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Paradigm Owners Thread - Page 807

post #24181 of 28216
3/9/12 at 11:56am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Blackdevil77 View Post

Okay, now I have a question, and need some serious advice/input.

As many of you know, I have the Monitor 7 v3's with matching center, ADP surrounds etc and I want to get into some new sigs. Obviously I would want to upgrade my amplifier as well, which is now in the form of an AVR (Marantz SR7500).

Today I found a Parasound A51 that is supposedly 6 months old and in immaculate condition, AND a Integra DHC-80.3 for sale! The total for both together at their used prices is about 5 grand. Brand new I figure that number would be closer 8 grand at MSRP. The A51 seller is asking for 3200, and the Integra DHC-80.3 seller is asking for 2100. Are these reasonable you think? For an even 3 grand, I'd take the Parasound A51 assuming it's in the condition the seller says its in. I wasn't planning on making a purchase for about a year or so since I'm dropping a lot of money into finishing up my basement to turn it into a home theater and will be dropping 4 G's on an Epson Pro Cinema 6010, plus the screen, so this is a big bite of money. I just don't want to pass up on a deal if it truly is too good to pass up. What you guys think?

The Parasound's MSRP was $4500, and usually used amps kind of hang on to at least 1/2 MSRP for four or five years at least, with some commanding more based on popularity. There's a ton of both new and used options that are outstanding in the sub $3k category. I'm of the opinion that amps are the component that's going to make the least difference in a system providing they have the power required, and that's often far less than people think or are led to believe.

$2100 for the DHC 80.3 seems a tad high, unless its' new. I would think you should be able to get it around $2200 new if MSRP is $2600... but it's an excellent unit to consider.
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post #24182 of 28216
3/9/12 at 12:03pm
The DHC is brand new in the box the guy said. Both units are from audiogon.com. The guy with the DHC said he bought a bunch of gear for his home theater room and ran into financial trouble and has to sell everything.

As for the amp, I heard the A51 in action before on my exact speakers believe it or not and loved the sound. They sounded so much cleaner, clearer, plush and airy compared to my Marantz. I don't know if that was the signal processing that made that huge difference, or the amp itself, but it sure sounded nice lol
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post #24183 of 28216
3/9/12 at 12:20pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Blackdevil77 View Post

The DHC is brand new in the box the guy said. Both units are from audiogon.com. The guy with the DHC said he bought a bunch of gear for his home theater room and ran into financial trouble and has to sell everything.

As for the amp, I heard the A51 in action before on my exact speakers believe it or not and loved the sound. They sounded so much cleaner, clearer, plush and airy compared to my Marantz. I don't know if that was the signal processing that made that huge difference, or the amp itself, but it sure sounded nice lol

Well then the DHC is in the wheelhouse then, ask him if the warrantee is transferrable and if not maybe request if he'd take a bit less because of it. You'll save a little over new at his price and on taxes but have to give some back in shipping if he's not local.
I've heard the Parasounds quite a few times, never with Paradigms but they are excellent. Amps are an area where I believe you can sacrifice a bit with some homework if you need to cut corners on your budget. For example an Athem PVA 5 or 7 will perform just as good with music depending on the size of room and how loud you listen and cost around $1k used.
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post #24184 of 28216
3/9/12 at 12:42pm
Actually looking at A-gon there's a ton of good 5/7 channels amps I'd consider along with the A51. Anthem's PVA7 and Statement A's, the Sunfire Cinema Grands' and Wyred4Sound Mini MC's just to name a few. I'd put the Wyred's at the top of my own list being an ICEpower fan.
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post #24185 of 28216
3/9/12 at 2:20pm
I'll ask him in the warrantee is transferable. I'm guessing it's not with the Parasound, right? Even though he only owned it 6 months?
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post #24186 of 28216
3/9/12 at 2:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Blackdevil77 View Post

I'll ask him in the warrantee is transferable. I'm guessing it's not with the Parasound, right? Even though he only owned it 6 months?

Not a clue, I know some amps like Bryston are, which is why they are in the upper end of amps as far as holding strong re-sale value.
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post #24187 of 28216
3/9/12 at 3:40pm
hi,

im newbie,i just wanna ask expert guys here, what is the right price for a pair of monitor 9, it looks like this but black color, i found a dealer here in central ca and his price is $999/pair. is the price fair? im upgrading from polk tsi series and love the sound of this. My AVr is denon 1910. Thanks
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post #24188 of 28216
3/9/12 at 3:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Blackdevil77 View Post

I'll ask him in the warrantee is transferable. I'm guessing it's not with the Parasound, right? Even though he only owned it 6 months?

