Hi folks-- I'm in the process of installing a new HT at my parents' home, and have a quick question. I had all but decided on the Denon 2900 as the video source, but discovered that it doesn't have a "last picture memory" feature. This essentially means that it doesn't remember where you left...
I recommend a used pair of Paradigm Studio/40 v2's from The Stereo Trading Outlet. When they have them in-stock, 9/10 rated models usually go for $659. I bought a pair of Studio/20 v2's from them that were rated 9/10, and honestly, they were in better condition than the brand-new Studio/60's...
My guess is that the new line is the previously described "v3" line. With a doubling of price, they probably wanted an all-new name.
No guesses on whether or not the current Studio series will continue unchanged.
-A.
For anything more than 20% stereo audio listening, I would recommend the Studio line. I do about 60% music/40% HT and went for the Studio/60's with Studio/20's in the rear. For me, there was a world of difference in the quality of the midrange between the Studio line and the Monitor line. I'm...
As someone who runs Studio/60's up front and Studio/20's in the rear, this is a no-brainer. Buy the 40's for the front. You'll get better bass extension (there's a typo on the Paradigm website on the 40's frequency response). You'll get better volume. And if you step up to separates in the...
The Stereo Trading Outlet usually has used Studio/40 v2's in black laminate for $659/pair. I bought my 20's from them (to match my 60's up front) and I was hard-pressed to tell they were used. They probably arrived in better condition than my then-brand-new 60's did. If you're interested...
About two years ago, I upgraded my system to a Yamaha DSP-A1 with Paradigm Studio/60 v2 mains. I was in med school at the time, in student housing. This is also known as cheap hardwood floors with flimsy baseboards and hollow walls. Talk about an awful acoustic situation!
My partial solution...
Wouldn't call it great bass, but the Paradigm Reference Studio/40's should fit on bookshelves. They usually recommend putting them on stands, but they should work fine on shelves as well. -A.
Hi Andrew-- I have ATT Broadband here in Los Angeles on a Toshiba 42H81, and it's the same situation. The picture quality is absolutely awful. Real shame, because a friend of mine a few miles away has Comcast Digital Cable feeding a 36" XBR, and it looks awesome. I just upgraded to digital...
Still have my DSP-A1. Yamaha thought ahead and added 5.1 inputs for DVD-A or SACD -- a relatively rare find on pieces from that year. I won't upgrade it until I can afford a decent pre/pro setup in my price range. Certainly wouldn't "upgrade" it to a receiver. -A.
Here's part of your message that wasn't answered in Jeffrey's reply. Progressive scan DVD is 480p, not 720p. So as long as your future TV can display 480p, you'd be fine with a progressive scan DVD player. All 720p and 1080i-capable sets can do 480p. Some sets can do 720p *and* 1080i; however...
Yeah, this is killing me. I'll set up a game under the title "realism," with offsides turned on and game speed set at 2. Some punk joins in, turns off offsides and icing, then cranks the speed up to 10. And the real kicker is that if I decide I don't want to play said creep, I get a drop and...
I don't think one exists yet; however, Yamaha introduced one at CES this year that should be out by this summer. Cost for the system was $1000 MSRP, I believe.
-A.
I use Paradigm Reference speakers all around, but at a budget of $1500-$2K for mains alone I'd look at some others.
Two (or three) of my faves in that price range are the:
Monitor Audio Gold Reference 10 and 20
Joseph Audio RM22
B&W Nautilus Series
Good luck!
-A.
Hey Ric--
Glad to hear you're enjoying the CD player. I noticed that you use a Perpetual Technologies P-3A DAC. The modded versions are popping up on the used market at great prices, and I wanted to get your input on the unit. I listen to a lot of two-channel music using my Toshiba 3750 DVD...
I realize that the Classe A/V amps are different from their two-channel models. That said, are they still competitive with the Aragon amps? I'm getting a used CAV-75 for about $800 -- roughly half what I'd half to pay for a new 8008BB.
-A.
Hey guys--
In my ever-continuing search for a solid state amp to mate with my DSP-A1 and Paradigm Studio speakers, I've stumbled upon some good deals on used Classe equipment. Specifically, I'm looking at either a CAV75 or CAV150. The former would be run bridged to provide a 150wpc x 3...
I paid less than $900 for my Paradigm Reference Studio/60's. While I got a great deal, you SHOULD be able to find a dealer to sell you a set of Studio/40's at that price.
I'd take them over the Paradigm Monitor line any day.
-A.
When I was looking to upgrade my speakers from the Energy Take 5 system a couple years ago, I looked closely at the Energy and Paradigm lines. I've never liked the Klipsch horn tweeter sound for music -- for home theater applications, I think they're great. But like you, my priorities were...
From my own auditioning, the B&W series is an outstanding upgrade from the Atlantic Technology series, particularly in the area of music reproduction. If this is at all important for you, I'd go for it.
-A.
Wow, Thomas, thanks for doing that audition for me. You mentioned that with my current speakers (Studio/60's), I'd be hard pressed to hear a difference between the amps. Do you think I'd hear a significant difference over the internal amp of the Yamaha DSP-A1? I'm sure I will eventually...
Thanks for your input, Thomas. Other than the power issue (I have easy to drive speakers) were you satisfied with the 8002? Any characteristics of the sound that you can describe to me?
-A.
Hey guys--
I'm in the market for a two-channel amp to drive my Paradigm Studio/60's. I'm currently using my Yamaha DSP-A1, which I'd like to use as the pre for the mains for now.
I can get either the Odyssey or the Aragon for the same price (actually, the Aragon would be a little...