What should I buy for my Vista's and Descent?

[MarcinKG]

I am a new ML fun. Recently I have purchased new Vistas and used Descent sub. I am in process of building a 5.1 HT.

Now I have a choice, I can buy new Denon AVR-3808Ci for $1200
OR
Used Sunfire Cinema grand 5 channel power amp and Sunfire Theater grand processor 2 for $1950 both.
OR
anything else that you can recommend for 2K...

What would you recommend?
All inputs are much appreciated

 

[kcl]

I am a new ML fun. Recently I have purchased new Vistas and used Descent sub. I am in process of building a 5.1 HT.

Now I have a choice, I can buy new Denon AVR-3808Ci for $1200
OR
Used Sunfire Cinema grand 5 channel power amp and Sunfire Theater grand processor 2 for $1950 both.
OR
anything else that you can recommend for 2K...

What would you recommend?
All inputs are much appreciated

High-end equipment like the Vistas usually perform better with separate pre-processors and amps. 'All-in-one' receivers like the AVR tend to have compromises in their design to make them both 'fit' together in the same box. You generally wouldn't notice anything, but higher quality speakers (like your Vistas) will magnify any weaknesses in the supporting components. Additionally, the Sunfire amps do a superb job with the widely varying impedance required by Logans. (There's many of us using Sunfire amps with Summits, myself included.) The fact that Sunfire amps give you true doubling of wattage when the ohms are halved, make them excellent for Logans. Your Vistas will commonly operate from 8 ohms to as low as 1.5 to 2 ohms, and many receivers and/or amps don't deal well with that. They're usually designed for speakers that run at a constant 8 ohms.

Just to be clear, I recommend the Sunfires.

 

[timm]

High-end equipment like the Vistas usually perform better with separate pre-processors and amps. 'All-in-one' receivers like the AVR tend to have compromises in their design to make them both 'fit' together in the same box. You generally wouldn't notice anything, but higher quality speakers (like your Vistas) will magnify any weaknesses in the supporting components. Additionally, the Sunfire amps do a superb job with the widely varying impedance required by Logans. (There's many of us using Sunfire amps with Summits, myself included.) The fact that Sunfire amps give you true doubling of wattage when the ohms are halved, make them excellent for Logans. Your Vistas will commonly operate from 8 ohms to as low as 1.5 to 2 ohms, and many receivers and/or amps don't deal well with that. They're usually designed for speakers that run at a constant 8 ohms.

Just to be clear, I recommend the Sunfires.

I'd like to say that I have a sunfire cinema grand signature w/ the theater grand processor 2 pushing Odysseys.... The sunfire is bi-amped - and yes I ditto what KCL says.....Just to be clear, I recommend the Sunfires as well
If you can get a signature - I would get it....

 

[MarcinKG]

Thank you for your input, I think sunfire will be my choice then

 

[eknuds01]

Another sunfire owner here. I used to have an integrated amp powering my Logans and the Sunfire made a nice change even when I used the old integrated as the pre-amp.

Right off the bat I noticed a wider soundstage and tighter bass.

Erik

 

[timm]

Thank you for your input, I think sunfire will be my choice then

Let us know how it goes...it is always nice to hear someone's impressions post purchase. If you do get the TG II - check the software version (it is a menu item)... If it isn't the latest - you used to be able to download the newest software from your computer onto the TGII. I think they still have the TGII updates on their website. Odds are it is probably updated - but it is worth checking out. Were you planning on bi-amping the vistas w/ the sunfire cinema grand?

 

[MarcinKG]

Thank you all for your input. Thanks to you I am going ahead with the purchase.

Just bought TG II, now just looking for the amp.

Can you tell me if Signature is really worth the extra money? On the used market the difference is about $900

Thanks again.:bowdown:

 

[MarcinKG]

No, I was not planning on bi-amping my Vistas, but before I get the center and the surround speakers, I can definitively do it. What are your experiences with doing it?

 

[timm]

No, I was not planning on bi-amping my Vistas, but before I get the center and the surround speakers, I can definitively do it. What are your experiences with doing it?

With the cinema grand you can use 4 of the 5 outputs to bi-amp... simple to do with the amp - you will need 2 extra inter-connects and either two runs of wire - or bi-wire cable double terminated at both ends... I find it to add additional detail and better soundstage.... I like the signature a lot... didn't do a direct a/b to a cinema grand that I can recall. Maybe someone else knows?? If you are more home theater oriented - no need - but if you listen to 2 channel music - there is a benefit.

 

[MarcinKG]

OK, I did my black Friday shopping early.
I made payments for these two babies:
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampsmult&1200875871
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?homeproc&1200448676

Now, guys help me out with an advice on how to set them up while I am waiting for packages to arrive.
I have pair of Vista's and Descent waiting. Can you tell me what is the best way to connect them?

Thanks

 

[MarcinKG]

And I really hope that I will be happy with the extra investment for Sunfire cinema grand Signature. What are your experiences with it?