empires though.
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post #1345 of 1623
5/19/12 at 10:56am
Quote:
Originally Posted by marknordlie View Post

Was not aware of chronic amp issues - what is your source?

The Epik forum on bluray.com
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post #1346 of 1623
5/26/12 at 4:54pm
I just fired up my Tritons Two and I love them. They are precise, accurate, and revealing without being bright. My NHT 2.9s that the Tritons replaced were bright without being accurate and revealing. Maybe I did not amplify them enough, but who cares at this point. What a difference. In vocals, I can now hear the singer draw a breath before launching into a note. I hear subtle stuff in my SACDs I never heard with my NHT 2.9s. Sandy, you will get me fired from my job, because I will miss work listening to all my records again...

My amplification is Denon 4311CI and my player is Oppo BDP-93. I am a very happy camper.
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post #1347 of 1623
5/28/12 at 12:11pm
I also use the Oppo 93 with the Triton 2s. But recently added the Onkyo C-S5vl Super Audio CD/CD Player. These two units provide a same sex marriage made in Heaven. I can't believe this combination. I'm getting more depth in the soundstage, more accurate placement of instruments, more rich, robust, transprent sound, added details without added stridency. It's uncanny, awesome!!! Check out customer evaluations of the Onkyo on Amazon The analog output of the Onkyo does circles around the digital output of the OPPO. I'm sure the Triton's ribbon tweeters add to the mix, but reviewers proclaim improvement with other brands of speakers as well. The unit employs the new, highly regarded, expensive High-Grade Wolfson 192 kHz/24-Bit D/A Converter (WM8742) used in far more expensive equipment. I'm getting a second Onkyo for my home theater downstairs. Incredible!
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post #1348 of 1623
5/28/12 at 12:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by alkemac View Post

These two units provide a same sex marriage made in Heaven.

LOL, I never thought I'd hear that in an audio review...

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post #1349 of 1623
5/28/12 at 1:14pm
I like being Original, refreshing, contemporary, realistic and politically correct.
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post #1350 of 1623
5/28/12 at 2:21pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by alkemac View Post

I like being Original, refreshing, contemporary, realistic and politically correct.

You are all that, I am sure. But my case of upgradeitis has been (temporarily) cured, and not even a prospect of same-sex marriage will cause me listen to the Onkyo. Maybe later, when the upgrade malady flares up again. But thanks for sharing.
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