..if only it had level adjustments. That would make it the perfect 5 channel amp. Those Paradigm Studio's really benefit from bi-amping where you can control the tweeter level. My Active 40's have a 125 watt amp for the woofers and a 50 watt amp for the tweeter, plus the level control. I need that control for the center (and maybe the surrounds, but only if I have the amp channels left over) to make them blend nicely. It makes a big difference.

I've actually got a Carver 5 channel amp sitting in my closet that has 110 watts for 3 channels and 50 watts for the other two..I might try that to see how it sounds. It's not adjustable either though. You're stuck with what you got.

Well, here's an update.

I got my Carver amp out and put it in place of the Rotel. The Carver is much warmer and now there is no need for a seperate tweeter adjustment. With the Carver there is just no need to cut the tweeter down. I don't know..for some reason the Rotel is very harsh with the 990.

So now the Rotel will be used for Zone 2 and some Aura Bass Shakers and the Carver is going to drive my center and surrounds. As funds come available, a 7500 will be on my list. I want those balanced inputs, and if it's as warm (hopefully even warmer) than my trusty old Carver it will be a keeper

Having used similar Studio speakers, I find your experience with the Carver more in line with my own experience.

Hmm..wonder how the Carver Sunfire Cinema Grand would fare against the 7500? Both 5x200, both with balanced inputs....that would be an interesting comparison.

I personally thought the 7500/7700 had a more bass/midrange sound and not so much in the treble. So it is a warmer sound to me. That might be fine for your speakers.

As for the var. inputs:
It should be easy to add some GOOD QUALITY little pots to the rear panel, like ALPS or BOURNS.
Adding 1-10 fascias will look very sexy!
But if you're uncomfortable doing this forget it as it may jeopardize the warranty!

I can confirm the crossover problem.
I have 2 expensive KEF Reference speakers and bridged the (very complicated) low channel crossover filter, placing an active Behringer crossover before my final amp.
Sound was awful, very peaky and wobbly.
Asked KEF, they said the passive xovers should not be disabled, since they were measured in together with the rest of the speaker.
So I just enabled the Xovers again and removed the active ones.
Sound is quite lovely, MUCH better than before biamping- very exact stage placement, deeper bass and very clean mids.

Hey barend:

You wrote I have 2 expensive KEF Reference speakers

What models? 107's?? I'm using 107's with surronds redone in one of two systems at home. Recommended by a 107 user. Great old speakers. Best/closest to quality of my Crown ES224s.

No, I have the Reference 203*2, 202c and 201*2.
Obviously KEF tweaked the sound with the very large xovers in place, so removing these was not a good idea, giving a very uneven sound.
Also what I wrote on the little pots for the 7700, if you use biamping it will be quite handy to even out the biamped channels for gain.
That said, if you do xlr it will be a bit more complicated wiring the pots (but have a look at Rod Elliot's site for some info http://www.sound.westhost.com)
When I started passive biamping (speakers xovers in place) I was amazed at the sound improvement.
I even tried triamping but that sounded not right (fuzzy) dunno why, maybe phase problems?

Use balanced cable for the 990/1770 combination by all means, I had a pre > Rotel RMB1095 5*200W
and it sure had hum problems that never really went away...
One more o/t remark: I just ordered a very special sub from Germany, it emits very dry bass down to 20Hz in a bipolar fashion (the chassis are placed opposite to each other!).
According to the test reports this should cause less oppresive room modes.
Barend