HELP with amp for Paradigm Studio 100

[jayprophet44]

Shouting out for help!

Just upgraded my front speakers to Studio 100v5 from Atlantic Technology Shelf speakers and the difference is night and day. The sound is incredible!! I want to here my CD collection all over again!
I got em for $2200.00 the pair in NYC, not too bad. (Told the wife 1500 and got hell). I will get the center in a few months

Problem: I currently am using a two year old Onkyo SR 674 (HDMI input)
it seems the amp can't push the speakers.
How long do I wait for speaker break in?
Maybe change settings?
It has the microphone setup which adjusted yesterday and it sounds a little better.

I also have a 7 year old Yamaha RX V995 as a back up

I noticed the Yamaha has an OHM switch in the back, maybe adjust that? If Onkyo has adjust this?
Or do I get a pre amp? (no more than $350)
Also any suggestions for future amp around$1000?

Room setting: Living room , size 16 x 20 opens to dining area,cathedral ceiling
Thanks for all serious input.

 

[Haoleb]

Alot of people here are going to tell you that you probably dont need an amp, or to get a pro amp. Personally I think a good 2 channel amp would be a real upgrade for those speakers in that size room. If you are really into home theater more than music you may want to check out 5 channel amps or more.

Personally I am a big fan of mono block amplifiers because of their superior design.

Leave the ohm switch on the back of the yamaha to 8 ohms if you decide to give it a try. The main thing this switch does is limit the amount of current the amplifier will provide. You dont want this.

 

[bigred7078]

unfortunately your onkyo does not have pre-outs so you cannot connect an external amp.

 

[Lordoftherings]

You do need big power for your Paradigm Reference Studio 100 v5.

With the Paradigm Reference Studio 100 v5, you need a big amp, no question about this. There is no receiver that can do them full justice, trust me, I know.

Your two receivers are much underpowered for your 100s.

What you honestly need is something like an Emotiva XPA-2 mated with a receiver that has preouts, like a Denon AVR-2809ci or an Onkyo TX-SR706, or a Marantz SR6003 or a Pioneer Elite SC-05 or a Yamaha RX-V1900, just to name a few good ones for your particular situation.

If you want to spend less for an appropriate receiver, look at the older models from Denon AVR-2808ci, Onkyo TX-SR705, Marantz SR7001, SR6001, SR5003 (newer) or SR5002, Pioneer Elite VSX-03TXH, VSX-01TXH or Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K, and Yamaha RX-V863, RX-V663, RX-V861 or RX-V661.

But if you want to go Receiver only, without an external amp like the XPA-2 (which I highly recommend for your 100s), get a least something like an Onkyo TX-NR906 or TX-SR876 (also other older models, TX-NR905, TX-SR875 or TX-SR805). The Yamaha RX-Z7 or the RX-V3900 might do it, but not so sure about this. There is also the Denon AVR-4308ci.
But the Denon AVR-5308ci and Yamaha RX-Z11 will surely be up to the task.

* The main important thing here, is that your Studio 100 v5 will never get to their full potential until you give them the appropriate amplification, period.

If I was you and money was important, I'll get an Emotiva XPA-2 with an Onkyo TX-SR705 or a Marantz SR7001 or a Denon AVR-2808ci.

Bob

 

[CraigV]

With the Paradigm Reference Studio 100 v5, you need a big amp, no question about this. There is no receiver that can do them full justice, trust me, I know.

Your two receivers are much underpowered for your 100s.

What you honestly need is something like an Emotiva XPA-2 mated with a receiver that has preouts, like a Denon AVR-2809ci or an Onkyo TX-SR706, or a Marantz SR6003 or a Pioneer Elite SC-05 or a Yamaha RX-V1900, just to name a few good ones for your particular situation.

If you want to spend less for an appropriate receiver, look at the older models from Denon AVR-2808ci, Onkyo TX-SR705, Marantz SR7001, SR6001, SR5003 (newer) or SR5002, Pioneer Elite VSX-03TXH, VSX-01TXH or Pioneer VSX-1018AH-K, and Yamaha RX-V863, RX-V663, RX-V861 or RX-V661.

