Next purchase, power amp or sub???

[atkins4725]

Morning ppl, I'm looking at my next piece of kit to be added to my current set up, just need a lil help deciding which way would be better for over all sound.

Option 1 - B&W ASW610XP

Option 2 - Marantz power amp (either the mm7025 to help with the 683's or push for the mm7055 for when I've built up the complete 683 theatre.

Many thanks, Rick.

 

[pioneer7]

I think the Sub would be the way I would go first, seeing as you are building a speaker system, adding a sub will give you considerable improvements, then get the power amp, I am not familiar with Marantz so can not coment. Do you need more oommph from your current amp to warrant a power amp, if you think you are lacking in power to drive your speakers it may be worth considering upgrading to a more powerfull A/V Amp.Depending on what you are looking for might be also worth trying to audition your current amp with said power amps and see what you think...just a thought, but going back to your choice I would get the sub first. 8)

 

[audioaffair]

I would agree that a sub is the logical next step, that .1 channel provides an awful lot of information that will 'underpin' the soundtrack allowing you to enjoy true movie going experience. Your 683's are good but very few speakers can do LF like a good sub can

All the best

 

[WishTree]

Sub is good! Reagrding the Power amp, IMO, multi channel power amp vs stereo Power Amp (or Integrated Amp with HT mode) there is a considerable performance difference.

The simpler and better set up would be to have just a stereo power amp and the rest of the set up run on your 7005. Also, when you set the center and surround speakers to cross at 80 or 100 Hz the Amps in SR7005 work more easily.

 

[MUSICRAFT]

Morning ppl, I'm looking at my next piece of kit to be added to my current set up, just need a lil help deciding which way would be better for over all sound.

Option 1 - B&W ASW610XP

Option 2 - Marantz power amp (either the mm7025 to help with the 683's or push for the mm7055 for when I've built up the complete 683 theatre.

Many thanks, Rick.

Hi Rick

In the first instance the ASW610 will do the trick nicely Btw, even though 683's have got good LF performance however i'll suggest setting the sub to cover the range up to or close as 80Hz. This should then lead to better overall performance as it should help the Marantz drive the 683's more cleanly and effectively.

Out of interest will you eventaully be going for DS3's as the surrounds or another Six Series model?

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[atkins4725]

Thanks for the input/tips guys. I sold my CA 840a due to not wanting the mess about with 2 separate amps and also being happy enough with the Marantz in 2 channel. I will however be replacing the 650bd for something superior sounding in 2channel, perhaps, CA751bd or the Marantz 7006. I think I'll try demo the two subs ASW610 & ASW610xp.

MUSICRAFT - with regards to the surround speakers i can't make up my mind between the DS3's or 685's What are the benefits of the DS3's over say 685 or vice versa????

Many thanks, Rick.

 

[duaplex]

The dipoles will give you a more diffuse sound for movies and are ideal for placement on walls and for people with couches against walls, or with lack of clearance from the rear wall. If you have the clearance behind your sofa for direct radiating speakers then you can consider the 685.

The advantage of dipoles is that you have an option to go from direct fire to dipole and you reproduce that diffuse field for movies

The 685 need correct placement and distance from walls behind you. They are direct firing so you will be able to distinguish them when you are watching a movie. This is not to say you cannot with dipoles, the dipoles blend in nicely with the sound field, which is kinda the point and you are not suposed to be able to tell where the speaker is.... But you may like direct more and distinguishing them.

It depends on your layout and preference

 

[atkins4725]

Thanks Duplex,

That cleared quite a lot up and given my room layout with the sofa on the back wall I think the dipoles are the way to go, quite excited now. Once again, thanks.