What amp for Paradigm Studio 20 v.2's? Help!

[kexodusc]

If we are comparing budget integrateds to budget seperates or even a good 2-channel receiver, I would agree. But over an HT receiver? C'mon. Definitely a substantial improvement.

A Yamaha receiver that's only driving 2 speakers will have plenty of power in a medium or small sized room at decent volume levels. If it's powering all 5 things are different.
I've been through this so many times with people in my own home that read on the internet somewhere that their receivers suck compared to $300 or $500 integrateds because audio enthusiasts hate HT receivers...well suck is too strong a word. It's funny, alot of receivers share the same components that power amps from the same company have. If it's a reputable receiver made in the last few years, the power supply is probably fairly decent, not as good as an integrated, but close.
In fact, I'd easily put the amp unit of my RX-V1400 up against the amps in my Adcom units in just a 2-channel situation. Try splitting those Adcoms to 5 or even 7 speakers.

[NickWH]

...well suck is too strong a word.

I wouldn't say suck. I'd say non-musical.

It's funny, alot of receivers share the same components that power amps from the same company have. If it's a reputable receiver made in the last few years, the power supply is probably fairly decent, not as good as an integrated, but close.

Really? Does the Yamaha use a torroidal power transformer(s) like the Adcom? Does Yamaha ever use anything but an El transformer in their gear? Receivers are usually full of chips and PC cards. Minimal capacitance, and no guts.

If you are talking receivers from NAD, Rotel, Arcam or even Cambridge Audio, I would agree with that statement. But unless it's a megamonster flagship receiver from a mass-market brand, I would say the innards are on a much lower level.

In fact, I'd easily put the amp unit of my RX-V1400 up against the amps in my Adcom units in just a 2-channel situation.

Well, Adcom isn't the last word in amplifiers to begin with.

Try splitting those Adcoms to 5 or even 7 speakers.

Huh? You mean a multichannel amp, right? No contest, especially with speakers less than 8 ohms and less than 91dB sensivity.

The receiver does use an amplifier "chip" for each channel, so that wouldn't exactly be a fair comparison with a 2-channel power amp given impedence restraints, etc.

[NickWH]

Here's some more info on receivers vs. amps:

http://www.audioholics.com/techtips/...iverpower3.php

This article demonstrates how there is little to no difference between the amp sections between these model receivers, and look at the price spread. Where is that money going? Not to improved sound quality.

http://www.bryston.ca/newsletters/84_files/vol8is4.html

This article (and the one after it) explains the difference between the different power supply types.

[kexodusc]

Nice reads, but they don't dispute a receiver's capability when operating within their "real" rated specs.

My NAD 3140 only has 40 watts/channel, and while it does sound better than any Marantz, HK, or Yamaha HT receiver I've owned, it's not a night and day difference.

[RGA]

Kex - that is EXACTLY what I was trying to say.

The rest
Pushing AN? Recommending an audition - not ever to buy unheard - how very pushy eh.

Describing my listening auditions - well we must not do that - too many people in the world of politically correct want everything to be equal and write nice little banal comments about all brands rather than be honest. Gee and I thought I was pulling my punches and being pretty diplomatic with my feelings with some of these companies.

I have recommended Paradigms - I even gave one model my top marks for the budget a "Best Buy" tag that I have heard - I have also given my worst "not recommended" tag to an Audio Note speaker.

Call em as I hear em - don't agree that's fine - I don't like Liver and Onions, movies that start with Ace Ventura, or Death Metal and RAP. Who cares?