Home Theatre Equipment 5.1

[stgrhe]

As for me I have made a first shortlisting consisting of 10 amplifiers I will be looking more closely on. Some may drop out because they are not available here or difficult to import. Some may also be considerably higher priced here i Thailand so my target is to have a final short list of 3 or 4 units. I shall not need more than five channels though.

All prices are in USD as advertised in the USA.

LIST IN ALPHABETIC ORDER

1. Adcom GFA-7605, 5 x 125, $888 [Guess what GFA truly stands for?]

2. Anthem PVA-7, 7 x 105W, $1,500

3. Emotiva MPS-2, 7 x 200W, $1,700 (Class H)

4. Marantz MM8803, 8 x 140W, $2,400

5. NAD T-975, 7 x 140W, $2,500

6. Onkyo Integra DTA 9.4, 7 x 120W, $3,000 (Class D)

7. Outlaw Model 7500, 5 x 200W, $1,600

8. Parasound Halo A52, 5 x 125W, $2,500

9. Parasound 5250, 5 x 250W, $2,000

10. Rotel RMB-1575, 5 x 250W, $2,800 (Class D)

Any suggestions are welcome to the above, or if there is an amplifier in the above mentioned price ranges that you think should be added to the list.

[stgrhe]

I have revised my shortlist and deleted Emotiva's and Outlaw's amplifiers because their products are only sold online in the USA. Anthem's and NAD's amplifiers 7-channel amplifiers have been replaced by their corresponding 5-channel versions, and one more Parasound amp has been added to the list.

The updated list comprices:

1. Adcom GFA-7605

2. Anthem PVA-5

3. Marantz MM8003

4. NAD T-955

5. Onkyo Integra DTA 9.4

6. Parasound 5125

7. Parasound 5250

8. Parasound Halo A52

9. Rotel RMB-1575

The distributors in Thailand for these products are:

Adcom: Everest World Co. Ltd. 02-204 2255

Anthem: Kang Yong Co., Ltd, 02-653 8866

Marantz: MRZ Standard Co.,Ltd. 02-222 9181

NAD: Company Nice Electric Co 02-276 9644

Onkyo Integra: Central Marketing Group 02-229 7000

Parasound: Laser Definition Co., Ltd. 02-1294411-13

Rotel: Lee Tech Trading Ltd. 02-804 8880

[stgrhe]

I spoke to Wuti from Audio Excellence today and he informed me that the Magnepan 1.7 speakers will be arriving in Thailand early November for audition.

The price for the cheapest version will be 88,000 baht and for the more exclusive silver and black looking version 92,000. There is also a third version with wood, similar to that of the older 1.6 speakers, but I didn't ask for its price since I heard it will be more expensive.

[stgrhe]

I have now got prices for two of the multi-channel amplifiers I am seriously considering:

1. NAD T 975 (7 x 140W) with an amazing s/n ratio of >130dB - 87,700 baht

2. Parasound Halo A52 (5 x 125W) with a very good slew rate of 130V/us and THX Ultra 2 certified - 96,000 baht

Note! The Halo A52 will not work well with low impedance speaker loads such as e.g. electrostats.

[Oberkommando]

I went with the Q Acoustics 2050s floorstanders for the fronts, and two pairs of 2020s for the surrounds and rears. I am using a 1000Ci on loan for the centre but that will be replaced by Piyanas when the 2000Ci comes into stock in black in the near future. I got a Paradigm DSP-3200 subwoofer hooked up too. It's running off a new Denon 3311 all through HDMi. Sources are; XBox 360, Oppo BD-83 Blu-Ray player and an HDi Dune Base 3.0 networked media tank. Just being ran in at the moment but it sounds as I wanted it; refined but with bags of power as and when necessary. I was unsure about the subby being too uncouth but it seems to fit in well and only sparks into action only when wanted. Other subs I have heard are too eager to rumble through movies without much definition. Watching Centurion in 1080p with the DTS soundtrack the Roman Cavalry absolutely thunders through the living room. The door of the Roman fort slams open and the resultant bassy thud shakes the room and takes the air from your chest. I wanted something you could feel as well as hear, and it certainly fills that criteria.

