Kung Fu Theatre Tonight

by jimburger on Home Theater
From the cash seat
Sony Bravia KDL52v4100
Linn LP12 & ARC SP14
RDC7,BDp-83, & DishTV

Description

In this system, the goal is to provide a satisfying home theatre without sacrificing high performance 2 channel music reproduction. It is a hybrid system utilizing a Home Theatre digital controller and a separate tube phono preamplifier. I am trying out an Integra RDC7 prepro in order to take advantage of the analog direct mode for my LP and CD systems as well as the multi-channel 5.1 analog input. We'll see if the fuss about DTS Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD represents a worthwhile advancement. Also the RDC7 is reputed to have dual differential PCM 1704 Dacs in the front right and left channels which I will run balanced into the Dreadnaught II.

I have decided to utilize a signal chain that is balanced from the processor through the front three channel amplifier and single-ended to the surrounds and rear subwoofer. The large Magnepan dipoles make for an imposing yet visually attractive statement. They also provide the big sound necessary for a fairly large room. As well as trying to put together a good sounding system, an attempt was made to make the system friendly and comfortable for the spousal unit as well as the pets.

The legendary Linn Sondek LP-12 record playing system is the primary analog source. It was recently acclaimed by Stereophile (11/02) as the most important audio component of the past 40 years. Digital playback source is accomplished by a Denon DVD 756s and a Oppo Universal player for CD,SACD and DVD-A. The analog 5.1 multi-channel outputs of the Oppo are connected to the Integra with a Precision Audio cables DB25 to RCA snake to take advantage of the Oppo s internal decoding of DTS MA, Dolby True HD, SACD and DVD-A formats. Legacy DTS and Dolby Digital are handled by Bluejeanscables coax. Only the superb tube phono section is utilized in the Audio Research SP-14 and the Integra RDC7 is utilized as the active line stage in analog direct mode. The Sp-14 is still sought after for its very musical phono section. The front three channels of the Integra RDC7 is run balanced into the the Theta Dreadnaught II amplifier, which provides 450 wpc to the 4ohm Magnepans. The Dreadnaught II is a muscular amplifier that also reveals the softest musical detail. The Magnepan MG 3.6R is a true world class speaker. It offers outstandingly natural reproduction of both large scale instrumental work as well as the most subtle musical detail. The stereo pair of Vandersteen 2WQ subwoofers blend seamlessly into the system due to its unusual crossover design. The full range signal from the Integra RDC-7 is filtered via the Vandersteen M5 HP Balanced crossover which sends a high pass signal to the left and right channels of the Dreadnaught II amplifier which feeds the 2WQ's.

The heart of the home theatre system (which incorporates the Maggie/Vandersteen/ Theta speaker/sub/amplifier combo for the L/R channel duties) is a Integra RDC7 which offers Dolby Digital, DTS, and Dolby Prologic II processing for legacy surround sound formats. The Integra RDC7 is connected by balanced XLR to the Theta Dreadnaught II for the front 3 channels. This signal is high-passed to the Dreadnaught via Vandersteen M5 HP Balanced filters. The surround speakers are Magnepan's 1.6QR powered by a Classe'25 amplifier providing 500 wpc @4ohms. The theatre subwoofer is the Hsu Research VTF-2 subwoofer. The critically acclaimed Polk Lsi Series speaker handles the center channel duties. The system easily handles the 105db peaks that good home theater systems must achieve. Bluray discs and standard DVD's are handled by an Oppo Digital BDP-83SE. The Oppo also handles internal decoding of Dolby TrueHD and DTS Master Audio surround codecs. HDTV is received via AT&T Homezone Dish Network HD DVR connected with component video cables. The primary seating area is 10 feet away from the Sony 52” 16x9 LCD screen. The system is controlled by a Home Theater Master MX-500 Universal Remote Control. Testing equipment include a THX calibrated Radio Shack SPL Meter using AVIA & THX-EX setup DVD audio test tones and ETF Acoustic 5x software (using MLS) running on a Toshiba Laptop PC with a calibrated microphone. Power distribution and AC surge as well as line filtration is provided by a Panamax M5400-pm.
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Components Toggle details

