What to do?

[snmhanson]

Sorry about the vague title to this post but I couldn't think of a concise title that would describe what I am after. I am setting up a home theater/media room and have decided on Paradigm Studio 60s for my front speakers. I have a NAD amp and am trying to secure a new processor, though I do have an old receiver that I can use as a processor for the time being. Although I would love to go buy the Studio 60s now, the responsible side of me is saying I need to take care of a few other things first. Nevertheless, I am going to need at least a couple of speakers to start enjoying the room so I want to see what I can do for around $500. So, the way I see it I have a couple of options.

First, I could just get a cheaper system to use until I can swing the Studios. I could either go full 5.1, 5.0, 3.0 or even just 2.0. I am sure I could find something to get me by for around $500 but I am not sure what I would do with them once I get my setup.

Second, I have a 42" flat panel in another room with in-wall speakers that I can't stand. I could get some on-wall speakers (L-C-R) to use temporarily in the media room and then transfer them to the flat panel once I get the Studios. I am just not sure if I could get anything I would want to keep for the long-term and that could handle the NAD amp for under $500.

Third, I could get a soundbar with the same idea as described above. I think a decent soundbar would be a great speaker for the flat panel and I assume it should work fine as a temporary solution for the media room. Once again though, could I find a decent one for $500?

Finally, I could get a couple of used Studio 20s (V3 or 4) to use as a stereo setup initially. Then, when I get the Studio 60s and a center channel and move the 20s to surround position. Would this work well considering that the 20s and the 60s would be different versions? My originaly plan was to go with dipoles for the surrounds but I am sure that the 20s would be fine. Worst case, I could get the dipoles for the surrounds and put the 20s in the back for a 7.1 system.

I think the last option is the most appealing to me but I just want to make sure it makes sense. Anyone care to offer their opinion of the options described above - or add another option?

Thanks,

Matt

 

[griffinconst]

I'll take curtain #3. Oh crap, a donkey wearing a hat.
Actually I like #3. The 20's will sound decent until you get the 60's and then will make excellent surrounds. It is important to timbre match your center to the fronts but not so much to the surrounds, so matching the versions isn't really a concern. Some here might disagree with that but let's see what the other fellas think. Of course it's your ears that have to be satisfied.
I'd go for #3.
As for your other room, there are some good in-wall speakers out there now. I would replace what you have with some good sounding ones that are the same size or bigger so you can use the same holes.

 

[jamie2112]

I like curtain #4.....

 

[Seth=L]

I'll take curtain #3. Oh crap, a donkey wearing a hat.
Actually I like #3. The 20's will sound decent until you get the 60's and then will make excellent surrounds. It is important to timbre match your center to the fronts but not so much to the surrounds, so matching the versions isn't really a concern. Some here might disagree with that but let's see what the other fellas think. Of course it's your ears that have to be satisfied.
I'd go for #3.
As for your other room, there are some good in-wall speakers out there now. I would replace what you have with some good sounding ones that are the same size or bigger so you can use the same holes.

That flippin donkey.

 

[gixxerific]

if it were me which it will be tommorow. I would go with the best 2.0 I could afford than build on that.

On another note, when I want to listen to music I like it through speakers when I want I a refreshing beverage I go to the bar. What I'm trying to say is those magical bar thingy's will more than likely leave you dissapointed.

Dono

Oh and "griffinconst" I think you meant #4, which would be my alternative choice.

 

[markw]

I'd go for option last, or implied # four, for the reasons griffinconst stated in post # 2. Another good reason is that you've wasted no money at all. You build on your initial investment.

(I may be wrong, but somehow I think this is the one he meant also)

 

[CraigV]

I'd go for option last, or implied # four, for the reasons griffinconst stated in post # 2. Another good reason is that you've wasted no money at all. You build on your initial investment.

(I may be wrong, but somehow I think this is the one he meant also)

Ditto. Used audio is like used cars - the depreciation can hit as soon as it’s out of the box. Don’t get caught in the buy-sell-buy game, you lose money in the end. Get two good speakers to start with that will be incorporated into your system as it builds. Have you considered buying second hand?

