I Need Help Deciding!!!

**Glen9010** · 01-24-2010, 02:55 PM

I have been looking at starting from scratch on a new system. Most of my listening is music with some home theater thrown in. I have decided on Paradigm Studio V5 100's with either their Sub 12 or 15. Will eventually add either the 590 or 690 center and then a pair of surrounds. Not sure which for that. We listen to all types of music from jazz to classic rock to metal. Sometimes fairly high volumes. This will probably be the last of my audio/video purchases regarding upgrading. I really like the Integra line of both receivers and pre/pros. I don't need all of the exotic video processing and will not need 7.1 or higher surround ability. I am looking at supplying the 100's with a pair of Emotiva XPA-1 monoblock amps. From there, I am stuck on what to go with for electronics. Should I really look at a receiver to power the eventual center and surrounds and possibly run some outside speakers, or, should I stick with separates and add on amps as I go? I asked for help on another forum and basically got nothing. Even got a post on blu-ray player help lumped into a sticky thread over 200 pages long. Some of you out there have got to help an audio fan out. I don't want to spend a huge amount on the receiver/pre-pro but I do want quality stuff. Integra DHC-40.1 for pre-pro and DTR-70.1 receiver. Also looking at Denon, Onkyo and Yamaha. Any, and I do mean any, suggestions and recommendations would be graciously accepted. Thank you all in advance and I hope to learn a lot in the coming weeks from all of you.

Found the Denon AVR-4308CI at a good price. Would this be a good unit to work for my needs? I know it is an older model but has a lot of specs for the cost. I wasnt' sure if I should post in the Receiver section. Tough since I am comparing both pre-pro and receiver.

**parrot_hd** · 02-11-2010, 08:18 AM

The AVR-4308 is a great receiver especially at the current prices.

My interest in electronics is the same as yours. My system is used 75% for music.

Since music is your primary concern, have you looked at the Marantz receivers? I had a SR7001 (refurb form AC4L) before I bought my Anthem prepro. The Marantz was phenomonal for music but short on the extra features you get with the Integras/Onkyos/Denons. I'm actually thinking of selling my Anthem PrePro in favor of a Marantz SR8002.

Great speakers BTW. I almost got the Paradigms but at the last minute I got a deal on some Monitor Audios that I couldn't pass up.

What are you going to use as a source for music playback?

**hdtvjunkie** · 02-11-2010, 11:50 AM

I hope Rizz or Digital Doctor sees this thread because they kick ass on audio. You will get the answers you need in this forum because we are truly dedicated to helping people here. It might take a day or so to get your answers but they will come. As far as receivers go I personally like Onkyo but thats just me.

**ImRizzo** · 02-11-2010, 07:40 PM

Originally Posted by Glen9010

I have been looking at starting from scratch on a new system. Most of my listening is music with some home theater thrown in. I have decided on Paradigm Studio V5 100's with either their Sub 12 or 15. Will eventually add either the 590 or 690 center and then a pair of surrounds. Not sure which for that. We listen to all types of music from jazz to classic rock to metal. Sometimes fairly high volumes. This will probably be the last of my audio/video purchases regarding upgrading. I really like the Integra line of both receivers and pre/pros. I don't need all of the exotic video processing and will not need 7.1 or higher surround ability. I am looking at supplying the 100's with a pair of Emotiva XPA-1 monoblock amps. From there, I am stuck on what to go with for electronics. Should I really look at a receiver to power the eventual center and surrounds and possibly run some outside speakers, or, should I stick with separates and add on amps as I go? I asked for help on another forum and basically got nothing. Even got a post on blu-ray player help lumped into a sticky thread over 200 pages long. Some of you out there have got to help an audio fan out. I don't want to spend a huge amount on the receiver/pre-pro but I do want quality stuff. Integra DHC-40.1 for pre-pro and DTR-70.1 receiver. Also looking at Denon, Onkyo and Yamaha. Any, and I do mean any, suggestions and recommendations would be graciously accepted. Thank you all in advance and I hope to learn a lot in the coming weeks from all of you.

