This is my following setup
Room: 13.5ft(L) X 18ft(W) X 8ft(H)
My 5.1 Setup:
Fronts: Paradigm studio 40v3
Center: Paradigm CC470v3
Sides: Paradigm studio 20v3
Sub: Aperion Audio (too lazy to look at model number)
Amp+Rcvr: Pioneer Elite VSX-84TXSi
If I go with Marantz AV7005 would XPA-5 be the way to go? Or Should I just go with Maranthz SR7005 ?.
Reason to go with Marantz : Audyssey, DD+(I want this for Netflix), Dolby True HD, DTS HD-MA processing and other cool features which are not so important but I like them.
I auditioned Denon AVR-4311ci, Pioneer Elite SC-55, Arcam AVR360 with B&W CM8 , listened to Neil Young - "On The Way home" from "Live from Massey Hall" Blu-ray in 2.1 channel and Some vocal and solo part of "Hey Joe" by Jimi Hendrix in 2 channel
I think Pioneer Elite SC-55 and Marantz SR7005 came close. I have to listen more closely to make out difference.
I think I might be suffering from upgraditis. Its been 4 years since my setup and 3 different homes and I have heard B&W CM9s recently and that sent me wondering how much I am missing listening to music. I am not sure if its just the speakers, calibration, my room or the equipment etc etc.
After listening to B&W CM8s today I figured I won't be happy going from Paradigm Studio 40v3 to B&W CM8/9s. I need to go all the way, most probably a dedicated room with proper treatment etc before changing all the gear.
Long story short I want more from what I have. I am not going to change my speakers. Hence my plan is to try XPA-5 with Marantz AV7005 and see if it is indeed better than what I have today with respect to music and probably better experience with movies.
Few more options that I see.
1. Try XPA-5 with my 84Txsi and see if I see an improvement.
2. If I do not see an improvement try Marantz SR7005
3. If I do not see any improvement add XPA-5
4. If I do not see any improvement then just be happy with the new fancy features of Marantz SR7005 and sell XPA-5.
But the problem with the plan is Marantz AV7005, my goal is to try Marantz AV7005 and XPA-5.
Anyone been where I am right now?. I am looking for some ideas or plan from more experienced folks here. Any ideas or constructive criticism is welcome.