The Denon though has a fantastic soundstage and TrueHD and Dolby Digital Master Audio tracks are almost unbelievably good. I bought it in Hong Kong so I reckon I saved at least 25,000thb off the Thai list price when it eventually becomes available here.

[stgrhe]

I have just got back to Hua Hin after a couple of days in Bangkok doing speaker auditions and to some extent also power amps. auditions. More of that will be posted tomorrow or latest by Friday.

[stgrhe]

AUDITIONS

This Monday and Tuesday I undertook a few auditions in Bangkok focusing primarily on narrowing down my shortlist of speakers (prime objective) and power amplifiers (second objective).

Through previous experiences and by reading a number of reviews I had already limited the front speakers to the following:

1. Dynadio Excite X32

2. Dynadio Exite X12 (stand mount)

3. Dynadio Focus 110 (stand mount)

4. Paradigm Studio 60 V.5

5. Magneplanar 1.7

Since the first samples of Magneplanar 1.7 are expected to arrive in Thailand only in November this speaker could not be auditioned at this time.

My priorities are:

1. 2 channel music

2. 5 channel music

3. 5.1 channel home theatre for music DVDs and music Blue-rays

Monday Afternoon 30/08/2010

Elpa Show

I only had one prearranged audition this afternoon as I first had some business to take care of at our embassy. This first audition took place at Elpa Show's showroom on the 3^rd floor at Amarin Plaza. Elpa Shaw is the official distributor in Thailand for Dynadio's speakers. To assist me was khun Isarapong Wicheanrat, nick name "Yeh", whom I had contacted a few days earlier. This audition was aimed at comparing the Dynadio Excite X32 to Dynaudio Focus 110.

The equipment used were a Moon CD player CD 5.3, Moon pre-amplifier 5.3, Moon power amplifier W5.3 and Transparent interconnects and speaker cables. The audition was in stereo only and as test records we used TAG McLaren Test Record from InAkustik, number 4101, and InAkustik's "Whisky & Blues" CD, number 13921. As Elpa Show had an XRCD of The Eagles "hel_l Freeze Over" concert we also played the tunes "Get Over It" and "Hotel California", which is an acoustic version with a powerful percussion sound.

I first listen to the Focus 110 without sub-woofer and it showed remarkable details in the middle range. However, the Focus 110 was rather weak in the base, which is no surprise given the small size of the speaker, but what was more disturbing was that the sound felt a bit flat when more demanding tunes were played.

I then repeated the same tunes using the Excite X32. This speaker burst of all it register and sounded well but lacked the fine details of the Focus and furthermore I found the sound character to be rather bright. This became evident the longer I listen to these speakers and already after about 45 minutes or so I started to get a feel of sound fatigue.

The Excite X32 has had many positive reviews written about it but to me they are much too bright sounding speakers.

I then repeated the same tunes for a third time using the Focus 110 together with the Dynadio sub-woofer, and all of the sudden all pieces were in order. Now we had both the details and full range sound.

During the final set we played the same songs yet again and now switching between the Excite X32 and the Focus 110 with its supporting sub. I say the Focus won an easy victory as I already own a Velodyne DD10 and do not need to buy a sub. Without a sub supporting the Focus 110 I would probably have ruled out both speakers.

The Excite X32 was deleted from my short-list.

This first audition session at Elpa Show lasted about two and a half hour and khun Isarapong was ever so happy to please.

The Dynadio Excite X32 costs 101,500 baht while the Dynaudio Focus 110 costs 67,500 baht. A Dynaudio speaker stand costs 17,250 baht.

As I had some time left before the shops at the Amarin closed for the day I first called on Image next to Elpa Show. Image is the retail outlet of Audio Excellence Co. Ltd. and the main retailer for the Magnepan speakers. The shop manager is khun Viroj Pantapalangkoor, nick name "Victor", and he confirmed what khun Wuti of Audio Excellence previously had told me that no 1.7s will arrive before November.

KS World

The third shop I called on was KS World as they retail the Adcom amplifiers. Adcom has two amplifiers I am considering, the GFA 7605, which is selling for 75,000 -30% ($888 in the US), and GFA 7700, which is selling for 120,000 -30%. Both are five channel power amplifiers of AB class.

