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spudnick
12-16-2015, 03:55 PM
Hi. New to the site seeking help on stereo upgrade. Love my music. Louder the better. Good clear loud music that is. My current system I purchased in 2008. Sounded killer in my smaller front room (10x20). New home, larger front room 20x30. Currently have a Pioneer VSX 1120 receiver, set of Klipsch RF 82-II mains, Klipsch RC-II center and Klipsch RS-62-II back speakers. Sub is a VTF-II MK3. System sounds very good for movies. Would like better sound for music. Love the bass, louder the better. listen to rock like Godsmack, Five finger death punch. Maybe a higher end receiver? Bigger center channel? Second sub? Want to stick with the Klipsch speakers. Thanks

blackraven
12-16-2015, 05:15 PM
What is your budget? You could add a high power 2ch amp and run your front speakers from it. I as assuming that you just run the front speakers in 2ch mode for music which would be the best way listen to music.

Mr Peabody
12-16-2015, 09:03 PM
What source do you listen to for music? Like CD, LP, mp3 etc.

I agree an overall improvement would be to add a power amp using the receiver's preamp outputs, assuming it has them. A 2-channel amp if only listening to music in stereo but a multichannel amp if you listen to surround music or all channel mode for music.

However, back to my original question, to improve the sound quality, especially clarity or overall sound quality would be to upgrade your source. That's where it begins. If your source don't present it to your system nothing you do downstream will give you what's lost. CD, for instance, if detail is not retrieved, then how can it pass through to your speakers/ears? If you use mp3 the conversation is pretty much over. Just stop and find a real source of music, LOL. If CD you can upgrade your player, or, if using your DVD player into the receiver, buy a CD player with higher quality. If you do stream, use lossless files on your hard drive or spend the money for lossless files from Tidal or similar.

Make sure your receiver is set to play the sub with both music and movies. Also, and very important, new room. Your speaker placement could use some experimenting if you haven't already. Move closer together, further apart, closer to back wall, further out, etc. Also, tame any reflections from walls and floors. There's a lot of info on treating a room for audio. It could be as easy as a well placed bookshelf, hanging an attractive tapestry, if hard wood strategic rug placement, curtains etc. You would be amazed at what some of these simple things can do for sound.

Useller
12-17-2015, 03:03 AM
Hello,
And I am new on this site, I am glad to be here to talk with to you.

Who can give me some advice for started ??

Thank you,

blackraven
12-17-2015, 07:54 AM
I agree with Mr P regarding the source for better clarity and sound.

spudnick
12-17-2015, 03:33 PM
Thank you much for the reply's and good info. Looking into purchasing a Marantz CD6005 CD Player. think this will improve my CD sound? Never thought about the source. What I have know sucks. Thanks, Brad.

Mr Peabody
12-17-2015, 07:59 PM
The 6005 would be a nice player. Marantz is a good choice at their various price points.

Mr Peabody
12-17-2015, 08:04 PM
If you get the 6005 you want to use the analog outputs (red/white ended type cables) into one of the analog input of the Pioneer. This would be using the 6005 internal DAC which should be better than the receiver's internal DAC.

If you don't already have a set once you are used to the sound of the 6005 with your system you should experiment with a higher quality RCA cable from 6005 to your receiver.

blackraven
12-17-2015, 09:08 PM
You can pick up a Marantz CD 6005 here for $379

CD & SACD Players | Accessories4less (http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/category/cdplayer/home-audio/audio-components/cd-sacd-players/1.html)


What is your current CD player? If it is decent and has digital out's you could go with a nice DAC instead. What is your budget?

spudnick
12-19-2015, 11:38 PM
Thanks for the reply's. Sad to say currently CD's are played thru a PS3. I set up the mcaac mic and set listening position. moved sub to corner. Movies sound killer. some cds are ok but most don't even sound close to the movies. will the 6005 Marantz improve my Cd music. Thanks.

spudnick
12-20-2015, 01:01 AM
How about the Oppo BDP-105? Will this improve my music quality?

Mr Peabody
12-20-2015, 06:44 AM
I personally would lean toward the 6005. The Oppo is supposed to have decent audio sound but you already have the PS3 for movies. I'd spend the money on just audio.

As mentioned you could just get the DAC (digital to analog converter) to add between the PS3 and receiver, going into an analog input of the receiver. As long as the PS3 has multiple digital outputs. So you would be still using the PS3 to play the disc, it would leave the PS3 in digital form, decode in the DAC then go analog to your receiver.

It's important to understand if you use a digital connection there will be no difference in sound because you will be allowing the receiver to decode the signal; using the receiver's internal DAC. What you want to do is buy a DAC or CD player with a DAC, that is superior to the one inside your receiver. There is much more to digital playback than the DAC, like the analog circuits etc. but those are usually improved as well with better DAC's & CDP's.

