From: cal@gsbux1.uchicago.edu (Cal Lott)
Subject: Re: System recommendation (NAD/Denon)
Organization: University of Chicago Computing Organizations
Date: Fri, 8 Jan 1993 15:47:10 GMT

nodrog@byron.u.washington.edu (Gordon Rubenfeld) writes:

>I'm in search of a receiver (or component equivalent) and speakers for
>~$1200 to play mostly jazz and light rock (Paul Simon, REM) in a small
>apartment listening room (ie, modest volume requirements).  So far I've
>narrowed the choices down to Denon AVR-2000 or NAD 1600 preamp/2100 amp,
>and Paradigm 5SE or Vandersteen 1B.  I like the surround sound on the
>Denon and am not keen on the idea of spending $1000 down the road
>(processor + 2nd amp) to add it to the NAD setup.  Unfortunately I can't
>side by side audition the systems (different stores).  My bronze ear
>doesn't think it can make out the difference between the 'audiophile' NAD
>and 'mid-fi' Denon. 
>
>So, (1) are the outboard surround/ProLogic processors THAT much better
>than the Denon? (2) long-term will I be sorry I don't have the
>"flexibility" of a component system (particularly appreciate hearing from
>someone who might have made this mistake)?  (3) are there other systems I
>should audition in the $6-800 range (Yamaha, Adcom, Parasound)? (4) how
>would you match the Vandersteen/Paradigm to the systems? 


Gordon:

	To respond to your points individually:

	(1) It depends on how much money you would like to spend. A $500
processor probably won't be an order of magnitude better than the one
built in to the Denon. If you blow ~$3000 on the THX-certified Lexicon
CP-3, you will notice a difference. In any case, the outboard processor
will have a lower noise floor, and could also have nicer features than
the one built in to the Denon. (Like DSP circuitry, or individual level
controls for the different channels.)

	(2) Going the seperates route ultimately allows greater fidelity,
and you can upgrade bits and pieces of your system without having to
throw the baby out with the bath water. I would prefer to have a great
stereo system over an adequate surround system.

	(3) With Parasound gear, you can get the P/FET-900 preamp, a
fully class-A design with defeatable tone controls and two line-level
outputs, and the HCA-800II 100wpc amplifier for a little over $800 list.
From Adcom, you could get the GTP-400 Tuner/Preamp and the GFA-545II
100wpc power amp for a little under $800 list.

	(4) I have not heard the Paradigms or Vandersteens very much,
so I can't be very helpful. Both of the amplifiers mentioned above are
high-current designs, so you shouldn't worry about them being unable to
drive the speakers. (If the Denon can do it, either of those amps can.)

	The only reason that I would go with the Denon is a budgetary
one. It is not a bad component, but the seperates will ultimately give
you much better sound quality. You can always add surround capability
later (Cambridge Sound Works offers an amp/processor module with
center and surround speakers for $700) and you'll get a more flexible
system, to boot.

						Good luck,

						-Cal
--
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Cal Lott          "Oh, I see-- I thought 'no' meant 'spoon'!" --Dan
Email me, baby!   cal@gsbux1.uchicago.edu   cjl1@midway.uchicago.edu
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