Newbie needs upgrade help

[Dom_P]

Hi all,

I'm in the middle of the analysis paralysis phase of an upgrade to my home theater/family room.

The room is about 16x30 and the screen will be on the short side of the room. It will probably be used about 60/40 audio/video.

Budget... Well I'd like to keep it somewhere in the $15k range for pre/pro, amps and 5 speakers.

For speakers, one of my thoughts is to go with Maggie 1.7s for fronts, MMC2s for surround and CC5 for center. (haven't heard them yet, though I have a dealer nearby I'll be visiting soon).

For pre/pro the MX121 looks interesting.

I'll likely buy an Oppo BDP105 (when out) for both two channel and multi-channel audio (using Oppo analog outs) as well Bluray.


First question, if I choose to go with the Maggie's, could I get by with single 5 channel amp like the MC205? I'm a bit concerned given all the discussion about how power hungry the Maggie's are that 200W will suffice.


Also, since I'm in analysis paralysis and demoing mode I'm happy to have other thoughts on speakers, pre/pros and amps to add to my confusion

Oh, I'm not in any great rush as I probably won't purchase before Christmas since the room itself is getting completely revamped as well. So if any good demo/ pre-owned deals come along, I'm open to that.

[Masterlu]

The Maggie's are only 86db efficient, I would definitely recommend more power.

[Dom_P]

Well I was afraid of that.

That being the case, seems bang for the buck wise, I'd end up spending a lot more on amplification to drive the Maggie's.

Something tells me maybe I'd be better off putting those dollars into speakers with better wife acceptance factor...

[jdandy]

Originally Posted by Dom_P

Well I was afraid of that.

That being the case, seems bang for the buck wise, I'd end up spending a lot more on amplification to drive the Maggie's.

Something tells me maybe I'd be better off putting those dollars into speakers with better wife acceptance factor...

Dom P.......If that's your wife in your avatar, then WAF should be high on the list. .

[Whart]

Planars, like the Maggie, would be very spacious sounding for home theatre but in addition to needing power, you typically have to get them out from the back wall and still have enough space for your screen- are you projecting? If you are running them on the short wall, you may have some space planning. They also don't really light up until they are driven pretty hard, which may not be an issue. Finally, they may not need a woofer or two for music, but for home theatre, you're gonna want some heavier bass.
FWIW, I had all Audio Research tube amps running in my large projection system for years, and finally went to McIntosh, both for ease of operation and reliability. Although I'm not a devout McIntosh fan for all purposes, as some are here, both the processor (which replaced a Meridian) and the multichannel amp are terrific sounding, easy to use and built like serious gear, not glorified consumer home theatre gear. Why not look for a combo that will give you enough power, using multiple amps? E.g. bigger stereo amp set up for front L and R and a multi-channel for the remainder? The rears aren't going to get pushed as hard anyway. (Sure, you could buy used if that helps). I can't remember if any of the Mc multichannel amps allow you to strap channels for more power. Maybe somebody here that knows Mc can chime in. Dipoles are terrific for surrounds. Maggies are a relative bargain in high end audio.

[Rilands]

I had 1.6's three times. I ran them with a MA6850. It was a good combo. Wife hated them. I'd sell them, and buy another pair 6 months later. I finally gave in to the wife.

[trek737]

Well I can tell with this kind of thread you are going to get a wide variety of good answers, and only you can decide what works best for your set up. I would be more incline to put a bigger part of the budget on the speakers, and if you need to upgrade the others at a later time.

You mentioned the CC5 for your center which has gotten great reviews as one of the best center speakers out there. Why not take a look at the Aerial's 7T's to go along with them. They made Audiophile magazine's 2012 Recommend List for Class A (Restricted Extreme LF)!* They retail for $9850.00 but a little shopping around can help that. The combination of the different wood veneers to choose from and their size might just have the WAF that you are both looking for..

*Audiophile's April 2012 edition.

Good luck in your selection!

Here is some additional information:

Aerial Acoustics - Model 7T

Aerial Acoustics Model 7T loudspeaker | Stereophile.com

[mbovaird]

Dom - I have a similar sized room, and when I had a similar budget, I experimented with many combinations. I had the Maggie 1.6's and 3.6's. They were good for 2 channel - when there is one listener and they are combined with a good sub (I had a terrific little Sunfire sub and then a Rel Strata III). The problem with the Maggies is that they eat power like you can't believe (I'm not kidding when I say it takes 500 watts+ to get them going) and closer to 1000 watts with the 3.6's (now called the 3.7's with some changes).