If you weren't interested in streaming or high res music you could pick up a good deal on used stereo only DAC's. If wanting to buy new most stores will allow a certain time to return if not happy. If no one around you is willing to do that any of the online retailers like Music Direct or Audio Advisor will.

spudnick
12-20-2015, 02:51 PM
Thank you much Mr Peabody. I will purchase the Marantz CD 6005. I would also like to purchase a multi channel Amp. Price around 1000. Any suggestions?

Jack in Wilmington
12-20-2015, 05:21 PM
Thank you much Mr Peabody. I will purchase the Marantz CD 6005. I would also like to purchase a multi channel Amp. Price around 1000. Any suggestions?

There is a Rotel 7.1 amp on Audiogon. It is the RMB-1077 it retails for $2500 and it up for sale for $800. Looks like a good buy.

spudnick
12-20-2015, 05:52 PM
jack in Washington, thank for the heads up. Looking hard at the Marantz MM7055. Opinions? Also determined the PS3 wasn't OptiLinked. Was told that this will improve cd sound from the PS3.

blackraven
12-20-2015, 06:10 PM
That Marantz is a good unit and it will a good match for the CD player and speakers. The used Rotel is excellent as well and more high end. But the Marantz is new. Eventually you should consider upgrading to better speakers. That will ultimately give you better sound, especially with better electronics as your electronics are going to out perform those Klipsch. With a better CD player and power amp, the Pioneer will also be a weak link. As you move up the high fidelity chain, the sound is only as good as the weakest link. Ultimately it comes down to budget and how far you want to go to chase audio nirvana.

One other thing to think about. As the sound gets more detailed and resolving, it will bring out the weakness in poorly recorded music. It is a catch 22. So if you don't listen to excellent or at least good recordings, you may be disappointed.

StereoTimes -- (http://www.stereotimes.com/amp050807.shtml)

spudnick
12-20-2015, 06:32 PM
So, if I buy the Rotel, can it be repaired if something goes wrong? that's a few coins if it didn't last that long

blackraven
12-20-2015, 07:51 PM
Yes, Rotel is still in business and can be repaired. Buying used is always a risk. I bought my Pass amp and BAT preamp used, new they sold for $6K and $9,500. Used I paid about $6K for both. The caps were bad in the BAT although it played just fine. It cost me about $260 in parts to repair it.

I would say go with the Marantz as the Marantz house sound is excellent and you will have a new warranty and no worries. Marantz gear is built very well and well repected. But give a listen to it. Marantz has a more organic sound for lack of a better term and that is a good thing. I personally like the Marantz sound and would love to have an all Marantz system in my house.

Mr Peabody
12-20-2015, 09:14 PM
I am personally not a Rotel fan. That is not reason not to buy it but Rotel has a certain sound and I don't think you'd find good synergy with the other gear you are using.

The 7050 is a really good value, it does a better job than the price would lead you to think. Plus you'd get better synergy if you decide on the 6005.

Synergy, is just how your components sound or work well with one another.

Klipsch Reference isn't bad, especially if it's later Reference. I think the Ref II is the line I really like, the one where they had the Ref 63 with three 6" drivers and the horn. The later Reference has a smoother sound from the horns and the bass response was better.

What connection are you using from the PS3? If HDMI then that's the best connection, optical won't do anything better and could be worse. Either way it's still allowing the decoding inside the receiver so it's not even worth wasting your time.

spudnick
12-22-2015, 09:05 PM
Thanks again for all the advice. After my time on hear and much research, I decided to upgrade my system. Current system was purchased in 2010. At that time I hade a 52" Panasonic TV. 6 months ago I purchased a 82" Sharp so it was time. Decided to go Marantz. MM7055 Amp, AV 7701 Pre Amp, CD 6005 for my audio and a UD 5007 Blue Ray player. Keeping the Klipsch speakers and the HSU sub. Hoping my system will sound better know as I'm into about 12000 with my TV. Any other improvement suggestions?

blackraven
12-22-2015, 09:51 PM
You may want to just use the Marantz Blu Ray player as your CD player and save some money. Although the 6005 may sound a bit better but it may be splitting hairs-

Here is a great deal on the UD 5007=

MARANTZ UD5007 3D Ready Blu-Ray Player with Networking | Accessories4less (http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/marud5007/marantz-ud5007-3d-ready-blu-ray-player-with-networking/1.html?gclid=Cj0KEQiAhuSzBRDBoZfG56bK9-YBEiQARiPcZe7G1KS5oYjKJihHfmf3fiayQ23UlQp07JHj59q0 DigaArAN8P8HAQ)

MARANTZ AV7701 7.2 Channel Networking A/V Preamp/Processor 4K & 3D | Accessories4less (http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/marav7701/marantz-av7701-7.2-channel-networking-a/v-preamp/processor-4k-3d/1.html)

Or move up to the UD 7007 for both Blu Ray, CD and SACD. It probably is on par sonically with the 6005

MARANTZ UD7007 3D Ready Blu-Ray Player with Networking | Accessories4less (http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/marud7007/marantz-ud7007-3d-ready-blu-ray-player-with-networking/1.html)

