Possible setups for a small home stereo/theatre system with a pair of Paradigm Reference Model: Studio 20's?

Question

I want to run the sound from my receiver, dvd player, and tv to my speakers. But I would like to know if i could obtain better sound by using an additional amp instead of the amp integrated into the receiver. and if so, would i also need a pre-amp? Please give suggestions and links for a really good amp that can bring awesome sound out of these quality speakers for under $400.
Listed BELOW are links to the receiver, dvd player, and speakers. V V

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/v3/pg/kuro/product/details/0,,2076_310069809_424544243,00.html

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/pna/v3/pg/kuro/product/details/0,,2076_310069745_435756832,00.html

http://www.paradigm.com/en/reference/fronts-studio-studio20-model-2-13-1-26.paradigm

I've decided these components (linked below) will best suite my needs.

http://www.paradigm.com/en/reference/fronts-studio-studio20-model-2-13-1-26.paradigm

http://www.rotel.com/products/specs/ra1062.htm

http://www.rotel.com/products/specs/rcd1072.htm

http://www.slimdevices.com/pi_transporter.html?

What do you think?

Answer 1

Pre-amp stage is just as - if not more - important as power amp. Front end is even more important.
Unfortunatey, your DVD and receiver might be OK for movies, with their over-compressed over-processed sound - but not for music.
Get a decent intergrated amp - NAD, Creek, Rotel, Adcom, Cambridge.
Then get a decent CD player - same companies as above.
Otherwise, you will not ply music - you will just "fill the room" with lousy noises

Answer 2

Hi Chris. AM above me is correct.I don't think you can buy a good amp that can bring awesome sound from your excellent Paradigm speakers under $400.It just can't be done.The most important component of your stereo is the Source.(CD Player,DVD Player,Turntable,Tuner.) The quality of the signal coming out of this first component defines what you will hear from your speakers. Every other component in the system merely passes on this signal with greater or lesser accuracy. None can enhance or improve it.CD Players can and do all sound different which some people find it hard to believe as they assume because they are digital they all should sound the same.

After the signal has left the Source it travels to the Pre-Amplifier via Interconnect Cables.The Pre-Amp is responsible for volume adjustment,input switching and the first stage of amplification of the signal. Because the signal is still small ,any distortions it introduces are then passed onto the Power Amplifier to be further amplified enough to drive the speakers.

The Power Amplifier's job is to move the speakers back and forth with control and accuracy while not introducing any noise or distortions to the musical signal it receives from the Pre-Amp.

So unless you can stretch your budget you are better off using what you have.

Answer 3

I really like the integrated amp idea ... or try to find a used NAD L70, which is a DVD/Integrated amp combo. Really awesome unit ... I have the older L40 which is CD/Integ. Amp.

The "source" is really the least important link in the chain ... all it does is read code off the player and pass it to the preamp/receiver. The receiver or preamp is about equal in importance to the speakers. The amps per se should add or detract nothing ... just amplify the signal.

Answer 4

I personally believe that the equipment that you've showed - has more than enough power to fill the speakers that you have. I don't think I would purchase additional amps for you might over load those nice speakers and bust them or worst????
That my personal though.

Answer 5

im using a similar setup with A Pair of KEF Monitor's i just bought A Cambridge Azur 340A and the sound quality is superb the power rating is low but it can really drive a pair of Monitor's like 5.25 inch or 6.50 inch. I would reccomend this amp becuase it is very accurate and you will hear all the details of your music i have one a just love it.

Azur 340A integrated amplifier

http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/summary.php?PID=11&Title=Azur%20340A%20integrated%20amplifier