I would find out directly from Parasound. Not from the seller / dealer. I've been told one thing only to hear another from the manufacturer.
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post #24189 of 28216
3/9/12 at 4:00pm
Parasound warranty is not transferrable.

http://www.parasound.com/warranty.php
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post #24190 of 28216
3/9/12 at 4:11pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bryan338 View Post

hi,

im newbie,i just wanna ask expert guys here, what is the right price for a pair of monitor 9, it looks like this but black color, i found a dealer here in central ca and his price is $999/pair. is the price fair? im upgrading from polk tsi series and love the sound of this. My AVr is denon 1910. Thanks

If it is the ones pictured, they are v6. I just bought mine new last month for $799/pr.

They are awesome speakers. I drive mine with a Denon 1910 as well and it pushes them nicely.
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post #24191 of 28216
3/9/12 at 5:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cjsiv View Post

If it is the ones pictured, they are v6. I just bought mine new last month for $799/pr.

They are awesome speakers. I drive mine with a Denon 1910 as well and it pushes them nicely.

what center model are you using? thanks
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post #24192 of 28216
3/9/12 at 5:37pm
I asked the seller spur of the moment about the warranty being transferable on the Parasound and he didn't lie to me, he told me it wasn't. Here is his response:

"The warranty is not transferrable but I can support you through the warranty as I am the first owner. Yes if you are genuinely interested and we agree on the price I can send you the pictures. The unit is like a brand new unit and has the original packaging etc."

So basically, if something goes wrong I have to ship it back to him, he has to pretend like he never sold it and send it to Parasound, who then sends it back to him, who then sends it back to me. Sounds like a real PITA and if I were him selling something, I surely wouldn't want to be bothered like that, and I definitely wouldn't want to have to pay shipping to him, then from him to parasound on an 80 pound package. Seems like a risk, idk lol.
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post #24193 of 28216
3/9/12 at 5:53pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Blackdevil77 View Post

I asked the seller spur of the moment about the warranty being transferable on the Parasound and he didn't lie to me, he told me it wasn't. Here is his response:

"The warranty is not transferrable but I can support you through the warranty as I am the first owner. Yes if you are genuinely interested and we agree on the price I can send you the pictures. The unit is like a brand new unit and has the original packaging etc."

So basically, if something goes wrong I have to ship it back to him, he has to pretend like he never sold it and send it to Parasound, who then sends it back to him, who then sends it back to me. Sounds like a real PITA and if I were him selling something, I surely wouldn't want to be bothered like that, and I definitely wouldn't want to have to pay shipping to him, then from him to parasound on an 80 pound package. Seems like a risk, idk lol.

Ok, it sound to me that you have not considered Emotiva. Do it. They make incredible stuff, stand by their products, and you can easily deal with any warranty issues (which they have notoriously few of), it will also leave you more room for a processor.
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post #24194 of 28216
3/9/12 at 5:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by JustBusiness View Post


Ok, it sound to me that you have not considered Emotiva. Do it. They make incredible stuff, stand by their products, and you can easily deal with any warranty issues (which they have notoriously few of), it will also leave you more room for a processor.

Also, since it seems you're not in a rush, they have a HUGE fourth of July sale, you could save a ton there.
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post #24195 of 28216
3/9/12 at 6:32pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bryan338 View Post

what center model are you using? thanks

CC-290. Matches up nicely.
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post #24196 of 28216
3/9/12 at 6:47pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cjsiv View Post


CC-290. Matches up nicely.

Last question, how muh did you pay for your center? Thanks again
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post #24197 of 28216
3/9/12 at 6:59pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bryan338 View Post

hi,

im newbie,i just wanna ask expert guys here, what is the right price for a pair of monitor 9, it looks like this but black color, i found a dealer here in central ca and his price is $999/pair. is the price fair? im upgrading from polk tsi series and love the sound of this. My AVr is denon 1910. Thanks

I purchased 9's last August just before version 7 came out an I paid $910 for the pair. With that being said, I think the price is a little high for a discontinued version. I also have a CC-290 as a center and they sound great together. I might have purchased the CC-390, but did not have the space for that beast. The 290 is more than capable though. I paid $500 for my CC-290.
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post #24198 of 28216
3/9/12 at 7:21pm
$365 for the CC-290 New in box. Very happy with the deal I got. Great experience with my local retailer.

