No need for surround sound with this system (I prefer a simple 2-channel system as opposed to an elaborate multi-channel surround sound system in my experience and in my room). It does an excellent job providing a real HD experience in my relatively small room. I also really enjoy sitting back and enjoying my favorite SACD, DVD-Audio, or CD on this very good sounding system.
1080p upscaling DVD player with SACD, DVD-Audio, and HDCD capabilities - HDMI and Component Video connections
MUSIC Timbre Gold Alloy
Some of the smoothest sounding interconnects I've had the pleasure to own and hear.
Behringer Reference A500
2-channels, dual volume attenuators, dual power meters, 160 wpc into 8 Ohms, 230 wpc into 4 Ohms, 500 watts into 8 Ohms bridged as a monoblock, connections for pro-audio applications as well as home hi-fi
MUSIC Timbre Gold Alloy
I can't say if there's a better sounding speaker cable. There may be, but these sing so well, I'm more than satisfied with their presentation. I've heard many well-reviewed top brands, and these are the best I've heard so far.
Aural Ecstasy TAD-805SD in cherry finish
Currently in their initial break-in period from Tue Oct 23, 2006...
Dayton Audio High Mass 24
Since I sold my Osiris stands and got floorstanding speakers awhile back, recently when I sold the floor speakers and returned to minimonitors, I found these to be quite good and solid. Not the benchmark that Osiris stands are known for, but fairly similar in design and relatively close in performance. Better than most anyway.
Hsu Research VTF-2 Mk3
Awesome capabilities. This sub will go extremely deep and clean. I reproduced 13Hz with credible energy. This sub can easily overload a room if you're not careful -but it's fun to have that much horsepower available on tap.
Yes, they do look very similar, and I'm sure the BWs sound (and maybe even look a little bit) better -but at ~10 times the price, they'd better. I would love to do a comparison between the two. I wonder if the model number of the AE speakers was deliberate or just a coincidence? Hmmm...
System edited: While waiting for some TAD-805SDs, I needed something to listen to since I sold my Acoustech HT-64 monitors, so I opted for a pair of Boston Acoustic CR67s. I wasn't expecting too much for them because of their low price, just something to get me by, but I have to say that they are some excellent performers and I may keep them around for awhile. I'm selling my Oppo now (auction closes Mon 10-22), and I got a new Pioneer DV-46AV. It doesn't look quite as high quality as the Oppo (especially in the rear), but it has component video connections in addition to what the Oppo has, plus I like its operation and menu easier to use.
Well, that's all fine and good for those that feel that way, but from my 25 years of experimenting with audio gear as well as cables, I go by what my ears tell me, and I have found that any component (including cables) can affect the synergy of the entire system -not to mention speaker placement and room acoustics.
In respects to cabling, I have heard very expensive cables sound bad and very inexpensive cables sound quite good -and everywhere in between. If I didn't hear any wothwhile differences, I would just use the cheapest 22-gauge cable I could find.
Bottom line, to my ears, the system that has good synergy will put a grin on my face -and that's what it's all about for me.
You are correct, and both are the first ever made. I've sold the speakers and will be selling the Oppo soon -changes never cease... Stay tuned for updates.
