advice on setup please

[highmtndrifter]

I am very new to this and am in the process of picking out gear. Due to specific limitations regarding size etc... with my current built in, I have chosen the following gear:

1. Front speakers: Paradigm 7 atom
2. Center: Paradigm centre 1 or 3
3. Sub: Hsu vtf-1 mk2
4. AV reciever: marantz sr6006
5. Will probably add emotiva xpa-5 later.

Will this sound worth a damn? Any advice/suggestions will be much appreciated.

 

[zieglj01]

If you are going to place the Atom inside a built in cabinet - then I do not
reccomend it, due to the rear firing port - this can change the character of
the bass response, and can cause it to sound boomy, and lead to a muddy
sound character. Need to know the room size, to confirm the size of the sub.
The Marantz 6006 has good power, I would not worry about needing an amp.

 

[zieglj01]

The C1 will be fine as a center - it would be better if you did not have
to put the center inside a cabinet hole, due to the rear port. Make sure
the front edge of the center, is even with the front edge of the cabinet.
The VTF-1 can work in your room.

Also, make sure the bookshelves on top of the built in - are even with
the front edge.

 

[highmtndrifter]

Thanks for your help. The atoms will be placed on top of the built in so should be ok there. The room is 14x11- pretty small. The centre will be placed in the unit under the tv, but am planning on putting cloth in the panel in front. The hsu sub is pretty large dimensionally, but read good reviews and hoped I could use it. Will probably just place it in a corner outside the built in. Haven't picked out surround speakers, but will either need in ceiling or small wall mounts.
Thanks for your advice on the emotiva... It's not super pricey, but could use the money elsewhere. Thank you for any further advice you may offer.

 

[highmtndrifter]

Somehow I screwed up the order of this thread, but thanks again for your advice/ suggestions! For music, would I be better to go with the mini monitor over the atom? Wanted to go with b&w 685, but just dont have room.

 

[zieglj01]

Somehow I screwed up the order of this thread, but thanks again for your advice/ suggestions! For music, would I be better to go with the mini monitor over the atom? Wanted to go with b&w 685, but just dont have room.

I am not a big Paradigm fan - however, I would choose the Mini Monitor
over the Atom.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Will this sound worth a damn?

To some, yes.

To some, no.

I'd rather get the NHT SuperZero x 5 all around for $75 from Amazon Warehouse.

Amazon.com: NHT SuperZero 2.0 Mini Monitor Speaker (Gloss Black)(Single Speaker): Warehouse Deals

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

The HSU is $430.

I'd rather get the Rythmik FV12 for $500. Only $500 sub on market with Direct Servo technology, which means you get tight accurate bass with Q-value of 0.5.

Rythmik FV12 - vented HT sub

 

[highmtndrifter]

the other thing that was pointed out earlier is that the bookshelf speakers will have to be placed pretty close to the wall.... like a few inches close. Since the paradigm mini is a rear firing speaker would I be better with something like the usher s-520? other suggestions for a nice front firing or sealed bookshelf? Also, is it better to match the bookshelf speakers with a center speaker form the same company? if im stuck on the mini monitor can i stuff some dampening material in the port? thanks again!

 

[zieglj01]

Focal 705 is good
Music Direct - FOCAL - CHORUS 705V BOOKSHELF SPEAKERS (PR)
The 706
http://www.musicdirect.com/p-41246-focal-chorus-706v-bookshelf-speakers-pr.aspx

http://www.musicdirect.com/p-4927-focal-cc700v-center-speaker.aspx

NHT Absolute Zero
http://www.nhthifi.com/Absolute-Zero-Black?sc=12&category=3772
The Classic Two
http://www.nhthifi.com/Two-Black?sc=12&category=3772

http://www.nhthifi.com/Two-C?sc=12&category=3774

If the rear ported speaker, has room to the sides and top - and a few inches
from the back wall > it may work OK for you.
Stuffing rear ported speakers can effect the bass - You will need to expierment
with the subwoofer, for overall bass results.

I am with the camp that likes to match the series center speaker, and that has
given me best results.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

KEF Q300 or Q100.

Accessories4less: High End Audio at Low End Prices!

Accessories4less: High End Audio at Low End Prices!

Yes, generally good idea to keep same brand all around, especially front 3.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

But no bookshelf impresses me more for the money than the NHT Absolute Zero (in terms of HTMag FR measurements).

The Absolute Zero’s listening-window response (a five-point average of axial and +/–15-degree horizontal and vertical responses) measures +0.94/–0.82 decibels from 200 hertz to 10 kilohertz.

NHT Absolute Zero Speaker System HT Labs Measures | Home Theater