 

[snmhanson]

Thanks for the advice. I figured that was probably the way to go but it never hurts to ask. I will definately look for a good used pair of V3 or V4 Studio 20s - I actually am eyeing a pair right now. I should be ok driving the 20s with my NAD T-973 (140 WPC) amp right? I get confused looking at the Paradigm specs as they say maximum input power of 110 watts but list a suitable amplifier of 15-180 watts. I think I'm ok, but again, it never hurts to double check. Also, the Sudio 20s should be relatively easy to wall mount, right? My surrounds are going to be wall mounted so when I eventually get the 60s the 20s would be going on the wall.

Thanks,

Matt

 

[griffinconst]

Those will love your NAD and visa versa. And hopefully you will love them both.

 

[griffinconst]

Once you get a sub going with those you might not want the 60's.

 

[lsiberian]

Sorry about the vague title to this post but I couldn't think of a concise title that would describe what I am after. I am setting up a home theater/media room and have decided on Paradigm Studio 60s for my front speakers. I have a NAD amp and am trying to secure a new processor, though I do have an old receiver that I can use as a processor for the time being. Although I would love to go buy the Studio 60s now, the responsible side of me is saying I need to take care of a few other things first. Nevertheless, I am going to need at least a couple of speakers to start enjoying the room so I want to see what I can do for around $500. So, the way I see it I have a couple of options.

First, I could just get a cheaper system to use until I can swing the Studios. I could either go full 5.1, 5.0, 3.0 or even just 2.0. I am sure I could find something to get me by for around $500 but I am not sure what I would do with them once I get my setup.

Second, I have a 42" flat panel in another room with in-wall speakers that I can't stand. I could get some on-wall speakers (L-C-R) to use temporarily in the media room and then transfer them to the flat panel once I get the Studios. I am just not sure if I could get anything I would want to keep for the long-term and that could handle the NAD amp for under $500.

Third, I could get a soundbar with the same idea as described above. I think a decent soundbar would be a great speaker for the flat panel and I assume it should work fine as a temporary solution for the media room. Once again though, could I find a decent one for $500?

Finally, I could get a couple of used Studio 20s (V3 or 4) to use as a stereo setup initially. Then, when I get the Studio 60s and a center channel and move the 20s to surround position. Would this work well considering that the 20s and the 60s would be different versions? My originaly plan was to go with dipoles for the surrounds but I am sure that the 20s would be fine. Worst case, I could get the dipoles for the surrounds and put the 20s in the back for a 7.1 system.

I think the last option is the most appealing to me but I just want to make sure it makes sense. Anyone care to offer their opinion of the options described above - or add another option?

Thanks,

Matt

Honestly we all want sick speakers, but be honest with yourself do you really want to dump the money on the 60s if so. Then take your time. Don't delay yourself from the 60s. Save up. Anticipate dream. have imaginary listening sessions, but don't settle on the 20s. Don't be silly. Get what you want, just take time to do it.

FYI there is no need to upgrade any receivers or amps until you got the speakers. put every dime toward the speakers. Even if you have to get a 2 channel pawn shop amp. It's worth it to go all out for the speakers.

Oh and Dipole setups vary widely. but for the rear you only need one dipole.

 

[griffinconst]

if it were me which it will be tommorow. I would go with the best 2.0 I could afford than build on that.

On another note, when I want to listen to music I like it through speakers when I want I a refreshing beverage I go to the bar. What I'm trying to say is those magical bar thingy's will more than likely leave you dissapointed.

Dono

Oh and "griffinconst" I think you meant #4, which would be my alternative choice.

Oops, my bad. I did mean #4. Thanks guys.

 

[griffinconst]

If you'll do used 60's, Audiogon and ebay have a few pairs right now. Looks like they aren't much more $ than 20's.

 

[gixxerific]

If you'll do used 60's, Audiogon and ebay have a few pairs right now. Looks like they aren't much more $ than 20's.

Yes with the V5 coming out the v4 are going CHEAP. "While supplies last"

 

[griffinconst]

By the way, I am not affiliated with any of the sellers.

