Gonk is the resident Paradigm expert, so he can no doubt suggest crossover point selection, etc., in addition to the myriad other things he does.

Soundhound is the stereo expert. He'll probably suggest a seperate, tube stereo preamp and can help with the connection scheme. (and he's almost always right)

I'd suggest 2-755 amps and the 950 pre/pro. The Anthem is way out of your posted budget. The Rotel, though a good product from a good Company, is more dough, less warranty, has a non-fixable double bass problem and the differece in price pays for nearly half of one of the 755 amps from a better Company. Plus...the Forum.

1-755 5 channel, 200WPC to power front L/R, center, rear L/R

1- 755 to power the bi-amped audio system (I assume you meant stereo) and 1 back surround (to make the system 6.1).

1- 950 Pre/Pro to control stereo and AC-3 laser discs, DD, DD-EX, DTS, DTS-ES DVDs, 5.1 DTS CDs, stereo and multi-channel SACDs and multi-channel DVD-As, both with built-in bass management, and it will perform with the best of them when properly set up.

Stereo (LPs and CDs) ain't my thing, but I would have to say the 950 is more detailed than 'warm', but the multi-channel music formats listed above sound definitely on the warm side through the 950.

As my name implies, I can help (usually) with the low freqs, BUT...if you buy the Rotel, lie and say you bought the 950 to avoid the surcharge for advice to 'Rotellites'

This post is a bit of a ramble...hope some of it helps.

[This message has been edited by bossobass (edited July 19, 2003).]

[This message has been edited by bossobass (edited July 19, 2003).]