Speaker Selection

[Sparks]

I am considering the Paradigm Cinema 220s for the L/R channels of my home theater system which have dual 5.25" woofers. I have two options for my center channel--the Cinema CC (3.5" woofers) and the Cinema 110C (4.5" woofers). My question is this--will I have a better balanced system if I have a broader range of speaker sizes (3.5" center, 5.25" L/R, 10" sub) or larger woofers (4.5" center, 5.25" L/R, 10" sub), or does it make a difference? It seems to me that if I have a wide variety of incremental sizes, the system will optimally cover the entire listening range.

 

[Davemcc]

I'm using 3 Cinema 220 for L/C/R in my bedroom system and 2 Cinema 110 as surrounds. I think this is the best way to do the front 3, with a matched set of the 220.

One thing to note is that the Cinema Series are somewhat lacking in bass extension, like so many other on-wall designs. You wouldn't think so given the size of them, but they are 2db down at 115Hz. I hope you have a decent sub to bridge the gap when using a crossover point well above 100Hz and that you have some flexibility in sub placement to help deal with bass localization issues. I'm using my Hsu STF-3 and it seems to work just fine in the non-critical listening environment of the bedroom system.

I'm not sure I'd use the Cinema in a main system application, unless of course you require an on-wall solution. What's your situation and setup requirements? Maybe there is a better product for your application.

 

[jcPanny]

On-wall speakers

The AH store has the simialr RBH/EMP on-wall speakers for $100 each. Axiom also offers some on-wall speaker models, check it out.

I agree, if you go with paradigm, get the same speaker for the L/C/R channels.

 

[mazersteven]

I'm using 3 Cinema 220 for L/C/R in my bedroom system I think this is the best way to do the front 3, with a matched set of the 220.

This is my recommendation also. For a seamless front use the same speaker for your L/C/R if this is possible.

 

[Sparks]

I have no choice but to go with on-wall speakers in this particular room, otherwise I would use the three speakers I bought for my previous system. My only concern is that the Paradigm website recommends using the Cinema CC or Cinema 110C for the center channel because these particular speakers are "timbre balanced". I would feel much better if Paradigm actually stated that using a 220 for the center is ok. Does anyone have any other suggestions for a nice sounding on-wall speaker in the $200 range?

 

[zhimbo]

My only concern is that the Paradigm website recommends using the Cinema CC or Cinema 110C for the center channel because these particular speakers are "timbre balanced".

The ultimate in timbre matching is to use three identical speakers across the front. This is always the best - assuming you can fit the center channel speaker in the appropriate location. This is often awkward or impossible in many rooms with many speakers, so a specialized center channel speaker (usually horizontal in orientation) is used in those cases. In that case, IF you are using a different center channel, you'll want to pay attention to get speakers that are timbre matched, and use the ones recommended by Paradigm in this case.

But an IDENTICAL speaker is guaranteed to give the best possible timbre match.

 

[Sparks]

Thanks for the advice. I have room to wall mount a 220 horizontally, but not vertically. Is it ok to horizontal mount the 220 or should I just get a 110C? Thanks again.

 

[Davemcc]

My L/R 220's are vertical and my center 220 is horizontal. No problem.

Here's a challenge for you. Find out what the difference is between a 100C and the 110L/R. I suspect they are identical.

 

[Sparks]

The 110 L/R and 110C appear to be the same frikin speaker to me according to the specs. There's got to be a difference though. I'm awaiting Paradigm's response.

 

[Sparks]

Went by Best Buy and Circuit City today to check out their on wall speaker selection and wasn't very pleased. Only speakers I was willing to consider were part of a Klipsch Quintet SL-5 five piece system. However, I'm only looking for a 3 channel system (LCR). After listening to the Klipsch speakers (two 3.5" woofers, 3/4" tweeter), I beginning to think that the Paradigm 110s might suffice as opposed to the 220s. I plan on checking them out at a local retailer tomorrow. Does anyone have any feedback regarding these particular speakers? I plan on using two Cinema 110s for L/R and a 110C for the center with a 10" Klipsch sub all powered by a Harman Kardon AVR 635 (75Wx7).

 

[jcPanny]

Speaker performance

Check out the frequency response on the paradigms. When you get speakers with woofers less than 4-5", it is usally compromises their frequency response. When you main speakers can't play <100 Hz, then the sub has to cover these higher mid-range frequencies and you can localize (tell the location) of the sound coming from the subwoofer. The speaker selection at BB including the Klipsch subs is mediocre.

 

[Sparks]

I ended up purchasing the Paradigm 110s (left, right, and center) which I will be pairing with my Klipsch sub10 subwoofer. I was pleased with 110s after hearing them in the store, plus the 220s were a little too large for my application. I'm a little concerned about the frequency response. It is indicated as 120 Hz to 20kHz "on axis". Can someone explain what that means? Also, they have a "low frequency extension" of 80Hz (DIN). Does this mean they can produce sound down to 80Hz?

 

[jcPanny]

Speaker crossover

As the frequency response sugests, the speakers will produce significantly less output below 120 Hz. Thus, set the speakers to SMALL on the receiver with a crossover of 120 Hz or higher.

 

[Sparks]

Those are the exact settings I plan on using. So my sub will have to cover everything below 120 Hz then. Will I be able to notice the sound divert to the sub at these lower frequencies?