Also got mini monitor surrounds for $330 pr.

I kinda chuckle when people talk about the 390. That thing is a freaking beast. The 190 looked large compared to the centers I was used to using. Thought I splurged on the 290. Looked monstrous when I got it. Does look smaller every day now though.
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post #24199 of 28216
3/9/12 at 7:35pm
Finally got my surround setup fully operational!
Denon avr-3808ci
Paradigm studio 60v2
Paradigm cc-370 center
Jbl control 5 surrounds
Outlaw audio lfm-1 plus

Hooked to a Mitsubishi 65" Dlp for now until I get a decent 1080p projector using a htpc for all playback

Setup with audyssey was a breeze, really glad I got this receiver for the extra power. Watched a few movies and have star wars episode IV playing now.

Total cost for audio setup $1298 (not including money back from selling old setup and stuff which was $500 back).... Having your kids tell you to turn something down instead of the other way around.... Priceless!

Still looking for some studio 20 or 40 for surrounds though to have a matching setup and then move the jbl control 5 to my zone 2 outputs, so if anyone happens to find a good deal on some used let me know!
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post #24200 of 28216
3/9/12 at 8:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by bryan338 View Post

hi,

im newbie,i just wanna ask expert guys here, what is the right price for a pair of monitor 9, it looks like this but black color, i found a dealer here in central ca and his price is $999/pair. is the price fair? im upgrading from polk tsi series and love the sound of this. My AVr is denon 1910. Thanks

Hello, I just paid 870 out the door from an authorized dealer 2 weeks ago in cherry. So I guess 999 seems a little high. I also have the cc-290 and I love it, paid just over 400 for it about a year ago, no warranty though. I love the center and loving the 9's! Try to get them for no more then 900 I say. Good luck.
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post #24201 of 28216
3/10/12 at 7:52am
Quote:
Originally Posted by rnrgagne View Post


It was just a page or two back but no problem;

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=824554

It makes more sense to get more out of your "system" than to get more out of your "S3's" specifically. There's a variety of ways to get there, but getting the bass right lays the foundation for good audio IMO.

Thanks for the link. I've been reading up. Nice system you have by the way.

Blackdevil - it'll be a few more weeks before I can report on the SE3s. We are getting new flooring installed so I'm going to wait until that's complete to hook these up. I unboxed them though and they are very nice looking. An unexpected surprise was the shiny label on the back that said engineered and made in Canada. I assumed they were built in China. Don't know if it makes a difference but it's nice to see the labor in North America for a change.
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post #24202 of 28216
3/10/12 at 9:53am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Blackdevil77 View Post

So basically, if something goes wrong I have to ship it back to him, he has to pretend like he never sold it and send it to Parasound, who then sends it back to him, who then sends it back to me. Sounds like a real PITA and if I were him selling something, I surely wouldn't want to be bothered like that, and I definitely wouldn't want to have to pay shipping to him, then from him to parasound on an 80 pound package. Seems like a risk, idk lol.

He could arrange the shipping from your address easy enough. But there might also be a Parasound authorized service center in your area...

It's pretty good of the guy to offer that, most people wouldn't want the hassle.
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post #24203 of 28216
3/10/12 at 9:59am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kermit26.2 View Post

Thanks for the link. I've been reading up. Nice system you have by the way.
.

You're welcome, and thanks.
It's been a lifetime of trial and error in concert with buying & selling to upgrade, but a labor of love none the less. I'd never be able to walk into a store and pay for what have in one shot. Well, I would but it would mean instant divorce lol!
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post #24204 of 28216
3/10/12 at 10:05am
Quote:
Originally Posted by nintari View Post

Finally got my surround setup fully operational!
Denon avr-3808ci
Paradigm studio 60v2
Paradigm cc-370 center
Jbl control 5 surrounds
Outlaw audio lfm-1 plus

Hooked to a Mitsubishi 65" Dlp for now until I get a decent 1080p projector using a htpc for all playback

Setup with audyssey was a breeze, really glad I got this receiver for the extra power. Watched a few movies and have star wars episode IV playing now.

Total cost for audio setup $1298 (not including money back from selling old setup and stuff which was $500 back).... Having your kids tell you to turn something down instead of the other way around.... Priceless!

Still looking for some studio 20 or 40 for surrounds though to have a matching setup and then move the jbl control 5 to my zone 2 outputs, so if anyone happens to find a good deal on some used let me know!