    • Theta Digital Dreadnaught 2
    3 channels x 250 configuration. Powering left, right, and center channels.
    • Integra Research RDC 7
    Upgraded version with THX UltraII and PLII
    • Oppo Digital BDP-83SE
    Blu-Ray, DVD with VRS processing, DTS/MA,Dolby TrueHD,SACD, DVD-A, & CD from analog outputs. ESS 32bit Sabre DAC.
    • Magnepan MG-3.6r
    white grill with oak trim
    • Magnepan MG-1.6qr
    L & R surround SPEAKERS
    • Classe Audio 25
    250 WPC 8 OHMS, 500 WPC 4OHMS. Left and Right surround channels.
    • Linn LP-12 VALHALLA
    AFROMOSIA
    • Linn Akito
    BLACK
    • Sumiko Bluepoint Special
    NUDE STYLUS
    • Audio Research SP-14
    PHONO STAGE ONLY
    • Polk Audio LSIC
    CENTER CHANNEL SPEAKER
    • Vandersteen 2Wq stereo pair
    2WQ WITH ADJUSTABLE Q
    • Vandersteen M5 HPB
    Battery-biased balanced high pass crossover
    • Hsu Research VTF-2
    Rear channel subwoofer
    • Sony Bravia KDL52v4100
    52
    • MIT MI 330
    ORIGINAL BRISSON DESIGN
    • XLO DVO
    ER-12 BIWIRE MAGNEPANS ER-12 for Polk LSic center channel
    • MONSTER CLASSIC
    FOR SURROUNDS
    • Sony VCR
    VCR
    • AT & T Homezone 622 HZ DVR
    HDTV Dish Network DVR using component video outputs to tv monitor.
    • Denon 756S
    Progressive scan DVD w/DCDi,upscales to 1080i in HDMI mode. DVD-A, SACD
    • Hometheatremaster MX 500
    Universal Remote Control
    • Infinity Audio Silverbridge Maggie Jumpers
    12" silver jumpers with Cardas Rhodium Magnepan-specific pins.
    • Bluejeans Cables Balanced XLR
    Neutrik XLR and Belden 1800F cable from Theta Casanova left, right, and center channels to Theta Dreadnaught II.
    • Bluejeans Cable Digital Interconnect
    Canare RCA connectors and Belden 1694 cable from Rotel CD player transport to Genesis Lens
    • Vanco HDMI
    v1.3 for tv, DVD, Bluray
    • MIT Z-Cord II
    For Theta Casanova
    • Acoustic Zen El Nino
    12 Gauge cord installed to Classe'25
    • Essential Sound Products ESP THE ESSENCE
    2 METER POWER CABLE. USED ON THETA DREADNAUGHT II POWER AMPLIFIER
    • Panamax M5400-pm
    Power management, surge, automatic voltage management, etc.

Comments 97

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I had a great time listening to Jimmy's system the other day. He's getting great sound out of a well put together system. After the cables were inserted we felt we had certainly improved the system. When we moved on to the next step which was to remove the sub and Classe amp there was a question as to how much bass the panels could produce. I wasn't worried, but I had heard the BEL on 3.6s before. In the end, we had great bass quality and extension....we didn't miss the sub at all. Addtionally, the amp never seemed strained or working hard in the sessions.
Thanks Jimmy!

mikej

Owner
I had an opportunity to audition a BEL 1001 MK V as well as BEL digital cables, interconnects, and speaker wire in my system. Fellow Audiogoner MikeJ was kind enough to lend his gear for a day. I was initially skeptical that one BEL 1001 rated at 100WPC into 4ohms would be enough to make the 3.6R sing, but boy was I in for a surprise. Auditioned sans subwoofer with the ARC SP-14 as the controlling preamp, we were truly in for a musical evening. The system with the BEL was very dynamic, extended in both frequency extremes, and capable of playing as loud as we needed. It had a very inviting sound that simply drew you into the music. Our listening included some James Taylor, Peter Gabriel,Wilson Phillips and Eric Clapton, as well as some light classical by Scarlatti and Vivaldi. I would certainly recommend that owners or prospective owners of Maggie 3.6's seek out an audition of this remarkable amplifier along with the associated cables.

jimburger

Owner
The crossovers arrived in a separate box. The kit to directly attach the crossovers to the speaker panel was included but I elected to use jumpers for several reasons. First, I did not like the way the boxes hung off the back. It did not look very physically secure even with the little bracket. Secondly, the little steel pins did not like they would conduct current as well as separate wire jumpers. Finally, the installation of the pins via a tiny allen wrench with virtually no working room to secure the allen bolts looked like a hassle I didn't want to deal with.

jimburger

I see that your Maggies have the external crossover. Didn't the 3.6 come with the crossover attached? Did you have a tough time taking it off, or was it easy?

Thanks.

macdadtexas

Great choices in gear, and pupper-up!

slipknot1

Owner
Oh yes indeed. I originally purchased the Classe'25 from a former Apogee Dealer to power a pair of original issue Calipers, which have greater current and power demands than my 3.6R's. The 25 is a 68 lb beast rated at 500 wpc into 4 ohms. The 3.6R is a true resistive 4 ohm load, so it is a very good match. As for its performance in action films, it is stunning! I just watched the "Day after Tomorrow and Van Helsing this past week and both were tremendous. I have cranked the system to thunderous levels with many different blockbusters including Terminator 3 and the Matrix. The sound always remains clean and undistorted.

jimburger

I like your choices! We share some common traits in that I also use a Linn LP-12 for vinyl, Magnepan surround system (MG3a's/MGCC1 center/MG1imp)and Toshiba 50" RPTV (analog). Using seperate amps sounds like the right thing to do especially with the MG3.6's. Is the Classe more than adequate for action scenes? I'm looking to get a higher-powered amp for the front since my 5-channel amp shuts down every once in a while.

korgwave

Hi,

Just a quickie to say that Lucey is adorable.
Here's to a long and healthy life for the puppy.

