Pairing Rotel 1056 Receiver w/ Anthem MCA 20 Amp

[scient]

I have been considering a seperate two channel amp for my front Paradigm 100's for a while now and I am undecided between the Rotel RB1080 and the Anthem MCA 20. Both are 200Wpc, 2 channel amps.

My concerns are:
1. Since the 1056 will still power the center and rear speakers, will there be a difference in sound because of a different BRAND of amp driving the front two speakers.
2. Since Anthem and Paradigm are like Rotel/B&W will my Paradigms sound better on the Anthem than the Rotel.

Decisions, decisions...!

Any suggestions, thoughts are welcome

[grit]

I'd guess the Anthem would be the better match, just for the reason you described. As for the amp mis-match, I think you'll notice a limited difference after calibrating, for movies. For multi-channel music, you may find a disparity.

I prefer to listen to all my music on 2-ch, so I'd have no problem with the idea. As for movies, I'd be concened about any changes between the front 3 speakers. What speakers are you running for the center & surrounds?

[johnvb]

I have been considering a seperate two channel amp for my front Paradigm 100's for a while now and I am undecided between the Rotel RB1080 and the Anthem MCA 20. Both are 200Wpc, 2 channel amps.

I will be in the same position as you, come this spring/summer, when I plan to trade in my Studio 20v3s for a pair of 100s.

Right now I am using a RSX-1055 (older/same version as your receiver) to drive the 20s, along with a 570 center and some Def. Tech side surrounds.

Using timbre matched front speakers, along with matched amplification, has given me the best front sound stage I have ever had. When I get the 100s, I plan on using an Aragon 8008BB amp I have at first, until I can make the same decision as you.

You could use a MCA 30 amp, for all three front speakers. I have no idea what Anthem + Paradigm sounds like, but giving they are both part of the same manufacturing group, should be the "optimum" setup.

Of all the amps/receivers I have heard with Paradigms so far (just a few, but including my Aragon), I prefer the Rotel sound the most. The 1055 gives a slightly rolled off, forgiving presentation to those intense movies that other systems would make irritating after a while. After the upgrade, I will have to decide between a new/used Rotel stereo amp, or a used Aragon for the center.

I have read of the low ohm load of the 100s, have you tried them on your 1056, was there any major problems?

[scient]

grit: My centers are Paradigm CC570's and the surrounds are Paradigm ADP470's.

johnvb: Currently my 1056 do the job fine but I suspect that my 100's could do a LOT better with more power.

One of the options is the 1080 + 1075 combo while the other more expensive option is the MCA 20 + MCA 30 combo.

[scient]

Come on guys, any suggetions?...

[Tamas]

How about an MCA50, 5 Channel amp for now.

[scient]

Thats more expensive. But that still does not answer my question of which would best power my Studio 100's. Because I think the the MCA 50 would compare to the Rotel 1095.

[cuda65]

I have an MCA 30 running my front three speakers. They are Paradigm 100 v3 and a CC570. The back are run with my current Denon receiver. I am looking at getting a AVM 30 and a MCA 20 to replace the Denon. The Anthem Amp runs the Paradigms great. I am very happy with the sound I am getting in 2ch music and in HT. If you have the space I think the seperate Amps will give you better performance. Good luck in your quest.

[cuda65]

The MCA 50 shouldn't be more expensive than buying an MCA 30 & MCA 20. Is that what you were refering to?

[scient]

As much as I would love to get the MCA 50 dont think I can afford it at this point. I was equating the price of the MCA 50 to the Rotel 1095 in the channels driven / price range.