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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

Showing 2 responses by ajwise

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??
ajwise OP
2 posts
 
chmaestro,

Thanks for your input. I've heard from many other sources that Paradigm is "the real deal" and that they are able to provide a better value than their competitors due to:

1) Lower labor costs in Canada, and
2) Impact of the US Dollar's appreciation against the Canadian Dollar from 1992-2002. Since much of their sales are in USD but costs (at least labor and overhead) are in CAD, they have historically been able to offer a better product for the same USD price than their competitors. Since the USD has depreciated so much in this past year, it will be interesting to see if Paradigm raises their prices.

I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on this.
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