For that price the JBL L890s would be pretty good. However, for a stereo system I would not get the Harman Kardon AVR-247. It will only provide 65 watts per channel in stereo. You might as well see if you can get the Harman Kardon HK 3485 stereo receiver which has 120 watts per channel. The JBL L890s would appreciate the extra power.

I would also listen to the Klipsch RF-82, they are more efficient and I like the sound of them better than the JBLs.

I'm not familiar with the JBL models, but there are a couple pairs of Paradigms in my house, 7se Mk.3's (mid to late nineties) and a new set of Atoms. Paradigms tend to be more sensitive than most, meaning that they can play louder while requiring relatively few watts. (Sensitivity is measured in decibels, and usually listed for anechoic conditions, as well as "in-room", which is what you can expect to achieve with natural room reinforcement).

Additionally, there is a disparity between the power ratings given by companies that make mass-market gear and those in the hi-fi business. For example, I just replaced my aging Sony STR-D665 receiver, rated at 100 Wpc, with a Rega Brio3, rated at a relatively modest 49. The Rega absolutely blows that receiver out of the water, and can go uncomfortably loud without distorting. The key thing to understand is that receiver manufacturers tend to inflate their ratings (because watts sell), while high-end companies are usually much more realistic with their power output figures.

I can't imagine the Azur having any difficulty driving a pair of Titans to satisfying levels. Those are 40 honest, clean watts that will sound more powerful than the number suggests, especially if you're stepping out of mass-market amplification. I recommend also auditioning the NAD C325BEE, as long as you're trolling that segment.

As far as JBL versus Paradigm, I can say that my experience with JBL computer speakers is encouraging, but I have no seat time with any of their hi-fi loudspeakers. I'm a Paradigm guy, and I recommend the Titans highly, as well as any other model you may consider. Paradigm have been making great products at sane prices for years, and they're my benchmark for speakers of that school of thought.

Good luck with the comparisons and system building! It's all great fun, and very rewarding.

Happy listening,

Read Rob Reina's review of the 880s www.stereophile.com/floorloudspeaker/906jbl/

I heard the 890s in a HT sur-round set-up and it was impressive. (Pioneer Elite items powering the JBLs.) How they would sound in a stricktly audio arrangement I couldn't say.

My thought is that you might be better served by an integrated amplifier at this level. You can buy more amp for your money than if you were to buy low-end separates. NAD and Paradigm are like peas and carrots, and I recommend you go hear the 325 (and maybe the 352).

I'm glad to hear that you love the Monitor 7! My 7se Mk.3 is kind of the grandfather of the new 7. My Paradigms have been in the house for about a decade now, always sound right, and haven't given me any grief. I've set myself recently to upgrading my gear, and the old 7se's will be the last to go. Even then, I'll keep them for a second system . They're that good.

Based on my experience with the Atom Monitor, however, I can tell that Paradigm have not become complacent in the ensuing years. I have no doubt that the Monitor 7 is every bit as good as you say it is.

Source-wise, you might also check out the Oppo DV-970HD ($150). I haven't heard it, but many people say it sounds great. It plays CD, HDCD, DVD-Audio/Video, and SACD. The drawback is that a video source will be required to access some functionality. If you're going for an all-music system (as I am), then it's out. The Sony is probably a decent choice.

Good luck with your auditioning and decisions and welcome to the Brotherhood of Paradigm.

I can appreciate the desire for features, but do you need all those channels? The same money will get you an RX-797 stereo receiver, which lacks the video features, but may be superior in the audio department. I'm not that familiar with Yamaha, so you know better than I, but the HTR seems out of character with the rest of your proposed system.

I have heard the Paradigm mon 7...very nice and worth considering. Just as Eric said, I would go with an integrated amp, as opposed to a cheap pre-amp/amp set-up. Both NAD and Yamaha have some good, affordable integrateds.
If you're not interested in HT don't buy it...I've yet to hear an HT set-up that sounds as good as an audio only rig.

Quote:
If you're not interested in HT don't buy it...I've yet to hear an HT set-up that sounds as good as an audio only rig.

On the cheap perhaps, but there are loads of HT setups that in two channel will compete with class A & B dedicated audio rigs. Maybe Mike needs to get out more.

RG

Well, you can't go wrong with the Monitor 7's, and Yamaha seems to be at the very least more concerned with audio than most companies that make HT receivers.

The DAC in the receiver might be better than that in the CD player, but that's not a certainty. You should listen to it both ways and see which sounds best to you. Also, I don't believe you can tap the DSD signal from an SACD and send it out in digital form (This is done for rights management purposes). Thus, if you want to listen to SACDs, you have to connect the player with analog cables.

Get some good cables with your discount. Monster and Acoustic Research (which I assume are the brands you carry) make high quality wire. Especially at this level, there's no need to splurge on copper.

No, there's no need to connect all five channels if you only plan to use two.