2. amps-preamps
  3. 136297-110229

Where do I go from here?

    • Marantz AV-7005, pre/pro (with balanced outputs and 1.4a HDMI);  Rotel RMB-1565, surrounds and center;  Rotel RKB-650, mains w/ bi-amping;  Martin Logan Motion 20, mains;  Martin Logan Motion 8 Center; Klipsch SW-10, sub;  KEF iQ-5, surrounds;  Klipsch RS-41 II, surround backs
    • Alright y'all, here is your chance to help out the newbie with your thoughts and opinions. Thanks in advance for what you may offer.  I have the above system, which is sounding really nice, with many of the qualities I've been looking for, but the upgraditis is creeping in, (again, sigh) and I am wondering which of the components may represent the weak link to my music listening nirvana?  As some my recognize, I recently added the Motion 20's to the lineup, much to my satisfaction, but where might I go from here.  I'm thinking my better half may let me get away with another $1500-2000 before I'm sleeping with the system and not her, LOL.  Since I'm more interested in the musicality of the system, listening to a mix of female vocal, rock, and dipping into the ambient realm now and then, I'm considering the replacement of the Rotel RKD-650 with something in a nice stereo configuration, possibly 3-channel to pick up the center. I'm really looking to broaden and deepen the soundstage as much as anything.  What do you think?
    128x128wisciman99
    wisciman99's avatar
    wisciman99 OP
    75 posts
     
    I am wondering which of the components may represent the weak link to my music listening nirvana? ... Since I'm more interested in the musicality of the system, listening to a mix of female vocal, rock, and dipping into the ambient realm now and then, I'm considering the replacement of the Rotel RKD-650 with something in a nice stereo configuration, possibly 3-channel to pick up the center.

    Thanks everyone, but we are getting a little off topic, IMO.  I have fiddled with speaker placement for several weeks to get to where I am with them, and I am not really interested in working on the surround system.  Let me ask this, then, if I am going to replace the 650, would a foray into the world of tube amps/monoblocks be a worthwhile investment?  I see the Prima Luna Prologue 7 for $1.7k, what are your thoughts on this matter?
    wisciman99's avatar
    wisciman99 OP
    75 posts
     
    There is a Cary CAD-808 (Rocket 88) in the same price range as well.
    soix
    9,789 posts
     
    Your biggest bottleneck to a broader and deeper soundstage from an equipment standpoint IMO (and assuming you've optimized speaker placement) is probably the preamp section of your prepro.  A good dedicated stereo pre can really open up a system in so many ways, and although I won't go into it here it is very easy and seamless to integrate a stereo pre into a multichannel system where the prepro is out of the loop completely for 2-channel listening.  In your situation you might even consider a good integrated as you'll upgrade both the amp (which you'll probably want to upgrade at some point anyway) and pre at the same time.  Best of luck. 

    atmasphere's avatar
    atmasphere
    11,953 posts
     
    possibly 3-channel to pick up the center.
    If you want proper 3D soundstage, I'd stay away from a center channel unless its a dialogue channel for the home theater; even then they can be marginal...
    If you want more 3D, tubes are something to try.
    wisciman99's avatar
    wisciman99 OP
    75 posts
     
    Thanks, soix.  I went with the Marantz pre for the 1.4a HDMI in/outs.  I have the 4k tv which looks very nice through the pre/pro (it also passively passes signal in standby) , and I actually just recently moved away from the (Onkyo) receiver for more flexibility.  The other matter is that much of my listening is done through the DLNA feature of the pre with Media Monkey for the several thousand flac songs I have on hard disc.  I need to check the DVD palyer tho, it may also have that feature.  (I need to get a rack soon, LOL)
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