As no audition had been prearranged it was not possible to listen to these amplifiers this time, the crumpy Chinese at the store wouldn't connect them but let me listen to an integrated amplifier together with Quad speakers in a 5.1 set-up. The Adcom amplifiers are bulky and lack all sort of elegant design. Nevertheless, next time, when I am coming back to Bangkok to pick up my new passport, I will try to audition these amplifiers properly.

DECCO Outlet

I also called on a forth shop called DECO Outlet. This is apparently an outlet of DECCO 2000 in which they sell trade-ins and demo equipment. DECCO 2000 is the distributor for a number of brands such as Amphion, Arcam, Linn, Nordost and Totem to name a few.

Tuesday Morning 31/08/2010

Piyanas

I had a prearranged audition at 10 o'clock with khun Chaivat of Piyanas and took the BTS to On Nut and from there a taxi to Piyanas at 101/1 Sukhumvit Road only to discover that all high-ends had been moved to Paradise Park. Khun Chaivit was kind enough to come to the shop and drove me to Paradise Park.

This audition was primarily aimed at comparing the Focus 110, now with a Paradigm sub, and the paradigm Studio 60 version 5. The equipment used was a special edition Esoteric CD player, a Bryston pre-amp, and two mono block Bryston power amps. I forgot to note the part numbers and the type of cables used.

I first auditioned the Paradigm speaker using the same two InAkustik CDs as I had used the day before. The Paradigm Studio 60 v.5 are bright sounding speakers like the Dynadio Excite X32 but I found them more musical than the X32s and not as bright and experienced no sense of listening fatigue like I had done with the X32. I can honestly say that I liked the Studio 60 v.5 more than the X32s and they are also over 30,000 baht cheaper. The finish of the footing of the Studio 60 v.5 could be better as they had too much of a plastic look.

The next audition was more or less a repeat of the Dynadio Focus 110 but with a Paradigm sub instead of the Dynadio and also limited music to the two main test CDs. Again the Focus 110 came out as a clear winner primarily because of its detailed mid range.

Like the day before I also ran a direct compare test swapping speakers after each tune. I could live with the Paradigm but again since I already have a sub my choice goes to the Focus. I have not established two main contenders, the Dynaudio Focus 110 and the Magneplanar 1.7.

Since my budget would not allow me to buy four Focus 110 and a Focus 220C center speaker I also auditioned a 5 channel set using the Focus 110 as front speakers, the Excite X12 as rear speakers and the Excite X22 as a center speaker. This set was auditioned with a Blue-ray concert of David Foster using an OPPO BPD-83 (standard version) and a Marantz reveiver (sorry can't remember which one). The combination worked well and should my speaker selection fall on the Dynadio, then the X12 and X22 will be used for the surround sound. To my surprise I didn't find the X12 a bright sounding as the X32.

This audition lasted just over two hours.

Like Elpa Show the day before khun Chaivat of Piyanas did his best to meet my requirements. I'd say both are very good dealers and are highly recommended.

The Paradigm Studio 60 v.5 costs 68,300 baht while the Dynadio Excite X12 and X22 cost 39,600 baht respectively 30,900 baht.

I was now happy with the speaker auditions and had some spare time before my next booked audition at the Laser Definition for the Parasound Halo A52 five channel power amplifier why I took a taxi to Seacon Square to see if I could listen to Emotiva XPA-5 5 channel amplifier.

I always taught the Emotiva amplifiers were available in the US only and sold there on line, but when scanning through a Thai HiFi magazine I saw an add about Emotiva amplifiers by a company that called themselves "Music For You Co. Ltd." This company is the distributors also for Anthony Gallo speakers, Manley Labs and Rouge Audios tube amplifiers, Silver Audio cables and Soundcare and Vibrapod's dampers.

"Music For Live" is hidden in a furniture shop called Grand E.G.W. on the 3^rd floor furthest to the right among all other furniture shops and is not so easy to find. The shop was closed when I arrived but a lady turned up after about ten minutes waiting. It is a small shop without a proper listening room but it was not possible to audition the amplifier as "some previous" customer had changed something and the lady shop assistant had no clue what so ever.

