Receiver and speakers around 1K

[Lordoftherings]

You're following the exact right steps Constantin.

Thanks Bob.

I demoed the B&W 685 today (the 602s aren't really in production any longer) and I was quite impressed. Here's a short description. To my ear, the mid ranges were very clear. The soundstage was detailed and had a lot of depth. I could hear when an instrument was behind another. The sound was beautifully distributed. It true that this was an engineered listening room, but I could not localize the sound at either speaker; it filled the room. The high range was also impressive -- I had Joan Baez singing "It's all over now baby blue" and it sounded rich, no harshness at all. Finally, these speakers produce a very solid sound, not wimpy at all. Ali Farka Toure singing Ai Du sounded great, his voice ever so throaty. This by the way was driven by a Denon 397 receiver. I also got to hear a pair of the CM-1s (off a $4K McIntosh integrated amp). They sounded richer, but at $500 a pop I think it would severely bust my budget. Overall, the 685 are a good reference point to start the search.

I'm planning to demo the Paradigm Studio 20s next. I'll post my thoughts after I hear them.

Does anyone know if there a Monitor Audio dealer in the SF bay area? I have been looking to demo the Bronze BR2 but so far no luck with google or their website.

Hi Constantin,

The B&W 685s are an excellent match with the Denon receiver, so as the Paradigm Reference Studio 20s.

Personally I will stick with one of these two models, but it is always excellent listening to as many speakers you can, very smart method.

My guess though, is you are going to pick the Studio 20s.
Why? Fuller sound, richer, more complete with better bass extension, and very good build quality.
But that's just me; love the B&W speakers also.

As for your last question, sorry I'm from Canada.

Cheers,

Bob

 

[jostenmeat]

Does anyone know if there a Monitor Audio dealer in the SF bay area? I have been looking to demo the Bronze BR2 but so far no luck with google or their website.

Using MAs dealer locator, I found this in Sacramento. Not exactly next door, but it seems to be the closest

http://www.zonepacific.com/lines.htm

the dealer locator
http://www.monitoraudiousa.com/dealers/search/california-north

Thanks for the impressions on the BWs. I'm glad you have Ascend on the list, and between the different models listed already, you have choices in budget flexibility. If you ever do consider the $400 per speaker price point, the Sierras would make my short list to audition, and for a bit more, perhaps Salk SS1s. Tough to audition because they're ID, but always worth a shot. Money back guarantees on both, anyways.

I'm familiar with the BR2s, and BR1s, and I don't think you are going to go goo-goo over them. They are warm in signature, but aren't the clearest in the world. The 170SE are clearer than these, IMO, easily so.

Another model to consider, which I've never heard, are the Usher 520. I believe AH store sells them for mebbe $400/pr.

 

[constantin82]

I'm glad you have Ascend on the list, and between the different models listed already, you have choices in budget flexibility. If you ever do consider the $400 per speaker price point, the Sierras would make my short list to audition, and for a bit more, perhaps Salk SS1s. Tough to audition because they're ID, but always worth a shot. Money back guarantees on both, anyways.

I'm hoping that once I find a pair I like enough through a dealer in the area, I'll be able to demo it at home. I'll order one or two ID sets at the same time and compare.

 

[Lordoftherings]

I'm hoping that once I find a pair I like enough through a dealer in the area, I'll be able to demo it at home. I'll order one or two ID sets at the same time and compare.

That's the very best way to do it.

 

[constantin82]

I must have missed the Marantz.

Another nice alternative is the Marantz SR4003 for $350 (Marantz Certified Refurbished).
* SR4003 price: http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR4003/Marantz/SR4003-Dolby-Digital-EX/DTS-ES-Surround-Receiver-/1.html

<snip>

** Oh, and forget about preouts, you don't need those (Marantz SR4003 does have them though).

This also seems to be a very nice option. Has both pre-outs and multi-zone, plus it's easier on the wallet. I couldn't find much in the way of consumer or critics reviews though. Still looking.

 

[Lordoftherings]

This & that...

This also seems to be a very nice option. Has both pre-outs and multi-zone, plus it's easier on the wallet. I couldn't find much in the way of consumer or critics reviews though. Still looking.

It was my duty to mentioned it to you (Marantz SR4003).

But if it was me, for the same price ($350), I'll stay with the Marantz SR5002, or even better, the Marantz SR6001, also at only $350!, that's a 71% discount! The Marantz SR6001 was originally retailing for $1,200.
Anyway, just look at their feature set, their specs and decide for yourself where the best value resides.
Also, the Marantz SR7001 sells for $500 (64% discount). It normally retails for $1,400.

Sorry, but I also couldn't find reviews of the Marantz SR4003.

*** Anyway, food for thoughts.

Cheers,

Bob

Note: By the way, all these Marantz receivers are available at these mentioned sale prices from Accessories 4 Less.

 

[constantin82]

Paradigm Studio 20 audition

My guess though, is you are going to pick the Studio 20s.
Why? Fuller sound, richer, more complete with better bass extension, and very good build quality.
But that's just me; love the B&W speakers also.

I listened to the Paradigm 20s yesterday for almost 40 minutes and my conclusion? These are great sounding speakers.

The sound was rich and full, great punch on more bass heavy tracks. They are also neutral speakers which don't color the sound. After listening to these I realized that the B&Ws tend to focus a lot more in the midrange. In comparison, the Studio 20s produce a more faithful sound and don't emphasize the mids. I listened to a wide range of music: vocals, cheerful pop tunes, classical, rock and roll, some blues rock and some house. They handled almost everything I threw at them with great ease.