 

[jostenmeat]

Along the lines of what's been generally recommended, I also agree that you ought to get the best pair of speakers you can. The speakers are by far where the greatest differences in quality are found within the entire chain of audio. Not Even Close.

The only other competitor to the title of "most important component" is the room, but that is an invariable, and something that we might not necessarily help you shop for. You do your best by educating yourself in acoustics, so that you can setup furniture/equipment to give you the best chances, to position the speakers and yourself for the best chances, and of course applying room treatments and/or applying EQ and/or RC.

As for your NAD, I have the same, and it doesn't weigh 68 lbs for nothing. Many people here would love to have that kind of power behind their speakers. Sure, it ain't no Outlaw 7900, but it's the rare person who listens to reference level as the norm. There might not be a single audioholic here who listens at reference level. I've met a few, but not here at AH quite yet. Though I'm not sure what rmk has been up to with those high spl capable JTRs he has. In any case, my point is that you shouldn't worry about it. You can buy a monster way down the road after everything else, I mean everything else, is taken care of. That's JMO of course.

ciao

 

[snmhanson]

Thanks again for all of the replies. I would love to go for some new 60s right off the bat rather than 20s initially. However, I like the looks of the new V5s for the fronts, if nothing else than for aesthetics - although I am sure they will be at least marginally better sonically than the V4s. I just can't drop the $2000+ on them right now. I think I can get a new pair of V4 20s for $500-650 and a used pair of V3s for less than that. That would tide me over until I can swing the 60s (with a center). Then the 20s could go to the sides or back - or in another room. Spending the cash on the 20s also will not delay how long it will take to get the 60s. So, as long as I am not wasting my money on the 20s and am going to end up with a pair of speakers that I won't use in the end (which I don't think is the case) I think that is the best route for me. I am very anxious to start using that amp and the room the way I intended when we built it...

Matt

 

[griffinconst]

Good luck to you Matt. Let us know how it goes.

 

[snmhanson]

Thanks again for the replies and advice. I was going to bid on some brand new Studio 20 V4s but got tied up and didn't get a bid in. They ended up selling for $540 on E-Bay - a pretty good deal in my eyes. Since I missed that opportunity I started thinking about whether I would really use the 20s once I get the 60s for up front. Looking at the dimensions of the 20s, they are a bit deep and would probably protude a bit far out from the wall if I used them for wall-mounted surrounds. I think in the end I am really going to want ADP-590s for the sides so now I am second guessing my desire to purchase the 20s.

Now, this question is definately going to illustrate my lack of knowledge in the A/V field, but how would a pair of ADPs work for temporary front speakers in a 2.0 or maybe 3.0 system. Obviously they won't sound as good as a proper front speaker but will they work until I can afford the Studio 60s?In addition to being able to use the room for movie watching, I also really want speakers to be able to listen to music in that room. I think I can get a pair of new ADP-590s for around $1000 (I know, that's half way to a pair of 60s, but the ADPs will be easier to convince my wife that we didn't just refinance the house so I could get nice speakers...). I figure I could temporarily mount the ADPs in the front locations or I could hang them on the walls at the side locations and just connect them to the front outputs. I know this is unconventional, but would it get me by?

Thanks,

Matt

 

[gixxerific]

I know you don't want to hear this but don't sell yourself short and just get something to get by with. You would be better off and more happy if you waited and get what you want instead of something as a holdover.

Really I have been into audio (mainly car) forever. The reason I waited so long to get something nice for the home is because it aint' cheap nigga. I wanted to go big instead of small several times over. It is finacnially better that way in the end. Sure it may take a longer but.........

Where do live? Are there any dealers close by? I found a place that had something I wanted that has no interest finacing for 12 months (lucky me). I payed up about half the rest will be paid off next tax season. Maybe you could go that route.

But just think about it, don't sell yourself short. If you are anything like me you will second geuss youreself forever, thinking what if......?!. Anyway good luck bro there are way too many choices out there, but there shure as **** ain't enough money at least in my case.

Dono