The Emotiva XPA-5 is a 5 x 200W (8Ω impedance load) class AB amplifier and is manufactured in China like so many products today and is selling for $799 in the US. It has both balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) interconnects. Here in Thailand it is retailing for only 45,900 baht, which makes it very interesting.

http://emotiva.com/xpa5.shtm

http://emotiva.com/xpa5review1.shtm

http://forums.audioh...ead.php?t=54380

Whether the Emotiva XPA-5 will be my choice or not is difficult to tell but at such a low price this unit must be seriously considered. I shall therefore try to auditioned next time I am in Bangkok.

Laser Definition

The second audition for the day was at Laser Definition at Siam Paragon. Laser Definition is a company that specialises in home theatre building and they are also the Thailand distributor for Parasound and Atlantic Technology's speakers.

http://www.atlantictechnology.com/

The purpose of this audition was to get a feel of the sound character of the Parasound Halo A52 5 channel power amplifier. The A52 is a very beautiful looking piece and operates as a class A amplifier over the first 25W and then switches to AB. The Halo series has been designed by John Curl.

In a review, can't remember which one, I have read that this amplifier has a bright sound and tends to get hot. In addition to find out my own opinion on those remarks I wanted to hear whether the A52 was as musical as it has been renowned to be.

Laser Definition had prepared the set-up for me and I was assisted by a very helpful, and reasonable knowledgeable I would say, woman by the name khun Chalailak Chatikavanij. They also had had a very fine studio.

Again I was listening through the tunes of the two test records and I found the A52 to be as musical as I had read and not very bright at all. Yes, it gets a bit hot but not as hot as I had anticipated so the Parasound would definitely be put on my amplifiers short list. The Parasound A52 costs 97,000 baht. Like NAD Parasound specify its power rating as all channels driven.

Although this audition was not meant to be very long I ended up staying there nearly three hours listening to all sort of music and had an enjoyable time, I simply got lost in time.

Marantz Shop

After this session I had some time to spare before the audio shops at Siam Paragon closed so I paid a visit to the Marantz shop to listen to their multi-channel amplifier MM8003. They had it connected in a multi-channel set up but regrettably with Klipsch speakers and their RF-62 II (I think) as front speakers. Listening to them was like walking into a hazy sound so I left after about ten minutes as it was no point of continuing.

Also for the MM8003 I will try to arrange for a better audition next time in Bangkok. They have better speakers and I am not ruling out the MM8003 yet. The MM8003 is priced at 81,000 baht.

In addition to the above mentioned multi-channel amplifiers I am also considering the NAD T975, which is selling for 87,700 baht. I opted to give NAD a pass this time since Conice (Nice Electric Co. Ltd.) had it showroom closed to renovation.

[chrgrims]

Very nice trip report, and thanks for the links.

i am sure that whatever you choose you will get good things and be happy with them.

[stgrhe]

Here are some more links:

DEALERS

Elpa Shaw Co. Ltd. (Dynaudio) - www.elpashaw.com

Image (Audio Excellence Co. Ltd.) (Magneplanar) - www.audioexcellence.co.th

K.S. World (Everest World Co. Ltd.) (Adcom) - http://everestasia.com

Piyanas Electrics (Dynaudio & Paradigm) - http://piyanas.com/en

Music For You Co. Ltd. (Emotiva) - No known web address

Laser Definition Co. Ltd. (Parasound) - www.laser-definition.com *)

*) WARNING TROJAN ON WEB PAGE! Unless it has been removed.

MRZ Standard Co. Ltd. (Marantz) - www.marantz.com/

Conice (Nice Electric Co. Ltd) (NAD) - www.conice.co.th

PRODUCTS

Dynaudio (Denmark) - www.dynaudio.com/eng/news.php

Magnepan (USA) - www.magnepan.com/

Adcom (USA) - www.adcom.com/default.aspx

Paradigm (Canada) - www.paradigm.com/

Emotiva (USA) - www.emotiva.com/

Parasound (Canada) - www.parasound.com/

Marantz (Japan) - www.marantz.com/

NAD (USA) - http://nadelectronics.com/home

[stgrhe]

Khun Wuti of Audio Excellence has recommended me to consider the MartinLogan's Motion speaker series as surround speakers should I decide to go for the Magnepan MG 1.7 main speakers.

