Thoughts on potential new system?


Just went to a Magnolia Design Center and did some looking and listening. My wife and I started with the Sonus Faber 2.5 and 3.0. 3.0 was a big step up from 2.5, but still not great. (For reference, our stereo system is Magnepan 20.1 with AR Reference 3 and Cary Monoblocks). Anyway, tried the B&W speakers and liked them but my wife's ears found the treble a bit harsh at times. I thought they were good, but a bit sterile and brighter in character. Eventually settled on Sonus Faber Olympia 3 as our favorite. Thinking of the Olympia 2 in a HT setup to save a few dollars. Here is their recommended system with the TV (75" Samsung 8550).

Sonus Faber Olympia 2 fronts, Olympia Center, and some in ceiling rears (necessitated by room, unfortunately).
McIntosh 5 channel amp, 200wpc
Marantz pre/pro
Oppo 105 player
REL S3 sub

Any thoughts? I am pretty confident on the front speakers and the Oppo as being a good versatile player. However, I have never owned McIntosh gear and close to $7k for an amp is not cheap. The Marantz is under $2k so is reasonable. I have a Rel Britannia B1 sub in our stereo system for30hz on down so am pretty happy with Rel tho not so confident on HT use. My main concern is the McIntosh and whether I could get similar or superior performance for fewer dollars.....

Thanks for any thoughts or suggestions.
luvwine

Showing 7 responses by luvwine

Planning on a Samsung 75" 8550 4K TV. Price is just under $5k. I thought about the 85", but we will only be about 9' away so not realley "needed" and wife thought 85 too big. I am waiting for a quote on rest of system to see how much room they have in pricing. They won't discount the TV, but should give 10% or more on the rest depending on the piece. I think 12% on speakers, but not sure on the electronics (I hope more). The amp is the hardest decision. Thx for the suggestions. Keep me coming! I was trying to stay to $25k but suspect wight the above equipment, I may be looking closer to 30k. This is at the tail end of a major (for us) home renovation. Been bleeding money for the last six months. At least this money will result in more fun than a new roof.....;)
I think the Marantz is the 7702 but not 100% sure. They were quoting $1699 so it might have been the 7701 and, if so, I know Crutchfield has them for 1199.....

Anyone have any thoughts on SF Olympica 2 versus 3? I am thinking with a sub, the extra 5 hertz may not be worth the extra money $3,500 more).
Hi David,

No, am not giving up my two channel Magnepan setup. That is in another room. This system will be for movies and occasional music listening. It is next to the kitchen and so I expect it will get turned on for music listening more than the two channel system that is farther away just due to convenience. We are pretty picky about speakers, however, and my wife went listening with me as she has greater sensitivity to harsh high frequencies than I do. She vetoed some speakers instantly. The processor is not that expensive ($1699 for the Marantz). I generally don't like to get integrated amps as my impression is that electronics/surround sound formats change pretty frequently, but amps can last indefinitely. For example, I used to have EAD Ovation and later Signature surround sound processors. They were very fine in many ways, but they got outdated and I ended up giving them away. I have had an ATI 1505 amplifier for years (paired with the EAD) and I expect it to continue going strong for years to come....

The sales folks have suggested a cheaper amp--Rotel 1585. Any thoughts on it versus the much pricier McIntosh?

Well, the ATI is going to be used in an upstairs system.

I talked to another HT I staller who recommended the integra 60.5 processor over the Marantz 7702. They are the same price, and it probably doesn't matter, but any thoughts on that choice?

Thx again!
I ended up going with a Velodyne DD-12+. I actually have an SVS sub I may sell. It is a beast tho so I shudder at the thought of shipping it!