Hi Ryan,

I was in a similar situation some years ago. I spent months listening
to purists & audiophile on whats best for 2-channel and whats best for
5.1 channel. And each suggestion contradicts the others. Finally, all
it came to - what's best for my ears and pockets. Audiophile reviews
are good to read but your ears are final judge.

I auditioned Harman Kardon, Cambridge, Arcam, Rotel, Marantz, Denon (5
channel integrated using source direct for audio and digital out for
5.1/6.1) and finally settled with the Marantz 7500 OSE (brass exterior)
because it had the omph and clarity (in both modes) I was expecting
for the kinda music I am used to listening to (Jazz and watching movies
like Lord of the Rings).

Second came the speakers. I auditioned heaps of speakers (Castle,
Mirage, Jamo, Dali, JBL's, Whatmough, NHT, Klipsch) against my Marantz
and finally settled with the JBL S312's for my mains as they were very
dynamic and full of bass and fitted my budget just right. I bought
Whatmoughs for my surrounds and surprisingly they matched the JBLs
pretty well.

I landed up getting a good deal with the cables viz. couple of taralabs
and eichmanns ($200+ worth) cable thrown in for no extra cost.

So I guess brand names don't mean much as long as the equipment sounds
good to your ears. For instance, despite the rave audiophile reviews on
the Cambridge and Rega CD players I picked up a Rotel for its groovy
bass and openess.

I may not be a technical person or an 'audiophile' but love my music.

Cheers

Max



wrote:
All,
I am looking to make some serious electronic purchases over the next
few months or so. I have started out with a 50" Panasonic plasma, to
which I want to add a 5.1 speaker setup. In addition, I want to build
out a hi-fi 2-channel stereo system.

I recently visited a great guy in my area who is a reseller for some
great equipment (Cambridge Audio, Rogue Audio, Totem Acoustic, Joseph
Audio, Simaudio, etc.). I really enjoyed the Totem Forest speakers
(and they were within my price range). I also listened to some Rogue
Audio equipment (Perseus preamp and Stereo 90 amplifier), which I
liked. I also liked the fact that it had a home theatre bypass option,

which would allow me to utilize the Totem Forests as not only my two
channel speakers but also my front channel within a HT setup. I sort
of sense that this gentleman is a purist, not really wanting to suggest

mixing home theater and 2-channel. My question is - what is your
opinion? What do you think about integrating home theatre and
2-channel? And, more importantly, beyond purchasing the plasma, how
should I approach building this setup out? Should I purchase three of
the Dreamcatchers (left and right rear and the subwoofer), along with
the Forests and perhaps the Simaudio Moon i5.3? That would allow me to

proceed with the 5.1 buildout and then buy the tuner and CD player
later.

OR, do I proceed with purchasing the 2-channel stereo system, then add
the rear speakers and subwoofer at a later time?

I've got a ton of questions, since I'm just starting out with my
research. Any help would be much appreciated.

Ryan