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New member Username: BonedaddyPost Number: 1 Registered: 01-2004 | It's time to update my Sony / Energy Encore system to a real Hi-Fi surround. I have been doing my homework both on-line and at the local dealer. I have basically narrowed it down to two systems that are on two different levels (both $$$ and quality) and I was hoping to get a little guidence. First I should state the conditions. The system will be used in a 33 x 17 room with vaulted ceilings. My listening will be divided about 60/40 (Movies/ music). Here goes: System #1 Marantz 7400 @ 105W Paradigm Moniitor 7's (floor), CC370 (center), ADP 370's (rear) PS1000 10" sub cost - approx $3200 System #2 Marantz 6300 reciever/ MM9000 Amp @ 150W Paradigm Studio 60's(floor), CC470 (center), ADP 470's (rear) PS1000 10" sub cost - approx $4400 After doing my homework, I have only seen how these two differ in quality, but I could not hear these two systems side by side. They just weren't available. I have listened to the studio 60's in the showroom extensively, and am told that the monitor series will come close. I guess I'm just wondering how close given the $1200 price difference. Can you help me out??? |
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New member Username: EdisonPost Number: 185 Registered: 12-2003 | Energy is good sounding - you might want to upgrade your reciever first, and see if you are satisfied with it. These might do the trick: Panasonic sa-xr45 (search online) Outlaw 1050 (used on www.audiogon.com) If you want bigger sound, than Paradigm floor models will give you that - but not necessarily better sound - Energy got good reviews from the pros. Which Sony is it? You know about the diminishing return as we go to higher end - we gotta pay a lot more to get a little improvement. Since you already have nice speakers, you might just try one of the above receivers ($300 each), and save money. That probably is enough for movies. Do you have a sub? If not, I would get one. Even a sony sub sa-wm200 (www.etronics.com) can add luxurius warmth to the sound. You can get good sound for less if you are choosy. To get something better, you have to pay a lot more to get a little improvement over panasonic / energy combination. |
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New member Username: BonedaddyPost Number: 2 Registered: 01-2004 | Thanks for the reply James. I've actually added a room to my house. So now I have a need for 2 systems. I figured I would take the lower end system (BTW, it's a Sony STR DE725) downstairs. The bonus room upstairs is pretty big and will be used as a entertainment center for movies, music, sports and shooting pool while your doing all of this. :o) So like you mentioned, bigger, less focused, sound quality is what I'm looking for. I'm just wondering "how big" do I REALLY need??? This is driving me crazy! I need to make a decision today. Thanks again for your help! |
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New member Username: JohnnynessPost Number: 15 Registered: 12-2003 | If you must choose today and you are going to pick between the monitors and the studios, and you can afford the more expensive system, I'd buy the studios. I listened to the two side by side, back and forth and side by side again and was going to choose the Studios until I decided on JM labs. I also have a big room and needed to upgrade to some bigger floor standing speakers. Good luck |
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New member Username: EdisonPost Number: 195 Registered: 12-2003 | You are basically on the right track - it is one of the best sounding system for the money. Unless you want to get it used on www.videogon.com and get more quality. I personally prefer Onkyo receivers (801)- rich and smooth sounding - can be hooked up to a computer as well - improve on the soundcard. This way, you will have a huge library at your disposal if you listen to music a lot. This speaker won many awards - they sell direct cutting out the middleman, so they can give twice the value if not more. You might want to consider them - They are not far behind the Paradigms for a lot less. If you bought it already, you made a good choice - should sound decent. Have them throw in some speaker cables suitable for the level - they do make a difference. I like ixos 6003 speaker cable - affordable upgrade (www.accessories4less.com) You should end up with a sweet system, Enjoy... |