Suggestions on a 7.2 Surround System

[SigSauer]

I'm planning on replacing my stereo speakers together with my Bose acoustimass 10 surround and built up a true 7.1 surround system.

ALSO since the front speakers have different power ratings compared to the center and side speakers would that be an issue?

-Room size 65sqm-
-Budget 3500 gbp-
-Personal Choice JBL, B&W, MARANTZ, ONKYO, VELODYNE

From my personal choice I always preferred JBL in terms of quality, but I've seen paradigms as a very good alternative but i need your advice.
(The reason why I added the ES models too is because I need your advice on what to choose, the es models seem to be more focused in high frequencies whilst the ES models provide more mid range sound which probably would suit better for the whole system.)
What regard to the low frequencies I was looking at Velodyne since I have previously owned one I was thinking of either getting one of these monsters or get 2 active sub woofers from JBL (NO y-cables)(Check below)

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

JBL ES100 (FRONT L/R) x2 4-Way, Dual 250mm (10") Floor standing Speaker
ES100BK - JBL
JBL ES100 (REAR L/R) x2 4-Way, Dual 250mm (10") Floor standing Speaker
or
JBL LS80 Models 3-1/2-Way, Dual 200mm (8") Floor standing Speaker
LS80 - JBL
or
Paradigm studio-100 (REAR L/R) x2 (FRONT L/R) x2
Studio 100 - Welcome to the New Official Paradigm® Website.

LS-center (CENTER) 3-Way, Dual 165mm (6.5") Center Speaker
LS Center BG - JBL
or
Paradigm Millenia™ 20 Trio (CENTER)
9-driver, 3-channel, 2-way acoustic suspension, on-wall / shelf-mounted
Millenia™ 20 Trio - Welcome to the New Official Paradigm® Website.


ES30 (SIDES L/R) x2 3-Way, 170mm (6") SIDE Speaker (Bookshelf type)
ES30BK - JBL
or
LS 40 (SIDES L/R) x2 3-Way, 165mm (6.5") SIDE Speaker
LS40BG - JBL
or
Paradigm Millenia™ 20 Trio (Side Speakers)
9-driver, 3-channel, 2-way acoustic suspension, on-wall / shelf-mounted
Millenia™ 20 Trio - Welcome to the New Official Paradigm® Website.

LS120PBG/230 Subwoofer x2
LS120PBG - JBL
or
Velodyne-SPL-1000-ultra Subwoofer x1
Velodyne SPL-1000 Ultra review from the experts at whathifi.com

or
Paradigm SUB 25
SUB 25 - Welcome to the New Official Paradigm® Website.

ONKYO tx-nr818 (7.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver)
Onkyo | TX-NR818

 

[fuzz092888]

Are you looking to buy all at once or start with a smaller 2.1 setup and build from there?

Are you set on these brands and only looking for suggestions between what you've listed or would you want suggestions from other brands as well?

I'm assuming that when you say es and ES you really meant one of them to be LS. I'm not sure why you would say one or the other is more focused on high frequencies or low frequencies, they have similar frequency ranges, one can reach a bit deeper than the other, but if you're crossing over to a sub at 40, 60 or 80hz then that won't really matter at all. Unless of course you have heard them and these were your observations. The paradigm would have to be crossed at 60 or 80 since its range is only down to 44hz

The centers only issue I see with the centers is that the paradigm has to be crossed higher than the JBL (about 100 vs 80).

I would go with the two JBLs, only because (if my math is correct) you have a pretty large space to fill and two of those should give you better overall coverage the a single velo. The velo will probably hit harder, but for more even coverage of the area two are better than one.

Have you listened to all of these speakers? That should probably be the best place to start if you are dead set on your choices above, go audition them.

 

[SigSauer]

Are you looking to buy all at once or start with a smaller 2.1 setup and build from there?

All at once 7.2

Are you set on these brands and only looking for suggestions between what you've listed or would you want suggestions from other brands as well?

