My New System

Just want to share my results of a months long search for a good system;

I inherited some money and wanted to buy one thing for myself.  All the rest was invested or went into home improvements.  I'm not into some of the really "high-end" gear so mine might seem pedestrian to some of you.  None the less, I wanted to share with those of you in the market for a new system in my price range, $30k.

I do not have a "listening room" so IMO much of the benefit to high-end gear would be wasted due to the environment, an open-floor-plan living room / kitchen with one side being all windows.  Still, I wanted something that sounded a step above my previous systems.  I think I got that.  

I primarily listen to Classic Rock but also some Classical and a little Country.  I do not have any Vinyl.  I swore-off records long ago.  I like using Amazon Music.  The screen scrolls the lyrics and they offer Ultra HD for most of what I put in my playlists. I can also play the HD stuff from my PC on the Network connection.

My previous gear has varied over the years.  I got my first pair of Klipsh Hereseys back in '81.  I had some Wharfdales for a time and Polk too.  The best pre/pro system was Outlaw (sadly, I sold my Outlaw system a while back and the 976 is discontinued now) Unfortunately, Outlaw is no more.  But I also wanted something more "up-to-date".  And I wanted to go Bi-Amp this time.  Yeah, yeah but it's my choice so...if you are in the market and are having a hard time deciding I can tell you that this combo works.  Set-up was easy and I have not had any issues with performance.  The sound is staggering and it makes the hair on my arms stand up.

I've done what I can to help the room acoustics but it is still our living room.  I put color-matched dampening panels behind the speakers. (wife loves them. painted to match using a SW color code) We had drapes installed and I encouraged the wife to get a heavy, woven fabric. $18k later, problem solved.  I also had a dedicated 20a line installed and all the cables are hidden in the walls.  It may not be a listening room but it's as good as I can get.

The end result is this;

Anthem AVM 70 pre/pro connected to my home network via LAN cable and to the Sony A9G via AudioQuest 8k HDMI cables + dual NAD C298 Class D amps to bi-amp + SVS PB4000 Sub + KEF R11 Meta towers in Walnut finish. (again, wife loves how they look in a room filled with walnut finish furniture).  I also have a Sony BDP8000.  Power from the dedicated 20a line is to a Furman Elite 20 PFi.  I had the 12ga speaker cables with "kevlar look" bananas made by Performance Audio.  They can label the cables for you and it is worth it.  All the connections are Audio Quest.  The cabinets where custom made to my specs by DutchCrafters.  Made to match our existing bookcase and finished in walnut.  A perfect match to the KEF's.  Not cheap and you have to wait 4 months but well worth it.

I love the look, fit and finish of the AVM70.  The huge display was a big reason for my choice.  (besides the specs haha!)  You can see it from your listening position.  I wanted something clean with the brushed finish to match the NAD's. (unlike the NAD Master Series with the silver trim) The Anthem was easy to set-up and it updated itself with no issues.  (Note: I have yet to run the ARC Room Correction)

I have AC Infinity S8 fans atop the NAD's but the Class D amps have lived up to their reputation.  Extended play time at loud volumes has not triggered the fans once.  I can walk the power up to -19 for hours and the NAD amps play sound so clean it gives me goose bumps.

The KEF R11 Meta speakers are the best I've ever heard.  They are on par with my buddies' LaScallas without the giant cabinet.  The highs are crisp and clear without being taxing but it's the mid-range that grabs you.  The bass on these is amazing.  I would say you could go without a sub if you so choose.  Best part is, they handle playing Led Zeppelin at concert level with no distortion.  Everyone, and I mean everyone, who hears them says the same thing.  "Wow".  They are impressive to say the least.

I looked at McIntosh and the Marantz AV10/AMP10.  It's easy to get caught-up in specs when you have the money.  But I chose to be more realistic.  I considered the listening environment and my source material.  I considered looks to keep the Mrs. happy.  I tried to balance everything so that no one component outshined the others.

The purpose of this thread is to tell you, IMO, I hit the nail on the head.  I can honestly say that I now belong to that select group of Audiophiles who are extremely satisfied with their set-up.