Decisions, Decisions

[ECLIPSEONYA]

So here it goes I'm building a home theater and have decided on Paradigm Studio 60's as the mains and am back and forth on whether to get the CC-690 or another 60 as the center channel. I will be using the ADP-590's for surrounds. I was going to run everything off a RX-V1900 but now I'm not sure. I was looking at a possible pre-pro using a Rotel amp and wasn't sure about the processor. Any ideas on what would be the best way to go for these speakers at under $2000? I am losing my mind here.

 

[lsiberian]

So here it goes I'm building a home theater and have decided on Paradigm Studio 60's as the mains and am back and forth on whether to get the CC-690 or another 60 as the center channel. I will be using the ADP-590's for surrounds. I was going to run everything off a RX-V1900 but now I'm not sure. I was looking at a possible pre-pro using a Rotel amp and wasn't sure about the processor. Any ideas on what would be the best way to go for these speakers at under $2000? I am losing my mind here.

I think going with another 60 is preferred. But depends on the setup.

I think a receiver as a pre-pro combined with a 3 channel front amp is one of the best options. That's because in stereo listening you only use 2 channels and in Home Theater most sound comes from the fronts. The receiver then has plenty of power for the surrounds. If you can pickup an Onkyo 805 or 806for a receiver and then get a good heave 3 channel amp I think you would be a very happy man.

going that route give you more bang for the buck IMO, but

I think if you spend more than 20 percent of your budget on the receiver/amp then you have made a poor purchase.

for 2000 dollars you should have 1600 dollars for speakers and 400 for a receivers(Onkyo 705 is right at this cost)

then 800 for a sub and 800 for the rest.

I suggest an SVS set around that cost. At least for the sub if you go commerical. DIY would get you more bang for buck but take more time.

for 800 you can get a nice 5 or 7 speaker set form SVS and probably Paradigm.

an Amp for a 7 speaker 2000 dollar setup. LOL that's overkill and taking too much from your speaker budget. Ultimately the speakers matter most.

 

[ECLIPSEONYA]

clarification

The 2,000 was strictly for the receiver/ or pre-pro. I have already locked in the deal to get the paradigms except for the stated question of the center channel. I am looking at the PC-13 for a sub in this situation and I have good connections if I want to go with the Kappa DIY subs.

 

[jostenmeat]

The 2,000 was strictly for the receiver/ or pre-pro. I have already locked in the deal to get the paradigms except for the stated question of the center channel. I am looking at the PC-13 for a sub in this situation and I have good connections if I want to go with the Kappa DIY subs.

Oh gosh, definitely, do the identical center. I've got pretty sweet setups at home, but if there was just one thing, only one thing, that I would love to be able to easily implement, it would be the center identical to the mains.

If it's easily doable, this is a total no-brainer.

As for the processor + amp, I vote for the outboard amp if you can afford it. BTW, as it's the front stage that often demands the most power, and also represents the speakers furthest from listeners, 3ch amp would most likely be perfectly fine. (using receiver's own amp section to power surrounds, if you wanted. Of course, that doesn't work with a dedicated pre/pro).

So, if you were to use an outboard amp, the amp section of the receiver becomes less important. So, in which case, it all boils down to features. you'll have to define what features you want.

I would not look towards video processing until you are playing at the level of 1k, and up. (and even then, I wouldn't really care. the device that would best help me in video is a standalone VP that is over 4k).

I am an admitted fanboy of Audyssey XT, and I'd try to do one better than what I have currently, and that would be Pro capability. Some people however are not so keen on room correction products. I am.

 

[PENG]

The 2,000 was strictly for the receiver/ or pre-pro. I have already locked in the deal to get the paradigms except for the stated question of the center channel. I am looking at the PC-13 for a sub in this situation and I have good connections if I want to go with the Kappa DIY subs.

I thought he meant you should spend more on the front speakers than on the receiver. That being said, a 2K receiver may be all you need for the Studio 60s depending on your room dimensions.

 

[ECLIPSEONYA]

I understand that I should spend more on the fromt speakers but I have made up my mind and want to go with the 60's. So everyone agrees that going with a 3 channel amp and a receiver would be best then?

 

[Davemcc]

I'm not entirely convinced the Studio Series require a separate amp. They aren't an especially hard speaker to drive. Virtually any major brand receiver (Onkyo, Yamaha, Denon) in the ~$1K range will drive them well. I understand the appeal of the "more power is better" mind set but it's also wise to consider what's required vs. what scratches that itch. An 8 ohm, 91 db speaker like the 60's doesn't require enormous power perform well. JMO, but I would try the receiver on it's own first, then add an amp later if you are dissatisfied with it's performance.

 

[lsiberian]

I understand that I should spend more on the fromt speakers but I have made up my mind and want to go with the 60's. So everyone agrees that going with a 3 channel amp and a receiver would be best then?

Honestly best can be relative in this case to your rack and situation, but if you get the top receiver from Denon, Marantz, Onkyo or Yamaha.

Then you will get alot of amazing features and plenty of power to drive your system.

http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=TX-NR906&class=Receiver&p=s

That amp would easily drive your speakers and give you an amazing eq system, great upconverting, and lots of power.

For subs definately go DIY, but with your budget I'm thinking you could do a couple of Axis builds. That would be enough bass to start your heart if it ever stopped hehe.