Jim

PS. nice system

snugglebunnies

Owner
Lucy appreciates all of her admirers. Thanks.

jimburger

Your new pup is beautiful and looks EXACTLY like our Jack (Speck) when
he was a puppy.

[email protected]

Congrats on the 4 legger! She looks like a fine pup!

slappy

Owner
System edited: We added a new member to the family. Her name is Lucy and is still learning about her master's voice.

jimburger

Owner
Yes, I did try tweeters without the resistor utilizing the stock jumpers. With ETF 5.8 software run on my laptop measuring system, I measured a slightly upward tilt in the treble referencing flat at 1khz and rising up 2db at 20khz. I would prefer an inroom response of minus 2db at 20khz. In my room a slightly downward tilt sounds best. So for now the resistor stays. The sound was certainly more open and detailed without the resistor but I couldn't live with the upwardly tilted frequency balance. I do have some Infinity Audio Silverbridge jumpers on hand that I could try. As for tweeters inside or out, I felt that the sound was just a bit better focused on the inside. I may try tweeters outside again someday as the 3.6R's have certainly broken in A LOT since I first installed them 6 months ago. They are a very different speaker than they were. They just continue to improve. A friend of mine owned Tympani's for 14 years and he said they continued to get better throughout his ownership of the speakers.

jimburger

Jimburger, looks like a great system, just wondered if you had tried pulling the tweeter resistor and replacing it with a Cardas link or other good quality cable jumper? Then if the treble sounds too energetic, switch the speakers so your tweeters are on the outside. Just a thought, I noticed a big improvement pulling that resistor from my 3.6's, more air and more transparent. Magnepan recommend the tweeters being further away than the bass/mids, so looking at the amount of toe-in you have, I think that would have them on the outside. Anyway, you've probably messed with all of this and settled on things the way they are. Great system!!

Regards

Rooze

rooze

Owner
The sound is adequate DBL. Life is full of compromises. By the way, the room is way larger than it looks in the picture. Think in three dimensions. See post on 11-10-2003 for further details.

jimburger

It looks like you have quite a set-up. Unfortuneately for your wife, it has filled your room. I am unable to believe that you can get any adequate sound out of such an area with the amount of "clutter" and with hardly any distance between you and your source. Looks like a good system if you were to create the right environment.

[email protected]

Jimburger,
So sorry to hear of your loss. We have two dogs and cannot imagine life without the happiness and companionship they give us. Dogs have a way of offering unconditional love to their humans. Maybe at some point, when the time is right, another will help to fill the void.

slipknot1

Owner
Thank you for your kind thoughts.

jimburger

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. The saddness helps remind us of the good times that were had together.

uppermidfi

Owner
System edited: Yesterday was a sad day. My wife and I had to say goodbye to Tinker, our little Jack Russell who had just turned 15 on July 20th. She was very ill with multiple complications and it was time. It was a big loss to our family.

jimburger

Owner
System edited: New pictures.

jimburger

Owner
Last Saturday, High Definition TV arrived to my neighborhood Cable. Currently receiving HD programming on CBS, NBC, ABC, HBO, PBS and Showtime. HD signals really vary depending on individual programs. So far, the best HD signals have been on PBS and CBS. The TV film "Homeland Security" was visually stunning. I think it was broadcast in full 1080i with a true 1080i source. The 5.1 Dolby Digital was not bad either. The video processor in the Comcast/Motorola HD cable box is not that good so digital artifacts do show up from time to time. It is certainly not Faroujda quality, but still a distinct improvement for an extra 5 bucks a month.

jimburger

Owner
Added Infinity Audio Silverbridge Maggie Jumpers. Replaced 24" lengths of lampcord. A hugh improvement. Presentation is fully fleshed out. Now I see what the excitement is all about when people rave about the 3.6R.

jimburger

Owner
System edited: New photos showing new 3.6R main speakers, 1.6QR moved to the surrounds, and new recliner.

jimburger

Owner
I decided to try tweeters inside to achieve a warmer overall balance. There is a some sacrifice in top-end detail but the upper midrange is smoother. Female vocals are more naturally rendered but, the high hat and other cymbals are much more subdued in presentation. Still experimenting with toe-in and distance between the speakers and the front wall.

jimburger

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