speakers

[frankf]

I am looking to purchase new speakers. I am looking at Paradigm Studio 60 speakers as mains,cc690 as center, adp590 as surrounds and rear center with two rel r305's subs.

I am also looking at the Totem speakers
TOTEM FOREST
TOTEM MODEL 1 CENTER
TOTEM MODEL 1 / RAINMAKER / LYNXs (rear) and rear center.

I currently have Definitive 2004's mains, clr2002 center, bp2x surrounds and rear center with a pf 1500 sub. These speakers I am putting up for sale.

I am looking for opinions from anyone who owns Paradigm or Totem speakers and anyone who has an opinon about my choices.

Thanks Rubbersoul

 

[Warpdrv]

Hey Frank.....

I have a full setup of Paradigms... and I am extremely happy with them, and they perform like mad... but know they really open up properly driven by a large amp.... Babel another member here came over and checked out my system, and was pretty much sold... Sound Stage is great, they image pretty well.... Clear and full sounding...

Now comparing the Studio's to Totems.... I think your in another Ballpark...
I only had the chance to listen to them in two channel, but the Imaging from the Totems was out of this world... I listened to the Forests and they were spectacular...

I have no idea what the price difference is in the two... nor could I compare them in a HT environment.. I have an extremely large setting for my HT/Great Room, and needed to fill it... See my sig for my equipment...

 

[frankf]

Paradigm/Totem Speakers

Thanks Warpdrv for your input. Very nice setup What kind of a subwoofer is that? Looks impressive.

I had the same feeling with the Totems in that I have never heard them in a Home Theater enviorment. Musically they are perfect. That is one reason I am not sure about there performance in my situation since I watch a lot of movies.

My friend has the Signature series the S8's and they of course are awesome. I think he needs more power. He is using an Anthem MCA 30 rated at 185watts per channel.

I have an Outlaw 990 processor and the 7700 amplifier rated at 200 watts per channel. When I bought this setup I was interested in B&W speakers but after careful listening I thought against it. The sales person said that it would be no problem for the 7700. In fact many of there customers use the 7700 with B&W.

In the end I was not to concerned about not having enough power but since you bought it up what are your thoughts?

Thanks rubbersoul

 

[mazersteven]

What kind of a subwoofer is that? Looks impressive.
Thanks rubbersoul

SVS PB12-Plus/2

http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-plus2.cfm

 

[Warpdrv]

SVS PB12-Plus/2

http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-plus2.cfm

Mazersteven is correct... the PB12-Plus/2 kicks some serious A$$ in that room, but lets not forget about the PB12-Plus in Piano Black that I added to the mix as well. SVS, HSU, Axiom, AV123 all make some amazing subs for the $$, I chose SVS more so for the finish but the A$$ kicking I get with them is a bonus. Seriously a great bang for your buck.

And to answer your question about power, I went with a Rotel RMB-1095 200x5. The Paradigms sound fantastic with that amp driving them...
Your amp will work awesome... If you were to go with the Studio's the 60's and CC-690, they will undoubtedly need at least 200wpc in my opinion, but the surrounds not unnecessarily as much, but as long as you have it... awesome. I have a very bright room so I had to do some room treatments, also highly recommended.

Not sure where you live, Im just north of Milwaukee, and anyone from the forum is welcome in my house for an AWE-dition !!!!!

 

[BabelFish]

yeah.. warps setup just sold me.. those paradigms were awesome. it was amazing to see such a difference from the in-store demo to an in-house demo.

and svs subs are great! I can't wait for my ultra13 to arrive!

 

[frankf]

Paradigm

Again awesome subs Warpdrv. Looks as though you have a pretty large room.

I was interested in the SVS PC Plus cylinder but after looking I deceided to go with the Rel R305. Space is a premium.

The Rels will work well with the Paradigms. I intend to buy two Rels.

I know that I will pay a handsome price for those subs but I have heard them in action and they are tight and they sound flawless. Not to mention they are only 12.5 x 14.25 x 13.5 inches including feet. Ideal for my situation.

I am going to listen to the whole 5.1 Paradigm system on Thursday.

rubbersoul

 

[BabelFish]

let us know what you think

 

[emorphien]

Wow, missed this thread!

I too am a fan of Totems, as you may see I have a pair of Rainmakers in my two channel setup which I love. They are critical of recording quality though, as are many good speakers IMO. While I love everything about the Rainmakers for music, I'm not sure I'd choose them as a home theater speaker.

Not sure what it is, but I have yet to find a speaker that I'd say is perfect for both, although I've heard some I'd certainly use either way if I could afford them. That includes some higher end Totems and beyond that some Aerials. Focal would also be on my shortlist for a speaker to perform double duty for home theater and music playback. I much prefer Focal or say PSB to the Paradigms for music, for home theater it's less of a concern but I'd still go for something else personally.

 

[frankf]

Paradigm

Sorry people that I did not get back to this forum sooner.
Auditioned the Paradigm Studio 60's with the cc690 center and the ADP 590 surrounds....AWESOME! Great sound, clean, clear. I had bought with me a couple of music demos' that I had picked up from this years HT Show (this year it sucked) it was like I was listening to a different piece of music.

I also bought in a couple of MEN movies, the new 007, and Grand Prix. They both sounded great.

So I will be checking out the Totem speakers and Dyna-audio speakers end of this week or early next. I have never heard either speaker in a Home Theater enviornment. All musical. We shall see.

PS the Paradigms were driven with a Anthem amp rated at 185 watts per channel and the sub was a REL R305. I guess I do not have to worry about power with my Outlaw 990/7700 setup.