900 for a 905. That would be plenty for your speakers and cost you half the budget which means you can spend it on something else
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXNR905/Onkyo/-TX-NR905-THX-Ultra2-140w-x-7ch-HDMI-Receiver-BLACK/1.html

 

[ECLIPSEONYA]

is that a reputable store? I have nver even looked at them. With that do I pull the trigger on the extende warranty they offer if I go this direction or is there a better way?

 

[Davemcc]

I would look more toward the Onkyo 806, Denon 3808 or the Yamaha 1900. I looked at the Onkyo 906 for my system but only because my mains are 4 ohm, 86db. That's a serious amp section but they also want some serious coinage to acquire it. Don't get me wrong, I really like the 906, especially for it's video features, but I see no reason to break the bank to get one when an XPA-3 is only a phone call away and still comes in under budget with one of the other receivers.

My guide is to choose the speakers first and then choose the amplification you need to drive them. In this case, the speakers are Studio 60's and they don't technically need a separate amp or flagship receiver to perform admirably. It's just my layman hobbyist's opinion, so take it for what it's worth, but this is a good discussion...please continue...

 

[Davemcc]

is that a reputable store? I have nver even looked at them. With that do I pull the trigger on the extende warranty they offer if I go this direction or is there a better way?

Try this...
http://store.audioholics.com/product/2024/69/onkyo-tx-sr806---black

 

[ECLIPSEONYA]

I can pick up the 806 cheaper than anything else from what I've seen online but I've only ever had Yamaha recievers so which direction would you lean the 1900 or the 806? Good stuff guys! I am really anxious to get this thing going. Prefer

 

[Davemcc]

http://store.audioholics.com/compare_products.php?xSec=69&compare[2024]=&compare[1966]=

In this comparison, not all the fields are filled out as they should be, but it gives you a rough idea. I think the 806 and 1900 are comparable. The 806 gives you 5 HDMI inputs and is much less expensive but apparently runs hotter than the Yamaha. If you have a tight or enclosed rack, the Yamaha may be the better choice to control the heat. This will be a case where you have to look at individual features vs. price and make a personal judgement. If you have any questions about features or operation, don't hesitate to ask. That's what we're here for.

No need to rush...there's still plenty of highly knowledgable members yet to weigh in on the discussion that can help you refine your search.

Edit - I don't know if the comparison page will show up properly. The link seems to be broken and I can't seem to edit it to make it show properly.

 

[Adam]

Edit - I don't know if the comparison page will show up properly. The link seems to be broken and I can't seem to edit it to make it show properly.

Worked great for me, Dave.

 

[ECLIPSEONYA]

Onkyo did not put in the Burr Brown DAC's in the 806 whule the Yammy has them. Will I even notice something like this?

 

[Davemcc]

Of course there is also this discussion going on right now concerning Studio 100's and separate amps. Please disregard the off topic discussion revolving around cannibals and corn holes. It really is a discussion about amps....

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=52700

Quote from another thread re: DAC's

You're making a mountain out of a molehill. While the brands may be different and the code used to put together the analog waveforms may be different, DAC's are DAC's. There isn't any audible difference between them. They will restore the originally coded waveforms with virtually equal accuracy.

There are a few units that do things to the analog stage to affect sonics like insert a vacuum tube or something of that sort. However, you aren't going to get that sort of thing in a name brand, big company A/V receiver. Ignore the DAC's. Meaningless concern.

By the way, I've been doing bias controlled listening tests for over ten years and I've tested about 30 different DAC's.

 

[ECLIPSEONYA]

So does the 806 have the issues with delays while switching sources ala commercials and such during programming? Also does the 806 continue to have problems with popping?

 

[jostenmeat]

So does the 806 have the issues with delays while switching sources ala commercials and such during programming? Also does the 806 continue to have problems with popping?

I don't know, but this is what I use, a refurbed 805. Rare sighting of one in stock right here.

The amp section is comparable to that of the considerably pricier 875/876, for hundreds less. The weight of the 805 is 52 lbs, so please bear that in mind. The weight surprises just about everyone who receives one.

It's superior in almost every regard compared to the newer 806, except for the lack of Audyssey Dyn vol/eq (something I wouldn't care in the slightest, personally, as I use a dedicated room).

The 805 uses the superior XT version of MEQ, much beefier amp section/power supply, Burrbrowns.

It does run hot, so that is a consideration. Since mine acts only as pre/pro, I set it to 4ohms, which drops the temp considerably. Even before I did that, I never really cared about the temps it was reaching, if it indeed was hot. Works great, an absolute bargain IMO, but then again, I'm a fanboi of Audyssey XT now.

 

[WmAx]

Why put up with the whimpy suggestions so far?

Here is a combo that will give you very high power, superb quality amps and a high grade pre/pro:

-1x Factory Refurbished Yamaha RX-V1800($400-500)
-3x Yamaha P2500S Amplifiers ($1200)
-Left over amount leaves room for any adapters or cables needed.

250 x 6(8 Ohms) or 310 x 6(4 Ohms), 20hz-20,000Hz power. And these amplifiers use sophisticated infinitely variable tracking power supplies, meaning that they have nearly 2x the power efficiency compared to the typical home amplifier. Yet, they use standard AB class output sections like most hi-fi amps; no digital/switching amplifier output sections. If you want that kind of power with most normal home amplifiers, you will need to install another circuit to handle the load.

I don't know of a receiver that is going to come close to providing the performance/power/load ability of a stack of these high grade professional amplifiers. In addition, having amplifiers seperate from the receiver/pre-amp means that you can later add sophisticated processors between them such as Behringer DCX2496 units for example.

-Chris