Marantz UD7007 Universal Blu-ray Player Review | Audioholics (http://www.audioholics.com/blu-ray-and-dvd-player-reviews/marantz-ud7007-blu-ray-player)

spudnick
12-22-2015, 10:41 PM
Hey blackraven, thanks for the advice. I decided to go with the 6005 because I was told by many that this unit is very good for music, And that is most important to me. Also it was recommended to upgrade my Blue Ray player. Was told the 5007 was very good for that. Your suggestion is a good price for refurbished, but I found a new for 430.00. Been told over and over that I can't get the music sound I want and Blue ray from the same unit. Will see.

blackraven
12-23-2015, 09:40 AM
There are Blu Ray players that can equal the sound of CD players. The Oppo players compete with CD players and I bet that that Marantz 7007 sounds as good. Cheap BRP's are another issue. BRP's like the analog Oppo and the Marantz were made for excellent audio and video.

With that being said, congrats on your choices. If you can swing it, you may want to take a look at the MM8077. It is probably a good step up in sound quality over the 7000 series

MARANTZ MM8077 7-channel Power Amplifier | Accessories4less (http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/marmm8077/marantz-mm8077-7-channel-power-amplifier/1.html)

Mr Peabody
12-23-2015, 12:39 PM
The 7701 with amp will be a nice set up. You could hold off on the 6005 at first to see how the player sounds. Remember using the HDMI from 5007 to 7701 will decode using the 7701 internal DAC which is pretty good. Can't say how it would compare with 6005 as I've never made that comparison. But if you do it in steps you may save some money if you are satisfied with the 5007. I think you will be thrilled going with that set up compared to the Pioneer though

spudnick
12-25-2015, 08:22 PM
1 more thing I'm considering. Looking into a bigger center speaker. Opinions on the Klipsch RC 64-II vs the RC 62-II? its like double the price. Is there something better the would still work with my other Klipsch speakers. Thanks.

Mr Peabody
12-25-2015, 09:24 PM
I'm not that familiar with the various models but I got good advice from the Klipsch customer service via the website when I was looking for something to match Heresy's.

I would recommend staying in your same series for timbre matching. And, actually with equalization and a sub, I don't know if I'd bother with a larger center. For instance, if you have Ref 2, I'd stay with the centers that came out to match that series.

Also, for instance, if your center plays down to only 75 Hz when using the auto set up the receiver will detect that and set the crossover for that channel accordingly. I do like a 6" or larger driver in the center though.

rickdownsouth
02-10-2016, 11:38 AM
Hello,

I have an unusual problem of sorts. I'm setting up a sound room with multi media, but when I'm listening to music through ROKU, or using the DVD player for a music CD , I can "sense" or "feel" a high pitch noise that leaves my ears ringing after a while. This is especially true if I listen to music, or movies using anything other than Stereo without any enhancement. So when using 5.1 or others, I get this ringing in my ears.

Here is the interesting thing, I can listen to the high quality local FM stations (classical, Jazz etc) with NO PROBLEMS...great sound!!!

I've always had sensitive hearing, especially when listening to low quality transmitted or recorded music.

I was really looking forward to setting this system up to watch movies in 5.1 but now I feel as if it was all a waste of money.

Finally want to add that I have one of the older Bang & Olufsen Beosound 3200 with Beolab 8000 speakers and I never had this problem. Seems to be only with the new stuff.

The system in question is the Yamaha RX-V679 with front speakers of Polk Monitor 75T and Polk Center, Polk Monitor 40 series. All the connections are hdmi

i just ordered a brand new Yamaha CD player, hoping that will solve the sound problem for CDs but now I'm wondering if it is more good money after bad.

Have you ever heard of these issues? Any ideas? What about an Equalizer?

Thanks

blackraven
02-10-2016, 01:59 PM
So is this problem when you are using 5.1 or does it occur with 2ch music?

Is the high pitched sound a true sound or is the music or speakers bright and fatiguing?

bfalls
02-11-2016, 05:29 AM
Wow! Did we just switch gears? Or did rickdownsouth's post get mixed in somehow? Back to the OP.

You mention in your first post what you like in movies and music, but really didn't specify what has changed except you don't like the reproduction of music as well as before. Since all that has changed is the room and you're OK with movies, why all of the sudden are you almost completely changing your system? Going new will have it's own complications.

I can see where because of the more open environment you may have less bass, or the sound is less "intimate", but I would first see if speakers placement, or room treatment has an effect before purchasing a lot of new gear. The first law of troubleshooting is to ask "What has changed?" and go from there, instead of changing everything and starting over. Just placing your sub in a corner, or treating the first reflection points in the room may be all you need. Unless you had already planned to upgrade and have a S%$tload of cash burning a hole in your pocket, you may want to cool your jets a bit and see if what you have can work for you.

RobertWalker
03-25-2016, 12:24 AM
7701 with amp is a perfect bet. The perfect sound setup you can enjoy. Better Sound quality.

blackraven
08-24-2016, 06:47 PM
What is your budgeteer bigger speaker and how many Ohms you need ?

Check the date of the post, it is several months old.

Cheers, and welcome to AR!

Larry