Upgrade path
January 8, 2005
I am looking to explore the potential of my Paradigm Studio
60 v.3 speakers while not blowing my unfortunately small budget. The Paradigms are
currently biwired to a Marantz SR-4200 A/V receiver (70Wpc). Within the next year or two
they will likely be joined by a Paradigm CC-470 center-channel, two ADP-470 dipole rears,
and an undetermined subwoofer.
I'd like to make use of the receiver's preamp outputs and
connect a moderately priced power amp (possibly a used Marantz MM-9000 or similarly priced
Rotel product) that will sufficiently drive the '60s while leaving flexibility for future
speaker additions. What is your general opinion on using an A/V receiver as a preamp? More
specifically, what would you recommend for my particular situation? Will I be disappointed
if I keep the SR-4200 in the system as a preamp? What $800-$1200 multichannel power amps
would you recommend?
Justin
You've chosen a tried-and-true upgrade path that should
give you exactly the results you're seeking. Adding a dedicated power amplifier to a
receiver-based system is usually a great way to get better sound and add a ton of system
flexibility for the future. Not only will a standalone amplifier typically outperform
those built into A/V receivers, but separating the amp section from the control section
makes future upgrades easier as well. As processing features improve you can consider
newer receivers with no regard to power output (as along as they have those preamp
outputs), and dedicated preamp-processors. Receivers work surprisingly well as processing
units.
As to what brands to seek out, there are many. Models
from Anthem come to mind as synergistic matches to your Paradigm speakers as they are both
built by the same company. I also like NAD because they provide really beefy output power
at modest prices. There's also Parasound, Rotel, and B&K; these would be my third,
forth, and fifth choices. You're on the right path to an excellent upgrade.
Yamaha and Marantz
build quality
January 5, 2005
Great Site! I am very happy with the sound quality and
capabilities of the Yamaha RXV-650 receiver. While I don't believe I would notice enough
of a difference in sound quality in the Marantz SR-7400, I am wondering if the extra money
would get me a better-built product, with better-quality heatsinks, transformer, and
resistors that will allow me to keep the unit longer. Is the Yamaha build quality that
much inferior?
James
If you're happy with the Yamaha I'd not upgrade simply
for the hope of better future reliability with the Marantz. Just because the Marantz costs
more, there's no assurance it will last longer. Now if you're having any issues with the
Yamaha, such as shutting down under heavy load (going into protection mode), that's
another story. Also, if there are features that the Marantz possesses that the Yamaha
lacks, there's another good reason to upgrade. However, you sound really pleased with the
Yamaha, and for me that's enough reason to advise you to keep what you have -- and keep
your money in your pocket.
Blown KEFs
January 3, 2005
I have a pair of 1989-vintage KEF 104/2 Reference speakers
that have two blown bass cones in each speaker. Can I replace these woofers with any
store-bought ones? If so what size magnet should I get and what wattage? Also, do you know
what the metal rod in the 104/2, which attaches to each woofer, does?
Larry
The KEF's speaker drivers are matched to the crossover
and enclosure, so replacing them with just any driver won't work. I'd first try to contact
KEF and see if replacements are available. If they can't help, I've heard that
www.madisound.com has replacement drivers for many speaker models. They may be able to
sell you, if not an exact match, something very close. As for that metal rod, here's a
guess: it may help cancel resonances by bracing the drivers against one another.
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