small audio/video system for elderly space

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.

thanks knownothing....and too all....knownothing,,,i don't own the arro speakers anylonger...i sold them back in the summer and now own focal . the focal is too large for my new space....so looking....i do have avast knowledge of equipment and have owned alot of equipment in the last forty years but others thoughts and knowledge from outside is always helpful...didn't know that naim had a one box unit. i heard the wall units today from era and boy do i like them...the era is very detailed....and with the decco,,,and my squeezebox and oppo ,if purchased, may make the look and sound i am looking for....the decco is sweet....my unit that i am to move into is finished this weekend and hopefully i can move on with the purchase....i believe all the ideas are helpful but only one can be used and with the boombox from logitech in my bedroom ..i will be set....i have changed my mind several time...i may opt for something that looks nicer than the oppo in a universal player...or upgrade. i have found that i am getting more into classical and jazz as these days go by and sacd may be something that i may lookinto more...what about the new bluray plaers for video and audio???????????? i could buy one of those for the player ,if seperates are used, and buy the decco and era wall units with sub....???/again food for thought...this could be my last purchase....i want to make it really look good....thanks dwhitt

Dwhitt,

Hope I am not harassing you (HA!). I was looking at the latest issue of TAS and noted an ad for an Oppo Bluray player. It looks way more polished than their other models - brushed black aluminum face plate. My question would be, how well does this player work with redbook or sacd's?

You know, the NAD VISO TWO DVD/CD Receiver looks better to me all the time - a little slicker looking than the Decco, and I think they really poored it on the internals of those rigs. No Bluray - but for 2.1 channel sound and a smaller monitor, you don't really need any higher video resolution than the component out for standard DVD.

How about this for a system:

NAD VISO TWO DVD/CD Receiver
Era Flat Panel speakers in piano gloss black
Era Sub 8 in piano gloss black?

Looks and sounds good. Compact. You are set.

knownothing, you are right about the decco looks, nothing to look at, very office looking. i know it sounds good with the era stuff since they are out of the same dist., peachtree audio, the era is the old designer of ads product in the eighties. he designed some of the best small monitors then and has come back with similar .....now.....you are right about the nad two....looks are outstanding...looks like a piece of equipment but polished up a little, like detailing a car.....the little system you suggest is well, righteous. the wall mounts with the sub are everything i would want in my space....the era monitors are very detailed, i have never has a sub that worked well with time and pace ...i used the vandersteen ,2ce sig. and his sub and he got it close with the crossovers on the am inputs. you are not writing in the forum too much, i like input from others, i have a vast knowledge of product but it always good to hear what others think and like...in fact , last year i heard the era speakers with the decco and liked the detail. the nad receiver you suggest i saw also last summer on thir site and liked it. i was looking for this system when i had my cayin tube amp, tube cd and totem arro speakers that are on my system, jazz budget system on the gon site.....it was a very small and good sounding system for what i play...i will continue to think on it,,,the hunt is fun for me....if you like quitar players,,,,listen to jeff beck's new live cd....it is on raspody site....i listen to it last night and it is one of the best quitar cds i have heard in along time,,,i am in my 60s and he has always been a great player...take care and good listening....i enjoy everyones insight and comments...thanks dwhitt..........ill take a look at the oppo blu ray....but i am mostly into listeningto music than video ,.dwhitt

For what it is worth, the latest issue of TAS just gave the VISO TWO one of their "Product of the Year" awards.

I have not had that much trouble integrating a sub with satellite speakers. I use a cheap Radio Shack digital sound meter, a couple of test disks and my ears to get the crossover setting right. Fooling around with position in the room is the most critical part for me. The smaller the front speakers and the higher the crossover setting, the closer the sub needs to be to the other speakers to achieve a coherent overall presentation. For crossover settings much above 60Hz, I find this becomes perhaps the key factor in set up.

Enjoy.