Need speaker/ receiver advice - Blu-ray Forum

Wilche · 03-11-2008, 07:00 PM

Currently I have a PS3 60g and Sony XBR4-40. I'm listening through the TV speakers. I set a $6000 budget for speakers and receiver to be used 70% movies and 30% music (mostly classical and jazz). After listening to Def Techs, Thiels, Martin Logans, B & Ws, PSBs and Paradigms, I preferred the Paradigms (within my budget LOL). I thought I'd start with a 5.1 system and possibly go to 7.1 later. This is for an untreated living room which is about 19' x 26' with 12' ceilings.

I am a complete neophyte when it comes to audio/video systems. So I would appreciate our experts' thoughts on the following system (listed with msrp):
Fronts - Paradigm Studio 60v4 - $1900/pr
Center - Paradigm Studio CC 690 - $1349
Sub - Paradigm UltraCube 12 - $1099
Rears - Paradigm Mini Monitor - $499/pr

I heard these speakers playing together except for the Mini Monitors. They were using Studio 20's (I think) which are $999/pr. The Mini Monitors were recommended to bring the system within my budget. They sounded OK alone, but I'd like opinions about about putting them in with the Studios.

He also recommended the NAD T 755 receiver. I have not been able to find much on this receiver. Is it what I should be using? He would bring the package within my budget. (Well close

)

I plan to replace my PS3 with another Blu-ray player this fall or next year when the new models tempt me.

Sorry for the long post, but I'm hoping for some help. Thanks.

MacDaddyOJack · 03-11-2008, 07:06 PM

Paradigm makes some pretty nice speakers. If they sound good to your ear, then that is all that matters. They are also a quality brand so go for it there if you like the sound. The only thing I would be cautious of is the subwoofer. You have a rather large room so you will need a serious sub to fill that room with clean bass response. You can get a very nice SVS for the same price of that paradigm sub.

On the NAD amp.... I do not know the price, nor have I ever owned one. But the only reason I have never owned one is because of the price! They are high quality, but high price as well. They do not currently have anything that can deal with the advanced audio codecs either so I would not get the NAD amp right now.

Edit: if those mini monitors are only going to be used for surrounds, then they will be perfect. Excellent place to save $500.

Brian Cash · 03-11-2008, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wilche

Currently I have a PS3 60g and Sony XBR4-40. I'm listening through the TV speakers. I set a $6000 budget for speakers and receiver to be used 70% movies and 30% music (mostly classical and jazz). After listening to Def Techs, Thiels, Martin Logans, B & Ws, PSBs and Paradigms, I preferred the Paradigms (within my budget LOL). I thought I'd start with a 5.1 system and possibly go to 7.1 later. This is for an untreated living room which is about 19' x 26' with 12' ceilings.

I am a complete neophyte when it comes to audio/video systems. So I would appreciate our experts' thoughts on the following system (listed with msrp):
Fronts - Paradigm Studio 60v4 - $1900/pr
Center - Paradigm Studio CC 690 - $1349
Sub - Paradigm UltraCube 12 - $1099
Rears - Paradigm Mini Monitor - $499/pr

I heard these speakers playing together except for the Mini Monitors. They were using Studio 20's (I think) which are $999/pr. The Mini Monitors were recommended to bring the system within my budget. They sounded OK alone, but I'd like opinions about about putting them in with the Studios.

He also recommended the NAD T 755 receiver. I have not been able to find much on this receiver. Is it what I should be using? He would bring the package within my budget. (Well close

)

I plan to replace my PS3 with another Blu-ray player this fall or next year when the new models tempt me.

Sorry for the long post, but I'm hoping for some help. Thanks.

I use to have the nad and was not that happy with it at all I was sending it in about once a month because it was not turning on and when it was working it was not that great

PS3 Blu-Ray · 03-11-2008, 07:12 PM

well you spoke of 30% music, I have had many receivers in the past, and none of them has compared to the Denon for music. Paradigms are great speakers, dollar for dollar, is what I would have went for also for sound, or the b&ws, but they can get pricey. A denon on some paradigms or b&ws would sound nice

Wilche · 03-11-2008, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacDaddyOJack

Paradigm makes some pretty nice speakers. If they sound good to your ear, then that is all that matters. They are also a quality brand so go for it there if you like the sound. The only thing I would be cautious of is the subwoofer. You have a rather large room so you will need a serious sub to fill that room with clean bass response. You can get a very nice SVS for the same price of that paradigm sub.

