Finally got it together. I had orignally been driving the system with 2 Adcom Amps,And an Adcom Preamp with basic Monster Cable.
First came the Proceed AVP, then I added the PS Audio Statement Cables for the mains when they had their 40% off sale (how could I Lose?). Replaced all interconnects with MIT.
Now, added big Papa, the THETA DREADNAUGHT II 5 X 225 (reviewed on thread) with Cardas XLR's.
Large room, mains are 14 FT apart, the maximum and I still have great center focus of soundstage. Klipsch's need to be toed in a bit. I sit about 14 feet back also in the "sweet spot".
I bought the nice Cherry custom cabinet and HD TV 53" Pioneer Elite 3 years ago when we updated house, we bumped out 8 feet and it created perfect placement for the surrounds. Tall windows are behind sofa going up maybe 15 feet to view private wooded lot and stream which is surrounded by a golf course and Water Shed ,NO neighbors can be seen when leaves are on trees.
High ceilings give me HUGE sounstage, wood floor, wood ceilings, stone wall to left.
Theta AMP has added a dimension of realism and "being there" I didn't think possible. Layers upon layers of fleshed out DETAIL. YES, I am done for now!
My sytsem performs equally as well for sound all styles of music,( mostly accoustic guitar, rock, jazz, and new world) as movies. It can be most delicate and play nicely at lower volumes, and can slam you back in your seat, revealing ALL that can be revealed. Holding up the REAR is my 18" HSG Velodyne sub perched up on a stone shelf near front wall, pulled away from wall so as not to be too boomy,and never tunred up too loud at 40 crossosver.
HI great setup.My KLIPSCH CRORUS II are about 15' apart with 2 HERSEYS I's for the center,KLIPSCH CHORUS I's for the rear,and a KLIPSCH KPT 418 sub.3 Lazarus H 1 mono's 375 watts in front with 2 Hafler DH 300 mono's 325 watts in the rear,and a ULD 15 400watt amp for the sub.Lexicon MC 1 pre amp.
Last thought was after playing with 5 speaker surround (done nicely by Proceed)I am back to 2 speaker no surround mode.In most cases less is more. Again, the Theta Dread II is performing flawlessly and is very revealing andneutral sounding. But it DOES get HOT, and if in enclosed cabinet like I have, it was absolutely necessary to cut out the back panel (as well so the beast could fit!) and I installed a fan just above that compartment, that does the trick.
System edited: Just wanted to freshen my site a bit, and show the view from system to sweet spot, and a close up of garden hose PS AUDIO statement cables. I would only add my THETA continues to amaze me,showing me what lays in the shadows of music and makes my rather simple, non exotic system with an old pair of 15 yr old Klipsch speakers it can give any system a run for their money. It alsoproves to me, you go nowhere without proper,clean power, for me anyway the system starts with its heart the power amp and the THETA does it for me.
Very nice setup....I know exactly the excitement you are exhibiting over the Theta amp.....I went through a similar phase after adding the Theta Dread 1 to the setup. You are right on with the Ryan Adams comments....I even went back and bought all three of the Whiskytown CD's where he was the frontman! Enjoy!!
Popped in for a quickie. Family was out, so I settled into my sofa and soaked in more playing time.
Creed's Unleashed.....was unleashed upon me with FURY and POWER and crispness....ripping guitar virtuoso never overdone or harsh, just RAW POWER.
AN unexpected surprise, and now in my TOP 10 BEST CD'S RYAN ADAM'S GOLD, if you don;t have this CD and love rock with GREAT song writing, this is a must have and it is the kind of CD that GROWS on you.
Several songs drift across so SWEETLY...softly....with Ryan's expressive vocals wafting by.....then a little guitar...soft, clean....then some understated but solid drums.....
This AMP is so DAMN sweet sounding, and it can be mellow when called up and unleash a otrrent of power and fidelityy just as easily.
I swear, every CD in my collection islike REALLY HEARING it for the first time.
And as best as I can describe, like a slight reverb from guitar or hum or pluck.....I have confidence in what I am hearing is exactly what it should be! and as I have never heard before.
Now, when you consider I have NO exotic equipment per se, and in fact I have 13 yr old KLipsch Chorus II speakers that cost me $1600 for the pair...thenmaybe you understand HOW GOOD this amp, and why Iam so excited about it...My Klipsch's need NOT be replaced.