The MartinLogan Motion speaker series is claimed to be sonically designed to work with dipole speakers and the reviews I have ready thus far are very promising. These speakers will be available for audition in Bangkok sometime in October, Wuti says.

The ones I would be considering are the Motion 8 center and the Motion 4 as rear speakers. These speakers are also reasonable priced and cost 18,000 baht for the Motion 8 and 22,600 baht for the Motion 4 pair.

http://www.martinlog...eries/index.php

http://hometheaterre...ystem-reviewed/

http://www.tonepubli...logan-motion-4/

http://www.hemagazin...n_Motion_Series

[Oberkommando]

Another consideration to bear in mind is the new Dolby PLIIz format. Previously Dolby Pro Logic II was essentially 5.1 up-converted with two extra enhanced rear channels but new audio tracks will be Dolby Pro Logic IIz; proper 7.1 with the use of two additional front height channels, two additional front wide channels and the rear channels being separated properly into two different channels. The height channels will be interesting as they are meant to convey a sense of depth which is impossible through normally positioned speakers at the moment. For example, rain falling or a plane flying overhead will utilise the front height channels!

Toy Story III was the first movie in theatres to utilise a proper 7.1 Dolby PLIIz soundtrack, all others, regardless of the number of speakers have been 5.1.

New A/V receivers should support Dolby Pro Logic IIz.

[stgrhe]

For those putting movies first the new Dolby Pro Logic IIz is probably interesting but for me the movie sound has less importance as it is music first.

By the way, I will go up to Bangkok again this weekend for the second round of auditions focusing on amplifiers this time.

[powderpuff]

Music For You - Khun Appichai has been my dealer for a long time.

He has little interest in 2 channel hi-fi any longer.

He was the main agent for Von Schweikert Dali Eggleston Works & many other high end brands.

Suggest you call him on 086-072-2992 to set up an appointment.

That is not a small shop in Seacon, he has a massive home theater set up in back.

[stgrhe]

This weekend, when I was up in Bangkok, I ordered the Magneplanar MG 1.7 speakers from Image at the Amarin Plaza. The first batch of eight MG 1.7s that arrived in Thailand a couple of weeks ago, were already sold out so I booked a pair from the next batch that are due in November. The Maggies will be my front speakers.

I also bought the power amplifier and after serious considerations for and against I did chose the NAD T975. I had finally narrowed down my short list to two main contenders, the NAD T975 and the Parasound Halo A52 and in the end 15,000 baht cheaper NAD made the difference. However, both the NAD and the Parasound are good sounding amplifiers so I suppose I would have been happy with anyone of them.

The Emotiva, although it has a very attractive price, was dropped because of its less aesthetic design and uncertainties of after its sales service. Conice, being a thirty year old company, will most likely be around for many more years whereas Music For You seem to have HiFi as a side business these days.

The Marantz MM8003 was dropped because I found its sound a bit "flat" sounding more like a D-class amplifier.

Finally, the Adcom was dropped because of its lesser power.

[stgrhe]

Victor from Image called me a couple of days a go to inform me that my Magneplanar speakers now have arrived from Michigan. I shall thus be going up to Bangkok on Friday to collect them.

I have decided to purchase the Denon AVR 3311 AVR Receiver and use it as my pre-amplifier together with the NAD T975 power amplifier that I recently bought.

The Denon AVR 3311 is sold here in Thailand for 57,500 baht but I have found a small shop that sells it for 49,500.

[sideshow]

Victor from Image called me a couple of days a go to inform me that my Magneplanar speakers now have arrived from Michigan. I shall thus be going up to Bangkok on Friday to collect them.

I have decided to purchase the Denon AVR 3311 AVR Receiver and use it as my pre-amplifier together with the NAD T975 power amplifier that I recently bought.

The Denon AVR 3311 is sold here in Thailand for 57,500 baht but I have found a small shop that sells it for 49,500.

