What to feed my Paradigm Studio speakers?


I'm an aspiring Audiophile, just graduated college and started a "real" job (Elec. Engineer).

In college I bought a Denon 2805 with Paradigm Monitor speakers. I now have bought a house and replaced the Monitors with Studios which now feel "held back" by my Denon 2805. I know I could just stick with the two companies I know and just get a bigger/better Denon receiver but I'm finding my tastes going toward having really good 2ch music.

What are your suggestions on a good 2 ch amp solution for music? I don't have loads of money as I also just got married. Something tried and true, and a relative bang-for-buck champ. I don't even care if it's a 20 year old amp. Whatever will help me really enter a new world of obsession.

BTW, how did you all learn so much about speakers and names I've never even heard of? How do I follow this audiophile community when it almost seems "underground". I don't know of anywhere here in Phoenix, AZ that I can go to see/hear this stuff first hand. Do you really just have to have a audiophile friend that can show off their speakers and knowledge? I just get the feeling like Denon, Paradigm and B&W just scream "I wish I was an audiophile". Any truth to this?
davethomson

Showing 1 response by aball

I am another one of those defected EEs - I have realized that our measurment capabilites are rather poor but beyond that, I have realized that we probably aren't measuring the right things in the first place. At least when it comes to high performance audio. See hifi as a new experience and you will learn a lot.

I used to have Paradigm Ref 100.2 and loved them. Some people say they have too much treble but I think they just didn't choose the right amps, or the right speaker. A lot of all this choosing business is actually dependant on YOU. Seems obvious but most people don't realize it.

The sky is the limit - not what people think. Your only bet to get real answers is to "buy and try" as much as you can. Learn the brands and used market values and then you can experiment essentially for free. Experimenting is the only way you can get the answers you are looking for. For a first crack, read reviews but keep a grain of salt handy.

Do whatever it takes to hear other systems. I bet if you dig deep enough in your phone book, you will find a store with at least one 2-channel system for demo. You may want to post a thread asking about local shops. Sometimes they are tough to find...kind of "underground," you know. :)

Arthur