What next?

[Turner]

I am at a bit of a loss to decide what to upgrade in my system next and am looking for some input:

I currently have:

Marantz SR-5300 receiver
Panasonic S52 DVD player

Paradigm Monitor 9 Fronts
Paradigm Studio CC Center
Paradigm PW 2100 Sub
Paradigm 11SE Mk2 Rears (were the fronts a short time ago)

I would like to stick with Paradigm's unless there is a compelling reason not to, and I'm holding off on an upgrade to the DVD player until the whole HD-DVD vs Blu-ray is sorted out.

The main use is for movie's, although listening to music is a favourite pastime too.

Advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Davemcc]

Sounds like your wide open to suggestions. How about an SVS PB12-Plus/2.
Maybe look at a music server. The Escient Fireball is pretty affordable.
What's your display? Maybe it's time for an upgrade there?

 

[mike c]

svs pb13 ultra subwoofer

velodyne DD series subwoofer ( "for the ultimate in music experience" )

rotel rmb1095 amplifier (you don't even have to remove anything from your setup)

velodyne sms-1 subwoofer EQ

bass traps/room treatments

 

[Turner]

Sounds like your wide open to suggestions. How about an SVS PB12-Plus/2.
Maybe look at a music server. The Escient Fireball is pretty affordable.
What's your display? Maybe it's time for an upgrade there?

Yeah, display is lacking significantly in a Panasonic 1998 50" rear projection unit but I'm planning on upgrading that in a few months time with a projector - not sure which one but preferably under $1300.

I'd take awesome sound at the cost of a mediocre picture anyday, so while I would like to upgrade the display it's not a priority.

I've heard good things about the SVS sub's, but a little too late as the PW2100 is only 12 months old . The setup is quite bass heavy at the moment what with the Monitor 11's behind, but I do like to feel the sound too . It would be nice if it was more dynamic/punchier though.

Perhaps it's time to get some dipole's or a rear center?

 

[Adam]

I recently got bit by the "outboard amp" bug and purchased a two-channel amp to power my front left/right speakers. It lightened the load on my receiver, and I have to say that it really had a positive effect on the sound when I played things at moderate levels. At my normal listening levels, there's really no difference, but at higher levels the amp really lets my speakers shine.

Perhaps a separate amp would be a nice next step?

 

[Adam]

I'd take awesome sound at the cost of a mediocre picture anyday...

I know the feeling! You can see my set-up (with SVS sub) here. (Also, the amp that I mentioned before is pictured on the bottom shelf.)

 

[mtrycrafts]

I am at a bit of a loss to decide what to upgrade in my system next and am looking for some input:

I currently have:

Marantz SR-5300 receiver
Panasonic S52 DVD player

Paradigm Monitor 9 Fronts
Paradigm Studio CC Center
Paradigm PW 2100 Sub
Paradigm 11SE Mk2 Rears (were the fronts a short time ago)

I would like to stick with Paradigm's unless there is a compelling reason not to, and I'm holding off on an upgrade to the DVD player until the whole HD-DVD vs Blu-ray is sorted out.

The main use is for movie's, although listening to music is a favourite pastime too.

Advice would be greatly appreciated.

It seems like you have audio well covered. What seems to be lacking?
Can the receiver process all your audio needs?
Samsung will be coming out with a nice dual format hi-def soon but a bit expensive.
If you upgrade TV without upgrading to hi def, you may want to postpone that too and just save.
You could play with room acoustics. That will do a lot for the audio, or it certainly can.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

What are you looking for here, just to spend some money?

 

[Turner]

What are you looking for here, just to spend some money?

Good question. I would like to work towards a system that has speakers roughly equivalent to a decent Paradigm Studio setup with components that compliment that. I'm not going to go out and buy it all at once, therefore, I need to take it a step at a time over the period of a few years. At the same time I want to achieve a decent balance i.e not have a system with awesome front speakers and crappy surrounds, or a receiver that does an injustice to the speakers, etc.

Specifically, I'm interested in knowing what would most significantly improve the current setup en route to the final goal so the money is well spent. If that makes sense.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Then your first step is the main speakers. Upgrade to the studios and then an ext. amp if you are more into music. Upgrade the sub if you are into movies. Any of the digms you already own will make great surrounds.

Good question. I would like to work towards a system that has speakers roughly equivalent to a decent Paradigm Studio setup with components that compliment that. I'm not going to go out and buy it all at once, therefore, I need to take it a step at a time over the period of a few years. At the same time I want to achieve a decent balance i.e not have a system with awesome front speakers and crappy surrounds, or a receiver that does an injustice to the speakers, etc.

Specifically, I'm interested in knowing what would most significantly improve the current setup en route to the final goal so the money is well spent. If that makes sense.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Specifically, I'm interested in knowing what would most significantly improve the current setup en route to the final goal so the money is well spent. If that makes sense.

Or,, you could improve your sub which would benefit your current system and final system.
Then, select a line of speakers you are more satisfied with than what you have, buy parts of it over time. Then, if your components lack what you need or the speaker needs, then you upgrade them after the speakers.
How about the room acoustics? Maybe you can improve that and may find that you are satisfied.