Check out today's AVS Classified Listing for some used Studio 20's
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post #24205 of 28216
3/10/12 at 12:52pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Blackdevil77 View Post

I asked the seller spur of the moment about the warranty being transferable on the Parasound and he didn't lie to me, he told me it wasn't. Here is his response:

"The warranty is not transferrable but I can support you through the warranty as I am the first owner. Yes if you are genuinely interested and we agree on the price I can send you the pictures. The unit is like a brand new unit and has the original packaging etc."

So basically, if something goes wrong I have to ship it back to him, he has to pretend like he never sold it and send it to Parasound, who then sends it back to him, who then sends it back to me. Sounds like a real PITA and if I were him selling something, I surely wouldn't want to be bothered like that, and I definitely wouldn't want to have to pay shipping to him, then from him to parasound on an 80 pound package. Seems like a risk, idk lol.

Emotiva.. It's new, you have the warranty and you aren't going notice any difference between the parasound and an xpa.
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post #24206 of 28216
3/10/12 at 1:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kermit26.2 View Post

Thanks for the link. I've been reading up. Nice system you have by the way.

Blackdevil - it'll be a few more weeks before I can report on the SE3s. We are getting new flooring installed so I'm going to wait until that's complete to hook these up. I unboxed them though and they are very nice looking. An unexpected surprise was the shiny label on the back that said engineered and made in Canada. I assumed they were built in China. Don't know if it makes a difference but it's nice to see the labor in North America for a change.

Very nice! You must be itching lol. The SE's are made in Canada at Paradigms facilities. Only the newest monitor speakers to my understanding are made in china. What you have is a nice step up my friend
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post #24207 of 28216
3/10/12 at 1:16pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Venomous View Post

Emotiva.. It's new, you have the warranty and you aren't going notice any difference between the parasound and an xpa.

Just looked at the XPA-5 from Emotiva. $900 bucks!!!! vs. $4500???? Mama always said if it seems too good to be true, it usually is lol. Now I'm 100% for saving money, but is there somebody that can explain to me why the mammoth price difference? There's got to be a catch.

The difference in sound between the Parasound and Emotiva isn't noticeable!!!???? I would assume a 4500 dollar amp would sound better then a 900 dollar amp, but maybe I'm mistaken. Unless amps can be just as gimmicky as monster cable lol.
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post #24208 of 28216
3/10/12 at 1:31pm
Ready to pull the trigger on S8 V2 and C5 demo's. Question is how many watts do I need to do the speakers justice? Any amp suggestions?

Can also pick up ADP's at a great price. Problem is I have a walk out basement with windows and doors on one side. Can't mount the speaker on the wall. Will stands work and if so how tall should they be? If that isn't ideal what in ceilings speakers would you recommend?

C5 and ADP speaker stand recommendations?

Thanks in advance from a newbie.
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post #24209 of 28216
3/10/12 at 1:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Blackdevil77 View Post

. Unless amps can be just as gimmicky as monster cable lol.

Well in some cases yes.
In general, you get more of an audible difference from moving your speakers a few inches than you do from changing amp vs amp.
The caveat being if the amps have proper power for room size, listening distance and speaker efficiency, or it is designed to impart a sonic character like tube amps.

Amplifier technology is quite old, and the components in them have been mass produced for ages, so really there's no reason you can't build an amp for $900 that rivals a $4500 unit. With a lot of audio products you buy the faceplate more than the guts.

I've never heard the Emotiva amps, but I have a pair of their in-wall speakers for my rears and the build quality is quite good for their price so I'd have to think their amps should follow suit.

Check out the Amplifier FAQ sticky at the top of this section, it'll give you most of the info you need to know.
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post #24210 of 28216
3/10/12 at 1:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by golfheaven79 View Post

Ready to pull the trigger on S8 V2 and C5 demo's. Question is how many watts do I need to do the speakers justice? Any amp suggestions?

Can also pick up ADP's at a great price. Problem is I have a walk out basement with windows and doors on one side. Can't mount the speaker on the wall. Will stands work and if so how tall should they be? If that isn't ideal what in ceilings speakers would you recommend?

C5 and ADP speaker stand recommendations?

Thanks in advance from a newbie.

Check out the thread I just mentioned above, it has a formula there to help calculate power requirements.

Not sure about ADP stands, but I know people do frequently use them on stands.

It so happens I have a Paradigm stand for your CC I'm not using, if you're interested pm me.
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