Crown1

Nic, You are quite right about the Paradigm Sub 12 vs the Klipsch Rt-12d. Paradigm is and always has been a "music first " company, their subs which are excellent for home theater,also do music with incredible aplomb. As much as I respect Klipsch as an excellent speaker brand, their subs are much better suited to home theater due to their extreme efficiency and extended low frequency capabilities. Use them together, use the Paradigm to cover the upper bass, and cross the Klipsch over at a lower frequency,so as to deter any possibility of phase issues.A little patience and tweaking goes a long way. You have a nice system as I see it. Just have a little patience with it and spend a little time integrating things better. You will not regret it. Also ,if your Avatar is any indication of how your room looks,consider putting a little time in to properly finishing your room. Think about finishing it and possibly integrating acoustical treatments. Make your room work for you, instead of against you.

It only makes sense doesn't it ? A receiver is (in most cases) a series of compromises.It attempts to fit a switching matrix,preamp,processor,tuner and amplifier into a somewhat more compact chassis,while hopefully (at least in theory) making its various features and functions more easily utilized . While convenient in many ways (at least functionally) ,the most compromise is usually in the area of amplification.As you are in agreement with me on the subject of " the value of good amplification" I also am in agreement with you when it comes to the F.T.C..I think they should introduce a stricter and more standardized way of rating surround sound receivers' amplifiers. Manufacturers should be required to post the true power output of a receiver's amplifier with all channels driven and it should be full a full bandwidth rating - from 20hz to 20khz . I believe that this will allow the consumer to make more informed decisions, while also allowing the consumer to see the value in higher quality amplification. Also I believe that good clean amplification shouldn't be exclusive to the high end. There needs to be a better variety of affordable, high quality amplification, from recognized brands, and not just internet based companies.If I could afford it , I too would utilize separate amplification for every channel,my wife would think I was crazy but oh well I've been called worse...LOL. By the way in reference to the extra, left over channel in the aforementioned systems, what do you think of( if so equipped) either bi-amping the center speaker ,or even run two centers ?

The salesperson has the right idea, however even 100 to 150 watts of clean power from a real amplifier versus the so called 140 watts from your receiver can make a huge difference in sound quality. Its not just about playing loudly, its about the fact that a receiver amp cannot deliver nearly enough current to get the most out of a large speaker ,when in surround mode. A separate amplifier will possess much higher current reserves than a receiver, thus producing much cleaner output,which opens up the soundstage. Just because a speaker is efficient doesn't mean that it should be starved of power. You should listen to the salesperson, there is a reason that your speakers are rated for what they are. In truth your receiver only puts out approximately 30 watts per channel 20hz-20khz with all channels driven. Read the review on Home Theater magazine's site,go to the measurements page, you'll see what I am telling you is true.