Found the Denon AVR-4308CI at a good price. Would this be a good unit to work for my needs? I know it is an older model but has a lot of specs for the cost. I wasnt' sure if I should post in the Receiver section. Tough since I am comparing both pre-pro and receiver.

Hi Glen, responding to your inquiry about the 4308 AVR it's a fine product all around AVR, my preference is the Denon especially if your priority is for music reproduction the Denon has a warmer sound while the Onkyo is more of a sterile cold sound, although the newer models have supposedly addressed these issues. But IMHO Denon is a the top of the list you presented. And it will serve you you extremely well for your video sound production, with all the necessary decoding and features to cover all the bases.

**Glen9010** · 02-11-2010, 07:55 PM

I got offered a deal on an Integra DTR-70.1 that will be hard to turn down. Also have a good deal on an Anthem MCA 20 that I would use for the front L/R. I listened to the Studio 100's with an Integra receiver and also an Anthem amp. A definite difference a separate makes.

parrot - I need to look into sources for CD as well as DVD/Blu-Ray

Suggestions for these without breaking me more than what is already happening?

**parrot_hd** · 02-12-2010, 09:51 AM

I was a proponent of seperate components for specific job duties in my system until I bought the Oppo BDP-83se. It bested my Pioneer DV79Avi for SACD and CD playback and my Pioneer has been with me and faultless for over 5 years. The Oppo does everything so well that its my only component for DVD, BluRay, SACD's, and CD's.

The standard BDP83 was really good for CD's but I kept finding when listening to some "brighter" CD's (John Mayer's Trio for example) at my preset reference level, I kept finding myself turning down the volume. This disappeared with the SE version. At the same reference level the upper end smoothed out substantially and the ear fatigue was gone. I'm using the Oppos 2-channel output to the Anthem processor in analog direct mode so there's no additional processing to the signal other than utilizing the Anthems volume control. Bear in mind, my room is considered "bright" due to limited room treatments, large window, leather furniture, and up to recently, wood floors.

With that said, the Integra has some very capable DAC's which if utilized to process your CD signal, you can go with any CD player using it as a transport only foregoing any built in processing in the CD unit itself by implementing the Digital outputs or HDMI.

A friend of mine has the standard BDP83 that he uses for CD playback that sounds phenomonel due in part to numerous and very large obvious room treatments throughout his family room. I mean diffusers/sound absorbers everywhere. His wife is very accomodating to his sickness. My wife needs it all to look "pretty" so the large diffusers and corner bass traps are out of the question.

If you're going to use the Integra's very capable 6x Burr Brown PCM1796 DACs, then you can forego spending alot of money on a CD player and it will most likely sound very good. I would suggest going this route first. If you can't get the results your looking for, then you may want to look at players that may come with better DAC processing then the 70.1 and use the CD players analog outputs as pass through on the receiver.

It's really alot of trial and error until you find that combination that you like but it's a fun ride. Good luck.

**Smitty4UT** · 03-05-2010, 10:33 AM

I would also look at the Emotiva XMC-1. It is not out yet, but it is supposed to have a very low noise floor, and a very good 2 channel for music. I am using a Denon 3808ci for my pre with a Emotiva XPA-5. I currently have Paradigm Studio 60 v2's and the XPA-5 made a big difference. So I am sure that if you go with the Mono Blocks, it will impressive indeed.

**nobsplease** · 03-11-2010, 07:23 PM

Originally Posted by Glen9010

I got offered a deal on an Integra DTR-70.1 that will be hard to turn down. Also have a good deal on an Anthem MCA 20 that I would use for the front L/R. I listened to the Studio 100's with an Integra receiver and also an Anthem amp. A definite difference a separate makes.

parrot - I need to look into sources for CD as well as DVD/Blu-Ray

Suggestions for these without breaking me more than what is already happening?

