Amps, Preamps, etc.

is now posted here. Please read it carefully. Thanks!

I currently am running a decent Home Theater set up that includes an Anthem MRX-700 receiver, Harbeth HL5's (FR/FL) and an Oppo BDP-95.  I also find myself getting into hi-res files (stored on a DROBO FS and accessed through a Squeezebox Touch) and more 2-channel listening.  I have been auditioning DACs to use with the Squeezebox and really loved the Bel Canto 2.5.  Since that can also act as a preamp, it got me thinking about how to incorporate a more "audiophile" 2-channel option into my HT set up.  Most of the options I considered all requied

I am cureently using a high end Sony receiver as a preamp in a 2.1 stereo music system in my bedroom. Power amp is the Odyssey Khartago. Speakers are Vienna Acoustics standmounts, with a Rel B2 subwoofer. Source is the most recent Sony SACD player. Power conditioner is the Hydra 4. A pair of Audioquest cheetah RCA connectors is used between the SACD plaayer and the Sony. Shunyata Aries RCA interconnects are used between the Receiver and the Odyssey Khartago.

Which sounds better?
Your impressions of deep bass, dynamics, punch, midrange, treble and imaging
and which speakers you are driving (cables and source info also helpful).
Today I have an NAD 80 watt per channel integrated and a Jolida 801.
The Jolida out performs in all respects except perhaps deep bass but only in balance
and not tome or dynamics.
I have 3 speakers: Martin Logan ESLs, Reference 3A Episodes, and custom dual 8 inch 3 way towers.

Hi
I have saved some money for my new cdp.
The 2 CDp I have in mind are marantz cd5004 or ca 550c.
My query is which one will match with the system
I was also wondering as I also have a huge collection of songs in my computer will a Dacmagic will have the same effect SQ as the cdp?
My System
Yamaha AS 500
Kef Q100
Philips DVD player
Chord carnival silver

Currently, I have the Wyred 4 Sound SX-1000 monos. Last night, I ordered a set of heavily modified Khartago monos from Klaus at Odyssey Audio. I'm also going to get a Parasound A-21. After letting all the amps break-in, I'm going to do my own $2500 amp shoot out. Am I missing any other contenders? Maybe the Hk 990 integrated that Stereophile just reviewed??? Anyone in the Hampton Roads area who wants to join in, I should be ready for some serious listening in early March.

 I have an Oppo - 83 that sounds great with dvd's/Cd's into my 2channel NAD  352 integrated amp with an Audio Alchemy DAC. My speakers are Totem Rainmakers with REL sub-base. My problem is when playing a Blu Ray movie I get a lot of noise unless I set the Oppo to LPCM out put instead of Bittream out put. I am using an optical connect to the Audio Alchemy then digital into the integrated amp. If need be I can buy a preamp to handle the signal and bypass the preamp on the integrated. Please advise. 

I have read on other audio forums that Bill Johnson of Audio Research passed away the other day at the age of 85. Does anyone have more details? This is an enormous loss for the high end audio community.
 

need advice on bookshelf  for yamaha as500 within $800?

Hi everyone, I'm a newbie to TAS's forums.  I was hoping I could solicit your advice as well as the advice of the editors of TAS on my question below: