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Starting a 2 Channel System from the Top of the Rabit Hole

Hi everyone.   Just getting started with 2 channel audio and trying to use some components I have to move forward (speakers).Admittedly purchased more of a Home Theater setup for the family 10 years or so ago and always intended to work towards an update to 2 channel audio in the future.    Will admit that I haven't kept up with the latest and greatest from manufactures so I am continuing research on other equipment.
Currently have Paradigm Studio 100 v5 for floor standing speakers
CC-590 v5 center and 4  Paradigm Surround 1Using a Rotel RSX-1562 to run all of this (again, gave me flexibility with the family)  Been a great amp!!!
I have a 15 x 28 room this is house in.   Definitely will need room correction.I listen to most anything....  Black Sabbath to Nat King Cole.....Probably a little louder with the first and softer with the ladder.  
I'm fairly certain what ever I choose will be a pretty significant upgrade no matter the brand........2 channel or over all.
Currently looking at options between Anthem STR and McIntosh MAC7200.   I have auditioned the MAC7200 with my speakers and was very happy with the sound.  Warm, clear and very pronounced...  The McIntosh didn't seem to break a sweat at higher volumes on louder music and was very personal with Leonard Cohen.   I do like the MAC7200, quality build, resale if one ever needed to sell....etc.The Anthem STR Amp and Pre-Amp however seems like a probable choice since I currently use Paradigm speakers.   I also wonder if the 400w would be a better pairing than the 200w MAC7200.   I have not been able to listen to the Anthem STR Amp yet, but I have listened to the STR Integrated amp with newer Paradigm speakers at my local dealer.I don't feel this is a fair comparison though and am trying to get my local dealer to acquire the STR Amp and Pre-Amp so I can haul my speakers down there to listen.   
Anthem is more power and I need to hear it.   McIntosh sounds great and seems very solid and reliable.I'm still researching other options/brands but so far thought I would ask for input on these two for now.
Total disclosure.....I may upgrade the home theater side as well at the same time ( gotta keep the wife happy) and considering Anthem MCA 525 for Surrounds/Center, STR Amp & STR Pre-amp for 2 channel and the Anthem AVM 70Or all McIntosh with MAC7200 for 2 channel, MX100 AVR and MI347 7ch amp for surround.  
Going with either build is about the same in price but seems like Anthems upper end vs McIntosh entry or mid level?Definitely open to other ideas/thoughts.
garplo
6 responses Add your response
jj228's avatar
jj228
23 posts
 
Garplo,
Welcome to the illness.  I caution you that once started on this path, it will be very consuming.  That said, McIntosh is never a bad idea in my opinion.  Not familiar with the Anthem equipment you're looking at.  I have several Mac preamps and amps and I could not be happier with them for all the reasons to said - warmth, build quality, possible resale.  Plus, they just look cool as an added bonus.
Sonic Frontiers made some pretty good stuff.  Have one of their preamps, and I like it a lot.  As for speakers, I've been a B&W fan for years.
Good luck

garplo OP
2 posts
 
So I'm told and starting to see...   I half halfheartedly started down this path 9 or 10 years ago with purchasing what I have....   I'm realizing that Rabbit Hole is much deeper than I thought....  More so now.
I originally auditioned the MAC7200 on a set of B&W 702's, I think..   The were very nice... 

Looks like I need to do alot more research for sure......
soix
8,654 posts
 
Backing up for a second, what kind of 2-channel sound improvements are you looking for?
garplo OP
2 posts
 
Well my current setup is a Home Theater/2 channel all in one.I wanted to 'upgrade' my 2 channel listening primarily but thought it wouldn't hurt to upgrade both 2 channel and home theater.   I was thinking the best (proper) way to do this was to purchase separate components respectively for each, although I know this isn't the most cost effective.2 channel improvements.....  I mid range and higher side of my speakers is very nice, I feel.   They are very clear, pronounced and make you feel like your listening to a live performance when I 're-listened" to my audio cd's after just purchasing.   What I sometimes feel that they lack is the bottom end 'punch' or 'presence'.  I am learning that I may be wrongly thinking that the amp was what was lacking, but instead may simply be my speaker.   I know there a much higher performing and costly speakers out there than my entry level speakers.  However I felt that I could get "more' out of mine.   Room correction is an avenue I'm exploring to see if this would help as well.   But I have also read comments that some amps have certain 'sounds'.   Like McIntosh is said to sound 'warmer". 
I'm still learning....thanks for your patience.  

cissado
113 posts
 
I've had a similar setup. Paradigm Studio 40 speakers in a 5.1 surround sound in my Livingroom of roughly 14x28ft but within an open floor plan. I had used a 200wpc x 5 Parasound amp for everything and recently upgraded to Persona speakers and the Anthem str amp for them while still using my Anthem MRX720. 

Are you going strictly 2 channel? I use 2 subwoofers in my system and they are great. Definitely enough bass for movies and music. I wonder if that would be a good route for you to take if you're worried about bass. I was also looking at the Anthem str preamp for its room correction and dual sub connections, but trying to hold out for possibly something better. 

Good luck with the search.
soix
8,654 posts
 
Incorporating a dedicated stereo preamp into your system (very easy to do BTW) and adding a couple decent subs while leaving your Rotel in place will completely transform both your 2-channel and HT performance IMHO (and are probably the most cost effective upgrades as well).  FWIW, and best of luck. 
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