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.
I'll be happy to bring over some of my BEL D-1 digital cables for you to try again. Also, they are $134 for a 1 meter digital interconnect. The $212 price is for a stereo pair of 1 meter interconnects. I look forward to comparing to the Belden cables (Bluejeans - rebranded) that you have now.
I've got some Belden cables that Bluejeans re-brands and there is a significant difference in my system between them. If you like, you can bring yours here too so we can swap on each system to see if the changes are consistent.
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!
Jimburger's system is fun and pretty revealing of front end changes. It was a treat to be able to try the Genesis Digital Lens / Theta TLC in line with the No. 37. Now I know not to spend any effort there! I can honestly say that the Levinson on CD sounds better than DVDs of the same music on the Carmen II I have. It also makes me happy to wait for SACD and DVDA to sort itself out before I make a leap.
