This theater started with a B&K Components AVP-2000 processor and AV-5000 amp with decent results. The Upgrade Bug hit hard when I found a used, but excellent shape EAD TheaterMaster Ovation processor and PowerMaster 500 for only $2,700! I now have a fantastic preamp/proc. for both music and HT that is upgradable and sounds much smoother, musically cohesive and dynamic than the old B&K AVP2000. Not to mention adding DD, DTS, and HDCD! Unfortunately, my Sony DVD player is an early model that does not output a DTS signal, so I'm not able to listen in DTS yet. I absolutely love the CAL Icon MkII Power Boss CD Player - fantastic bass control and wide open sound. Also decodes HDCD. Some people have told me that the EAD PowerMaster 500 amp sounds better than the higher powered PM1000 and PM2000. I don't know because I haven't heard them, but many people are disappointed that the PM500 is discontinued. The B&W DM series speakers do an adequate job, but I think they are a little too laid back in combination with the EAD units, and I don't think I am hearing all the potential detail and depth that the EAD is capable of. The weakest link now would probably be the subwoofer (which was all I could afford at the time, but I have never been satisfied with it). Just got the ELCO DC-32 digital coax IC for $45 on Audiogon because it is discontinued (was previously $300). No comment yet until I break it in and give it a listen. The company says they discontinued it because the silver cable slowly oxidizes and gradually loses its sound quality over time, but that I should enjoy about 3 years of normal use before having to get a new cable. For $45, it has to be better than the Radio Shack digital coax I was temporarily using! The LAT International IC and speaker cables are a fantastic value and in my listening tests, I preferred them by a wide margin over Kimber 8TC, Tara RSC and some XLO cables I borrowed from the Cable Company. You would have a hard time beating the LATs at their price point!
Audiopath, I think you are right on the money about speakers giving the most change in a system than anything else. I have heard the bigger Nautilus N802 locally and was impressed by its wrap-around soundstaging, but it was in an untreated room that was way too small for the speaker. It was hard to get a true read on the bass because of the room. It sounded bloated and I'm sure it wasn't the speaker's fault. I'd love to try them in my room, 13'W x 21'L and 7' ceiling, but I wonder if my room is big enough! You mentioned the ScanSpeak MTM DIY design, which I think would be very good- I have been looking at that design, but I think I have found something even better! Check out the BESL Series 5 MTM at www.bamberglab.com. It uses 2 of the highly regarded SEAS W18EX with a SEAS Millenium tweeter (top of the line) in an MTM configuration and a top quality precision crossover. It is pricey, but I heard the W18EXs in the Coincident Super Eclipse at the NY Stereophile show, and they sounded incredible! I'll have to start saving my money for speaker upgrades. Thanks for your suggestions!
Bbroussard (Brady), thanks for the tip on the Marantz SA-12S1 I'll check it out. Please post your audition review here if you can find a unit to audition - I'd love to hear your opinion! Thanks for the compliment on my electronics - so far I love the EAD units, and I think I still can get alot more performance out of them as I continue to upgrade various other pieces in my system.
Sugarbrie, my ACE-515 is the older model, and I have noticed some noise, especially when I used my B&K amp. I now have the EAD PM500 plugged into the wall and have noticed a significant reduction in noise, but I have everything else plugged into the ACE-515. I have been reading comments on other sites recommending not using a power conditioner at all and upgrading to hospital quality wall outlets, but I am leery of losing the surge protection if I remove the ACE-515. I'm still undecided....
If your Adcom ACE515 is the older model with the square toggle on/off switch, let it go. Everyone I tried added noise. The newer model with the round push button switch works better. Take a look at the Vansevers Reference line. Will make your video shine as well.
Just saw the new Marantz SA-12S1 Multichannel SACD/DVD in the latest Stereophile that might be one option. Mainstream Marantz products may not get much respect on this site, but I think they provide great value. Their upper end pieces are usually well-respected. This piece may fall somewhere in the middle. I am going to start tracking one down for an audition tomorrow. I am sure there are several others units from a variety of manufacturers on their way soon. I personally came very close to buying the 805N + HTM2 setup described above, but opted for a Soliloquy system instead. I thought the quality was very close for a lot less money. I wish I had your electronics to drive them with. Good luck & good listening! Brady
Thanks everyone above for the comments! Keep'em coming- I love all the great ideas! Hueske, it's interesting that I have recently noticed that the Sony DVD player SUCKS compared to the CAL audio CD player when playing back CDS. The soundstage gets squashed by the Sony, and the sound loses some of its "3D" body and fullness in addition to becoming harsher sounding. So, it follows that the same thing's probably affecting DVD playback too. I think I smell an upgrade coming.... However, I'd like to wait to see a combo DVD/multi channel SACD/CD player with DD/DTS before upgrading though.
Hifiguy, You're on the right track, get rid of anything with the B&K name on it, the Bic Sub and the older B&W speakers. I would suggest that you nail down the speakers first and then you will actually be able to hear the differences between DVD players and other sources. If you like the B&W line, try 5 or 6 of the DM602S2's and an ASW 1000...or better yet if you can find an ASW2000. The 2000 is discontinued and replaced by the ASW2500 which is awful. The new S2 version kills the old DM602's and DS-6. The CC-6 is only good for about 78hz on the bottom end. A DM602S2 will play down to 52hz. It will give you better timbre match across the front. If you can afford to step up to the Nautilus series, a pair of N803's in front, a pair of N805's in the rear, and either an N805 for the center or an HTM2 center. The squashed SCM1's suck so don't go there. The ASW3000 is a good match for the Nautilus system and the ASW4000 is better. The first system is about $2150 if you can find a used ASW2000 sub for about $500. The second one comes in at about $10k. I've listened to the CDM series and can't warm up to them. The CDM 1NT has the best balance but it doesn't hang an image like the N805's do for $800 more. A friend of mine swears by the 5 matching monitors concept. He likes 5 N805's and a sub. If your dealer will break up a pair, this would be $5000 without stands and then you still need a sub. If he won't sell you 5(805's), then get the HTM2 for the center...it is an N805 laid on its side and its the same price as one N805. Now if you're not particularly married to B&W, then order up 5 of the MTM-18's from SpeakerCity.com. For $3375+ freight you'll have the butt kickingest theater setup that you can get for under $10k. But they are kits...you have to build them. The tweeter of choice is the 9500.
The EAD equipment outclasses the rest of your system. You have a great foundation. The B&W DM's are more on a Marantz/Adcom/Rotel level. The CDM or Nautilus B&W's would show you more of what your EAD has to offer. If you think the DM's are laid back, the Nautilus might be right, because they can be quite aggressive on other components, namely Lexicon. Also, don't skimp on your DVD source. The source can improve your current speakers more than most people realize. I would audition DVD players with your current set-up before anything else (Arcam DV88?).
I would like your comments on what components I should consider upgrading next in this system and why. Give me some suggestions on what components you would recommend. Thanks for your help in improving my system!!
