Alternatives to Paradigms

[EdJG]

I made the mistake of listening to a Paradigm HT System based on their Studio 100 series & liked the sound until I found out the price!

I went back to listen to their Phantom Series with a cc-270 to see if I could save some $. I didn't like them at all!

My major issue is in the quality of the spoken word - the 100's with the cc-570 sounded clear & crisp while the lower priced systems sounded way too muffled, not at all lifelike. I also listened to KEF, but didn't like them for the same reason. I attribute this to the difference in the Centers between the various systems I heard.

Since 90% of the use would be for HT applications the clarity is very important to me.


Need some recommendations as to what other speakers I should listen to (I'm hesitant to buy an internet only brand as I need to listen to a speaker before buying).

Looking for a 5.1 setup that with a good amp (recommendations also appreciated ) would cost about $3000.

(room is 20x14x7)

TIA,

Ed

 

[jcPanny]

Speaker options

Ed,
Listen to the paradigm Monitor series which is between the Studios and the lower end models. Also a bookehshelf system with the Studio 20's and a good sub or buying used on audiogon.com might make it more economical.

At B&M stores, look for B&W, Klipsch refrence, and PSB among other brands and bring some demo material that you are familiar with.

Many of the internet direct brands have a good return policy so you can do a 30 day trial in your home. AV123.com just went risk free on their bookshelf speakers so you are out nothing if you send them back. They also have a great deal on a floorstander 5.0 system for about $2k with shipping because they are moving their headquarters. They sould sound comparable and look a lot better than the paradigm studio series.

This would leave you $500-700 for a good sub and $3-500 for the receiver.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Welcome EDJG,

I am relatively new to all this too and spent the past 3 months trying to figure out what to buy. I found the best approach was to narrow it down to the top 4 or 5 brands via research and suggestions and then begin your auditions. I was actually set on not buying Paradigm or B&W because although they may be great speakers; I felt as though you are paying “jacked up” prices for the name.

My auditions for speakers were:

Monitor Audio RS6- Great speaker and I could get a dirt cheap price but in the end I felt that it was a little harsh or bright for my room.

Kef IQ7 and IQ9- I was somewhat impressed with these and in the end; they were probably my second choice.

B&W 600 series- no

PSB T-55- I could never find any.

Paradigm Studio 60’s- loved them bit had no idea they were $1800. My budget for the mains was <$1000.

I ended up with Studio 40’s which were not even on my list but I just couldn’t get over the sound of these speakers.

I ended up with the Paradigm Studio CC-570 center channel but I got a great deal on a brand new one that had external damage from a lady knocking it off the stand in the store.

AVR:

I thought I wanted one of the Pioneer Elites but in the end I went with the Yammy RX-659. The reviews are just so good on this and it is so cost efficient. If I need extra power in the future I can add an external amp without spending much money. At this time; it seems to have plenty of power to drive my system.

I am just using some old Sony’s for the surrounds for now; they are good enough until I can upgrade but this is last on my list.

I will purchase my sub in the next 2 or 3 months but it seems SVS is a no-brainer.

Get all your wires/cables from Mono-price or BlueJeans; it will save you a bundle.

Happy hunting…it is harder than it seems

 

[Nuglets]

I made the mistake of listening to a Paradigm HT System based on their Studio 100 series & liked the sound until I found out the price!

I went back to listen to their Phantom Series with a cc-270 to see if I could save some $. I didn't like them at all!

TIA,

Ed

I definitely wouldn't go with the CC-270 either. It's pretty much terrible unless your room is the size of a closet. You can do as Greg did and get a better center channel(which is arguably the most important element of a good HT system) match it up with some smaller mains and surrounds from the Studio lineup and get a subwoofer to handle the lows and you'll be set. It should be very comparable to the Studio 100 setup if you do.

 

[j_garcia]

I'd say look used for a set of Studios, they are relatively easy to find. Get a good front set 20s/40s and a matching CC then some Monitor surrounds.

 

[ARRAY]

Try Energy if you want to keep it Canadian. Both companies manufacture not too far from one another in Ontario.

 

[HTfan14]

You may want to try the Studio 20's(as someone mentioned) I had the v.2 with a CC-470 centre and absolutly loved it. In fact I wish I had kept it as the 570/40's v.3 I have now is not much of an improvemnet(for the extra $600 paid) Add in a quality sub and you would have a kicka@@ HT!