Topic: opinions on playback idea

[pfife]

I have not listened to Polk, Tannoy or Klipsch in a number of years but when I last did I can tell you that I didn't like what I heard AT ALL. 

Not to defend my own stuff, but I just wanted to note that Polk and Klipsch both have a long history of making some great gear, but recently have gotten into the bigbox store game with some products of lesser quality...  Klipschhorns are pretty cool... 

carry on.

I was talking about the mass market Klipsch stuff that's come out the last 10 years.  Klipschorns are definitely cool.

Cool!  Now I don't have to kill you!   

[Sanjay]

I am a complete novice at this, but what I was thinking of doing was getting:

A pair of Magnepan's MMG's or MM-II's Used: http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrplan&1137091340
A toshiba 4960 for dvd playback: no link sorry
A cambridge audio A5 integrated amp: http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/summary.php?PID=32&Title=A5%20Integrated%20Amplifier

I assume this will work jsut dandy?  If so it might be within your budget.

[pfife]

I am a complete novice at this, but what I was thinking of doing was getting:

A pair of Magnepan's MMG's or MM-II's Used: http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrplan&1137091340
A toshiba 4960 for dvd playback: no link sorry
A cambridge audio A5 integrated amp: http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/summary.php?PID=32&Title=A5%20Integrated%20Amplifier

I assume this will work jsut dandy?  If so it might be within your budget.

I'm just going to say, I despise my 4960.  Spend a little more coin on something a little better - you will in a few months anyways. Otherwise, I think they are great suggestions, as long as the amp can handle 4ohm speakers - maggies are 4ohms.


Toodles.

 

[alienbobz]

That A5 amp looks pretty nice. No one has mentioned sound cards. It is just best to get a dvd player to go with the amp and speakers? Like I said earlier, I mainly want this for my computer setup. I watch most of my dvds on my computer anyways. Plus I do want a better sounding monitoring system for my concerts. I have a JVC CD player in my car that has aux input and I am always blown away about how good it sounds in there, then when I play it on my computer it doesn't sound as good.

[Nick Culbreth]

That A5 amp looks pretty nice. No one has mentioned sound cards. It is just best to get a dvd player to go with the amp and speakers? Like I said earlier, I mainly want this for my computer setup. I watch most of my dvds on my computer anyways. Plus I do want a better sounding monitoring system for my concerts. I have a JVC CD player in my car that has aux input and I am always blown away about how good it sounds in there, then when I play it on my computer it doesn't sound as good.

If it is your intention to use this primarily with your computer I'd suggest buying some kind of self powered monitors and a DAC.  In my experience the DACs in soundcards aren't all that great, so going digi out would probably yield the best result.

[Chuck]

I am a complete novice at this, but what I was thinking of doing was getting:

A pair of Magnepan's MMG's or MM-II's Used: http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrplan&1137091340
A toshiba 4960 for dvd playback: no link sorry
A cambridge audio A5 integrated amp: http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/summary.php?PID=32&Title=A5%20Integrated%20Amplifier

I assume this will work jsut dandy?  If so it might be within your budget.

I've got the Cambridge A5 amp and I really like it. Todd R recommended it. I've also got the Toshiba 4960. Mine sometimes stops playing after a while. I have to turn it off, then on again to get it to play... so, I'm not so impressed with it.

[Nick's Picks]

there has been a lot of talk of folks picking up Sony 2/3000es amps for under $400.
I'd go that route.  then you have decent surround as well as very good two channel.

go to www.audioadvisor.com and shop around.  they carry great stuff that is not uber high end...nor expensive brand new.  Find what you like, and then buy it used on audiogon.
I think you can put something nice togother for $500.  make your own cables after and you'll be psyched.

wharfdale diamond monitors?
Epos EL3s monitors?

[lds490]

If you are just looking for computer playback for under $500, check this out.

http://www.mapleshaderecords.com/tweaks/portableaudio.php

I have not seen or heard it, but it looks interesting and not very expensive.  You will need some method of converting D>A, and some folks around here can tell you about compter playback with decent sound.  Or else, you can get an inexpensive DVD player (like a Toshiba or Samsung) that will take care of your transport and D>A conversion.

[Nick's Picks]

imo, you'd be high to drop five franklins on that

[Chuck]

Man, that guy has a lot of questionable advice and products...  on that site...

[lds490]

Man, that guy has a lot of questionable advice and products...  on that site...

That's what I am curious about.  Obviously, he is puffing his products, which is expected.  But he makes a lot of claims about improving sound with various tweaks.  I'm skeptical about such things, but have no actual knowledge.  That's why I want to hear your opinions.  I do note that virtually everything they sell has a money back guarantee.  So, there is not much to lose (except shipping costs) by trying out some of his products.