I am a newbie here and this is my first post. I am looking to upgrade my audio system and was looking for Black Friday deals when I heard the Def Tech BP9060 speakers in Best Buy (they were giving away a center channel CS9060 free if you buy a pair of BP9060 towers). I thought it was a great deal and was about to jump on it until I heard B&W 683 and CM10. I was really blown away and thought I need to do more research before I plunk down large sums of money on any of these speakers

So for the last 2 weeks, I have been doing extensive research on audio gear and reading various reviews. Almost everyone seems to recommend or has good things to say about the Tritons. I went ahead and auditioned the Triton 2+ with one of the GE dealers and it was really really good. I didn't audition the Triton Ones as I didn't have time but will go back later.

A little more context before I ask my questions. I am not a serious audiophile and might listen to my equipment 2-3 hours on average everyday. It will mostly be 40% television, 40% movies and 20% music. Planning to put the system in my large living room (20ft*18ft) with 2 storey ceiling (20ft height) in the new house. My current system is really basic - Denon AVR 1909 and Onkyo SKS HT-540 7.1 speaker set both of which are around 7 years old. Since this is all new to me, I am trying to soak in as much as possible by doing all sort of research. I really want to build a quality system one step at a time and not big bang. So here are my questions -

1. Progressive system build over years
Option 1: Year 1-Buy the Triton One pair and run it with Denon AVR along with existing Onkyo center and surrounds for 5.1; Year 2-Upgrade the Denon AVR to Marantz or something better and add an power amplifier, Marantz or Emotiva; Year 3 - add SuperCenter XL or XXL and SuperSat3 replacing the Onkyo speakers.
Option 2: Year 1 - Upgrade the Denon receiver and get a power amplifier. Year 2: Get the Triton One pairs ; Year 3 - Get the SuperCenter XL/XXL and Super Sat 3
Option 3: Year 1-Buy the Triton 2+ pair and upgrade the Denon AVR to Marantz or something better and add an power amplifier, Marantz or Emotiva; Year 2 - add SuperCenter XL or XXL and SuperSat3 replacing the Onkyo speakers.

Which of these is a better option?
The bigger question is, can the Triton One function using the Denon AVR or do I need to get a good separate/receiver and Amp before buying the towers? The dealer was mentioning I don't need an dedicated amplifier as the speakers are very efficient (92dB). Is that really true?
Other question - Apart from everything "bigger and more" in Triton One, does it have any other advantages/new technology compared to the 2+? I can do the 2+ and get the upgraded receiver and amplifier for the same money.

2. For the Supercenter, how big of a difference is between XL and XXL? Since I am building long term I am thinking these as investments. However if there is not significant improvement then I can live with XL

3. I know this is a subjective question but still would like to get an opinion - for those who have owned other brands - B&W, Def tech etc. how does the Triton One compare to them? I am not a person who is going to crank the volume at the highest level so looking for performance at a normal/conversational volume. Based on my audition so far I would rate B&W/Triton better than Def tech for audio quality but I didn't notice much of a difference between CM10 and Triton 2+.

4. I know I am buying long term and treating this as investment, however how is the resale market for Triton One? Does it depreciate crazy like a luxury car? Does GE sell refurbished Triton Ones?

5. I am probably going to wait until CES 2017 to see if they have any upgraded Triton One coming out but anyone has any piece of info on their product roadmap?

Thanks in advance for all the help. Looking forward to some direction.

Welcome, sourabhdeb!

You're asking well thought out questions. Yes, a longer term approach pays dividends.

I suspect you will get several responses, maybe to parts of your questions. Here's my take on some of them:

I really like the concept of a longer term view, and getting the best speakers your budget can handle, then upgrading the gear that feeds them over time. Speakers ARE the limiting factor in what you can get from an audio system. In that regard, T1's ARE the best, and yes, they are efficient and your Denon AVR would drive them just fine. But they do love and reward quality feeds, so upgrading the gear that feeds them over time will pay dividends. You said you wanted to audition them in addition to the T2+'s you've already heard.. Good choice. Only you can decide if the T1's or T2+'s are the best long term choice for you. I'm betting that the T1's sound better than ANY other brand you're trying in similar price ranges. I do recommend evolving over time to the same brand speakers for all channels. The sound field can be SO seamless, especially GEt's, where all the speakers play together so well.

Re the SCXXL vs. the XL: both are amazing. I did upgrade from the XL to the newly introduced XXL several years ago. The new crossover technology and the 2 extra drivers seemed to just perfectly fit in with the the T1's. You really can't go wrong with either. Again, nothing beats an audition.

Re future upgrades to the T1, per Moderator Dude, none are planned. I have no problem with that.... hard to imagine what could possibly sound better.

Good luck with your journey! I like the way you are approaching your choices!

Rick

Thanks Rick for your viewpoints. I will definitely audition the Triton One and XXL before taking the final call. My only worry is if I get the towers now and don't upgrade the feeding electronics then will it adversely impact the speakers. I read somewhere that feeding the speakers low power continuously will ruin them in the long term. Don't know how true that is.
Again thanks for your quick reply.

Sourabh Deb

Hi, Sourabh Deb

I wouldn't worry a bit about "underpowering" the Tritons and any long term effects. Lots of folks on this forum power them with tube amps, even 25 watts/channel, and love them. It's sound quality, not just watt quantity, that determines how much listening pleasure they can provide. , For the powered Tritons, the bass drivers, the most power hungry, have their own amps. They play well at any power/db level. I'm sure your Denon 1909, rated at 90 watts per channel (probably 2 channels driven), has more than enough power for any of the Tritons.

Good luck!

Rick

Sourabh Deb,

Welcome to the forum. Rick has some good advice, as usual. Based on your intended use, the T2+ may be sufficient. You certainly wouldn't regret the T1s and I don't anticipate a T1 upgrade based on our Moderators feedback, though they may have a new model speaker. In any case, it will not likely be a T1 replacement or at the same price point. Based on the size of your room, the T1s may be a better option.

In terms of what order to purchase your new gear, I'd put all of your money into speakers first. All of the GET speakers are efficient enough for an AVR to drive. As long as your not cranking the volume to the point where the amplifier in the AVR is at clipping, you won't damage your speakers. As Rick indicated, further upgrades in your electronics would be rewarded. If you can swing it, I would go with the front 3 speakers first. I'd go for the SCXXL if it's within your budget. The center channel is your most important speaker for theater use.

After the speakers, you could upgrade to a separate amplifier and use your AVR pre-amp outputs to drive the amps. Lastly, I would upgrade your receiver. Another option would be to get a high quality receiver and an integrated amplifier with home theater bypass to power your Triton towers. That would be more economical, take a significant load off of your AVR, and give you great music performance when the occasion calls for it. Your local GET dealer should be able to walk you through these options.

First thing is first. Go out and perform some auditions and see what sounds best to you. I have been building my system slowly over the past couple of years. Once you narrow down the speaker brand, a lot of the work is done. From there, go with the best speakers that fit your budget and needs. Happy hunting and please keep us posted on what you decide.

Cheers,

T Cobe

rjohn79395 wrote: For the powered Tritons, the bass drivers, the most power hungry, have their own amps. They play well at any power/db level. I'm sure your Denon 1909, rated at 90 watts per channel (probably 2 channels driven), has more than enough power for any of the Tritons.

Good luck!

Rick

Thanks! That gives me confidence to drive those mighty speakers with my existing equipment. Just checked the specs for AVR and it says Front (A,: 90 W + 90 W (8 ohms, 20Hz ~ 20kHz with 0.08% T.H.D); same numbers for center, surround and surround back. So it should be sufficient power.