Help upgrading, Paradigm Monitor 3's or JBL E90's

Brett Wilkerson New member Username: Solodogg Evansville, In US Post Number: 1 Registered: Nov-05	Posted on Monday, November 21, 2005 - 16:47 GMT Okay guys, i've been lurking for quite some time now, and it's finally time for me to splurge and upgrade my system. Currently it consists of a Kenwood 507 receiver, Yamaha NS-A638 bookshelf speakers, Paradigm Cinema center, and Paradigm Cinema 70 rears, and an AIWA 8" Powered sub. I'm looking to replace the receiver with a Yamaha receiver (~$300-400), and replace my front speakers with either Paradigm Monitor 3's or JBL E90's. Yes, I know, bookshelfs vs. floor speakers. I don't like the size of the Paradigm Monitor 7's, nor was I that impressed with their abilities to produce good clean bass in rock music. Basically what i'm looking for is something to do double duty. 70% Music, 30% home theater. Most of my music is Hard Rock, Pop, and some Rap. I don't need anything that can blow the neighbors off their couch, but I do want a good clean sounding speaker, with a nice fill. The reason i'm considering bookshelfs is because I've got a wonderful set of home made speaker stands that I swear would hold my TV if i'd put it on them ;) and i'd hate to not use them. PLEASE HELP!!
Edster922 Gold Member Username: Edster922 Abubala, Ababala The Occupation Post Number: 3020 Registered: Mar-05	Posted on Monday, November 21, 2005 - 17:35 GMT Brett, For really clean bass I'd upgrade your sub, a $400 Hsu STF-2 or SVS PB-10 would be a good choice (google them). With your musical tastes, and esp. if you plan on keeping that Aiwa sub, I'd spring for these floorstanders over the JBL e90s: http://www.audioadvisor.com/store/productdetail.asp?sku=ATHASF2%2E2&product_name =F2%2E2%20Speakers%20Black,%20Pair The Athena F2s would sound different from your Paradigm center though, so you might want to get the Athena AS-C1 center for just $100 from the same site. Also, instead of $300-400 for an entry-level analog Yammie look at the $230 all-digital Panasonic sa-xr55 that many people with far more expensive gear find they actually prefer. A couple of threads about this receiver on different forums: https://www.ecoustics.com/electronics/forum/home-audio/160136.html http://forum.ascendacoustics.com/showthread.php?t=1251&page=1&p p=10 http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=530504 http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=417894 Just as some folks still prefer LPs to CDs and tubes to solid state, you might decide to stick with an analog receiver, I'll make no guarantees. But it's definitely worth hearing it to make up your own mind, in any case...it's a whole different animal! http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=591368 ....posts #53, 56, and 57 are owners of a Denon 5800, HK7000, HK7200, and Denon 3802.
Brett New member Username: Solodogg Evansville, In US Post Number: 2 Registered: Nov-05	Posted on Monday, November 21, 2005 - 18:34 GMT Thanks for the quick reply! I've looked at the Athena speakers (yeah, best buy...but at least our BB had a decent sound room), and wasn't too impressed with them. They seemed to be lacking in the low male vocals. Maybe it was just the music I was listening to, but the JBL's sounded quite a bit fuller than the Athena's. Also, i'm definitely not planning on keeping the sub, but will make my sub decision once I decide what to do with my main speakers. I would probably match the Paradigm's with either a Dayton 10, or a Paradigm PDR10. The JBL, i'm really unsure, probably go up to the Dayton 12. I'm stuck on the Yamaha receivers from past experience, and the sound. They seem to have a much warmer sound than most other receivers out there, and i've never had a single problem with a Yamaha. Hell, I even love my Kenwood receiver so much, I might just hold onto it, depending on how it sounds with the new speaker selection. http://www.epinions.com/615508_Kenwood_VR_507_Dolby_Receiver Any other thoughts??
Edster922 Gold Member Username: Edster922 Abubala, Ababala The Occupation Post Number: 3024 Registered: Mar-05	Posted on Monday, November 21, 2005 - 19:30 GMT Which Athenas at BB? I thought they stopped carrying the Audition series, now they only have the really thin HT speakers, pretty-looking but no oomph. As for the sub, they do not need to be matched make for make at all, unlike your front 3 speakers do. I'd get either of the Daytons if your budget is really low, or start at the $400 Hsu/SVS level. Most subs in between, especially the local retail ones, are very lackluster for the money. The JBL subs in that price range are especially bad, I know because I stupidly fell for an e150 and have never stopped kicking myself for it. If you like Yamaha, look into the RX-v657. I'd still do an AB comparison with any entry-level analog receiver and the digital Panny, you might walk away very surprised.

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