2. amps-preamps
  3. 181038-178321

Basic Questions

I’m a long-time middle tier/value home theater consumer.   Recently I’ve moved toward trying to get more out of my 2 channel listening (vinyl, streaming, Hi-rez, etc).  I moved from my DefTech towers to Paradigm Persona 3F. Big 2 channel improvement, but not the level I heard while auditioning them (with a separate amp).    

My media room is 18’ wide x 24’ deep.   I listen at moderate volumes, only occasionally cranking it up.  Unfortunately, live about 4 hours from closest hi-end sound shop, so not easy to audition equipment.

Some basic questions:

1. Do I need a pre-amp and why?  I’m fairly happy with my AVR’s sound programs.

2. Will additional amp work solely with 2 front mains, or power to entire HT system?

3. Is it simple interconnect from AVR to Amp, then speaker cable to front speakers?

3. I have seen  strong recommendations for Anthem STR and Parasound A21.   Any affirmations or other recommendations (looking to keep things under $10K with interconnects.)

 

My Equipment:

7 speaker Home theater

- Paradigm Persona 3F mains (“suitable amp power range = 15-400 watts; “max input power 200 watts). Morrow Audio SP6 speaker cables

- Definitive Tech UIW RSS II sides (10-200 watts per channel)

- Definitive Tech UIW RLS III rears (10-325 watts per channel)

- Definitive Tech CS-9080 center (300w internal amp; “recommended input power” = 50-300 watts per channel). Morrow Audio Sp4 reference speaker cable. 

 

Yamaha RX-A3080 9.2 Channel AV Receiver

- Rated  output power 2-channel driven 20Hz-20kHz = 150 watts

-  Dynamic power = 175 watts

 

Marantz  turntable with Budgie pre-amp.  Morrow Audio PH5 interconnects

Oppo BDP-105

 

Thanks and be kind!

javaruke

Showing 1 response by yyzsantabarbara

yyzsantabarbara
5,026 posts
 

I was seriously considering the Persona lineup so I have demoed 3 versions of that line and know what it sounds like.

The gear you are considering (warm-ish) should be good with the 3F. Get a used A21+ for $2500. I had it for a bit and it was really good. I replaced that with a KRELL Duo 175XD amp which is a bit better and would be great with the 3F. 

The soundstageglobal.com site has a very long article on setting up the STR preamp with DSP and subs (by Diego?). It is well worth reading if you are considering the unit.

Another unit that will be amazing with the 3F is the KRELL K-300i integrated amp. I owned it in the past, and it allows you to replace a preamp + amp + streamer + interconnect with 1 unit. It has gone up in price since it is in high demand. I think you can get it for 5K-6K used. I went with the KRELL Duo 175XD amp because the K-300i was so good and I wanted to use my Benchmark LA4 preamp. My setup sounds better to me than the K-300i but it has more pieces and cost. The K-300i is amazing and so versatile. I do not think I would take any other integrated amp over it.

 

 

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