On the down side, the soundstage was not as clear as the B&W pair, it was especially lacking a perception of depth. The sales rep said it had to do with the acoustics of the room, but I felt that to be a bit of a cop-out. After all shouldn't their listening rooms engineered to make the equipment perform at its best? They are also more expensive than the B&W 685s though, priced closer to the CM line. That's not a con per se, but something to consider.

Overall, I felt that both sets I've listened to so far would make a pretty kick-*** part of a beginning stereo system. I'll be auditioning a few more speakers over the week, I'll share further impressions as I hear them.

 

[constantin82]

Overall, I felt that both sets I've listened to so far would make a pretty kick-*** part of a beginning stereo system. I'll be auditioning a few more speakers over the week, I'll share further impressions as I hear them.

Just finished listening to a bunch of speakers, KEF iQ30, Dynaudio Audience 42 and PSB Imaging B2. These speakers were all powered by a NAD 355BEE amp.

Of the lot, the KEFs were the least impressive. They're a pretty good deal for $600 a pair, musical, good to listen to. Compared with the others, they were lackluster. Next, the Dynaudio Audience 42s which were the pick of the day. At $850 a pair, they were not the most expensive set either. Overall: great soundstage with lots of depth, no high-end harshness, no emphasis in the mids and a nice punchy mid-bass. Long-term I think I would need to pair them with a sub to get really low, if I wanted my house, d&b or some hip-hop to really shine. Finally the PSB Imagine B2s. These were pretty good as well close contenders, just eclipsed by the Dynaudios. They had a nice musicality, and were more engaging to listen to than the KEFs. Somehow though they lacked a certain depth -- it was almost if there was a layer of something between us dampening out the sound. As I remarked, great speakers just not as "fun" as the Dynaudios. They go for $1000 and were the most expensive ones to which I listened.

Now I'm trying to pick an int. amp for them. I had been looking at A/V receivers, but I think I've talked myself into going back to an two-channel integrated amp. The NAD 355BEE is one option, others are the CA 650A and the Rotel 1062. Suggestions?

I have one more set to audition, the NHT Classic Three with the CA 640A.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Now I'm trying to pick an int. amp for them. I had been looking at A/V receivers, but I think I've talked myself into going back to an two-channel integrated amp. The NAD 355BEE is one option, others are the CA 650A and the Rotel 1062. Suggestions?

The Rotel RA-1062.

 

[constantin82]

Pairing?

The Rotel RA-1062.

Would they pair well with the Studio 20s? Right now it's a toss up between the Studio 20s and the dynaudio. I think I might try and bring them home for a little comparison test.

 

[Lordoftherings]

Would they pair well with the Studio 20s? Right now it's a toss up between the Studio 20s and the dynaudio. I think I might try and bring them home for a little comparison test.

Well I thought that you would already have make the direct connection.
Of course the Rotel RA-1062 would be a perfect match for the Paradigm Reference Studio 20 speakers.
And Dynaudio is another top brand for sure, but for me it's still the Studio 20s, because they excell at all type of music and also movies with a full sound.
And they are very refined too in their sound quality.
And their clarity mated with the Rotel will give you that depth that you so much love. But the real proof is in the pudding (listening of course).

 

[constantin82]

Didn't get the Rotel

Well, the Rotel I was interested in got sold before I could snag it. It seems that I'm going to end up busting my budget so I'm thinking about going used for the amplification. Any recommendations on other manufacturers to consider? I'm currently looking for used NAD, Cambridge Audio, Rotel, Outlaw and Arcam.

Also, aside from a built-in tuner are there other benefits of a stereo receiver compared to an integrated amplifier?

 

[Lordoftherings]

Well, the Rotel I was interested in got sold before I could snag it. It seems that I'm going to end up busting my budget so I'm thinking about going used for the amplification. Any recommendations on other manufacturers to consider? I'm currently looking for used NAD, Cambridge Audio, Rotel, Outlaw and Arcam.

Also, aside from a built-in tuner are there other benefits of a stereo receiver compared to an integrated amplifier?

Constantin, my good friend, just get a used Rotel integrated amplifier of the same or better caliber. Check Audiogon and Videogon for amazing deals.

You can get a separate used Tuner too, that's what I'll do. Check for some Marantz, Onkyo or Yamaha ones, they all make some very good tuners.

 

[constantin82]

Constantin, my good friend, just get a used Rotel integrated amplifier of the same or better caliber. Check Audiogon and Videogon for amazing deals.

Yup, I found a Rotel 1062 used for $425 on AudiogoN but I hesitated too long and it got snapped up. I hope another one will come around.

 

[constantin82]

D

You can get a separate used Tuner too, that's what I'll do. Check for some Marantz, Onkyo or Yamaha ones, they all make some very good tuners.

I don't really need a tuner, I was confirming that there weren't any other differences. I haven't listened to a conventional radio outside my car for a long time. Internet radio makes life so much nicer.

 

[Lordoftherings]

I don't really need a tuner, I was confirming that there weren't any other differences. I haven't listened to a conventional radio outside my car for a long time. Internet radio makes life so much nicer.

If you don't listen to radio much, get an Integrated Amp; less chance of radio interference and contamination through the speakers.

You can always add a separate Tuner later on. It's always best to have these two components separated from each other.

* And don't give up, another Rotel will pop up sooner than later.