Matching Paradigms - Sound Continuity

[enormo]

I am looking at getting speakers for a 5.1 system. I was originally going to get Pardigm Atom fronts with the other recommended components (Monitor Series... e.g. CC-190's etc). However, I was looking at the reviews of the Studio 20's and realized that I could probably afford these.

My one concern is this: I do more movie watching than I do serious music listening. I'm worried that the Studio 20s will not integrate well with the sound of the lower end surround sound components. I'm a huge believer in continuity in film. Continuity breeds immersion.

Am I better off with the Atoms vs. the Studio 20s for a wholistic experience?

Happy Hollidays!!!

BTW... I'm going to be running an Onkyo 805

 

[j_garcia]

The key is matching the front 3. The surrounds are less critical, in particular if not listening to a lot of multichannel music. Ideally, you do want your speakers (not necessarily sub) to all match and be basically from the same "family". IMO, the Monitors blended well with the former Performance series fairly well, but the Studios do outclass the Monitors by a fair amount more and they don't quite have the same timbre. I upgraded my speakers so that they would all match (5 of the same speaker), and it made a big difference with music - for movies, there was an improvement, but not quite as noticeable as with music (DVD-A, SACD) where the surrounds can be a much larger part of the experience.

 

[enormo]

Interesting. Maybe I'll look at the higher end Monitor series then.

I haven't heard the Mini-monitor or the Titan in person or much about them online. Any thoughts on these?

I'll need to drop by the local dealer.

Thanks for the response!

 

[j_garcia]

The Performance series has been rolled into the Monitor series at this point, so there isn't really a line "below" them except the Cinemas like there used to be (Atom and Titan used to be names in the Performance line).

 

[Warpdrv]

enormo.... don't forget to look at www.Audiogon.com (search for "Paradigm") for a set of used studio's that can easily be had for a set of new monitors... You can find some great bargains there..

I have bought off there a few times already, and have been very happy with not only the discount, but the product itself. I see a set of Studio 40's for a good deal...

The latest version of Studio is .v4.... I saw a pair for $1000.

It might be worth it, to just get 3 front Studio's and upgrade your surrounds later. If you don't listen to DVD-A, SACD and just do 2.1 for music.. Thats what I would do.

I bought from this Glicco guy already, and can vouch for him, I got perfect ADP-590 speakers.
http://buy.audiogon.com/cgia/cls.pl?spkrmoni&1203226629

 

[j_garcia]

I have bought and sold on there as well. Check your local area first to see if there are any that you can actually go see/hear. If not, look for ratings and feedback and ask a lot of questions. I have had excellent luck on there.

 

[mazersteven]

Interesting. Maybe I'll look at the higher end Monitor series then.

I haven't heard the Mini-monitor or the Titan in person or much about them online. Any thoughts on these?

The higher end Monitor series can't come close to the sound quality of the Studio 20's. IMO

3 Studio 20's across the front with Mini Monitor surrounds would make a nice system.

 

[bongobob]

I agree. Go with the Studio line if at all possible. It'll save you from upgrading which happened pretty quickly in my case. Now I'm happy as a clam.

 

[3db]

Yep,

I'd take the Studios too as well and save up money for the eventual replacement of the surrounds. For movies, you want teh L R C speakers to match timbre wis. Its not as important to match the surrounds. The only time you want timbre matching in the surrounds is with multichannel audio.

 

[enormo]

I guess it's going to be the studio series then!!! Going to see if I can get them used after I hear a pair!

Thanks!

 

[j_garcia]

I had Monitor 5s, CC370 and Minis/Titans for surrounds. In under a year I was looking to upgrade While you may spend a little more up front going Studios, in the long run it will be worth it.

 

[Johnd]

I guess it's going to be the studio series then!!! Going to see if I can get them used after I hear a pair!

Thanks!

I think mazer hit it right on. I have studios for the front and couldn't be happier. I have four mini-moniors for the surrounds and they integrate well except for the most demanding of sacd's. So in your instance, (almost all movies) spring for all studios if you can afford it, but consider the minis for the rears...I think you'll be fine.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Where the heck do you live? I was able to talk my dealer into the V4. 40's for 1k out the door.

 

[Warpdrv]

unfortunatley not all dealers are so forgiving.. which is a bummer...

 

[enormo]

Paired versions?

Okay. Been looking at Studio 20s and studio center channels. My question now is how much do you suppose the timber has changed from the V.3s to the V.4s?

I'm guessing not a lot since its an incremental change to the design.

Basically I'm looking for a used center channel (cc-570/v.3 or cc-590/v.4) to complement the 20s and they are more difficult to find than the 20s. If I found a cc-570 then I would consider the v.3 20s.

 

[Warpdrv]

You might want to do some shopping on Audiogon.com
Search for Paradigm

There are alot of good deals on Studio's there... check them out...
As Im sure you already know, there is no warrantee on products bought from there, but I found a pair of ADP-590's f0r cheap, and they were never used.

I bought from this guy...

I read from many people, that they weren't very happy with the cc-570, and after upgrading to the CC-590 were much happier.

 

[mazersteven]

You can also purchase a Studio 20 to use as your center channel. Don't know if this would work for your application.

 

[enormo]

You can also purchase a Studio 20 to use as your center channel. Don't know if this would work for your application.

Hmmm... I've heard of people doing this. My concern is that a center channel performs a pretty specific function when watching movies. A Studio 20 may be a better over all speaker but how would it perform in that task specific role?

I guess the best way would be to demo a 20 as a center channel.

 

[mazersteven]

A Studio 20 may be a better over all speaker but how would it perform in that task specific role?

It would perform Excellent. In fact it would be better then a center channel speaker. Center channel speakers are design for convenience of placement.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

A 20 is not a better speaker than a 570 or 590, you actually lose a driver. Paradigm seems to not care about the normal convenience of placement you see with other companies. Their centers are big and ugly.

It would perform Excellent. In fact it would be better then a center channel speaker. Center channel speakers are design for convenience of placement.