Parasound matched to LSiM lineup / Possible Onkyo Receiver / WPC

RocketOCannon

Still looking and doing homework for soon to be HT
Would like some insight and opinions.

I am trying to get the right power matchup so I do to under power or over power the systems. I also don't know a lot about this...lol...hence the solicitation for "Help"..haha

I plan on two systems...due to layout in basement.
HT will be:
- est Room size / 14' W / 22' L
- 65" Panasonic coming out in March or the 65" VT30
- LSiM 707 Fronts
- 706C
- 703 Rears
- 702 surrounds...might buy now... might wait for down the road..TBD
- MicroPro 4000
- Probably going with Signal cables when ready.

Secondary system (Bar Side) 2 channel...just for music.
- Retro Pioneer SX-780 (Getting reconditioned now)
- LSiM 703
- This system I am going to find a vintage higher end amp..possibly a tube amp...down the road...might even get an old vintage Pioneer amp from the same time period

Dilemma;
- Any opinions about the two Onkyo receivers being considered?
- Thoughts on Parasound amps in general? I see nothing but good reviews.
- Will the Parasound A52 5 channel be a good fit for the HT? If paired with theory Onkyo 3009 or 5009 will get me to about 260 WPC....the next Parasound 5 channel amp is 250 wpc. If and when I go to the Surrounds...i would step up to a 7.1. As of right now I can buy the Parasound and Onkyo new at great prices due to a connection.
- Will the Parasound A23 (125 wpc) be a suitable fit and power for the SX-780 (45 wpc)? Should get me about 170 wpc.

F1nut

You cannot over power.

- Will the Parasound A52 5 channel be a good fit for the HT? If paired with theory Onkyo 3009 or 5009 will get me to about 260 WPC....the next Parasound 5 channel amp is 250 wpc. If and when I go to the Surrounds...i would step up to a 7.1. As of right now I can buy the Parasound and Onkyo new at great prices due to a connection.

It doesn't work like that. You cannot use the amps in the AVR in addition to the Parasound. It would be the Parasound only for power.

- Will the Parasound A23 (125 wpc) be a suitable fit and power for the SX-780 (45 wpc)? Should get me about 170 wpc.

Again, it doesn't work like that. In addition, that old receiver does not have pre outs, so you cannot add an amp to it.

RocketOCannon

Thanks F1...was worried it was like that.
so..If I have a receiver that produces **** wpc...what do you use in addition to amplify power to a suitable level for the speakers and system?

EndersShadow

RocketOCannon wrote: »

Thanks F1...was worried it was like that.
so..If I have a receiver that produces **** wpc...what do you use in addition to amplify power to a suitable level for the speakers and system?

Normally you get a receiver with pre-outs which allow you to connect an external amp to provide power to the speakers. So in effect your using the receiver only for its video/eq capabilities, and an amp for the power.

RocketOCannon

So...would the Parasound A51 @ 250 wpc x 5 be more suitable for this potential system? To drive the LSiM 707s?

..and if I understand it...then as far as the receiver goes...the wpc is rather insignificant vs the features and quality??

F1nut

That amp would do quite nicely.

Correct, the AVR would only be used as a pre/pro. The quality of the pre amp section will matter. You might want to consider a dedicated pre/pro.

RocketOCannon

..and so the clouds open up to a world of understanding! lol..

Thank you F1...any other thoughts on my plan? Suggestions? Watchouts? I appreciate the help...been doing tons of reading, going in circles.

kawizx9r

+1 for the dedicated preamp/processor.

If you're going to spend good money, don't worry about the amp section/power of a receiver. Try to find one that'll sound good and fit your needs such as number of HDMI ins/outs, 3-d capability, wireless capabilities, or whatever you might want or need. Most higher end receivers will have preamp outputs, if you're not sure just ask on here.

PS Why go with the MicroPro 4k? Don't get me wrong, I owned a 1000 and heard a 3000 in an HT environment and they can put out an ample amount of bass. If this setup is going to be more of an HT system, I recommend looking into Epik or SVS for your movie needs!

chumlie

Take a look at Pioneer sc series for pre/pro with Parasound.

F1nut

Since you asked. You might want to consider the DSW Pro 660wi sub instead of the 4000 as ported subs seem to be favored for HT only rigs.

I wouldn't bother trying to use that old receiver to drive the 703's, it wouldn't do them justice.

Cables matter and it appears you have the coin, so I'd suggest looking at something better.

Just one other thought. If you went with the LSiM's, Parasound amp and a nice pre/pro it would also make for a decent 2 channel set up. Unless you really want two rigs, that is.

DMara

RocketOCannon wrote: »

..and so the clouds open up to a world of understanding! lol..

Thank you F1...any other thoughts on my plan? Suggestions? Watchouts? I appreciate the help...been doing tons of reading, going in circles.

If you are going to use an amp to power the speaker, then go with a dedicated pre/pro to avoid wasting the AVR's amp section. That was why I replaced my Denon AVR-4810ci with an Integra DHC-80.3.

Big Dawg

Hey ROC, there is an active member on these boards, Mantis (Dan), who sells nice gear in Eastern PA, and he could probably help you audition some of the equipment you are considering.

Big Dawg

F1nut wrote: »

Just one other thought. If you went with the LSiM's, Parasound amp and a nice pre/pro it would also make for a decent 2 channel set up. Unless you really want two rigs, that is.

I think this is a great point, plus you could eventually get a nice tube amp for the fronts and use the Parasound for the other 5 channels when you add the surrounds.

RocketOCannon

Great points by all.
KawizX - I have considered the SVS sub...just have a much better relationship that will net a ridic price for a new PA Micro. I hear nothing but great things about those subs.

