Bose 301 vs. Paradigm Titan

[Totoro]

I am in the process of installing a new HT/Audio room and am nearly finished. I purchased a Marantz SR4600 receiver, an Infinity subwoofer, and wall bracket mounted Bose 151 for surround. Now for the front speakers, I have several older speakers from my previous HT, which has long since been retired. The center speaker is Kenwood and I have both Bose 301 version II and Paradigm Titan bookshelf speakers (all about 15 years old). Which would you choose for the front speakers, the Bose or the Titan?

 

[bongobob]

Titans hands down. Great Little speaker....

 

[markw]

As usual, in a case like this,

since you have both at your disposal, I'd suggest you try 'em and see which is the closest match to your center speaker.

Ideally, the center and R/L fronts (for HT at least) should be of ther same make/line to assure a match. For multi channel music, they ALL should be matched,

 

[kgb540]

The Paradigms, regardless of the center channel. you'll be glad you did! then you can sell the BOSE and get a matching Paradigm cc-170.

 

[Totoro]

Ideally, the center and R/L fronts (for HT at least) should be of ther same make/line to assure a match. For multi channel music, they ALL should be matched,

Perhaps you're right. I was just trying to be cheap by reusing some of my vintage equipment.

 

[Johnd]

Perhaps you're right.

I would say he's absolutely right. Timbre-matching is important for the front three speakers. And as all of the above respondents replied, go with the 'digms! You will not be disappointed. (Do a personal listening test of several brands, of course, before your purchase).

 

[Totoro]

Also, keep in mind that these are the old Bose 301 Series 2 that were larger and came in a wooden casing, rather than the cheaper plastic series 5. The date on them is 1982 and they are significantly larger than the current 301s. They look like these ones:

http://www.goldengatetreasure.com/images/julye/julye (20).JPG

I've had the Titans since 1992.

 

[j_garcia]

I'd still use the Titans.

 

[speakerman39]

The Paradigms, regardless of the center channel. you'll be glad you did! then you can sell the BOSE and get a matching Paradigm cc-170.

Ummmm I agree BUT I would opt for the cc-270 to better match your Titans. That way, they both would use the same size drivers. No pun intended but the cc-270 really is not that much more than the cc-170. So, thought I would mention it.

 

[j_garcia]

270 Doesn't use the same tweeter as the Titans, the correct match is actually the Focus technically. 1" vs 3/4" tweeter. I've owned the 170 and 270, and I actually would have to say they are more similar than not, meaning the upgrade wasn't as big as I would have liked from one to the other - either will work fine with the Titans though.

 

[Nick250]

Also, keep in mind that these are the old Bose 301 Series 2 that were larger and came in a wooden casing, rather than the cheaper plastic series 5. The date on them is 1982 and they are significantly larger than the current 301s. They look like these ones:

http://www.goldengatetreasure.com/images/julye/julye (20).JPG

I've had the Titans since 1992.

You are the one who has to listen to them, there is no way for anyone else to predict what is going to sound better to your ears in your room. Test drive them both.

Nick

 

[Totoro]

Ummmm I agree BUT I would opt for the cc-270 to better match your Titans. That way, they both would use the same size drivers. No pun intended but the cc-270 really is not that much more than the cc-170. So, thought I would mention it.

Well, I did sell the Bose and kept the Titans. Now I am in the market for a center channel. But my search on these two speakers showed a $100 difference in MSRP. Is the 270 that much better to warrant the extra $$$?

 

[j_garcia]

No. The 170 is the correct match for them. The 270 blends perfectly fine, but it isn't really necessary. I owned both the 170 and the 270, at the same time no less, and when crossed over they sounded far too much alike to warrant the price difference. I ended up keeping the 170 and using as my rear center in a 6.1 setup.