Stereo/HT configuration

[kjt]

hi everyone,
This is my first input on this forum and I'm asking you for an advice on the audio/ht system. I've done some work on the web learning this subject but I'm still undecided what to get.
My budget is somehwat flexible within a few k$. I just bought a sony kdl 46xbr4. I'm going to build an 5.1 system with in-ceiling surrounds. I'd like Paradigm Studio 100 (v3? or v4?) unless you convince me othervise. This is because my priority is a good stereo but I want a decent ht, too. Does it make sense to get sth different than a Paradigm's matching center speaker to save money on HT
? Would a receiver like the Onkyo TX-SR805 work well as preamp and HT or the cheaper like, for example, Yamaha RX-V659 would be just fine?
So far, I've learned that 100-130W receiver might not be powerfull enough to drive paradigms so I'm considering a stereo amplifier such as 2 X 200W Emotiva RPA1. If so, what do you suggest for surrounds? Is 5 channel amp such as Rotel 1095 a better solution or the Onkyo is good enough to drive the surrounds?
Please share your thoughts with me.

 

[mazersteven]

I'd like Paradigm Studio 100 (v3? or v4?) unless you convince me othervise. This is because my priority is a good stereo but I want a decent ht, too. Does it make sense to get sth different than a Paradigm's matching center speaker to save money on HT.

Have you auditioned the Paradigm Studio's, or any other speakers?

And can you clarify your center channel question?

 

[kjt]

Yes, I have listened to Paradigms 100v3 but never had a chance to audition the whole 5.1 setup. In my post I was refering to CC-590 Paradigm's matching center speaker.

 

[mazersteven]

Yes I would get the matching center channel speaker to whatever main speakers you choose.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

The Paradigm 100 v4 is an awesome speaker but really likes more power than a AVR alone. Are you going to run a sub? How big is your room?

 

[kjt]

The "room" size is around 12' by 16' but it is just a part of an open area that is three times bigger and includes kitchen. I'll be placing equipment againsts the 12' wall where tv is; the sofa is against the opposite wall 16' away so there is no room for the rear speakers. Facing the tv I have all windows on my right side and the open floor area is on my left side.
Do I need a sub with 100? They seem to have enough bass but, like I said before, I auditioned only stereo but not HT.

 

[mazersteven]

Do I need a sub with 100?

Need
1: necessary duty : obligation
2: a lack of something requisite, desirable, or useful
3: a condition requiring supply or relief

 

[ParadigmDawg]

You dont need a sub for music but it is pretty close to a must for HT. I would consider the Studio 40's and the SVS Ultra sub. Just use in-ceilings for the surrounds.

Hehe...sounds an aweful lot like my system doesnt it Steven?

 

[mazersteven]

You dont need a sub for music but it is pretty close to a must for HT. I would consider the Studio 40's and the SVS Ultra sub. Just use in-ceilings for the surrounds.

Hehe...sounds an aweful lot like my system doesnt it Steven?

LOL Yes it does.

Greg is giving excellent advise. You could get the Studio 40's, and the SVS for just over what you would pay for just the Studio 100's. And IMO with proper placement, and calibration you would have a fantastic sounding system.

 

[kjt]

Greg and Steven, thanks much for your advice.
How about the receiver and amp? Is it okay to drive the center, sub and surrounds through Onkyo 805 or Yamaha 659 and center speakers through Emotiva RPA1 or it is better to use 5ch amps such as Rotel 1095?

 

[Seth=L]

I didn't read through the whole thread, but I just heard recently that the RPA-1 may never be in stock again. They are out of stock now and apparently working on a replacement for the RPA-1. I would be surprised if you can get an RPA-1 from Emotiva for a while, if at all.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I use a 3 channel amp to drive the LCR, the AVR drives my surrounds. The sub will drive itself.

Greg and Steven, thanks much for your advice.
How about the receiver and amp? Is it okay to drive the center, sub and surrounds through Onkyo 805 or Yamaha 659 and center speakers through Emotiva RPA1 or it is better to use 5ch amps such as Rotel 1095?

 

[mazersteven]

The Studio 40's aren't hard to drive at all. A good quality AVR receiver should do fine.

Yamaha RX-V2700
http://www.ubid.com/Yamaha_RX-V2700_980Watts_7.1Ch._Home_Theater_Receiver/a11225530.html

Yamaha RX-V1700
http://www.ubid.com/Yamaha_RX-V1700_910_Watts_7.1_Ch._A/V_Home_Theater/a11225587.html

 

[ParadigmDawg]

My 659 drives the 40's just fine. I have an ext.amp because I am cool

The Studio 40's aren't hard to drive at all. A good quality AVR receiver should do fine.

Yamaha RX-V2700
http://www.ubid.com/Yamaha_RX-V2700_980Watts_7.1Ch._Home_Theater_Receiver/a11225530.html

Yamaha RX-V1700
http://www.ubid.com/Yamaha_RX-V1700_910_Watts_7.1_Ch._A/V_Home_Theater/a11225587.html

 

[Seth=L]

My 659 drives the 40's just fine. I have an ext.amp because I am cool

And they can take lots of power.

 

[Soundman]

I didn't read through the whole thread, but I just heard recently that the RPA-1 may never be in stock again. They are out of stock now and apparently working on a replacement for the RPA-1. I would be surprised if you can get an RPA-1 from Emotiva for a while, if at all.

I wouldn't be too upset about it. If I'm not mistaken, that model will be replaced when Emotiva's new line of products comes out. If he wants to go Emotiva and is willing to wait, he may end up with a better amp. Not sure of pricing or model numbers though.