On the NAD amp.... I do not know the price, nor have I ever owned one. But the only reason I have never owned one is because of the price! They are high quality, but high price as well. They do not currently have anything that can deal with the advanced audio codecs either so I would not get the NAD amp right now.

Edit: if those mini monitors are only going to be used for surrounds, then they will be perfect. Excellent place to save $500.

The NAD T755 lists for $1299. Thanks for the information on their inability to deal with the advanced audio codecs. I was afraid that might be the case. The package deal was attractive.

Also thanks for the information about the mini monitors.

Brian Cash · 03-11-2008, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wilche

The NAD T755 lists for $1299. Thanks for the information on their inability to deal with the advanced audio codecs. I was afraid that might be the case. The package deal was attractive.

Also thanks for the information about the mini monitors.

I would go with a Denon or Onkyo over the Nad

Beta Man · 03-11-2008, 07:48 PM

I have a Marantz I love their good, clean sound.

Wilche · 03-11-2008, 07:51 PM

Thanks everyone. I'm leaning toward the Denon over the Onkyo. Perhaps the 3808ci? I guess I won't be able to get a discount on a package deal. I want the combination of being good for music and Blu-ray.

Wilche · 03-11-2008, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beta Man

I have a Marantz I love their good, clean sound.

I had a Marantz years ago and loved it. I'm thinking it would burst my budget.

Wilche · 03-11-2008, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MacDaddyOJack

Paradigm makes some pretty nice speakers. If they sound good to your ear, then that is all that matters. They are also a quality brand so go for it there if you like the sound. The only thing I would be cautious of is the subwoofer. You have a rather large room so you will need a serious sub to fill that room with clean bass response. You can get a very nice SVS for the same price of that paradigm sub.

I was listening to the set-up in a smaller room than mine. Any particular recommendations for the sub? Thanks.

Beta Man · 03-11-2008, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wilche

I had a Marantz years ago and loved it. I'm thinking it would burst my budget.

really? They have Marantz's in the same price range as Onkyo 605/705, but I'm not sure about 7.1

This one is $800 brand new and it's 7.1 ..... so I guess that's a push.... but I was thinking 5.1 (it's only $630 refurb. but I wouldn't recommend getting a refurbed item)

http://www.amazon.com/Marantz-SR7001...5266214&sr=8-7

Joker · 03-11-2008, 08:13 PM

Those are great speakers , i would take a look at the Pioneer Elite VSX-94TXH . i have this receiver and it is the best by far that was in my price range and it does all audio processing that you might need and then some . Worth a look anyway . Good luck in your search . Check it out at http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...VSX-94TXH.Kuro . i found mine online new in box for under $1200.00

dobyblue · 03-11-2008, 08:35 PM

I would be weary about those Mini Monitors with the rest of your system. I think sorting out some other speakers should allow you to get Studio 20's as your rears, which I think will allow for a much better aural experience overall in your system.

I would seriously think about going to the CC590 for your center. There aren't many differences between the CC590 and CC690. The high crossover is 2.5kHz vs 2.4kHz, the frequecy response is slightly better on the CC590, the low extension is the same, the sensitivity is a little better on the CC690.

CC590 - http://paradigm.com/en/reference/spe...-3-13.paradigm
CC690 - http://paradigm.com/en/reference/spe...-3-13.paradigm

What's the price difference there and how much budget would that open up? I think the CC590 should be around $899 MSRP.

I do think for $150 less you'll get better response from a PB12-Plus from SVS as well.

