Treybo83
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Thoughts on entry level build
bierfeldt
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I have an older Marantz Pre/Pro and Power Amp. Specifically the AV7005 and the MM8003 and they sound really good. Your choices with the pre/pro and power amp are great and if you want more power or to incorporate a different power amp in the future you have that flexibility. That being said, I am not sure those two items will outperform a Marantz SR-7011 at the same price. I personally like that flexibility but that is just me.

Regarding speakers, the Monitor Audio Silver line is great. The Silver 8s are great speakers and I think they sound extraordinary, especially for the money. You have to get the Silver Center as it is extremely important to match the center and front channels in a 5.1 system. And at that point, you may as well get the Silver FX surrounds. That is a total of $3600 + $2200 for a receiver or the Pre/Pro & Power amp.

Strictly speaking, a sub is not 100% necessary but in home theater it is nice to have it added in. You will want a sealed sub that goes down to at least 20hz. Those MA 8s go down to 32hz so unless the sub goes to 16hz or 20hz it is kind of pointless to get it. I think that the MA Silver subs, although nice, are very expensive.

I personally have a Sunfire HRS 12 which is 1000w sealed sub that goes to 16hz. In home theater it sound like a truck driving through the house yet it can be subtle and refined and deliver superb bass detail on something like Miles Davis's So What. It is $1050 from Crutchfield, $740 on Amazon from a dealer who isn't necessarily authorized. I know that puts you over budget.

As an alternative, consider the MA Silver 6s. You lose that midrange speaker which stinks but they are $500 cheaper and would put you closer to your budget.

The other line I would consider is the PSB Imagines. The PSB Imagine Ts compete very directly with the Silver 8s and are a darn nice speaker though if you round out the system with Imagine speakers, it would not save you money.

Treybo83
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Thanks for the advice,

I hear ya on the flexibility, I like the whole not putting all your eggs in one basket deal as I've had AVR's go out on me completely after 2-3 years like they know when the warranty date is.

I mentioned that I auditioned the silver 8's and I just realized I actually auditioned the silver 6's. I was thinking of picking up the 8's without a sub or going with the 6's and adding a sub. When listening to the 6's there wasn't much on the low low end. I like the punch in the chest from standup bass and drums.

As far as the PSB's go I'll have to see if anyone around here has them available to listen to, Even in Dallas/Ft. Worth there is a limited amount of high end audio shops and they always cater to certain brands.

With the room being a bit larger than most rooms I have set up in would that help or hurt the bass output of the floor speakers?

bierfeldt
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bass comes to life in a big room has been my experience. That being said, the MA 8s go to 32hz, the MA 6s go to 35hz. Not sure if the larger speakers are going to deliver the bass you are looking for. For music they will do a great job with the exception of stuff like pipe organ music. It is in home theater where that subwoofer will make a difference.

I like the PSBs but they really will cost more than the MA Silvers. If you really like the Silver's, I wouldn't worry about it.

commsysman
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Treybo83 wrote:

Thanks for the advice,

As far as the PSB's go I'll have to see if anyone around here has them available to listen to, Even in Dallas/Ft. Worth there is a limited amount of high end audio shops and they always cater to certain brands.

With the room being a bit larger than most rooms I have set up in would that help or hurt the bass output of the floor speakers?

Go to the PSB website and enter your zip code and they will show you what dealers are in your area. I think you will find several, although it is always best to call each dealer first and find out exactly which models they have on hand to demonstrate.

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