Hello all, lurker since 2011, active on these forums for about a year now. Prior to children I was very into 5.1 surround sound, had halfer/NAD amps and a modest paradigm surround system with a SVS sub. Due to life events and small children I sold all of it to purchase a B&W Panorama soundbar, simplicity ruled at that time. I began dabbling with "nicer" 2.0 stereo setups in my office as it allowed me to enjoy music all day while in the office and there was no room at home. Have been doing the garage sale, estate sale, craigslist, goodwill searching for a while now and have been able listen to some nice gear, flip some, sell some to friends at cost, and hoard some at home to mess around with. A recent move to a larger house with a large garage has allowed me to collect and listen to more items at home too, but I have been craving the ability to bring the gear I collect in the house to truly enjoy...... fast forward to a few days ago when I checked out a pair of Altec Lansing 846B speakers in pristine condition with glass toppers, original owner. I loved the simple look and finish and realized they would be perfect for my current living room, have excellent WAF, and would not be magnets for 3 year old curiosity as they look like a big piece of furniture. So out with the soundbar, and in with the Altecs..... they are currently in my truck waiting delivery to home.
I have read most of the threads on here about them and plan on replacing the caps as that seems to greatly improve quality. I will be pairing with a Paradigm Seismic 15 sub, as it appears they rolloff around 40 / 50 /60 hz (varying opinions). They will be my main speakers for movies and music. The seller of the altecs also threw in a Harnam Kardon PT 2300 pre-amp that I plan on using (mainly due to it having a sub out connection). She also included a non-functional, according to her, Harman Kardon signature series PA 2200 amp. Will have to open up the amp to see what's wrong. They are going in my great room / living area, that is approximately 30' by 25'.
My main source of music will be digital, either via itunes or tidal hifi streaming, to an airport express/apple tv, and into a DAC. I also plan to hook up my Xbox one to the Altecs via the same DAC and into the pre. All tv and movie watching is done through the xbox. I have been looking at the Cambridge works dacmagic 100, but have only scratched the surface. May also incorporate a Kenwood KD 3055 turntable that I need to clean up.
As far as power goes, I have some decent options:
I am going to go out on a limb and assume the Altecs will trounce the B&W soundbar once they are properly hooked up, so excited to get it all dialed in. I will post updates/impressions as the install unfolds. Any advice or input is greatly appreciated.
I have read most of the threads on here about them and plan on replacing the caps as that seems to greatly improve quality. I will be pairing with a Paradigm Seismic 15 sub, as it appears they rolloff around 40 / 50 /60 hz (varying opinions). They will be my main speakers for movies and music. The seller of the altecs also threw in a Harnam Kardon PT 2300 pre-amp that I plan on using (mainly due to it having a sub out connection). She also included a non-functional, according to her, Harman Kardon signature series PA 2200 amp. Will have to open up the amp to see what's wrong. They are going in my great room / living area, that is approximately 30' by 25'.
My main source of music will be digital, either via itunes or tidal hifi streaming, to an airport express/apple tv, and into a DAC. I also plan to hook up my Xbox one to the Altecs via the same DAC and into the pre. All tv and movie watching is done through the xbox. I have been looking at the Cambridge works dacmagic 100, but have only scratched the surface. May also incorporate a Kenwood KD 3055 turntable that I need to clean up.
As far as power goes, I have some decent options:
- Acurus 200x3
- Sansui 9090db
- Onkyo A10
- Adcom GFA555
- get the HK PA 2200 fixed
I am going to go out on a limb and assume the Altecs will trounce the B&W soundbar once they are properly hooked up, so excited to get it all dialed in. I will post updates/impressions as the install unfolds. Any advice or input is greatly appreciated.
