Help me spend my money :)!

[AcuDefTechGuy]

The MSRP for the S100 V5 is $1500 each or $3K/pr.

I guess any discounts will have to be "off the record".

Depends on the dealers.

BTW, I didn't get a PM.

 

[Solid-State]

Not sure if this is kosher or not.. and if not, mods please delete.. but if interested I have a mint set of Monitor Audio Silver Series (RS8's, RSLCR, RS1's) in rosenut.. and a Marantz SR8002 receiver.. both available.

I was going to list them in the classifieds, but I don't have enough posts. PLENTY of posts and seller ratings elsewhere, however.

Again, if peddling my wares here isn't cool.. my apologies. But he ASKED to spend his money...

As for a sub, how much sub can you do in your apartment? For mid-priced, mid-sized.. I've always liked Hsu. Epik has some nice offerings as well. The Sentinel, in particular, is a smaller size but outputs pretty large.

I've heard those Monitor speakers and found them to be tiring and harsh on the top end. Much like an M80 or the Klispch line from a few years back. I don't know what it is about metal drivers and hard heavy tweeters... I don't like them. I find I literally get fatigue when listening to a speaker of that design philosophy. Really they are designed for the non audiophile 25-35 crowd that like crazy over emphasized bass and shrill top end. The gold anodizing on the tweet is a good marketing ploy though. LOL

Solid-State

 

[Celiac]

Waiting on money Transfer

Okay I have the money transfer in progress.. should take a few days to arrive.. I have decided on the Paradigm Studio 100's and going to build up my system from there.... I made the mistake of looking at tons of receivers now i am so lost... The rep at the store recommended NAD... the onkyo model I would like is not out yet... Looking at Denon's and Integra's.. this is driving me batty ahaha.....

 

[jephdood]

Really they are designed for the non audiophile 25-35 crowd that like crazy over emphasized bass and shrill top end.

You seriously believe this?

I could list dozens of 'audiophile' speakers that use metal dome tweeters.

If they're not for you, that's cool. But don't just write them off as crap.

They offer excellent detail. If you find them bright, I would ask what gear you're running and what kind of treatments your room has (or lacks).

 

[AVRat]

Well Tim, since you're building up over time and starting with the Paradigm Studio 100s, I'd suggest the least expensive build-up possible. Starting with a decent 3-channel amp (Emotiva XPA-3, $599) for the front stage since the 100s like power to shine. Then you could use something like the Onkyo 707 for pre-pro duty.

 

[Celiac]

Well Tim, since you're building up over time and starting with the Paradigm Studio 100s, I'd suggest the least expensive build-up possible. Starting with a decent 3-channel amp (Emotiva XPA-3, $599) for the front stage since the 100s like power to shine. Then you could use something like the Onkyo 707 for pre-pro duty.

Thank you AVRat. That 3 channel amp should be more than enough to power the 100s yea? Sorry for the noob question but what do you mean pre-pro duty?

 

[Celiac]

Tx-sr707

I placed the order at my local BB and picking it up today. paid 865 after taxes... BB had it listed for 799.98 woo

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I placed the order at my local BB and picking it up today. paid 865 after taxes... BB had it listed for 799.98 woo

Way too much for an Onkyo 707!

I would do more research here.

I could get a brand Denon AVR-3808CI for $1K 6 months ago, including taxes/shipping.

If you feel the need for separate components, like Emotiva, then I would just get the XPA-5 & UMC-1 (when it comes out ).

 

[Celiac]

Way too much for an Onkyo 707!

I would do more research here.

I could get a brand Denon AVR-3808CI for $1K 6 months ago, including taxes/shipping.

If you feel the need for separate components, like Emotiva, then I would just get the XPA-5 & UMC-1 (when it comes out ).

I planned on getting the Emotiva 3 channel amp for now. do you think i should go for the 5 channel amp instead?

 

[NicolasKL]

I've heard those Monitor speakers and found them to be tiring and harsh on the top end. Much like an M80 or the Klispch line from a few years back. I don't know what it is about metal drivers and hard heavy tweeters... I don't like them. I find I literally get fatigue when listening to a speaker of that design philosophy. Really they are designed for the non audiophile 25-35 crowd that like crazy over emphasized bass and shrill top end. The gold anodizing on the tweet is a good marketing ploy though. LOL

Solid-State

I think you really need to stop stating your opinion like it's 100% proven fact. You do it multiple times in this thread on multiple subjects and it is, quite frankly, annoying and IMO counterproductive in general.

 

[AVRat]

Tim, how you power the speakers is a matter of preference. The surround channels don't tend to get used much, are generally closer to the listening position, therefore require less power. But for $200 more for the XPA-5, you may say what the heck. I'm not sure what features you're looking for, but the last generation Onkyo 706 can still be had for $600.