But if you want to go Receiver only, without an external amp like the XPA-2 (which I highly recommend for your 100s), get a least something like an Onkyo TX-NR906 or TX-SR876 (also other older models, TX-NR905, TX-SR875 or TX-SR805). The Yamaha RX-Z7 or the RX-V3900 might do it, but not so sure about this. There is also the Denon AVR-4308ci.
But the Denon AVR-5308ci and Yamaha RX-Z11 will surely be up to the task.

* The main important thing here, is that your Studio 100 v5 will never get to their full potential until you give them the appropriate amplification, period.

If I was you and money was important, I'll get an Emotiva XPA-2 with an Onkyo TX-SR705 or a Marantz SR7001 or a Denon AVR-2808ci.

Bob

I’ll second that and add that if you’re going to do HT (which seems to be the case as you mentioned the center channel speaker) you should also look at the Emotiva XPA-3 which will power the front three speakers.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Emotiva XPA-1 for the center channel, with very clear dialog.

Or an Emotiva XPA-1 for the center speaker alone, if it's a nice Paradigm Reference Studio or Signature model that plays full range.

 

[jayprophet44]

amp suggestion

would the yamaha rxv 2700 do the job
it is on sale for $800 near me

thnx again

 

[Lordoftherings]

would the yamaha rxv 2700 do the job
it is on sale for $800 near me

thnx again

Nope. I already mentioned the stand alone receivers that can do the job.
It is not a question of money, it's a question of sufficiant power for your 100 v5s.

And besides, the 2700 is still overpriced at $800. Where about do you live?

I suggest the Onkyo TX-SR876* at "accessories 4 less" for $950.
Or the TX-SR875* for $800 at the same place.
Or the TX-SR805* for $600 also at the same place (if still available).

* They are reconditioned units, but brand new looking and in perfect operating order with the latest firmware and full warranties. And they are all THX Ultra2 certified (Ultra2 Plus for the 876).


Bob

 

[jayprophet44]

amp suggestion

I'm in NYC area

i am working on a budget now, i do want at least 5.1
as i do use for HT should i just wait a couple of months
to get more money.

i originally bought the Studio Monitor 11 and i thought
they sounded great, now with these amps
i feel i am not doing the studios injustice

 

[Lordoftherings]

Nothing less than the very best.

I'm in NYC area

i am working on a budget now, i do want at least 5.1
as i do use for HT should i just wait a couple of months
to get more money.

i originally bought the Studio Monitor 11 and i thought
they sounded great, now with these amps
i feel i am not doing the studios injustice

My answer is in the post #8 just above.

Check if you can get the Onkyo TX-SR805 at "accessories 4 less", it is only $600, which is a great deal. If not avail, get the Onkyo TX-SR876 for $949, which is within you budget. And later on, just add an Emotiva XPA-2 for only $799, when money becomes available. You'll thank me.
The 805 or 876 will get you by just fine till you add that XPA-2 to power your Paradigm Reference Studio 100 v5 speakers. Then you'll be laughing, so as your Studio 100s.

And don't forget that anything less, your speakers will not sing to their full capabilities, such is the rule in speaker's models, in particular your 100s.
Just trust me.

Bob

 

[jayprophet44]

Nice Ideas on a center?

While i plan to put together an ok system

I will replace my 5.1 slowly, current rears (bi polar), center and sub woofer are from Atlantic Technology and is about 7-8 years old. And it wasn't a horror. pretty decent ( still using the center, rears and sub)
The Studio 100's are incredible even with my current amp.

I hope (barring hitting the lottery)not to replace this set up.

What would be a nice center to match?

Thanks for recommending the emotiva, that will come after amp,will probably go with Onkyo 876.

 

[Lordoftherings]

You are on the right track.

The Studio 100's are incredible even with my current amp.

What would be a nice center to match?

Thanks for recommending the emotiva, that will come after amp,will probably go with Onkyo 876.