Well not really I would prefer Paradigms or Jbls since I heard them but thats why I need your advice I'm not a pro so I leave it to the experts to judge


I'm assuming that when you say es and ES you really meant one of them to be LS. I'm not sure why you would say one or the other is more focused on high frequencies or low frequencies, they have similar frequency ranges, one can reach a bit deeper than the other, but if you're crossing over to a sub at 40, 60 or 80hz then that won't really matter at all. Unless of course you have heard them and these were your observations. The paradigm would have to be crossed at 60 or 80 since its range is only down to 44hz

Well this is why I can't really see the difference between the LS and ES models in terms of specifications, what regard to power the ES100 is slightly more powerful. The main comparison is left with the ES100 model with mid range and dome tweeter setup and the LS80 with a mid range and horn tweeter dunno what to choose.

 

[fuzz092888]

I'm no expert, just kinda gathering knowledge as I go from the experts, like what you are doing

It's not the ES100 is more powerful, it just has a higher power handling rating, shouldn't really mean too much, unless you are planning on driving these to reference levels.

I haven't heard the speakers in question, but my understanding is the the dome tweeter will be a bit more subtle and smoother, and the horn will be much more up front and sharper. It really depends on your preferences in that respect.

My main issue is that I'm not entirely sure what is and isn't available outside the US, so in I'd need some help there. I can try to help make some decisions between what you've listed.

Also you have such a big space, 5600 cubic feet I think, that you definitely need more than a single sub. Unless I totally miscalculated the conversion.

 

[SigSauer]

Well the sub is not an issue I will eventually add another one but to start off
I would need to decide what to go for either the JBL or Paradigms they are completely different in their characteristics so in terms of power and quality for me its hard to identify which one will satisfy my objectives which are mainly both for home cinema and music(psychedelic & drum n bass) which in most cases is played loud.

The room is quite big and probably I might switch the whole system in my living room which is open planned measuring a total of 105sqm so yes i need power and quality at the same time without distortion at high volume levels.

 

[fuzz092888]

My own personal vote goes to the paradigms, I think performance wise they will be close, close enough that you won't regret either purchase. I tend the like the aesthetics on the paradigms a bit more, so that's why they get my vote.

Unless you've heard something drastically different between any of the speakers mentioned, it really will come down to aesthetics since any of the above should handle what you are trying to do.

Something I forgot, no the different power ratings make no difference. As long as all speakers meet the minimum impedance rating of whatever you're trying to drive them with then you're golden.

Also, if you plan on going loud you'll probably want an external amp.

 

[lsiberian]

You have way more options than JBL and Paradigm. Tannoy, KEF, Quad, Whaferdale, Quad and many other brands.

Superfi - Floor Standing Speakers

is just a short list of potential options. I suggest you try to audition some other brands if you can. I'm convinced you can do better for your money.

You are about to drop 4k. At least give a few more listens before buying the JBLs. Harman is a solid company, but you are in the UK(lots of great products there)

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I would go with KEF or Revel.

And I would not waste my money on 7.2.

I would go with 5.1 or 5.2, depending on budget limit.

 

[Alex2507]

I would go with KEF or Revel.

And I would not waste my money on 7.2.

I would go with 5.1 or 5.2, depending on budget limit.

I'm seeing more and more Blu-rays coming out with 7.1 and feel that there's an advantage to be had as was not really the case with 5.1 source material.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I'm seeing more and more Blu-rays coming out with 7.1 and feel that there's an advantage to be had as was not really the case with 5.1 source material.

The majority of any soundtrack is in the front 3 channels. No question about it.

Even when they come out with discrete 11.2, I'll still think it is pure gimmick, just like 3D video.

Unless the room is just very large, I don't see much point of having a bunch of discrete surrounds.

I rather have 5 better quality speakers than 7 lesser quality speakers due to budget limit.

I think the most important thing is in front of us, not behind us.

 

[Alex2507]

The majority of any soundtrack is in the front 3 channels. No question about it.

I think the most important thing is in front of us, not behind us.

Have you considered 3.1?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Have you considered 3.1?

Now you're just being silly.

5.1 is much better than 2.0, 2.1, & 3.1. No question about it. Unequivocal.

Like all things in life, nothing extreme, just somewhere in between.

Sometimes "more" is actually "less".

Quality over quantity.

 

[lsiberian]

The majority of any soundtrack is in the front 3 channels. No question about it.

Even when they come out with discrete 11.2, I'll still think it is pure gimmick, just like 3D video.

Unless the room is just very large, I don't see much point of having a bunch of discrete surrounds.

I rather have 5 better quality speakers than 7 lesser quality speakers due to budget limit.

I think the most important thing is in front of us, not behind us.