So go from this:
Fronts - Paradigm Studio 60v4 - $1900/pr
Center - Paradigm Studio CC 690 - $1349/ea
Sub - Paradigm UltraCube 12 - $1099/ea
Rears - Paradigm Mini Monitor - $499/pr
Total - $4847

To This:
Fronts - Paradigm Studio 60v4 - $1900/pr
Center - Paradigm Studio CC 590 - $899/ea
Sub - SVS PB12-Plus - $949/ea
Rears - Paradigm Studio 20v4 - $999/pr
Total - $4747

Wilche · 03-11-2008, 09:35 PM

Wow. Thank you dobyblue for your response. Now I am concerned about those Mini Monitors.

I will ask to listen to them as rears with the rest of the system. I was able to hear the 100's vs the 60's, and decided that I would be able save $700 without too much pain by going with the 60's. But when I listened to the 590 vs the 690, there was a more significant difference for me. I have some hearing loss in the mid-range, maybe that is a factor. Saving some $$ on the sub would certainly help. I have read good things about your recommended sub.

DiverSpear · 03-11-2008, 09:46 PM

I know everyone here has a fascination with onkyo but I love my Sony 5300ES, it will decode anything plus I have multiple zones for my garage and porch when I'm listening to music or partying with friends

Durentis · 03-11-2008, 09:47 PM

Why not the ADP-590 for your surrounds? That's what they're intended for, and they're wall mountable.. Unless you have a massive room to support towers in the rear, I think you're either going to be looking over your shoulder a lot or all but silencing them through the receiver's setup.

Durentis · 03-11-2008, 10:28 PM

Also, in case it helps plan out the cost of your system and what speakers you end up with, you should be able to get 20% off of msrp. Don't buy them at a discount less than that. Definitely don't pay msrp! When a salesman at one store mentioned shaving some off the price "by swapping in a lesser speaker" to keep me in my budget I didn't stay long.

So,
Studio 60's: $1520/pr
CC 690: $1079/ea
ADP 590: $1006/pr ($629/ea msrp)
Total: $3605

I'm not including the sub.. I really think you should be getting a Servo-15 with the speakers you're getting but at +$2700 msrp (+$2160 DRP - Durentis' Reasonable Price) that'd put you over budget. Though, my initial budget was only $1-2k.. oops! ..so that's budgets for ya. A line of credit is your friend.. good speakers are an investment.

As for the receiver, if you aren't concerned with getting one with a toroidal transformer, I'd grab the Marantz sr7002. The sr8002 is the same but with a toroidal transformer. Again, expect 20% off the listed msrp on these receivers.

Wilche · 03-11-2008, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Durentis

Why not the ADP-590 for your surrounds? That's what they're intended for, and they're wall mountable.. Unless you have a massive room to support towers in the rear, I think you're either going to be looking over your shoulder a lot or all but silencing them through the receiver's setup.

I believe it is mostly due to budget constraints.The budget for speakers and receiver is $6000.

Wilche · 03-11-2008, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Durentis

Also, in case it helps plan out the cost of your system and what speakers you end up with, you should be able to get 20% off of msrp. Don't buy them at a discount less than that. Definitely don't pay msrp! When a salesman at one store mentioned shaving some off the price "by swapping in a lesser speaker" to keep me in my budget I didn't stay long.

So,
Studio 60's: $1520/pr
CC 690: $1079/ea
ADP 590: $1006/pr ($629/ea msrp)
Total: $3605

I'm not including the sub.. I really think you should be getting a Servo-15 with the speakers you're getting but at +$2700 msrp (+$2160 DRP - Durentis' Reasonable Price) that'd put you over budget. Though, my initial budget was only $1-2k.. oops! ..so that's budgets for ya. A line of credit is your friend.. good speakers are an investment.

As for the receiver, if you aren't concerned with getting one with a toroidal transformer, I'd grab the Marantz sr7002. The sr8002 is the same but with a toroidal transformer. Again, expect 20% off the listed msrp on these receivers.

Thanks!

Todd · 03-11-2008, 11:46 PM

You say 70% movies then you might look at Atlantic Technologies surround sound speakers they make some of the finest 5.1 or 7.1 systems. They also tend to have good musical properties. Triad would be another top choice. And Last of all Snell & Wilcox.
Denon 3808ci would be on my short list of great choices.

