Thanks Scott, I found your forum while installing my new home theatre system and it looks insightful!
Until a few weeks ago my primary system was:
Source-
Roksan Caspian M Series-1 Integrated CD Player
Mac Mini late 2012
Foxtel IQ1 (standard definition)
Amplification-
Roksan Caspian M Series-1 Integrated Amplifier
Centrance Dacport class A headphone DAC and amplifier
Sound-
Monitor Audio GS60 floor standing speakers
Denon AH-D7000 headphones
Vision-
Sony EH36M31 36" CRT (cathode ray tube, for Gen X or those that have forgotten).
That 2-channel stereo system played CD's quite well, albeit the Roksan powered MA gold series floor standers favour those who prefer music sounding slightly on the bright side. Some music sounds quite stunning with this setup. Imagine after a couple of red wines listening in awe to Pink Floyd's "In The Flesh?" the sound of aircraft flying overhead at staggeringly loud yet crystal clear volumes and surprisingly musical. However, I always found my Denon's a more enjoyable experience. Coupled with the DACport, which is a very good DAC and headphone Amp, its capabilities are consistently delightful and often remarkable. On vision, I have owned my 92kg 36" Sony since 2001. It was best in breed, retailed for $7,000 (I recall plasmas were $12,000 at the time), and a strong performer over the past 13 years. My sound and vision systems were never integrated and I have contemplated home theater systems and options for the past few years. Recent purchases over the past month have this ambition almost complete. The complete system, noting that I'm taking delivery of the rear effects speakers this afternoon, is (new with *):
Source-
* Denon DBT-3313UD Blu-ray player
* HTC One m7
* Foxtel IQ2
Roksan Caspian M Series-1 Integrated CD Player
Mac Mini late 2012
Amplification-
* Denon AVR-4520 AV receiver with Denon Link HD from the Blu-ray player
* (trialed but returned) Marantz SR-6007
Roksan Caspian M Series-1 Integrated Amplifier
Centrance Dacport class A headphone DAC and amplifier
Sound-
* Monitor Audio RX-FX speakers for surround (2 speakers) and surround back (2 speakers)
* Monitor Audio RXcentre speaker
* Monitor Audio RXW-12 active sub woofer
Monitor Audio GS60 floor standing speakers (which I plan on bi-amping using the Denon 4520 Front Wide amp).
Denon AH-D7000 headphones
Vision-
Samsung F8500 64" Plasma
Thoughts or assistance on today's bi-amping and installation project are welcome. I would be happy to provide feedback. My initial feedback is that the TV's picture is jaw-dropping. Watching Life of Pi in 2D with friends had us exclaiming OMG so constantly it became embarrassing. While the trialed Marantz AV Receiver was ok (and half the price) I knew my decision to swap it for the Denon AVR was the right one merely a few seconds after running through Audyssey. A feeling of sheer delight moved through me as the spacecraft from Alien (Directors cut 2003) passed overhead. It was breathtaking even with my girlfriend's Accent Acoustics speakers temporarily running the rear effects. It has brought to life and warmed the gold series front speakers. I now bask in DTS-HD visual and auditory glory knowing that it can only get better once the rear effects speakers have been run in and the AV Receiver is finally put to its intended bi-amping use. Armed with a glass of pinot noir I have Oblivion turned up to house thumping volumes. OMG is all I can say. Although my girlfriend adds, when are we going shopping for an entertainment unit. There's only so long I can sit everything on my old Sony CRT stand / Wooden stool combo! I'm hoping salamander designs AV furniture (see:
http://www.salamanderdesigns.com/products/details/58fe9118-76c4-1d4b-ab8a-520877e1c2c1 ) or equivalent can be found in Australia?