2. amps-preamps
  3. 1064609370

I need help to decide on multi channel amp config.

Thanks in advance for your comments and suggestions.

I will use Paradigm Reference for a 7.1 speaker config:
Front Studio 100 v.3
Center CC570
Surround: sides ADP 470 v.3, rears Studio 40 v.3
Sub: Servo 15
Processor: Lexicon MC-1
DVD Player: Rotel RDV 1060

I would like to reach a fair compromise for 7.1 HT, MC and stereo music performance.

Here my options for multichannel amps (although not all of them cost the same, the decision should be 100% based on expected performance)

option 1. Aragon 2007 (7x200w)

option 2. Aragon 2005(5x200w) for center and rears + Aragon 3002(2x300) for the fronts.

option 3. Rotel RMB1095 (5x200w)for center and rears + Rotel RB1090 (2x380w) for the fronts.

I am sticking to Aragon and Rotel due to 220 volt compatibility (which living in south america is an issue) and local availability of tech support. If you know of any other amps 220 volt ready please advise.

Alfredo
nutzito
sogood51
2,157 posts
 
I would give your big main speakers their own amp with it's own power supply, they are power hungry types...use a five channel amp for the other speakers IMHO. This is what I have done in my system.

Dave
nutzito OP
3 posts
 
thanks for the advise
that would eliminate option 1.
Any comments respect to comparing options 2 and 3? (Aragon 5 + 2 vs Rotel 5 +2 )
alfredo
sogood51
2,157 posts
 
alfredo, I would hope that you could listen to the Rotel RB-1090 and the Aragon 3002. On paper the Rotel looks to be the better amp for the big Paradigm front speakers..but does is sound better? I can't answer that, I hope someone else that has tried both with your speakers can give you a little help. After you decide between these two..pick the five channel amp of the same brand IMHO. I would also have dedicated circuts installed for your system.

Dave
nutzito OP
3 posts
 
Hi Dave

Thanks again

I have already installed a dedicated circuit for this HT/music room. Besides the two amps and the sub,the same circuit will feed AC to the rest of small (powerconsumptionwise)equipment: Pre-Proc, players and cable boxes. Do you think that is good enough?

Respect to the comparison, I agree that is the best way to choose, unfortunately I will not be able to do it because there are not local dealers for these brands. Even in the US I think Aragon dealers would not carry Paradigm speakers and viceversa. So its hard to find a salesman than could give me an honest pinion based on a A-B test.

The only thing I have heard from dealers is that Aragon MC amps have been tailored for the Klipsch speakers (K. owns Aragon) and Paradigm dealers would say Aragon amps suck as compared to Rotels (they usually do not carry Rotels).

Still waiting for some help from someone who has tried both amps.

Alfredo
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