[sideshow]

Victor from Image called me a couple of days a go to inform me that my Magneplanar speakers now have arrived from Michigan. I shall thus be going up to Bangkok on Friday to collect them.

I have decided to purchase the Denon AVR 3311 AVR Receiver and use it as my pre-amplifier together with the NAD T975 power amplifier that I recently bought.

The Denon AVR 3311 is sold here in Thailand for 57,500 baht but I have found a small shop that sells it for 49,500.

Hello everyone, first of all sorry about the double post, got all excited by 'Stgrhe' saying he has found a Dennon 3311 for 49,500 Baht (please pm me the shop name and location). I have just had some money exchanged from the UK and was hoping to pick up either the Denon 3311 or Yamaha RX-V3900 (anyone got a preference) from Piyanas. Unfortunately due to the exchange rate I didn't recieve as much as I needed therefore putting them both over my budget. I was then planning on picking up the Pioneer USX-LX53 this weekend as an alternative. Seeing 'stgrhe's post finding the Denon for 49,500 maybe I now have a choice. Has anyone any comments to make regarding the choice between the Denon or Pioneer.

Thank you.

[stgrhe]

If you are going to use the receiver in a multi-channel set-up you would note that the Denon AVR 3311 has

• Audyssey Dynamic Volume, for real-time volume adjustment
• Audyssey MultEQ and Auto Setup: Tower type microphone for more accurate measuring / Up to six measurement points / High level resolution filters for satellite speakers and also subwoofer

whereas Pioneer use their own auto-calibration system.

Both receivers have HDMI version 1.4a, which enables audio-return should that be an interest for you (this provided your TV also has 1.4 or 1.4a version). Both of them are good receivers IMO but I have chosen Denon.

I have sent you a PM with the address and contact details to the company selling Denon at better prices.

[naidraw66]

If you are going to use the receiver in a multi-channel set-up you would note that the Denon AVR 3311 has

• Audyssey Dynamic Volume, for real-time volume adjustment
• Audyssey MultEQ and Auto Setup: Tower type microphone for more accurate measuring / Up to six measurement points / High level resolution filters for satellite speakers and also subwoofer

whereas Pioneer use their own auto-calibration system.

Both receivers have HDMI version 1.4a, which enables audio-return should that be an interest for you (this provided your TV also has 1.4 or 1.4a version). Both of them are good receivers IMO but I have chosen Denon.

I have sent you a PM with the address and contact details to the company selling Denon at better prices.

Could you please PM the details, thank you in advance

IW

[stgrhe]

If you are going to use the receiver in a multi-channel set-up you would note that the Denon AVR 3311 has

• Audyssey Dynamic Volume, for real-time volume adjustment
• Audyssey MultEQ and Auto Setup: Tower type microphone for more accurate measuring / Up to six measurement points / High level resolution filters for satellite speakers and also subwoofer

whereas Pioneer use their own auto-calibration system.

Both receivers have HDMI version 1.4a, which enables audio-return should that be an interest for you (this provided your TV also has 1.4 or 1.4a version). Both of them are good receivers IMO but I have chosen Denon.

I have sent you a PM with the address and contact details to the company selling Denon at better prices.

Could you please PM the details, thank you in advance

IW

Details have been sent in a PM.

[astral]

Thanks

I have added the Denon AVR 3311 to my list for viewing.

[naidraw66]

Could you please PM the details, thank you in advance

IW

Details have been sent in a PM.

Thank you very much!!

IW

[stgrhe]

Today I made a trip to Bangkok up from Hua Hin to pick up the Magnepan speakers (Magneplanar MG 1.7) that I had ordered through Image at Amarin Plaza. Victor at Image also informed me that my ordered Martin Logan center speaker Motion 8, and rear speakers Motion 4, will be arriving from the US some time in January.

After this I called on Stereo House to buy the Denon AVR3311 that I earlier have hinted. I will use the AVR3311 as a pre-amplifier for my NAD T975 power amplifier. Although I was told the other day over phone that the price for the AVR3311 was down to 49,500, now I was informed that that price was a mistake and that the correct discounted price should be 52,000. However, after promising to pay cash they agreed to sell the AVR3311 to me for 50,900, which still is a good price. As a bonus I got a HP Mini with Windows 7 installed for free, which didn't hurt at all. They told me, true or not I don't know, that I got the last bonus computer. The bonus thing is apparently something arranged by the distributor, the Mahajak group.

