NAD T785 HD Receiver and HT questions

You all have been very helpful and I appreciate the responses.

We auditioned the Paradigm monitor 11 system and they we not as accurate, a tad bright, nor had the depth in the bass. My wife agreed with me the revels were better sounding and agreed I could get them.

I still want to audtion the PNB. As far as the room size that will not change. The room is actually 40 x 24. I have a massive fireplace separating these rooms.

I listened to the paradigms with a onkyo receiver and I do not know how to explain it but the NAD did sound head and shoulders above the onkyo when listening to material in 2 channel. Of course this is most likly subjective based on my preferences. The one huge advantage the NAD has is the modules that can be updated. Of course it could turn out to be another marketing gimmick.

I am going to watch this site for demo speaker systems and maybe get a better speaker from a dealer that is broken in and a higher grade. Currently I am using speakers I bought in 1973 (BOSE 901's). Do not laugh please as they served their purpose when I was moving all over the world.

I auditioned the revel concerta line. They swapped the receivers for me to listen too.

I do have one silly question. I was thinking about using all towers for my surround system, with the exception of the center and subwoofer.

I was on the phone iwth an old friend of mine in California and he used to own a studio back in the 70's.

He told me the best sound would be from a set of the same speakers and not to buy the small surrounds. I do have the room to set up all towers.

Bob thenks for the replies.

I did not get to audition the speakers at the same vender as neither one carried the same speakers. Both venders did carry the onkyo.

I brought my own music and listened to them as what I thought was the same level. I want to try and find the integra as well to try out. Alas traveling 6 hours one way to audition one is not something I really want to do.

The best sound from both sets of speakers was when I ask them to hook up a m2 and m5 Nad set up. Wow what a difference the sound was. I am leary of separates but see why you all love it now. I may have to grovel and beg the wife for those.

Do you recommend any seperate systems that will not cost me my first born?

Thanks for the reply Bob I will check them out. I do have a nice shop here in town that does sell the paradigms and will ask them about the channels and how they work.

I absolutely agree about the long term investment with separates. My friend told me to check out the separates as well. I did with the NAD and there is just so much difference and the wife really enjoyed the sound. No more groveling when I explained to her in the long run you save money with separates. Her friend owns the store and told her the same thing.

The sound I listened coming thru the concerta had so much feel to them and you could hear the instruments so much clearer. All these years and yes I am a grandfather (lol) i have never heard with the exception of my firends home in CA in the 90's where he had macs and klipsh horns and I always thought it was the speakers.

Thanks Bob
Gordon Headed down the spearate path now!