1. Of course the Studio 100s are incredible.

2. A good center channel match for them would be the CC-590. Retails for $999.

3. No sweat, it's easy when you own this same receiver and that you love it.
* And the Emotiva XPA-2 or XPA-3 (for your 3 front mains), would be excellent later on.

Cheers,

Bob

 

[oppman99]

Jay,

LOTR is correct, an amp will make a significant difference. I have 100's v.4 and was powering them with an older Parasound amp (200WPC). The parasound was definately better than using my Yamaha AVR, but not quite what I wanted sound wise. I picked up the Emotiva XPA-2 and couldn't be happier. It was like getting new speakers again. Insert audio cliche here. If you like the sound of what you have now, I say enjoy it for a while and start saving some $$ to get an amp down the road. It will be worth the wait.

 

[jayprophet44]

Thanks soo much for your knowledge and time. Incredible sounding music
is such a high. One of my joys. and i can't believe you can. but when your married and the wife thinks the packaged Sony combo for $600 sounds the same, i hope you understand. She has gradualy come around to the speaker sound (not the size) now trying to convince her to upgrade center, and amps is a battle, but i will win gradually
(money issues)

 

[oppman99]

Glad I could help. I know exactly what you mean about music being a great joy in life. Fortunately (or unfortunately depending on how you look at it) I don't have to worry about the wife approval factor. The girlfriend hasn't been around long enough to have a say in it. Give your wife some time, she may come around after more listening. When it comes time for the amp, put it in female terms she can understand. A woman will buy an item she doesn't need if it's on sale while a man will pay double for something he really needs (or wants). Show her a price comparison of Emotiva vs. some of the big names like Anthem, Krell ect. It may not work, but it can't hurt. Good luck!

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Warp and I both have 100's and when we were switching amps we both ran ours without amps for the first time. Both of us said we could tell a big difference, the sound was just flat and boring. Keep in mind, we both have huge rooms and like it loud.

The 100's although rated at 8ohm, dip in the upper 3 ohm range. You need an amp.

 

[bigred7078]

Warp and I both have 100's and when we were switching amps we both ran ours without amps for the first time. Both of us said we could tell a big difference, the sound was just flat and boring. Keep in mind, we both have huge rooms and like it loud.

The 100's although rated at 8ohm, dip in the upper 3 ohm range. You need an amp.

This is 100% true. At work we run the 100's on a denon receiver and it sounds eeeeh ok, kinda flat though. When we hook it up the the Anthem Statement P2 oooooh baby night and day IMO

 

[Lordoftherings]

Quick fact.

A friend of mine was using his Paradigm Reference Studio 100 v4 or v5 loudspeakers (can't remember exactly which version), with a Yamaha RX-V3900 A/V receiver. Ok, he was happy, but felt that he was missing something.
So, I recommend him to get an emotiva XPA-2. After some serious research, he did finally pull the trigger on one.
Don't need to tell you how wowed he was. Now, he's in perfect condition, doing very well, very happy with his life and his girlfriend. For him, it was all the revelation that he needed. Now, he's looking for a house to purchase, so he can really crank it up.
This is only one of the true story from several ones, of one owner of the same speakers than yours.

Bob

 

[djgcue]

I power my Studio 100's with a Yamaha P3500S pro amp and my CC690 with a Yamaha P2500S pro amp and I couldn't be happier. Adding the amps to my Pioneer Elite 94 made a significant difference.

 

[pongagt]

I have Studio 60 v.5's biamped with a Onkyo TX-NR906 (140 wpc into 8 ohms) and they sound great to me. If the 100's require more power, it might not be so great as my 60's eat up the power of my receiver pretty good in my small room. I guess it depends how loud you want to play them. I don't know if you would be better with 200 watts per speaker from a power amp or having them biamped with a good receiver amp. The Emotiva XPA-3 looks like a good deal but if you can get away with a higher end receiver instead of lesser receiver and a amp, you get cool things like networking and hd radio and satellite radio capability.