Advice on speakers for already installed system (w/no speakers)

[JWF]

I know very little about home theater set-ups, and need some advice on speakers. Here's the story: we just bought a house and the previous owners left their TV and some components. Here's what they left:
pioneer elite 42" tv; pioneer elite media receiver pro-ro5u; pioneer elite vsx-01txh; marantz cd/dvd dv6500; and paradigm center channel.

They also left the cables coming from behind the the front walls (genesis 16awg) on each side of the tv in front, and in back (one cable spliced into a headphone-type jack connection in the back of the room) but with no speakers.

I'd like to know what type of speakers i should get for the fronts (probably not very large, bookshelf type speakers) and rear (subwoofer and surround/rears?)

The room is about 12 feet deep and 20 feet long, u-shape sectional in front of tv that's mounted up fairly high on wall. As far as budget goes, I guess up to $1500 or so.

Any input would be very much appreciated. Thanks,

JWF

 

[bandphan]

What model paradigm center? You should have trimbre matched LCRs. Depending on that, you might want something different.
Some value companies to look at
SVS
Ascend Acoustics
EMP
Axiom

And there are the brick and motar brands also, but with a 1500 budget(unless its a clearance sale), Id stick withe the ID companies.

 

[adk highlander]

Hello JWF and welcome to the forum.

Looks like the previous owner left you some nice gear.

Do you know what model the center channel speaker is? Paradigm has several lines and it would be nice if you could match the bookshelfs and surrounds to the center. This is not as important for the surrounds but having a voice matched front soundstage will usually sound much better.

For a sub you want to look at SVS, HSU, Outlaw or Velodyne. The SVS PB12-NSD is on sale for $569 right now. Once we know which model Paradigms you have we can see what prices we can find. paradigm is not sold on the internet so a local dealer will be necessary. Also Audiogon is another great place to buy speakers where you can find like new models from both dealers and individuals.

Edit: I see Scott posted while I was typing.

 

[JWF]

Wow, thanks for the quick responses! I'll check out some of those brands mentioned. Just went and checked the center channel, it's pretty firmly mounted to the wall (not sure i want to start taking things apart) with no model #s on front or inside the cover, it's about 16" long, 6" high and 6" deep and all black (very technical description, right?), not very big.

 

[KEW]

JWF,

Check here and see if you can find a match:
http://www.paradigm.com/en/paradigm/speaker-type-centers.paradigm

You will likely need to remove the grill to positively ID the drivers. This should get you the model, but probably not the version (revision) of that model.
IIRC, the ID plate is on the back where the speaker wires connect. You might try a mirror and flashlight (assuming there is some gap between it and the wall).

 

[JWF]

Posted response earlier but doesn't look like it worked. Anyway, paradigm center looks like it's from the cinema series.

I was just looking at the svs site, seems like they have decent deals for complete systems in my budget range (the 5.1 affordable audiophile package with the pb12-nsd sub), any opinions on that?

 

[bandphan]

Posted response earlier but doesn't look like it worked. Anyway, paradigm center looks like it's from the cinema series.

I was just looking at the svs site, seems like they have decent deals for complete systems in my budget range (the 5.1 affordable audiophile package with the pb12-nsd sub), any opinions on that?

A fairly well recieved package. Also check out the Acesnd 170s. SVS subs, along with HSU, and ED (as well as others) are great bang for your buck.

 

[JWF]

Thanks for the advice everyone! Just ordered SVS 5.1 affordable audiophile package (2 sts-01, 2 sbs-01, 1 scs-01 center, pb12 sub), will let you know how it goes...

 

[JWF]

So UPS just dropped off the speakers. As a newbie, I'm just wondering if there's anything special i need to do when setting them up, or is it just plug-n-play?

 

[adk highlander]

Step 1: Carry heavy boxes to your room.
Step 2: Beer
Step 3: Unpack speakers and admire the fine workmanship
Step 4: Beer
Step 5: Hook up to your receiver
Step 6: Beer
Step 7: Run MCACC speaker and room setup
Step 8: Beer.
Step 9: Pee (common you've had 4 beers)
Step 10: Toss in a CD or a movie kick back and enjoy.