[Tony-V]

Dear members of AVSF


I'd like to upgrade my equipment and was wondering what part I should start with. I have about 5'000$ to spend.

The size of my room is: 15 x 24 feet. My equipment :


- B&W Nautilus 803 main

- B&W Natilus HTM1 center

- B&W DS6 (Dipol) rear


- EAD TheaterMaster Ovation pre

- Carver 806x 6-channel amplifier


- EAD TheaterVision LD/CD Transport

- Toshiba SD9000 DVD-Player


I know I need a subwoofer (I was thinking of the B&W ASW4000,ASW2500 or the PIEGA SUB1).

I was thinking of changing the rear-speakers for the B&W Nautilus 805 or the new B&W SCM1 (same as the 805 for wallmount).


Is it worth getting a more expensive amp ? Let's say a EAD PowerMaster 2000 ????


What would you buy and what part of the system would you start changing first ?


Thank you for your help !


Anthony

 

[Steve Dodds]

I'd start with the sub, and then move to your rears. Your choices seem to be fairly wise ones.


Others may tell you to go for the Powermaster or another power amp. IMHO, the bang for the buck will be most felt doing other things first.


Steve

 

[ross]

The only thing you hear is the sound of your speakers. Spend all your

money on speakers and buy cheap reliable power, processing and switching.

Then, laugh at the fools who buy expensive cables and other junk.

 

[ChuckTraywick]

I am sorry to have to disagree with ross. Amps do make a difference.


You might listen to the Aerial sub. It's expensive but will do a lot for your system.


You might also consider adding sides if your processor can handle it.


Chuck

 

[avdoc]

Since you have an unused channel on your amp, you might consider the VMPS larger subwoofer. I don't own one, but am seriously considering purchasing it. See http://www.vmpsaudio.com .

 

[analogueaddict]

Hello Tony,


You hae a list of truly outstanding equipment. For me the weakest link in the system is your power amp. Carver is very good, but it can be bettered.


I'd certainly audition the Bryston 9B-ST or Krell KAV-500 power amps. The Krell in absolute terms is probably the superior amp, but the Bryston just gets so much of the Krells sound for about half it's price (in the UK the 9B-ST is a shade over half the Krell's price). You also have the reassurance of a 20 year warranty, customer service which is probably amongst the best in the business and a level of sound quality which is very difficult top match (as I said Krell is one of a VERY short list who can match or better Bryston). Our very own Steve Bruzonsky from the Tweaks forum uses Bryston's all round and I've just ordered Bryston amps for the front channels in my HT.


Apart from the amp the lack of a subwoofer would be my next possible purchase. Certainly the B&W subs are excellent and would, naturally, make a great match. I'd also consider REL subs as they are very musical, fairly easy to set up courtesy of the range of controls supplied and extremely well made. I'd have no hesitation about putting the REL subs up against the likes of Velodyne or B&W, especially considering the fact that they are made in the UK so they are cheaper over here than the Velodyne's.


Well, that's a couple of ideas off the top of my head. I hope this helps and if there is anything else I can help with then please don't hesitate to drop me a line.


Regards and best wishes,


David


------------------

Do you still listen to vinyl?

If so then come and see us fellow vinyl lovers

at http://www.analogue-domain.org.uk