2. amps-preamps
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Can you think of a reason not to?

Hello everyone,

I’ve loved audio (2-channel) since my teenage years and when home theater came out, well as expensive as it was I found a way to afford it. I traded in a beautiful 2-channel Onkyo Integra m-504 amplifier for an Integra 5-channel, I forget the model. Then I upgraded to an Anthem A5. Well I figured more power is always better so I sold the A5 and bought an Anthem P5.

Although an awesome piece of gear, I decided to scale down, sell my Paradigm Studio 20’s used for surround channels, the CC690 center, and two of my three REL 528 subwoofers.

What I have left is the Anthem P5, an AVM60, one REL R528, two Paradigm and two Sigature S2’s.

Im basically scaling down to a 2-channel system for simplicity and convenience. Here’s my thoughts and would love to get some opinions. I’m selling the P5 and possibly the AVM60 to make room for a P2 and a 2-channel pre amp. The P5 is a beast! If I keep it, I’ll always have three extra channels if one malfunctions and for trouble shooting. But on the other hand having this heavy amp is somewhat inconvenient and way overkill. If I found a P2 I’d even consider a trade.

How about some thoughts from the audio world?

oldschool1
asvjerry's avatar
asvjerry
4,597 posts
 

Mho, keep the P5; (front L & R). stack the Paradigms with the Sigs above.

5th channel for the REL 528 sub....

Simple and straightforward 2 chan, play with the locations and spacing to suit your fancy...;)

ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
3,126 posts
 

You’ll never get the best results when combining home theater and two channel into one system. Compromises will be made. It’s up to you to decide which one gets compromised.

oldschool1 OP
45 posts
 

Thanks for all the feedback. Maybe a bit more context would help zero in on my point.

My intention is to simplify. The Anthem P5 is 135 lbs so that classifies it as a “BEAST”! It is an awesome sounding piece of equipment but it is 5-channels. I only stream movies and music and two channels would greatly simplify the whole setup. Less wires, fewer speakers, etc. I’m thinking an Anthem P2, a decent preamp, maybe keep the AVM60 or a suitable alternative, and just the one REL R528. I really enjoy the Paradigm Signature S2’s. They sound terrific!

Going back to the amp, the Anthem P2 only weighs in at ~65 lbs making it much easier to manage. I would even consider an almost even trade depending on history and condition.

 

mesch
3,476 posts
 

You might consider the purchase of a 2 channel preamp 1st to use with the 5 channel amp while searching for an amplifier. 

Have you considered using an integrated amplifier as opposed to separates?

oldschool1 OP
45 posts
 

Since the amp is the heart of the system and the P2 weighs ~1/2 of the P5, I would have all the power and audio quality I would ever need. I've always preferred separates and quite honestly like the aesthetics of the Anthem product. I guess that makes me a bit of a fan-boy. Also service and parts are readily available and Paradigm actually answers their support telephone.

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