Marantz, B&W, REL, Audioquest, and Oppo...experience, anyone?

Geickel -- Tue, 01/17/2012 - 11:44

Hey Guys,
     I'm assembling my first high-end system. The components I think I've decided on are as follows: Monster HTUPS-3700, Oppo BDP-95 Universal Disc Player, Marantz PM-11S2 Stereo Integrated Amplifier, Bowers & Wilkins PM-1s (with stands), REL T2s (two of them), Audioquest 1.5m Columbia XLR interconnects, Audioquest Gibraltar 8ft. speaker cables, and Audioquest NRG-10 power cables (for Oppo and Marantz).
     I work at a Magnolia Home Theater, and have access to discounts on these items I probably won't have again after I change jobs. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to afford these components. Obviously, for these reasons, I am limited as to what brands that Magnolia carries. The one caveat is this: I can't hear any of them without ordering them in, as there are no local dealers who have them, and I wouldn't want to waste their time, knowing that I won't be buying from them. I will have the option of returning them, but there will be shipping involved; and since these are the highest grade components that I have access to, and I've heard marantz and b&w work together in their lower lines (marantz pm8004 and b&w 600 and CM series speakers), I'm fairly confident I will be happy with them. But...I don't want to put components together that WILL NOT have good synergy, so...I am wondering if anyone can comment on their experience with any of these components individually, and their specific characters. Also, if anyone has any experience with any/all of the components working together, I would love to hear thoughts on their synergy. I know there will at least be people who have heard the components individually, and who can give me their thoughts, so I can (at least theoretically) put their individual charactes together and make sure this will be a great system. I would also love for the editors to share their thoughts on this system choice, as I greatly respect their wisdom, having reviewed audio gear for so long.
     I already have all of the cables, so I'm stuck with them. The same goes for the RELs and Monster UPS (which was chosen over a Panamax mainly because RH put this exact unit in his dedicated home theater system). I love the sound of B&W's speakers, and I can only guess the PM1s will be a more refined version of the bookshelf models from the 600 and CM lines. These speakers are the ones I want. The Oppo BDP-95 is my choice for obvious reasons, as I am incorporating it in with this dedicated two-channel system as well as a home theater system. Really, I'm trying to choose an amp to go with the system, and I hate to get the Marantz if it's not going to be a good choice. Also, I want the system to be balanced, and I don't want to grossly overspend on any one component, and it far outclass the others in the system. My other options are McIntosh, Peachtree Audio, Denon, Primare, and Arcam in the 3-4K price range (or cheaper). From Marantz, I had also considered the Marantz PM-15S2B Limited, PM-8004, and the MM-7025 (stereo power amplifier with XLR ins). I am leaning toward the PM-11S2 because I want to take advantage of the balanced XLR capabilities of the Oppo.
     In closing (finally, right?), I will not be putting this system in a room more than 3000 cubic feet. I like all types of music, with a preference for great soundstaging and imaging (but remember, I've never heard anything at this level of performance). I have RH's The Complete Guide to High-End Audio, and will be using it to set up my system, and eventually to build a dedicated listening room (with help from references found in his book). Also, I write and record music, and will be using this system at some point to monitor, mix, and possibly master recordings. I know this has been a lot, but I will be grateful for any and all replies/advice/knowledge/wisdom/criticisms/scolding I can get. Thanks in advance.
Dan

Jers -- Sun, 01/22/2012 - 15:14

Geickel,
In the past this was a good place to get the point of view from people with experience and passion in this hobby. I'm not sure what has happened in that regard. I was waiting, hoping that one of these people would be able to give you the advice you were looking for as they did when I was shopping.
Instead you will get my two cents and maybe it will be so off base that it compels someone with more wisdom to chime in. It has been a short while since I have been out to listen to any systems so I have not heard the componets on your list, However I have heard previous offerings from all of the companies, and have read nothing about huge shifts in "house souds". And I do own Oppo and Audioquest and am quite happy with my choices.
That said, I spent quite a bit of time with B&W speakers before choosing a different rout. I realy enjoyed the soundstage they produced and I can understand why a person could "love" them. Most people whould caution against buying a speaker with out hearing it, but given your circumstance it seems like a pretty safe gamble. I would not guess that you will be disapointed, but instead fall deeper in love as you live with them.
A long story, hopfull made short. When I was shoping for speakers I found some that my wife and I both realy liked. They were in the "highend" room being driven by Mcintosh gear. The Mcintosh was out of my price range so we made plans to get back to that store and have them moved to a room with gear more in line with my budget. That store closed before I got the chance. A new store opened later that year with those speakers and we went with money in hand. TOTALY different soud driven by none Mcintosh gear. The sound was so in-your-face compared to the smoth, laid back, musical sound of the Mac that I coudln't bring myself to purchase the speakers.
My feeling is that I would gladly give up some features/conectivity in the Marantz to get the soud of the Mac. If music is your priority than I urge you to give that some thought.
Good luck and happy listening,
Jer