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Paradigm Persona 3F setup recommendations for cinema + music

I am looking for recommendations on electronics for use with a Paradigm Persona 3F setup that is used for 60% cinema, 40% music.

I have some ideas on hardware so far but nothing is certain at this point.

The cinema/video streaming chain might look something like:
-> BluRay player with streaming options - HDMI out
-> Anthem MRX 1120
-> At this point, the AVR can power the 3F speakers, or send pre-out to a 2ch amp (such as Moon 340i etc).

Since I currently have a NAD T955 power amp (5x100w), another option is to use this amp to power the surrounds in a scenario like this:
-> BluRay player with streaming options -HDMI out
-> Anthem AVM 60 (pre-pro)
-> NAD T955 amp for surrounds.
-> New 2ch integrated amp for 3Fs.

There are a couple of options for the music chain:
1) With AVR only
-> BluRay player with streaming options (Spotify/Tidal/lossless audio via DLNA server) HDMI out
-> Anthem MRX 1120

2) With AVR + 2ch amp
-> BluRay player with streaming options (Spotify/Tidal/lossless audio via DLNA server) Digital coax out
-> DAC or 2ch integrated amp with DAC (such as Simaudio 340i)

So the questions I have are:
1) I could get the Anthem MRX 1120, end of story. But will this be good enough for movies + music on the 3Fs?
2) Will much be gained by powering the 3Fs by their own integrated?
3) What would sound better in cinema: the MRX 1120 by itself, or AVM 60 to NAD T955 amp?
4) Which is the better 2ch amp for the 3Fs: Anthem STR, Moon 340i, 600i, Naim 350DR, or other?
5) In general, what do you guys think about Naim vs Simaudio for powering the Personas?
6) For now, I'm assuming the digital source is a basic BR player. Are there significant gains by going with a dedicated streamer like options from Naim? I'm assuming this difference will be minor compared to the other electronics in the chain (until we get to a DAC component).

Overwhelming number of options here. Thanks for any advice you can provide.
irave
Post removed 
irave OP
20 posts
 
In that case with AVM 60 processing the signal, an “integrated” is not necessary.  However, in a cinema/music setup, I am told you pretty much need a separate component chain for music to get the best out of it. (i.e. not going thru avm60 for music).   
If the 2ch amp was moon 340i for example, music sources would plug into this (and utilize its DAC), and the AVR as well (in HT Bypass mode). 

Im not in a position to demo anything so I have no idea how components compare to each other or if the 340i is a good match for the 3Fs. Or how much better it is over using 1120 by itself vs another completely different setup 
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noble100's avatar
noble100
2,419 posts
 
irave,

     What are the exact model numbers of the speakers in your Paradigm Persona 3F setup?  I'm assuming you have a pair of floor standers, a center, 2-6 surrounds and 1-2 subs.  Please also state whether you are going to use 4K for the Bluray player and video display or projector and what surround sound format you are going to use, 5.1, 7.1, 7.1 with Atmos? 

     For the electronics, do you have a budget?

     In general, I'd suggest streamlining and avoiding redundancy in your system but purchasing high quality gear for the essential components. Here's what I consider the essential components for a 7.1 non-Atmos surround system for 60% HT and 40% music use:


1. A high quality Bluray player similar to the no longer manufactured Oppo-205 player that has a built-in 7.1 surround sound decoding circuitry, HDMI 3.0 inputs and outputs, balanced xlr and unbalanced rca outputs used for both the L+R  front surround mains and stereo music L+R channels, built-in wi-fi connectivity with streaming capability, a built-in high quality DAC that has a minimum conversion capacity of up to 24 bit/192KHz high-resolution PCM audio and preferably at least up to DSD 512 capacity and analog rca outputs for all remaining 7.1 surround channels.  I believe Panasonic, Pioneer and Sony now have, or are soon  coming out with, Bluray hi-end players that meet the above criteria.  You could also buy a used Oppo-105 as a high quality Bluray player if 1080P video is sufficient. I currently use a streamlined HT and 2-ch music system using the Oppo-105 for a 5.1 audio surround system connected directly to multiple class D amps and a 1080P hdtv for video connected via HDMI with very good results. 
     The main benefit of investing in a hi-end Bluray player is that there's no need for an AV receiver, an Anthem surround processor/preamp or an integrated amp as you mentioned.  They're all redundant and unnecessary.
2. A high quality 5-channel amp (like your NAD T955) that is connected directly to the Bluray player's analog outputs for the center and up to 4 total side and rear surround channels.

3. A high quality 2-channel stereo amp of your choice to drive your main stereo speakers.

4. From one to four self amplified subs

     These are all the essential electronics you need but you always have the option to add a separate regular stereo preamp with a HT pass thru control if you prefer.  But I'd suggest first listening to music using the Bluray player as the preamp for music only to see if you think you really need a separate preamp for improved stereo music playback.

Tim
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