A pre-pro is basically a receiver without the internal amps.

 

[Patrukas777]

Did you already order your paradigm 100's??? That quote you got over the phone is the MSRP... An authorized dealer is only allowed to give the MSRP over the phone. They can lose their authorized dealer status if they quote anything lower. I've found most dealers (In Person of course) will take an automatic 10% off....the hungry dealers will take 20-35% off.

I'm looking to upgrade to the Studio 100's too....that is what I've found out through shopping around. That damn upgrade virus!!!

Now I've noticed many people recommend the studio 20's for HT and the 100's for music? Is there any reason why they dont recommend the 100's for HT? I tend to think most speakers that sound good musically will sound good in HT; however, I've found not all speakers that sound good in HT will sound good musically?? - Could someone please elaborate?

-Barretta

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I planned on getting the Emotiva 3 channel amp for now. do you think i should go for the 5 channel amp instead?

Absolutely.

Get the XPA-5 ($800) and be ready for 5.1 when the time comes. The only pieces you have left to get are the other speakers.

But why get a "receiver" that costs almost $900 when the Emotiva UMC-1 pre-pro is only $700?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Did you already order your paradigm 100's??? That quote you got over the phone is the MSRP... An authorized dealer is only allowed to give the MSRP over the phone. They can lose their authorized dealer status if they quote anything lower. I've found most dealers (In Person of course) will take an automatic 10% off....the hungry dealers will take 20-35% off.

I'm looking to upgrade to the Studio 100's too....that is what I've found out through shopping around. That damn upgrade virus!!!

Now I've noticed many people recommend the studio 20's for HT and the 100's for music? Is there any reason why they dont recommend the 100's for HT? I tend to think most speakers that sound good musically will sound good in HT; however, I've found not all speakers that sound good in HT will sound good musically?? - Could someone please elaborate?

-Barretta

Because they think the Studio 100s are OVERKILL for movies, which require "less".

If it's good for music, it's great for movies.

 

[Patrukas777]

Because they think the Studio 100s are OVERKILL for movies, which require "less".

If it's good for music, it's great for movies.

You mean there is such thing as OVERKILL??? haha

 

[Celiac]

Did you already order your paradigm 100's??? That quote you got over the phone is the MSRP... An authorized dealer is only allowed to give the MSRP over the phone. They can lose their authorized dealer status if they quote anything lower. I've found most dealers (In Person of course) will take an automatic 10% off....the hungry dealers will take 20-35% off.

I'm looking to upgrade to the Studio 100's too....that is what I've found out through shopping around. That damn upgrade virus!!!

Now I've noticed many people recommend the studio 20's for HT and the 100's for music? Is there any reason why they dont recommend the 100's for HT? I tend to think most speakers that sound good musically will sound good in HT; however, I've found not all speakers that sound good in HT will sound good musically?? - Could someone please elaborate?

-Barretta

I have not ordered them I am going up to the store this weekend, so I can look at the finishes they have for the 100's and placing my order w00t. They don't have any instock so they have to order.. I hope to have them by next weekend. Doesn't the higher the number usually mean better everything?.. I have read alot of good things about Blue Jeans cables. Anyone care to chime in?

 

[Patrukas777]

I have not ordered them I am going up to the store this weekend, so I can look at the finishes they have for the 100's and placing my order w00t. They don't have any instock so they have to order.. I hope to have them by next weekend. Doesn't the higher the number usually mean better everything?.. I have read alot of good things about Blue Jeans cables. Anyone care to chime in?

Dont be afraid to haggle them down. If they are only willing to give 10% off, then I would find another dealer. Like I said, it's not uncommon to find a dealer that will sell them for in excess of 20% off. Fight the good fight my friend.

In regards to the higher the number (If in regards to Paradigm)....Not exactly. Many would argue the Studio 40's were a better deal than the Studio 60's...However, they discontinued the 40's....u can still find them v.4
Also...make sure the 100's you're looking to purchase are v.5. If you don't have a lot of knowledge on the studio line, a shady dealer might try to sell you an older version (v.4) to make a larger profit.

I think the 100's are by far the best of the studio series, IMHO. It all comes down to your ears and what they like. Check out the 60's also. If you like them, get them and save some money. Still aim for at least 25% off.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I have not ordered them I am going up to the store this weekend, so I can look at the finishes they have for the 100's and placing my order w00t. They don't have any instock so they have to order.. I hope to have them by next weekend. Doesn't the higher the number usually mean better everything?.. I have read alot of good things about Blue Jeans cables. Anyone care to chime in?

Blue Jeans Cable is awesome. You cannot go wrong with BJC.

But also look at the "higher-end" Monoprice speaker cables & HDMI cables.

