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Looking for an amp to match paradigms.

post #1 of 13
3/18/02 at 7:24pm
Thread Starter 
Hello, I am trying to put together a little bookshelf system for when headphones just arent enough (bathing, cleaning, dressing, exercising, etc...) I really enjoy my hd600s + Corda HA-1 + DH-Labs BL-1, and would like this system to sound similar, I've got my eye on the Paradigm Mini-Monitors, but I have no idea what amp would be a good match for these, Im open to anything that is a good price-value ratio. And im willing to build it from a kit. Tube, or SS is fine, I've never tried tubes, but I would like to, and wouldnt mind the upkeep. I would appreciate any suggestions on speakers, amp, or whatever. Just keep it under 1K not including source/cables.
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post #2 of 13
3/18/02 at 7:28pm
Redgum.
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post #3 of 13
3/18/02 at 8:25pm

Re: Looking for an amp to match paradigms.

Quote:
Originally posted by headcase
Hello, I am trying to put together a little bookshelf system for when headphones just arent enough (bathing, cleaning, dressing, exercising, etc...)
So, what you are really saying is that you want a system that is loud enough to hear in other rooms of your house? Are you going to sit in the sweet spot when you are doing all these things? Are you going to go out of your way to place these speakers correctly, or are you gonna push them right up against the back wall? Have you though about wiring speakers in different rooms of your house from a multi-channel amp, or use a speaker selector? That would be pretty cool.
If your gonna take a couple bookshelf speakers, and expect to hear them all over your house I hope they have a very high sensitivity. And, if your not gonna take time to place them correctly you don't even want to know what I recommend!
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post #4 of 13
3/18/02 at 8:53pm
Headcase, if your budget is $1000 and you just want a very nice "bookshelf" type of system that has very good sound, then I'd highly recommend this one:

http://www.nadelectronics.com/Special/L40.html
It includes a CD player based on the 514, an amp based on the 310, and an FM tuner based on the 412. Those are all great components. And if you ever want to upgrade to a better CD player, the L40 works great as a receiver.


You can also get it packaged with PSB Alpha Minis and Phoenix Gold cables:
http://www.nadelectronics.com/NADMusicSystem.html

Or you could just get the L40 and add whichever speakers you prefer. The L40 by itself goes for around $500, leaving you with quite a bit for good bookshelf speakers.

Yawa (an authorized dealer) carries the L40 in several different packages (both new and B-stock):
http://www.yawaonline.com/nadl40cdplay3.html
http://www.yawaonline.com/packagespecial.html
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post #5 of 13
3/18/02 at 9:39pm

RECOMMENDATION

O.K. my rant is over, but I still don't think people realize how important placement, and room acoustics are with speakers. Anyway, if I was doing the bookshelf thing I would buy the NAD C370 integrated amp with NHT 1.5s, or the Harman Kardon 3470 recevier with the Phase Technology Teatro 6.5s. But, I still think the System Audio SA210 for $750.00 list a pair is a killer speaker that sound similiar to the HD 600s.
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post #6 of 13
3/19/02 at 1:02am

Re: RECOMMENDATION

Quote:
Originally posted by CRESCENDOPOWER
O.K. my rant is over.
Mine isnt Redgum !
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post #7 of 13
3/19/02 at 2:58pm
Thread Starter 
The redgum looks a little too expensive, what about the nad c350? Someone is ebaying one for $330
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post #8 of 13
3/20/02 at 12:15am


Btw have you heard the Redgum amps before?

I think the RGi35 is only 500 US.
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post #9 of 13
3/20/02 at 12:58am
Quote:
headcase: I really enjoy my hd600s + Corda HA-1 + DH-Labs BL-1, and would like this system to sound similar...
headcase,

i haven't heard the corda, but senns sound very (ahem) british to me. my hd580s driven by the mg head dt sounds very much like musical fidelity to me, while my grados sound like conrad johnson's offerings.

here's a system that i think you should at least consider, especially if the senn's detail and sound is your cup of tea:

speaks: dynaudio audience 42
integrated: nad c350 listed above

for sources the nad c541 is killer, nice full body and a touch of soul, but there's way too many options available without knowing specifics about your tastes. of course, please feel free to share more about what you're looking for, rrom size, etc.

for cabling, dh labs is okay, but in that price range take a look at kimber's pbj w/ wbt termination.

best,
carlo.
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post #10 of 13
3/20/02 at 1:35am
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the advice carlo, I've been reading up on the nad amp, and it does seem like what im looking for. My room dimensions are 12x13, but speaker placement is very hard, because I have a huge corner desk with a hutch that goes almost up to the ceiling. Thats not mentioning the 2 large windows, a door to a bathroom, and walkin closet. There is not much wall space. The most important genres to me are 50s/60s jazz, modern ambient electronic music, and classical, Though I have been known to pump up some zeppelin or floyd. My sources will be a sony c222es, and a Yamaha Cavit USB sound processor from my computer. The reason that I was thinking about the paradigm mini-monitors is that I love the sound of their larger speakers, and these little buggers get great reviews.



P.S. CTN, I will have to look into that lower end redgum amp, I did not see it on their main page.
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post #11 of 13
3/20/02 at 1:50am
headcase,

'digms don't really do it for me, but the atoms are fantastic speakers for the price. to my ears, dynaudio's audience series keeps that quick sound while sounding more refined and less fatiguing... personal taste really. i think they're the bargain of consumer speakers - revealing, reasonably transparent soundstage, will tide you over from wanting to upgrade, and sound great with a wide range of music (which you seem to be into - right on!)

both models need a bit of room to sound their best, but the mini-monitors have been slightly more room friendly in my experience. if you're placing them on a desk try putting a concrete slab (<$1 at home depot) or marble (<$6) between the surfaces.

i'm sure you already know this, but standmounts never sound their best until the inclusion of high quality stands. how about setting them up in front of the wall opposite of the hutch? use some drapes for the windows and you should be set.

best,
carlo
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post #12 of 13
3/21/02 at 12:12am
integrated amps: NAD, Rotel or Creek will all offer amazing sound for the money.

I liked the suggestion someone gave for Phase Tech speakers... I've always liked them a lot because their sound is a nice alternative to some of the more artificial "hi-fi" speakers. I'm NOT saying that the paradigms, PSB's, etc have an artificial sound at all, but the Phase Techs provide a nice alternative worth listening to. They just might be up your alley.


Schiss
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post #13 of 13
3/21/02 at 12:43am
Quote:
Originally posted by headcase

P.S. CTN, I will have to look into that lower end redgum amp, I did not see it on their main page.
You really do have to audition it as its one perfect amp, well almost.

Those are big words
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