03-11-2008, 07:00 PM	#1
Wilche Member Member since:Nov 2007	Need speaker/ receiver advice Currently I have a PS3 60g and Sony XBR4-40. I'm listening through the TV speakers. I set a $6000 budget for speakers and receiver to be used 70% movies and 30% music (mostly classical and jazz). After listening to Def Techs, Thiels, Martin Logans, B & Ws, PSBs and Paradigms, I preferred the Paradigms (within my budget LOL). I thought I'd start with a 5.1 system and possibly go to 7.1 later. This is for an untreated living room which is about 19' x 26' with 12' ceilings. I am a complete neophyte when it comes to audio/video systems. So I would appreciate our experts' thoughts on the following system (listed with msrp): Fronts - Paradigm Studio 60v4 - $1900/pr Center - Paradigm Studio CC 690 - $1349 Sub - Paradigm UltraCube 12 - $1099 Rears - Paradigm Mini Monitor - $499/pr I heard these speakers playing together except for the Mini Monitors. They were using Studio 20's (I think) which are $999/pr. The Mini Monitors were recommended to bring the system within my budget. They sounded OK alone, but I'd like opinions about about putting them in with the Studios. He also recommended the NAD T 755 receiver. I have not been able to find much on this receiver. Is it what I should be using? He would bring the package within my budget. (Well close ) I plan to replace my PS3 with another Blu-ray player this fall or next year when the new models tempt me. Sorry for the long post, but I'm hoping for some help. Thanks.

03-11-2008, 08:13 PM	#12
Joker Active Member Member since:Oct 2007 Location:Indianapolis	Those are great speakers , i would take a look at the Pioneer Elite VSX-94TXH . i have this receiver and it is the best by far that was in my price range and it does all audio processing that you might need and then some . Worth a look anyway . Good luck in your search . Check it out at http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...VSX-94TXH.Kuro . i found mine online new in box for under $1200.00 Last edited by Joker; 03-11-2008 at 08:16 PM.

03-11-2008, 09:46 PM	#15
DiverSpear Active Member Member since:Mar 2008 Location:St. Cloud, Florida Blu-ray collection:154 Trading Score:1	Receiver I know everyone here has a fascination with onkyo but I love my Sony 5300ES, it will decode anything plus I have multiple zones for my garage and porch when I'm listening to music or partying with friends Last edited by DiverSpear; 03-11-2008 at 09:50 PM.

03-11-2008, 09:47 PM	#16
Durentis Active Member Member since:Nov 2007 Blu-ray collection:78 Blu-ray reviews:1	Why not the ADP-590 for your surrounds? That's what they're intended for, and they're wall mountable.. Unless you have a massive room to support towers in the rear, I think you're either going to be looking over your shoulder a lot or all but silencing them through the receiver's setup. Last edited by Durentis; 03-11-2008 at 09:53 PM. Reason: Added link..

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03-11-2008, 07:06 PM	#2
MacDaddyOJack Blu-ray Guru Member since:Sep 2007 Location:Richmond, VA PSNetwork: MacDaddyOJack Trophy Level: 12(4%) Home Theater Gallery:12 Blu-ray collection:71 Blu-ray reviews:23 Trading Score:4	Paradigm makes some pretty nice speakers. If they sound good to your ear, then that is all that matters. They are also a quality brand so go for it there if you like the sound. The only thing I would be cautious of is the subwoofer. You have a rather large room so you will need a serious sub to fill that room with clean bass response. You can get a very nice SVS for the same price of that paradigm sub. On the NAD amp.... I do not know the price, nor have I ever owned one. But the only reason I have never owned one is because of the price! They are high quality, but high price as well. They do not currently have anything that can deal with the advanced audio codecs either so I would not get the NAD amp right now. Edit: if those mini monitors are only going to be used for surrounds, then they will be perfect. Excellent place to save $500.

03-11-2008, 07:12 PM	#4
PS3 Blu-Ray Active Member Member since:Feb 2008	well you spoke of 30% music, I have had many receivers in the past, and none of them has compared to the Denon for music. Paradigms are great speakers, dollar for dollar, is what I would have went for also for sound, or the b&ws, but they can get pricey. A denon on some paradigms or b&ws would sound nice

03-11-2008, 07:48 PM	#7
Beta Man Moderator Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Juuuuuuuust A Bit Outside.... Home Theater Gallery:4 Blu-ray collection:268 Blu-ray reviews: 18 Trading Score:25	I have a Marantz I love their good, clean sound.