The Mahajak group seem to have a lot of bonus offers for the Denon products right now.

[astral]

Please post your impressions of the AVR3311 once you get it all setup and run in.

[stgrhe]

Please post your impressions of the AVR3311 once you get it all setup and run in.

I will do that but it will take some weeks as we are moving into our new house on the fifth next month, then burning in takes at least a week and after that I will have to make a quick trip to Europe. Also, remember that I will only use the AVR3311 as a pre-amplifier as it is much to weak for my maggie speakers.

[astral]

Not to worry on the time scale.

I was thinking of topics: like ease of use, video handling, upscaling etc.

Thanks

[stgrhe]

Not to worry on the time scale.

I was thinking of topics: like ease of use, video handling, upscaling etc.

Thanks

Well, that may take some time as the video handling is not so important for until we buy a new TV. For me the quality of sound is the thing! Currently we only have a 32" Samsung LCD TV. Our new house cost too much so we have put a halt to the planned new TV purchase until next year sometime.

[rvdk]

I would like to buy the Logitech Z5500 5.1 or the Harman-Kardon-HKTS-7BQ-Cinema-Speaker loudspeakers, where to buy in Bangkok? Been to Pantip, checked Emporium, Paragon

[stgrhe]

I have not been able to update this thread for quite a while because we moved into our new house on the 6th of December and only got a proper internet connection earlier this week. In the meantime I suffered with an extremely slow dtac aircard, which on a sunny day at best allowed me to check my e-mails.

Anyhow, I now have my set and it comprises:

1) Player: Denon A-11. This is an old player I bought about eight years ago in Singapore. It plays many different formats and has separate analogue outputs for five channel music. At that time Denon didn't believe in HDMI, som the unit is only equipped with DVI. This doesn't bother me as the A-11's D/A-converter is better than most receivers, so I prefer to use the analogue outputs for sound.

2) Receiver (used as pre-amplifier only): Denon AVR 3311. New unit bought in Bangkok at the Stereo House opposite Central World and close to the now shabby HiFi Center.

3) Power Amplifier: NAD T975. This is a new seven-channel power amplifier and I bought it from Conice at their head office on Rangsit Soi 2.

4) Main Speakers: Magneplanar 1.7. These new speakers were bought from Image at Amarin Plaza.

5) Center Speaker: Martin Logan Motion 8. This speaker was also bought from Image.

6) Surround (rear) Speakers: Martin Logan Motion 6. These speakers were also bought from Image.

7) Subwoofer: Velodyne DD 10. An existing unit that I bought in Sweden eight years ago.

8) Interconnects: Purist Audio Musaeus (RCA). The interconnects are existing parts that I bought in Sweden some eight to ten years ago.

9) Speaker Cables: Purist Audio Musaeus (SW). The speaker cables are also existing parts that I bought in Sweden some eight to ten years ago.

10) Power Cords: Swedish cables designed by a HiFi retailer in Stockholm called 'Ljudmakarn'. The cables use oxygen-free high grade copper and high grade plugs.

11) Power Filter: IsoTek GII Solus. Also an existing unit that I bought in Sweden eight years ago.

12) Tweeks: Nordost Pusar Points. I use the Pulsar Points under the Denon AVR 3311.

Some pictures:

These are the main units with the Denon AVR put on top of the bench and underneath it on a separate shelf the Denon A-11. On the bottom shelf one can see the NAD T975 power amplifier. The Maggi 1.7s are the white version as you can see. They also come with black fronts.

On the top middle shelf is the center speaker Martin Logan Motion 8 and below the Isotek net filter.

This picture shows the two surround speakers, the Martin Logan Motion 6, mounted on the wall behind the sofa.

This picture is a close-up of the Motion 6.

Finally, this is the Velodyne DD 10.

Comments and verdicts will be provided in a separate post later.

[powderpuff]

I'm pretty sure Power Buy sell Harman Kardon. Also check Piyanas website.