CHUM - I wanted the Pioneer SC -37 used...but....I can get new for a used price if I go with Onkyo.
I would prefer the Pioneer SC-37 or SC-57

F1 - Agree and understand about the SX-780...I might just hook it up to a little 3rd rig with some basic Energy bookshelf's and let the kids play with it. Thats my original college stereo from back in the day and just can't part with it...It's out right now getting refurbed. I am going to try and get the $ for a SX-1980(270 wpc) or 1280...but thats gonna have to wait

I admit, I really don't understand the pre/pro stuff......If this is a more prudent approach, I would look at the Parasound Pre's.

Pre/Pro /AV REC relationships....If any of you can spell it out like your talking to a kid...please do. Once I know what I need to buy component wise, I can do the homework and look for used gear to save a little $.

I would LOVE to be able to speak with Dan/Mantis or anyone that lives in E. PA or NJ or nearby. I could always meet a polker at a higher end store or whatever. Obviously I have some questions.

Thanks guys for your time, patience and expertise.

tonyb

RocketOCannon wrote: »

So...would the Parasound A51 @ 250 wpc x 5 be more suitable for this potential system? To drive the LSiM 707s?

..and if I understand it...then as far as the receiver goes...the wpc is rather insignificant vs the features and quality??

Yes and yes.

A pre/pro is basically a receiver minus the applifiers. They have no built in amplification what so ever. So if you want 5 channel surround, you'd need a 5 channel amp. 7 channel surround- a 7 channel amp. But normally pre/pro's are built better than a receiver in general.

RocketOCannon

In an effort to save some cash and put it to use on all the other stuff I need to buy for a new basement....
Thoughts on this for amp and pre/pro...

If I don't go with the Pioneer SC57 or Onk 5009... would this combo be better then going with one of those AVs?

-Parasound 5250 V.2 I can get this for well under MSRP (I drool for the Halo A51...but thinks it's gonna be hard to find one at a steal price)
- Marantz 7005 pre/pro (Can get it for just over $1,000)

Thoughts?

codyc1ark

Very nice system you are putting together. I second the sub suggestion, take a look at elemental designs, outlaw, hsu, and epik. The two most important components IMHO in an ht system are the center and sub. With that kind if system, I'd want to run dual subs. Heck, I want to do that in my lil system... Good luck, you may be chasing your tail for a few weeks on the question of where to go. If the new Outlaw pre ever comes out, I'd weigh that as a pre option or even look at the new anthem line of pre's. Again, GOOD LUCK!

RocketOCannon

Thanks Cody...can't wait till the day I can settle in to sonic nirvana. Whatever I do now is just a baseline for improving later on. If I like the sound...great I will stick with it.

Again...I am drawn towards the SVS subs...i know they rock...but I can get an overall better deal by going with the PA Micros.

My challenge right now is ...AV or pre pro?? Im really looking at something like the Marantz 7005 Pre at a value/performance price would be a better starting point overall then going with the Pio 57 or Onk since it puts me in the Pre +Amp world...but if it does not have the needed quality to mesh with the overall system...then...maybe I rethink it. Im going to still keep my eye out for the Halo A51 but wonder if anyone has any opinions or experience with the re designed Parasound 5250 V.2

Keep the thoughts coming boys! You have all been very helpful!

RocketOCannon

Thanks Cody...can't wait till the day I can settle in to sonic nirvana. Whatever I do now is just a baseline for improving later on. If I like the sound...great I will stick with it.

Again...I am drawn towards the SVS subs...i know they rock...but I can get an overall better deal by going with the PA Micros.

My challenge right now is ...AV or pre pro?? Im really looking at something like the Marantz 7005 Pre at a value/performance price. Would this be a better starting point overall then going with the Pio 57 or Onk since it puts me in the Pre +Amp world? ...but if it does not have the needed quality to mesh with the overall system...then...maybe I rethink it. Im going to still keep my eye out for the Halo A51 but wonder if anyone has any opinions or experience with the re designed Parasound 5250 V.2

Keep the thoughts coming boys! You have all been very helpful!

RocketOCannon

Anyone have any thoughts to

AV - SC-57 or Onk 5009 VS ....Seperates / Parasound 5250 V.2 matched with Marantz AV7005 Pre?

niente

Can't speak to the Pre's but the Para 5250 (mine is older version) is just super

I would like to go with a Pre Amp Proc in place of my Onk AVR some day--PLease let us know what you choose--and why!

Sounds like a great "cave" yoursetting up!

RocketOCannon

Thanks, niente...Once I do my shopping I will def let the PA club know what i did and send some pics.

Also, other then the Marantz AV7005 (New).... - Does anyone have any ideas for a used pre amp that would compliment my planned HT for a used price in the $1,000 range....I would go as high as $1,500 if it's a steal. Obviously I can get more bang for buck going used....I just don't know JACK about Pre's and what to watch out for...

Please list some specific model #s for pre amps that i should look at for consideration
Which Parasound Halo Pre or other would I use is this system?

Thanks,

RocketOCannon

Team PA,

An thoughts on a Pre for my setup? I know nothing about Pre's.
Please see my last post...will spend up to $1,500 used or new.

Thanks,

RocketOCannon

Any thoughts on the Adcom GTP--870HD Pre/Pro? Audiogon -$1,000
Vs "New" Marantz 7005

Does this have the essentials/features I would need to run my potential system including the new Panasonic VT50 65Plasma?

I need some help her Polkies...I am like a deer on the O'Hare runway when it comes to the details and pre's/features etc.

Thanks,