This sounds like a winning combination, Glen9010. The MCA20 is really fine amplifier and mates beautifully with the Studio 100s. Paradigm owns Anthem and a lot of the voicing of the amps are done with Studio and Signature speakers. 140 watts sounds like a lot of power and it is but the difference in bass weight at lower volumes combined with a general sense of ease makes the outboard amp a great choice. When you add a centre it should be the CC590 or CC690. Surrounds give you bit more flexibility since the Integra's Audessey EQ system works very well. GET A SUB!!!

Get the Oppo '83 for all your playback but get an outboard DAC ( Musical Fidelity V-Dac or Cambridge Audio DacMagic) to push your cd playback to the next level.

**Glen9010** · 03-11-2010, 10:18 PM

Thanks for all of the input. I pick up my Integra and Studio 100's along with the Sub 12 tomorrow. Will add the Anthem in a little while along with a center. What would be the recommended center to mate with the 100's? Some say go with the CC590 as it will be plenty for center, but, many say go the extra and add the CC690 as it will match the 100's much better than the 590. The 690 is a huge center and I will have to figure out where to put it. The 590 is no pushover for size, but definitely not as long.

**Loves2Watch** · 03-12-2010, 10:27 AM

Originally Posted by Glen9010

Thanks for all of the input. I pick up my Integra and Studio 100's along with the Sub 12 tomorrow. Will add the Anthem in a little while along with a center. What would be the recommended center to mate with the 100's? Some say go with the CC590 as it will be plenty for center, but, many say go the extra and add the CC690 as it will match the 100's much better than the 590. The 690 is a huge center and I will have to figure out where to put it. The 590 is no pushover for size, but definitely not as long.

The 590 will fit perfectly and make the front stage a smooth transition between the 3 speakers in the front array. The 690 and others, although nice are not necessary nor will you hear any audio benefit.

Congrats on the Paradigm Studios and Integra pre/pro, better equipment can't be found, at least at a price that isn't 5 times as much. In fact, I am considering replacing my Anthem Statement D-2 with an Integra...

P.S. I use the Paradigm Studio 100's with a CC 590 in one of my entertainment rooms, there was no sonic benefit with any other or larger center...

**Glen9010** · 03-12-2010, 05:09 PM

DD

Thanks for the help. Good to hear from someone that has practical experience with what I am looking at doing. I didn't go with the Integra Pre/Pro, I went with the receiver, DTR-70.1. I think I am going to try running the 70.1 bridged and see how the 100's do. I still have the option of the MCA 20 sitting in the back pocket. I have also considered the Emotiva XPA-2 in place of the Anthem MCA 20. Any thoughts on that comparison? Also, considered the Monoblock Emotiva XPA-1's if I could get a pair at a price similar to the holiday sale. Those may be overkill, but, you can't have too much good power, can you?

Glen

**Loves2Watch** · 03-14-2010, 02:44 PM

Originally Posted by Glen9010

DD

Thanks for the help. Good to hear from someone that has practical experience with what I am looking at doing. I didn't go with the Integra Pre/Pro, I went with the receiver, DTR-70.1. I think I am going to try running the 70.1 bridged and see how the 100's do. I still have the option of the MCA 20 sitting in the back pocket. I have also considered the Emotiva XPA-2 in place of the Anthem MCA 20. Any thoughts on that comparison? Also, considered the Monoblock Emotiva XPA-1's if I could get a pair at a price similar to the holiday sale. Those may be overkill, but, you can't have too much good power, can you?

Glen

I love those monoblock amps, if you can afford it by all means do so but before you do, give that Integra receiver a real workout, you might just be surprised at what you hear...

**GOS** · 03-20-2010, 05:53 AM

Awesome dialogue! I wish I was starting from scratch. Someday...someday... kids/college blah, blah.

**mytime** · 03-20-2010, 01:15 PM

Originally Posted by GOS

Awesome dialogue! I wish I was starting from scratch. Someday...someday... kids/college blah, blah.

Yep, I know your pain.

**_sprkeng_** · 03-20-2010, 01:28 PM

thanks you all......great information as always............

**Loves2Watch** · 03-20-2010, 06:33 PM

Originally Posted by Glen9010

DD

Those may be overkill, but, you can't have too much good power, can you?

