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Newbie Question

I am just starting out in the hi-fi realm and would very much appreciate the advice of some more seasoned audiophiles. The system that I am contemplating would be as follows.

Denon AVR 2803
Denon DVD-1200 (question on this below)
Paradigm Mini Monitors for the fronts
Paradigm CC-370 for the center channel
Paradigm Titans for the surrounds (question on this below)
Paradigm PS-1000 for the Sub

Some questions I've been grappling with:
1) Given the current (and anticipated near-term) availability of SACD's, does it make sense to spend an extra $200 to step up to the Denon DVD-2200?

2) Because my couch is right up against the wall, I have been advised to go with a directional speaker like the Titan instead of Paradigm's recommended di-polars for the surround channels. Does this make sense?

3) Do I need a line conditioner for a system at this budget level? (I plan on purchasing an LCD or plasma TV in the near future.)

4) How does a neophyte such as myself make a sensible choice for cable selection? Can it be as simple as pick a good brand and apply the 10% rule?

Any thoughts on the above questions and on the system in general would be MUCH appreciated.

Thanks.
ajwise
maineiac
649 posts
 
I'd highly recommend SACD, it is incredible and well worth it. I went with the Denon 2900.
prpixel
876 posts
 
I have been in the hobby for over 25 years.

1. SACD is an improvement over CD's. However, there is a limited amount of software. It is worth the extra $200 to give you the option of dvd-a/sacd.

2. Dipole surrounds will not work in your setup. Dipoles require that you seating position be at least 5' from the rear wall.

3. Power conditioning is a must. I have a dedicated 20amp line for my eq and I still use power conditioning. It will filter out all the noise from home appliances as well as anything coming off the power grid. You can pick up and inexpensive panamax or monster power conditioner for less then $200.00. Also, these units also offer warranties for equipment replacement if they ever fail.

4. Cables do make a difference, but finding the ones that will work in a system can be frustration. Over the years I have tried cables from at least 30 different manufacturers. Right now I'm using cables from 6 different manufacturers in my main system. It's fine to mix and match. I would recommend that if your on a budget, then buy used cables. That way if they don't work in your system you can usually resell them for little or no lose if you turn them around fairly quick.

I am currently using a pair of Paradigm titans in the bedroom system. A lot of bang for the buck. Also, check out the little B&W DM303's. Again, a lot of banf for the buck.

Good luck,
ajwise OP
2 posts
 
Thanks for the feedback.

I've subsequently been advised that the rear (surround) speakers should be as powerful as the front b/c new music releases are increasingly employing content on those channels (esp. w/ SACD). This line of reasoning seems a little weak to me--any thoughts??
prpixel
876 posts
 
Rear speakers should be "voiced" like the front's. It's best to use speakers from a single manufacturer so that pans are seamless from one speaker to the next.

Good luck,
audiochica32c6
1 posts
 
SACD is an absolute must--not because of the enhanced audio quality, which is of questionable value--but because it's almost certain to become the next standard. Right now, SACD is the only viable weapon the record companies have against declining margins, rampant bootlegging, and the booming popularity of Internet downloads. Even if buyers can't her the difference, expect the companies to cram SACDs down their throats. There was a great article in Businessweek about this a few months back.

If I were buying a new audio system, I'd be sure to make the SACD the focal point. You should learn from Beta vs. VHS...
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