[EvanP]

I am looking for a good receiver for my soon-to-be-finished home theater. I have just bought a set of Paradigm Reference Studio speakers: (2) 60s, (1) CC450, and (2) ADP450s.


Being very new to this, it seems to me I'm going to need something somewhat powerful to drive the Studio 60s. I would like to spend around $1000.


Does anyone have any suggestions?


Thanks,


Evan

 

[gschawla]

I've had a pioneer elite pushing my paradigm setup before with no problem at all. Currently my Denon 3805 handle my paradigm with no issues..


GC

 

[JasonColeman]

You don't need something powerful to drive those 60's. They are very efficient speakers, and when mated with a good sub, they won't need more than what most receivers can deliver. Of course, they will sound somewhat better when fed more amplification, but it isn't necessary just in order to drive them. I've got Studio 100 v3's with a Denon 3805 w/o any external amplification.


Jason

 

[gschawla]

JasonColeman- Just curious- Are your studio 100's bi-amped?


GC

 

[Scott R. Scherr]

I use a Rotel 1056 to power my 40's, 20's, and CC and an old Denon 2800 to power a pair of Atoms, the back center surrounds.


Scott

 

[Jake Sm]

Scott , where did you get your Paradigms, my brother lives in D.C.?

 

[rocky1]

Scott

how do you like the paradigms w/the rotel,did you ever compare to B&W,or any other spks for that matter..

 

[EvanP]

Jason, GC:


Thanks for the responses. I was actually looking at the Pioneer Elite before I posted this thread. I was also looking at the NAD T773 or T763.


At least I know I'm looking in the right direction.


Thanks again.


Evan

 

[mwheelerk]

Quote:

Originally posted by EvanP I am looking for a good receiver for my soon-to-be-finished home theater. I have just bought a set of Paradigm Reference Studio speakers: (2) 60s, (1) CC450, and (2) ADP450s. Being very new to this, it seems to me I'm going to need something somewhat powerful to drive the Studio 60s. I would like to spend around $1000. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks, Evan

Well, I have 60's, the CC450 and I use to have the ADP 450's also. I have used several different electronics with this set up and currently own the Denon 3805. I would highly recommend it and you should be able to get it near your budget figure. I paid $1056 for mine.

 

[EvanP]

Mikey,


Twins??? Scary!


How was setting up your Denon? I've heard that it is a little tricky and/or the remote is difficult to use. What did you think?


What other receivers have you tried? Does the Denon have an automatic speaker caibration?


Sorry for all the questions. Just trying to get as much info to make a good decision.


Thanks for the reply.

 

[Honu]

Evan not sure if it helps but I have a t773 and used to have a elite model it was a few years old

I am pushing PSB speakers

the NAD is amazing and I feel is a step above the elite series etc.. for sound the elites are nice I think elites sound are underated so its a personal thing but I am sold on the NAD now big time and feel its a step up especially for music that said I am finding I love listening to music again


I was first looking at the Marantz, Denon and NAD, had even thought of another elite series


again seems all of them you cant go wrong really but I think the NAD might be a nice choice if you can get out to listen to one


also for HT the 7.1 is super cool and glad I jumped up and did it if you get a NAD just make sure it has that little yellow sticker on it with v2 upgrade there are a few threads with info on it if you do a search

 

[Johnny Bax]

Just to add to what Honu said about the NAD, I also wouldn't hesitate to recommend the T773 or T763 for the quality of the sound alone. NAD makes very musical receivers.


That being said, in a side by side comparison, the Marantz SR-8400 or SR-7400 sounded just as musical as the NAD's, and usuallly beat the NAD's in their feature set. Either way, you couldn't go wrong.

 

[JasonColeman]

Quote:

Originally posted by gschawla JasonColeman- Just curious- Are your studio 100's bi-amped? GC

Actually, they were bi-amped with my 3805 for about 4 months, but I just reallocated Zone 2 for kitchen speakers.


Jason

 

[WA2000]

Never mind twins, triplets!!!!!!! Well almost....I also have the RSX-1056. Along with 2 Studio 60's, CC470. Mini Monitors for surround. Oh yes, I also have the PS1000 subwoofer.


I've had this for a month or so now. I love it. Of course, all this new equpment has led to needing new furniture etc. My wife said if she knew buying a sound system would get me into the furniture store, she'd have done it years ago! LOL

 

[gschawla]



Originally posted by JasonColeman

Actually, they were bi-amped with my 3805 for about 4 months, but I just reallocated Zone 2 for kitchen speakers.




Is there a difference in the sound quality now being they are not bi-amped?

I'm debating whether to purchase another amp when I get my Studio 100's..


GC

 

[JasonColeman]

The 100's definitely benefit from the additional power...the whole sound really opened up and was more robust. I actually backed off the bass and treble settings and turned down my sub a bit. I will be getting an external amp for them, but for now the 3805 drives them quite well. They still sound great, but they do like the extra juice.


Jason

 

[gschawla]



Originally posted by JasonColeman

The 100's definitely benefit from the additional power...the whole sound really opened up and was more robust. I actually backed off the bass and treble settings and turned down my sub a bit. I will be getting an external amp for them, but for now the 3805 drives them quite well. They still sound great, but they do like the extra juice.



That's what I am planning on doing, adding an extra amp to the 3805.

Thx for your input..



GC

 

[JasonColeman]

FWIW, I've been looking at Anthem's MCA series amps (225 wpc). I've heard the MCA-20 w/ the Studio 100's and the combo sounds great. I was thinking of getting the MCA-30 for my whole front end, but I'll probably go for the 20 just for the 100's.


Jason

 

[gschawla]

I myself am still debating getting the 100's or 60's studio line....Decisions, decisions...


GC

 

[mikepinkerton]

I use a denon 4802 as a pre and a parasound A51 amp. Sounds incredible with my Studio 40s and cc450.


I live near DC, Audio Buys in Manassas is an authorized Paradigm, Denon, and Parasound dealer. I had actually made independent decisions about buying each brand, it just so happens AB carries them all.


-Mike