Actually small rooms can benefit from 7 in my experience. I know that my room does. I've got limited spacing for the surrounds and having a couple extras helps a lot.

 

[ack_bak]

I'm seeing more and more Blu-rays coming out with 7.1 and feel that there's an advantage to be had as was not really the case with 5.1 source material.

Exactly. There are some very dynamic mixes out there and I suspect we will only see more 7.1 channel mixes over time. I am even seeing more family movies (not just your typical action/adventure movie).

We had a big family movie night this past Friday at my house with some family members (10 people total) and we watched the new "Muppets" movie on Blu-Ray. Amazing 7.1 mix. I was very impressed and it was a real blast. The 7.1 track really added to the movie.

I agree that the vast majority of the budget should be spent on the front three speakers and the subwoofer, but with Blu-Ray there are some great 7.1 tracks out there that really add to the experience.

 

[SigSauer]

You have way more options than JBL and Paradigm. Tannoy, KEF, Quad, Whaferdale, Quad and many other brands.

Superfi - Floor Standing Speakers

is just a short list of potential options. I suggest you try to audition some other brands if you can. I'm convinced you can do better for your money.

You are about to drop 4k. At least give a few more listens before buying the JBLs. Harman is a solid company, but you are in the UK(lots of great products there)

I'm not in the uk and to be honest i have particular interests towards JBLs and Paradigm both for their designs,price and quality I have listened to both but I only owned JBL Bose,yamaha & velo. Now I decided to upgrade to a complete new system doesn't really matter if its 5.2 or 7.2 as long as what i do I do it once and for good so please if you can suggest me a good 5.1 setup with plently of power and quality you are more than welcome but I hardly have seen something better then these brands in terms of quality and price.

And honestly speaking can you really spot out the difference when you hear and compare midrange speakers with high-end speakers, cause i can't exept for the price.
A month ago i was in london for a short vacation and could admire the true crisp and sharp sound of a pair of B&W's 800d but hello I know they are B&W but come on there was nothing so special to pay all that money for just a pair of speakers its not a ferrari of which you can admire its prestige, they are simply a pair of high end speakers with same specs like many others in lower catagories.

 

[fuzz092888]

There are differences between higher priced and lower priced speakers, some subtle, some less so, but if you can't hear the difference then you are absolutely right, no reason to pay more for something that doesn't sound different to you.

All of the brands mentioned make good speakers, we can go on and on suggesting this or that, debating the merits of each speaker. The bottom line is what you think. If you think that JBL and paradigm sound great to you and that they offer exactly what you want for the price you want I say go with one of the systems you've already heard.

I think it would be worth it to audition some kefs, wharf dales, missions, and totems.

I personally lean towards the totems, out of all the brands mentioned, but again it's up to you to decide if you want to put in the time to go audition all of these brands. If so great, maybe you'll find a different brand other than JBl and paradigm that tickle your fancy. If not, then I doubt you'll be disappointed with one of the two setups you've already mentioned.

 

[SigSauer]

I was also considering this nice setup from kef KEF International - Showroom - Q900 7.1 Package

I really like the fronts but not particularly the rest of the system dunno why.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I'm not in the uk and to be honest i have particular interests towards JBLs and Paradigm both for their designs,price and quality I have listened to both but I only owned JBL Bose,yamaha & velo.

If You are looking for high quality,design and good price you should definitely look closer at Wharfardale, Tannoy and Mission brands.

You should read few good articles here in AH University on how to listen and shop for speakers... Grab your favorite CD and try to make sure you're listening different speakers at same volume.

Given you provided us your budget in gpb - everyone assumes you are in UK and give suggestions according to your budget as good local brand is most of the time preferable over imported one.

I own a set of JBL Pro monitors, yet I'll be the first to tell you that most consumer level JBL stuff is not that great

KEF Q900 is an excellent speaker, but KEF Q900 theater set includes an 8" "subwoofer" - this would be sub-optimal for HT experience in larger rooms

 

[ACsGreens]

Awesome setup

Check out this review.....note..I know reviews are subjective but I have listened to this setup and it is a pure joy to listen to, will blow socks off.
Test Report: Paradigm Monitor Series 7 Speaker System | Sound and Vision Magazine

 

[SigSauer]

Since the JBL's ES100 are my first choice for the fronts what would be suitable to go with them in the setup for the rears (other JBL models)?