2. home-theater
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Paradigm Persona 3F setup recommendations for cinema + music

I am looking for recommendations on electronics for use with a Paradigm Persona 3F setup that is used for 60% cinema, 40% music.

I have some ideas on hardware so far but nothing is certain at this point.

The cinema/video streaming chain might look something like:
-> BluRay player with streaming options - HDMI out
-> Anthem MRX 1120
-> At this point, the AVR can power the 3F speakers, or send pre-out to a 2ch amp (such as Moon 340i etc).

Since I currently have a NAD T955 power amp (5x100w), another option is to use this amp to power the surrounds in a scenario like this:
-> BluRay player with streaming options -HDMI out
-> Anthem AVM 60 (pre-pro)
-> NAD T955 amp for surrounds.
-> New 2ch integrated amp for 3Fs.

There are a couple of options for the music chain:
1) With AVR only
-> BluRay player with streaming options (Spotify/Tidal/lossless audio via DLNA server) HDMI out
-> Anthem MRX 1120

2) With AVR + 2ch amp
-> BluRay player with streaming options (Spotify/Tidal/lossless audio via DLNA server) Digital coax out
-> DAC or 2ch integrated amp with DAC (such as Simaudio 340i)

So the questions I have are:
1) I could get the Anthem MRX 1120, end of story. But will this be good enough for movies + music on the 3Fs?
2) Will much be gained by powering the 3Fs by their own integrated?
3) What would sound better in cinema: the MRX 1120 by itself, or AVM 60 to NAD T955 amp?
4) Which is the better 2ch amp for the 3Fs: Anthem STR, Moon 340i, 600i, Naim 350DR, or other?
5) In general, what do you guys think about Naim vs Simaudio for powering the Personas?
6) For now, I'm assuming the digital source is a basic BR player. Are there significant gains by going with a dedicated streamer like options from Naim? I'm assuming this difference will be minor compared to the other electronics in the chain (until we get to a DAC component).

Overwhelming number of options here. Thanks for any advice you can provide.
irave

Showing 3 responses by irave

irave OP
17 posts
 
In that case with AVM 60 processing the signal, an “integrated” is not necessary.  However, in a cinema/music setup, I am told you pretty much need a separate component chain for music to get the best out of it. (i.e. not going thru avm60 for music).   
If the 2ch amp was moon 340i for example, music sources would plug into this (and utilize its DAC), and the AVR as well (in HT Bypass mode). 

Im not in a position to demo anything so I have no idea how components compare to each other or if the 340i is a good match for the 3Fs. Or how much better it is over using 1120 by itself vs another completely different setup 
irave OP
17 posts
 
@noble100

I didnt mention the remaining speakers because they are currently B&W, which is a mismatch for the Persona 3Fs. I will definitely need to replace the center with an appropriate Persona match. The SVS sub will remain. The setup is is currently 5.1, but want to keep option of atmos open for later. TV is a 4K LG OLED.

The problem with using only a high-end bluray player with built-in DAC is that it is quite limiting on the source material. In addition to discs, I stream a lot of audio/video with DLNA/Plex, spotify (or tidal), use netflix, youtube, etc. There doesnt seem to be a player option that supports all of this. i.e. Panasonic is great for video playback, limited app support. Sony requires user to select Dolby Vision manually (crazy). Pioneer lacks in app support as well AFAIK.

So it looks like a mix of source components will be required, which puts a receiver back on the table.

@maxwave

Volume control with BR player, at least on some I've seen, is done on screen. Seemed a little cumbersome in that instance.
irave OP
17 posts
 
Thanks, audiotroy.  I'm leaning towards the high end 2-ch integrated for driving the Persona 3Fs.

In front of that, the AVM 60 or MRX 1120 -- both being used in the roll of preamp only for music playback.   

On paper, the preamp spec of both components is equal.  But would there be any noticeable sound quality difference?  i.e. lower noise cleaner channel separation etc for the AVM due to not having amp electronics under the same hood..  or is there no perceptible difference?

With the AVM, I'd have an additional amp for surrounds vs 1120, which would be self sufficient for surrounds.   So if the difference is minuscule for music, I'd go 1120.
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