I understand your problem. I'm no hifi guru either. My knowledge is limited too even compared to yours. Since you can't find another day to go to delhi, try and see if your dealer is willing to send you the avr on a loan for a day or two. Maybe pay him 3-5k for his troubles in case you decide against keeping the avr?
Anyways, from what I've gathered so far, there will certainly be an improvement (though with zero personal experience, I have no idea how much) in SQ if you use separates for processing (be it a dedicated pre-pro or an avr with pre-outs) and amplification (power amp) compared to an integrated solution like an AVR alone. If I was in your place with whatever experience and info you've gained so far and had no option of finding another day for avr audition, I think I'd have gone with a decent enough avr (with pre-outs and atleast 8! hdmi inputs) which doesn't cost a bomb and rotel power amp. You already mentioned you have plans for another dedicated HT room so I wouldn't worry much about getting something which doesn't play nice with the setup. Even if you are unable to sell off whatever item you didn't find good enough, you can use it in your other room. Not the best solution but that's the best you can do in your situation I guess.
Are you suggesting me that buying a Denon 3313/Onkyo 818 (85k-90k approx) and Rotel Power Amp 1575 (2.16 lacs) = 3.06 lacs approx would be a better deal? I'm comparing this to Rotel 1572+1575 = 3.7-3.8 lacs. In my head, I am thinking that Rotel is the preferred partner for B&W and therefore, if Denon or Onkyo do the sound processing with Rotel 1575 just feeding them extra power, I might not get the sound signature that I have already heard with Rotel prepower combo. Am I saying this right? Please do correct me where I am wrong. Would it not be better to loose on MultiEQ XT32 and a hell lot of other Dolby modes which I would never possibly use as this is a bedroom setup. So no 9.1,9.2,11.1,11.2, etc. Maybe later, if ever there is a need I might a second sub and make a 5.2. . 7.1/7.2 I am thinking that with this much power in a relatively small room like mine would not ever be required. Please suggest.
LOL. Mr. Eddierocks,
I dont know why you are so confused. Actually I do.
You need to step back, chill out and listen to some systems. If it is 10 year (3650 days) investment at least spend some time just checking out a few systems.
a. Subwoofer : Look for asubwoofer with
definition. Forget about SPL (you can add subs and achieve that) or extension (you can move the sub around and achieve that).
b. AVR : From the current range of AVRs only the Onkyo 1010, 3010, 5010 Yamaha 1020, 2020, 3020 and Denon 4520 can adjust EQ for 2 subs indepentantly. I dont know about the Pioneers and the 4311 is not HDMI 1.4a compaitble.
So this is your choice. You have ruled out Onkyo (without giving it a listen - I may add) so that leaves Yamaha's 3020 and Denon's 4520. The former is 60K less than the former so you should consider the 3020 mated to something like the NAD C 275BEE or Parasound 2125 which will cost you a bit more than a 4520. However like Rishabh recommends the 4520 should be adequate for 220 sq. ft. even if there is nothing else other than your bed in the room.
As far as the wires go I gave you links of good VFM wire. I wont say if they are better or worse than Audioquest or Kimber because wires need to complement the system and this opinion would be subjective but lets say this that the wires I listed are warmer than the Audoiquest I have heard but warmer than the Kimber I have heard. I like them because like Goldilocks said I found them "just right".
As far as Rotels go, if you in for that kind of money I would look at other separates as well. A Marantz combo or Integra 40.2-70.1 combo would be in the same price range but for a bit (ok I lied it is about 50%) more I would stretch to Cary...oh no we might have confused you further now!
Cary Audio Design - Cinema Series
@Navin, your post made me laugh and not just smile :lol:
Subs: Should I put Velodyne's EQ MAX 12 x 2 or EQ MAX 10 x 2 in my room? For two subs, I am thinking that there might a little problem with placement but in any case, I am going to redo my tv wall unit so can include this option.
Also, is getting just ONE REL T7 (77k final price) or T9 (90k) a better option? I got the prices from their authorised distributor who also told me that for service, I would have to send the unit to Sound and Vision, Pune only as they don't have any other service centre in India. With Velodyne, maybe it will be a little easier when it comes to service, maybe not. Also, he said clearly that there is no discount on REL but all he could do was include the transportation costs.
I am also considering DefTech SuperCube 6000 x2 units.
So, which one should be a better bet for a room which is at first floor, just wanted to add. I am looking for clean, tight, apt bass. I don't want blow-the-roof-off bass and have vibrations from window pane or doors in my room. That is really annoying and disturbing. I just want every explosion, every gunshot, every beat to perform to it's best capacity. I can't audition them now, so what will you pick? Velodyne? Rel? DefTech? I will buy the sub on your guys' experience and suggestions only. Also do comment on the number of subs I should get- 1 or 2? Everywhere that I have checked online, it says that generally 2 subs are better than getting just one. Is that true practically as well?
About the Rotel 1572, it says "It offers six HDMI inputs and two HDMI outputs with one HDMI output having ARC capability
(Audio Return Channel). The ARC in HDMI 1.4 enables a TV via a single HDMI cable, to send audio data upstream to an A/V
receiver or surround audio controller, increasing user ? exibility and eliminating the need for any separate S/PDIF audio connection."
I would want to use the preamp to be simultaneously connected to my plasma as well as the projector so that I don't have to get up each time and change a few wires while I switch watching on plasma to projector occasionally. Would that be possible with 1572? If not, then I am afraid I might end up buying the 4520 only and add a power amp 1575.
Considering Marantz once again, any idea on the prices of it's AV8801, AV7701, MM8077 and MM 7055? Usually is Marantz a good match for B&W speakers? I personally don't want to buy Marantz but just want to be aware of the prices
. Last night I checked Onkyo 5010. Looks fantastic on paper. 5010 vs 4520? Which is the better bet? Integra not available in India from what I checked on their website. Cary Audio seems very very pricey so can't consider that.
Again, any / all help is more than welcome.