These look great to me:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10239&cs_id=1023901&p_id=2816&seq=1&format=2

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240&cs_id=1024004&p_id=3961&seq=1&format=2

However, for the banana plugs, I recommend the Locking Banana Plugs from BJC:

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/speaker/index.htm


And then you will need some heat shrink tubings for your speaker wire termination:

http://www.heatshrinktubingdirect.com/?gclid=CI-_p8XX2JwCFZla2godUzSiZQ

http://www.cabletiesandmore.com/heatshrink.php?gclid=CL6TjIPY2JwCFchW2godFG5wZg

I think Monoprice has some heat shrink tubings coming, but they are not available yet.

 

[oppman99]

Because they think the Studio 100s are OVERKILL for movies, which require "less".

If it's good for music, it's great for movies.

AcuDefTechGuy is spot on here. A good center channel will handle the majority of the sound for moves, making the 20's more than sufficient for the rest of the sound coming from the front channels. I just moved my v4 100's to HT duty, and they really are overkill for the size of my HT room. Mind you, I'm not complaining!

I went with GLS locking banana plugs and they are excellent. Probably more than I need, but again, I've been very happy with them. Believe it or not, if you check your local Menards, you may find some relatively inexpensive banana plugs that will do the job and still have decent quality. I'd recommend the dual screw option (one for the actual bare wire and one that holds the insulation).

If you are buying from a dealer, definately make sure you are getting V5 Studios. Nothing wrong with V4, but if you are paying for new, you should get the latest version. Higher number doesn't always equate to a better value, but IMO, the 100's blow the doors off the 60's.

All the Emotiva amps are great values (my opinion, not a fact). I own an XPA-2 and a pair of the monoblocks. Your AVR will run your surrounds fine. If money is tight, an XPA-3 is very good now, and you can add a UPA-2 later for the surrounds or an XPA-2 for your fronts if you feel you need it. My opinion is that the XPA-3 will be plenty and the UPA-2 will be a nice addition down the road. If rack space is an issue, the XPA-5 is definately the way to go (instead of adding a second amp later).

I either own, have owned or know someone who has all the amp/speaker gear you have mentioned so far. If you have any specific questions, I will be glad to offer an opinion. (Disclaimer: I am in no way an audio guru.)

 

[Solid-State]

You seriously believe this?

I could list dozens of 'audiophile' speakers that use metal dome tweeters.

If they're not for you, that's cool. But don't just write them off as crap.

They offer excellent detail. If you find them bright, I would ask what gear you're running and what kind of treatments your room has (or lacks).

Hey man I was talking about three specific speakers designed for a specific market in mind. As for metal, I'm just saying I personally am not a fan unless you spend big bucks. The gold anodizing joke was a bit of "devils advocate" talking as the Paradigm Studio series disused use that type of tweeter material and is a great loudspeaker. It's a very well engineered tweet and it's amazingly implemented in the studio series. I'm just trying to point out that's it's hard to engineer a hard metal tweet like that and most metal at lower price points IMHO sound harsh and shrill. That tweeter is prob worth as much as a Morel though ehh... The Dayton titanium others use is hardly in the class the Paradigm tweet is.

Hey Celiac! If you really like the Studio 100s (amazing speaker) and coin is a consideration, I'd take Grunts wise advice and stick to some bookshelfs from the same series at first. This is really great advice for all the reasons Grunt speaks. As for a sub to accompany the bookshelfs, I'd take a look at the Rythmik Audio prefabs (through Ascend Acoustics) or the kits direct from Rythmik or you could take a look at the Axiom subs or you might get a deal on an SVS where you get the studios.

I'm not sure what your ear taste is but you might want to give the Magnepan MG12s a listen as well. Personally I'm a huge planar/ribbon fan. If you fall in love with them like I have then for a sub I'd consider the Rythmik with a GR-research sub driver. It reaches higher and is more "musical". My dream is to build a line array with 6-8" woofers, RD75/50 BG mid and line array of planer/ribbon Neo8 PDR tweeters with Rythmik 15" for bottom bass section either side. I've heard similar speakers in a DIY local audio circle and man... Nothing and I mean nothing I personally have ever heard even compares to such speakers!

As for AVR/separates. DEWD!!! DUDE!!! You are so fortunate to be walking into this at the right moment. UMC-1 and XPA-5 baby!!! Then when you get the Studio 100 towers you can add an XPA-2! I don't think the XPA-3 is a wise choice as for couple hundred bucks more you get the same thing with two extra channels. XPA-3 isn't the smartest choice on a chan/watt basis and it's hard for me to understand why people choice it. Really it's all been great advice in this thread but nothing touches the Emo advice in being WISE AND SMART! It would be a mistake to get an AVR with that option available...

Solid-State


PS At no point did I use the word "crap"...