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am I nuts?

here's my story. I have NHT speakers all the way around in a HT setup. 2.5i's for the main, vs2.4 for centre, 1.3A's for rears. Currently, a nakamichi av10 is powering everything. It's fine for HT, but for two channel audio, it sucks. I want to get a good quality integrated amp to improve upon the sound of my system BUT I cannot afford to buy one outright. I don't want to give up home theatre either. So, i'm thinking of selling the 2.5i's and using the 1.3A's as mains (my room is fairly small and to be honest, my 2.5i's are a bit much for the room). With the money I would get for the 2.5i's, I would purchase an inexpensive pair of speakers for the rear and apply the balance as a deposit on a better quality integrated to run the 1.3's (which, again, would be used as the mains).

Am I nuts?

anyone else with any suggestions?
loose
zspradlin
143 posts
 
have you considered cable upgrades? A good friend of mine uses a Denon AVR-3300 for both 2 channel and his HT. It sounds pretty good for an A/V reciever. I would start, if you haven't already, by upgrading the speaker cables on your mains. I would recommend starting with Tara Labs RSC Reference cables, they sound very nice and can be picked up fairly reasonable used. Also, don't forget your power cables, those make a difference as well.
thsalmon
348 posts
 
Your sanity is not any more questionable than the rest of the audiophiles around here! This is just a typical obsessive-compulsive situation in which we all seem to find ourselves.
rosstaman
455 posts
 
Loose...I had almost the exact system a few years ago. Nak AV10 with NHT 2.5i's for mains, Super Ones for rear, and Mirage center and M&K sub. I found myself listening more to two channel music than the surround. Anyway, I agree with Zspradlin. Cables can make a substantial difference in the sound your getting. NHT 2.5i's are on the bright side, so finding cables (IC's and speaker) to warm the sound up may be a good option for you. What cables are you using?
unsound
7,329 posts
 
Perhaps you should check into the "Audio Asylum"?
loose OP
239 posts
 
thanks for your responses so far, guys... very amusing responses...(so I'm not the only psycho here apparently...)

in terms of cables, i use audioquest type 4 speaker cable for my mains in a bi wired configuration. I suspect this is part of the problem as i understand they are bright cables that have the ability to make an already bright system sound edgy. Still, I feel better electronics are in order. The Nak as an av receiver is ok for HT, but two channel is just irritating.

I'm looking into a Unico (80 w/ ch integrated, hybrid), but I'm not sure that's enough to run the mains (which stil, might be sold, in which case, the Unico would certainly be sufficient for the 1.3's). I'm also considering a Moon I-5 or I-3, Cairn (used model, can't remember which but it's 70/ch), Musical Fidelity A3.2 cr (i think that's the integrated model), Primare gear (not sure which), Classe CAP 101 or 151 and Plinius (not sure which model - but would have to be purchased unheard b/c there are no dealers in my area)...

Can anyone recommend what would work well with these speakers (either the 2.5i or the 1.3a - NHT's in general)?

What about cables? Any suggestions? Looking for something more full-bodied.

PS. Sorry about the poorly worded posting here... brain's working faster than my fingers can type.

:P

Steve
Roksan Kandy II,
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