Looks like you've got some great advice so far. I would agree with almost all of what tsmack wrote. I think that the Paradigm studio's are great bang for the buck, but like you I find their midrange and treble slightly veiled. Also, I have done a fair bit of auditioning lately and regardless of the equipment, I have found the experience fatiguing after about 1.5 hours. I think, I am listening so intently that it doesn't matter how the system is, I'm still going to be tired. With some bright systems, I find it hard to listen to right away, so I don't even make it past the first few tunes.
I would also agree with Kurtisk. I have experienced many HT systems and don't find that it is as critical too my enjoyment of the experience to have the biggest baddest. On the other hand, 2 channel music needs that extra bit. I decided to build a seperate 2 channel system because I didn't want to compromise it with more electronics in the way and a huge reflector between my speakers messing with the soundstage. If that's not possible, I would buy the best mains and subwoofer you can and then see if you think you need a centre and surround speakers. Since moving to a new house, I haven't hooked up my surrounds and have not yet missed it.
I echo the suggestion of a cheap DVD player. You can get a sub $200 player with DCDI that looks great. Add a good DAC and you've got some serious 2 channel, which IMO would best any of the DVD players for under a grand.
Good luck!
I would also agree with Kurtisk. I have experienced many HT systems and don't find that it is as critical too my enjoyment of the experience to have the biggest baddest. On the other hand, 2 channel music needs that extra bit. I decided to build a seperate 2 channel system because I didn't want to compromise it with more electronics in the way and a huge reflector between my speakers messing with the soundstage. If that's not possible, I would buy the best mains and subwoofer you can and then see if you think you need a centre and surround speakers. Since moving to a new house, I haven't hooked up my surrounds and have not yet missed it.
I echo the suggestion of a cheap DVD player. You can get a sub $200 player with DCDI that looks great. Add a good DAC and you've got some serious 2 channel, which IMO would best any of the DVD players for under a grand.
Good luck!