Building a small system with Paradigm Studio 20s

default -- Tue, 01/06/2009 - 07:00

I am building a small entry level 2ch system for my office/listening room. The room is 12 by 12 and 8ft ceiling. The room’s floor is carpeted and contains a desk, chair and a file cabinet. I listen to Southern Gospel Quartet music on old LPs and new CDs. Four part harmony music with Tenor, Lead, Baritone, and Bass singers.

I want an Integrated amp or inexpensive preamp and amp. I will add a CD player at a later date. For now I will be using a Project turntable and an existing Yamaha CD player. I had been looking at Cambridge Audio 640 or maybe a 740A. I also looked at reviews for the Primaluna Prologue One, Rotel 1062. Also Anthem has come out with an Integrated but I have not heard anything about it. Simaudio Moon i-1 and Primaluna Prologue Two though they are at the top of my budget.

I am mainly concerned with good integration with the Paradigm Studio 20’s. I have heard them on a Denon home theater amp with a claimed 130 watts and they sound okay so I am sure they will sound great with a real stereo set up.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Robert Harley -- Tue, 01/06/2009 - 12:06

The Cambridge 640 is a great choice; superb sound, solid build, feature-laden, and a tremendous value.

EasyBigFella -- Tue, 01/06/2009 - 15:24

The Studio 20 are an easy load (if they're the new ones) so any one of those are good choices. The tube'd Primaluna might be really special if vocal music is your thing, but I also have to second RH's vote for the 640A. You can find them on sale now for $400 which is a real bargain.

Formerly Anonymous (not verified) -- Tue, 01/06/2009 - 23:04

Thanks Robert and EasyBigFella for the replies. I do not have a local shop for anything but Rotel. I can get a really good deal on a Rotel-1082 preamp and a Rotel RB-1080 amp for about the same as the Primaluna Prologue Two. Does anyone know if that would be a good combination? I had heard that some Rotels were a little lifeless.

neil.gader -- Tue, 02/03/2009 - 10:44

I 've had nothing but good results with current Rotel products. They're conservatively rated and seem to always lift the performance of a good speaker.

Neil Gader Associate Editor The Absolute Sound

EasyBigFella -- Wed, 01/07/2009 - 16:34

Those are good components, but you don't even need half of that amplifier power. However, if you think that you might upgrade your speakers some time in the near-ish future, and the speakers theoretically may be big and difficult-to-drive, then you may be glad that you have that nice Rotel combo.

Formerly Anonymous (not verified) -- Wed, 01/07/2009 - 21:47

Thanks EasyBigFella
I would like to work up to the Maggies maybe the 1.6 or even the 3.6 if I get a larger room but that would be at least 2 years from now. Other wise I might upgrade to the Paradigm Signature Series S4 but that would be the max I think. My room is small and I think I would have too much speaker. I am only thinking about the Rotel because of local dealer support and the good deal. It is more than I want to spend really but 1350 for the amp and preamp sounds unheard of even though I know Rotel is releasing their new series in a few months. I also found a good deal on a Cambridge Audio 740A. But I have not heard either the Cambridge Audio or the Rotel. Both are in the box. This is a lot of fun but it makes new comers to HiFi a bit afraid of dropping the coin and being wrong.
Thanks,

EasyBigFella -- Thu, 01/08/2009 - 16:45

I've heard good things about both of those components, and considering that the preamp alone lists for $1199 I'd say that that's a good deal, especially if they're new, warranteed, and you're supporting a local dealer. And if you get Maggies you're going to need all the high-quality power you can get.

Formerly Anonymous (not verified) -- Thu, 01/08/2009 - 19:47

Thanks EasyBigFella
I ordered the Cambridge Audio 740A today from the net and I am going to test drive the Rotel's from my local dealer. He offered so why not? And the Cambridge has a 30 day policy. It seems worth possibly having to pay return shipping on the Cambridge to hear both in my room.
Thanks

natali (not verified) -- Thu, 01/22/2009 - 02:40

I am only thinking about the Rotel because of local dealer support and the good deal. It is more than I want to spend really but 1350 for the amp and preamp sounds unheard of even though I know Rotel is releasing their new series in a few months. I also found a good deal on a Cambridge Audio 740A. But I have not heard either the Cambridge Audio or the Rotel. Both are in the box. This is a lot of fun but it makes new comers to HiFi a bit afraid of dropping the coin and being wrong.
Thanks,
<a href=http://www.keyeagle.com>keyeagle</a>

EasyBigFella -- Thu, 01/22/2009 - 18:39

I don't see how you could go wrong with either one. I would expect better overall performance from the Rotel combo, but the 740A is a very good unit for its price. However, you may need to listen closely for a period to actually distinguish one from the other. The question is do you think that you'll utilize that wattage in the future.

Formerly Anonymous (not verified) -- Fri, 01/23/2009 - 12:15

Thanks EasyBigFella
I am going to listen to the 740A first. My dealer will let me demo the Rotel Combo so I will try that too. I ordered some MMGs yesterday and can not wait for them to get here. I dreaming of HiFi tube preamps and mono blocks, fat cables and Magnepan 20.1s. Come on GA lottery!

beverlymorrisri... -- Fri, 02/20/2009 - 07:31

I realize that you`re undecided with all the choices and your preferences, but I own both the Rotel and Paradigm brands. I have two systems ; full7.1 with dual subs (Servo-15 v2 , Earthquake MKIV 12:) But if you truly want to be amazed and shocked with your taste in music try Cerwin Vega with Rotel. I own this combo on my 2- channel system . It is truly amazing