For Home Theater, the Maggies were awful. Why? Because the sweet spot on them is so small (the smallest of any speaker I've ever owned). When I would have four people in my HT watching a movie, many of them would stand up and ask me why the right speaker wasn't working (if they were on the left side of the room) and visa-versa. I found that seating for the prime listening position (my chair!) had to be so precise too. No shifting those butt cheeks too far to the left or right! LOL!! So, I ended up selling the 1.6's and the 3.6's.

I like your selection of looking at McIntosh equipment. It's world class and will last you a long time and provide you with wonderful listening. My MX151 SSP is so much better than my previous SSP's from Denon, Onkyo, etc. - it's almost a non-starter. The detail in surround produced by the 151 (and I'm sure the 121) is amazing. Those details were lost with the Denon, Onkyo, Pioneer, etc.

OK...back to your question...I would look at Mirage OMD-28 speakers. They are an omnipolar design - which people love or hate. I loved it for HT. For two channel - it was good. They were also the nicest finished speakers I've owned.

Another option is the Definitive Technology line. I loved the ones with the built in subs for HT. I heard the 8080ST's and loved them - but I understand they have the Mythos line now which is even better.

As for amps, I like the Mcintosh MC303 (3 channel) and 302 (2 channel). Combined for an awesome 5 channel setup. When not in use for HT, the 302 makes a very good 2 channel amp. Add the MX121 and you're in business. If your budget doesn't allow for this, then a single MC205 + MX121 is good - but I would REALLY encourage you to stretch your budget for the 303+302 if you can. The difference in sound over a single 205 is significantly better. Lastly, if you find yourself doing a lot more 2 channel listening, you can always add a dedicated 2 channel preamp with Home Theater bypass.

You will also likely want to consider at least one (and preferably two) sub woofers. For HT - they can make a huge difference (unless all you're watching is chick flicks!). I like Rel Subs, Velodyne and JL Audio. On a tighter budget, the Seaton (by Mark Seaton) subs are excellent. That's what I own....two Seaton Submersives.....but I will likely put them to the back of the room and put two Rel G1's up front in the near future. Four subs. Oy!

With the remaining money, you can pick up a Mirage OMD-C2 (center) and two Mirage OMD-R's (Rear Speakers).

Add in some decent cables, an Oppo BDP-105 and we've just spent your $15,000 budget! We are very good at spending other peoples money!

I love the idea of getting great electronics. You can always sell/upgrade the speakers, but the mistake I made in the past was getting mid-gear equipment and then upgrading. I should have taken a peg back on the speakers and got world class (McIntosh or similar) equipment from the beginning. Blue chip stuff indeed....then upgraded speakers in the future - since there are so many choices out there.

Hope this helps. Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions.

Mike

[Whart]

Mike: Interesting re your experience on narrow dispersion of Maggies for HT. I never heard them in a home theatre application, and it's been a while since i've listened to a pair for audio. I always recalled them having a large image, commensurate with the size of the panel, but if they really sound that directional, they won't work.

[mbovaird]

Originally Posted by Whart

Mike: Interesting re your experience on narrow dispersion of Maggies for HT. I never heard them in a home theatre application, and it's been a while since i've listened to a pair for audio. I always recalled them having a large image, commensurate with the size of the panel, but if they really sound that directional, they won't work.

Agreed. Large image, but super tiny sweet spot. For 2 channel, to get a centered voice, you have to be smack dab in the center. Move an inch or two one way and it goes way off. Much more than a traditional speakers. Frankly, they are also just too damn big. As Dan said WAF is a factor for sure. If it was me doing it again with this budget, I would go with the top of the line Def Tech HT system (which eliminates the need for subs since they are built in) and spend the rest on terrific McIntosh electronics. If you find yourself doing a lot more 2 channel - then add a Mcintosh 2300 preamp with HT bypass, maybe upgrade the speakers to some Sonus Faber Elipsa, Futura, whatever and Bob's your uncle, Fannie's your aunt - you're in business!