Glen

Too much power, I have 6 mono amps, one for each speaker at 275 watts. I didn't know there was such a thing as too much power...

**GOS** · 03-21-2010, 08:29 AM

Originally Posted by DigitalDoctor

Too much power, I have 6 mono amps, one for each speaker at 275 watts. I didn't know there was such a thing as too much power...

LMAO - How did I know that would be your opinion DD? Power is awesome if clean!

**ImRizzo** · 03-21-2010, 08:41 AM

Originally Posted by GOS

LMAO - How did I know that would be your opinion DD? Power is awesome if clean!

He's a POWER GEEK, Yoda is he.

**sy_trilogy** · 04-17-2010, 09:58 PM

Quite the trip tonight reading just this one thread! Talk about starting from scratch, I don’t even have the HDTV yet! Have pretty much zeroed in on a Panasonic plasma V-10, G20, or whatever replaces the V10 what with the lawsuit fallout. Now I have to start narrowing down the audio decisions. Glen9010 sounds like he has the experience of a medical resident, or a research scientist; and all of you trying to assist him are pretty much off the chart from where I stand.

I think I’d like a ceiling mounted surround sound system, but I’d like to keep the expense at about $1,000 and preferably a little less. Unless something catastrophic happens to the system, this should be my first and last such system. I would like the sound to be very good for home theater as well as music. I was satisfied for more than 25 years with a set of original Bose 901’s for my music; but the recommendations from this great site make it really clear that the Bose systems of today are probably not my best choice; but my mentioning them here gives some sense of what might satisfy me. I really don’t have time, money or the energy to go the starter system route, I don’t think. I plan on hiring someone here to install everything if I can find someone good and dependable, so I don’t want the installation to become someone’s career move.
It all gets to the point where you would love to have it just done so you don’t have to spend any more mental energy singed with OCD trying to make sure you don’t make a mistake when you choose. Too many people have to buy at least one of anything to figure what NOT to do on the second go round. I haven’t the money, time, or blood pressure medication to go that route. I really want to be happy with whatever I get on the first try if that’s remotely possible.

Just bought and remodeled a house. Porcelain floors throughout, not much in the way of carpets anticipated – maybe one area rug in the livingroom where this set will live. The floor plan is pretty open: the livingroon L’s into the dining area, so there is no wall on the left side of the room, for what that’s worth. The room size is 14’ x 21’x 8 ½’, THE sofa ia about 15’ from the wall on which the TV will hang.

Have spent some time reading about the ZVOX 575 which seems a nice unit but maybe not enough like real surround sound, but the price seems right and the reviews make it seem special for what it is, but I guess it really ain't surround sound. I keep hearing good things about the Denon receivers. I’d really like for one of you who have been through this ordeal to tell me what he’d purchase if he were in this position and only had the one shot to get it right. I’ve been breaking the bank during this recession, and this is the last major purchase. (The yard still looks a bit like the set for The Adams Family!)
Thanks in advance for anything that any of you experienced experts might care to offer me. I didn't fully realize the extent to which the world of Alvin Toffler's Future Shock would finally materialize!

**Glen9010** · 04-18-2010, 02:14 AM

Update....... Have my wonderful Studio 100's running on the Integra 70.1 in bridged mode. Lots of fabulous sounds from the 100's. Haven't done much in the way of home theater but musically, they are outstanding. From Metallica to Larry Carlton to Judas Priest to Lee Ritenour. So much fun to listen to. I have a hard time imagining much more from separate amps. Still thinking if I find a good deal on a pair of Emotive XPA-'s, I may have to try them out. Will be adding a Paradigm 590 center soon. Rears will be down the line a little bit. As for the Sub 12.......Holy Poop!!!!!!!!! For such a small package, what a wonderful punch. Very deep and well defined. Not boomy at all. I am thinking of adding my M & K 125 MKII to the mix for fun. Still learning about the Integra. So much there to play with. If you are looking at new stuff, I can only say Paradigm sure works well, as does the Integra.

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