03-11-2008, 07:51 PM	#8
Wilche Member Member since:Nov 2007	Thanks everyone. I'm leaning toward the Denon over the Onkyo. Perhaps the 3808ci? I guess I won't be able to get a discount on a package deal. I want the combination of being good for music and Blu-ray.

03-11-2008, 08:35 PM	#13
dobyblue Super Moderator Top contributor Member since:Jul 2006 Location:Ontario, Canada Home Theater Gallery:71 4K collection:55 Blu-ray collection:655 Blu-ray reviews: 15	I would be weary about those Mini Monitors with the rest of your system. I think sorting out some other speakers should allow you to get Studio 20's as your rears, which I think will allow for a much better aural experience overall in your system. I would seriously think about going to the CC590 for your center. There aren't many differences between the CC590 and CC690. The high crossover is 2.5kHz vs 2.4kHz, the frequecy response is slightly better on the CC590, the low extension is the same, the sensitivity is a little better on the CC690. CC590 - http://paradigm.com/en/reference/spe...-3-13.paradigm CC690 - http://paradigm.com/en/reference/spe...-3-13.paradigm What's the price difference there and how much budget would that open up? I think the CC590 should be around $899 MSRP. I do think for $150 less you'll get better response from a PB12-Plus from SVS as well. So go from this: Fronts - Paradigm Studio 60v4 - $1900/pr Center - Paradigm Studio CC 690 - $1349/ea Sub - Paradigm UltraCube 12 - $1099/ea Rears - Paradigm Mini Monitor - $499/pr Total - $4847 To This: Fronts - Paradigm Studio 60v4 - $1900/pr Center - Paradigm Studio CC 590 - $899/ea Sub - SVS PB12-Plus - $949/ea Rears - Paradigm Studio 20v4 - $999/pr Total - $4747

03-11-2008, 09:35 PM	#14
Wilche Member Member since:Nov 2007	Wow. Thank you dobyblue for your response. Now I am concerned about those Mini Monitors. I will ask to listen to them as rears with the rest of the system. I was able to hear the 100's vs the 60's, and decided that I would be able save $700 without too much pain by going with the 60's. But when I listened to the 590 vs the 690, there was a more significant difference for me. I have some hearing loss in the mid-range, maybe that is a factor. Saving some $$ on the sub would certainly help. I have read good things about your recommended sub.

03-11-2008, 10:28 PM	#17
Durentis Active Member Member since:Nov 2007 Blu-ray collection:78 Blu-ray reviews:1	Also, in case it helps plan out the cost of your system and what speakers you end up with, you should be able to get 20% off of msrp. Don't buy them at a discount less than that. Definitely don't pay msrp! When a salesman at one store mentioned shaving some off the price "by swapping in a lesser speaker" to keep me in my budget I didn't stay long. So, Studio 60's: $1520/pr CC 690: $1079/ea ADP 590: $1006/pr ($629/ea msrp) Total: $3605 I'm not including the sub.. I really think you should be getting a Servo-15 with the speakers you're getting but at +$2700 msrp (+$2160 DRP - Durentis' Reasonable Price) that'd put you over budget. Though, my initial budget was only $1-2k.. oops! ..so that's budgets for ya. A line of credit is your friend.. good speakers are an investment. As for the receiver, if you aren't concerned with getting one with a toroidal transformer, I'd grab the Marantz sr7002. The sr8002 is the same but with a toroidal transformer. Again, expect 20% off the listed msrp on these receivers.

03-11-2008, 11:46 PM	#20
Todd Member Member since:Aug 2007 Location:ca.	You say 70% movies then you might look at Atlantic Technologies surround sound speakers they make some of the finest 5.1 or 7.1 systems. They also tend to have good musical properties. Triad would be another top choice. And Last of all Snell & Wilcox. Denon 3808ci would be on my short list of great choices.

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