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Am I going insane?

I am not what most of you would call an audiophile, although I do appreciate a nice soundstage. I figured this was a good place to ask my questions. First I want to give you my situation though...

Last year I bought the Sony 40"XBR. I love it. Now it's time to purchase a very modest sound system for HT and 2channel. I don't have ANY equipment yet. I do know that the speakers are the first, most important piece to aquire.

So, I was at a dealer last week. I was listening to the B&W CDM NT1 series in both 5.1 and 2 channel. The sound was clear and I was pretty impressed. This is the B&W series (at least retail) that is in my price range.
Then, the fella helping me switched to the Boston Acoustics VR-M60s, with the matching center and surrounds. I thought that the BAs sounded better...much better...more free, less boxy. Both sets were being played from a Yamaha reciever (not hifi to be sure, but I can't afford good components yet). AM I NUTS? Would seperates make this setup sound better? The room was setup nicely, at least as far as my limited experience can tell.

Since then I have listened to a PSB setup, but wasn't as impressed. I also teased myself with a BEAUFIFUL Sonus Faber setup that I might be albe to afford in about 1000 years. I am looking for other options, but am limited by around a $2000 budget for speakers. If I can get something used that is higher quality (but able to be pushed from a reciever for a while), I certainly will go that way. I read similar posts as this regarding Thiel 1.5s. I am searching for a place to hear these.

I have decided to go with the Velodyne SPL800 or SPL1000 sub, as I really liked how it dissapeared in the B&W and BA setups.

Please help a really green newbie who is trying to get some bang for bucks.

Thanks,
Z
zstokes
garfish
1,840 posts
 
Z; insanity is part and parcel of this goofy affliction, so welcome aboard. I agree that speakers come first too-- because they are the most colored and most conspicuous part of your system, you need speakers that YOU can live with and that make you happy.

I am a very strong proponent of good source and amplification components too(and wires for that matter), But as everyone has to start somewhere it might just as well be speakers-- and I agree with Bomarc, you are on the right track. Go for the speakers first and get the ones you like best. You can up-grade other components as budget, knowledge and time allow. Cheers, and Good Luck. Craig
thorty40
149 posts
 
Z, I don't know if there is a JMR dealer in your area but if you can find a pair used that would be the best route. I think they retail for about $1k right now brand new and would be driven very well with your present Yamaha receiver.

Did you read the consumer reviews of the JMR Twinn Mk II at www.audioreview.com??
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
B&W cult? More like a bash B&W cult judging form other Agon theads. Almost every post mentions system synergy, not that B&W is better for all uses.

I owned a pair of Bostons for 11 years. They are actually an excellent choice for receiver based systems. B&Ws are not in most cases, except for maybe the 300 and 600 series. The impedence curve on many B&W speakers is more than most receivers can handle.

B&W's golden era was between 1985 and 1997. They are in some ways a victim of their own success. Some of their new designs are better for HT and not audio. They've also made some changes for production reasons to keep up with demand that have not helped in the musicality department. The original CDM-1 are better than the later SE and NT versions for 2 channel audio in my opinion.

The original post was "Am I insane" that the BA's sound better in my system. Still no, for all the reasons stated by everyone.

bbtuna
96 posts
 
make sure your listening test are through and fair

Get music you know well
Get a variety of music: some good recordings, some bad as well as variety of music styles.

make sure the volume is the same loudness when moving from one to another because louder volume allways seems better (even to trained ears).

Make sure you listen ABA in other words the first speaker, the second the first one again. Do this AT LEAST once and more if possible on every piece of music.

Try and get in a longer session on both so you can tell if either of them give you fatige.

make sure you aren’t changing any components except the one your testing so the test is fair (preferably something near your system if you can’t do it in your house.

it helps if you are not rushed and can do the listening without pressure (in other words, send you wife out on a shopping spree. This will cost a couple of bucks, but it will be well worth the effort. You will listen comfortably and your wife will like you, and your hobby, better.

After you feel you have done your homework, buy what you like best regardless of name or price (within your budget of course).

happy listening,
cd
neubilder
129 posts
 
B&W is British for Bose.
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