small audio/video system for elderly space

Dwhitt,

You can save your money on a power cord for the NAD C-717 because it has a dedicated lamp cord hardwired through the chassis.

If this system really intrigues you, you also ought to look at desktop units by Onkyo and Denon, and maybe JVC. I have one of the Onkyos on my desk at work and it sounds pretty good with the stock speakers that came with it in the box. A decent set of speaker wires and a little silclear or similar contact enhancer on the AC plug and you are in business. My Onkyo is CD only, but I seem to recall the DVD units sounded at least as good.

With that said, 20W of budget class D amplification gets the leading edges and sounds "speedy" and lively, but lacks some in terms of body and warmth. Given your audio history, you may want to look at one the larger NAD all-in-ones. Audio Advisor has the NAD-L73 DVD/CD Surround Receiver on sale for about $500 right now - $200 less than it's 2 channel sister unit the L54. I have heard this system driving Era Designs and B&W CM-1's and it sounded like music. An active subwoofer would still be needed to get movie effects or deepest bass passages right.

Maven + Arro = :-)

i don't understand the maven + arro = ? please explain...i won;t do anything until after first of year when i move thanks everyone

i understand the maven is not a dvd or cd? now moving toward the naim/arro/storm ,if my area can handle the floor stander......i am all over the place with this ,alot to look at...dwhitt

Dwhitt,

"Maven + Arro = :-)" means this would be a very good sounding combo (look at the last three symbols sideways, smiley face).

Yes, the Maven is a traditional receiver (AM/FM plus integrated amp) with a built in DAC for your iPod, computer, etc. You would have to add a digital source like an Oppo DVD player to play movies or CDs through the system. So the Maven would NOT be a one-box system.

The Naim n-Vi/Arro/Storm system would be a really great set up if you can swing it. I have found that Naim amplifiers generally work really well with Totem's column speakers. If I read your system page correctly, you already have the Arros so would only need to add the Naim and the subwoofer. There is a used Totem Storm subwoofer for sale right now on Audiogon. Or, you might just want to get the Naim to start with, and see if you feel you really need the added bass from a sub in your new space. If so, you can add one later.