Center Channel - Energy RC Mini vs Paradigm CC330

[Shaggy]

Hi Guys, I need some advice. I am new to the HT market and dont have the funds or the room set up to go full out in terms of systems upgrades.

Currently run

Front - Paradigm Mini Monitors
Rears - Paradigm Atoms
Center - Energy RC Mini
Sub - Paradigm DSP 3200

I am considering purchasing a Paradigm CC330 center channel to replace my Energy RC Mini. Space is an issue with my center channel so a CC190 or CC290 is not an option.

Does anyone have any knowledge or thoughts on these 2 pieces (Energy RC Mini or Paradigm CC330)? Should I make the purchase. Is there a significant upgrade in sound I shoudl expect? Anything else that you would recomend that may work with my existing peices that is also a "space saver"?

Thanks for your help.

 

[mazersteven]

Currently run

Front - Paradigm Mini Monitors
Rears - Paradigm Atoms
Center - Energy RC Mini
Sub - Paradigm DSP 3200

I am considering purchasing a Paradigm CC330 center channel to replace my Energy RC Mini. Space is an issue with my center channel so a CC190 or CC290 is not an option.

Does anyone have any knowledge or thoughts on these 2 pieces (Energy RC Mini or Paradigm CC330)? Should I make the purchase. Is there a significant upgrade in sound I shoudl expect? Anything else that you would recomend that may work with my existing peices that is also a "space saver"?

IMO you should purchase the Paradigm CC330, and you make the call if it's a better fit with your system then the RC Mini.

If this was the Monitor series CC190 or CC290 center this would be a no-brainer. But since your asking about a center channel from the Cinema series I can't say for sure if it would be a good match.

 

[Shaggy]

IMO you should purchase the Paradigm CC330, and you make the call if it's a better fit with your system then the RC Mini.

If this was the Monitor series CC190 or CC290 center this would be a no-brainer. But since your asking about a center channel from the Cinema series I can't say for sure if it would be a good match.

Yeah, this is where the issue is. Its not a Paradigm monitor CC its the Cinema series. My dealer tells me they are a timber match, however I was looking to see if anyone owns or has owned this center channel to provide some advise.

Unfortunatley I am not able to get a demo to try out in my own enviornment.

 

[billy p]

Yeah, this is where the issue is. Its not a Paradigm monitor CC its the Cinema series. My dealer tells me they are a timber match, however I was looking to see if anyone owns or has owned this center channel to provide some advise.

Unfortunatley I am not able to get a demo to try out in my own enviornment.

I would stick with the Paradigm centre channel. The Energy RC's mini perhaps is a better centre channel but I'd stick with the digms for a better tonnal match across the front. FYI most of the people I talk to who use the RC mini usually employ a higher cut off(ie:100-120 hz).
Just my 2 cents

 

[mr-ben]

I believe that the most important thing about a center channel is how well it blends in with the main front speakers. If it doesn't seem to stand out for you, then there's probably no real need to replace it, especially since your replacement option may also stand out.

 

[jcPanny]

Paradigm on-wall

I think they offer on-wall and in-wall versions of the paradigm monitor series speakers. Check your local dealer to see if one of these will work for your application. With the same drivers and tweeters, it should offer the best tonal match with the mains.

If your center channel is going to be a compromise, you might as well keep the current one unless you are having problems with dialogue on movies.

 

[Shaggy]

If your center channel is going to be a compromise, you might as well keep the current one unless you are having problems with dialogue on movies.

Thanks guys. I dont want to compromise. I want improvement. If this is not going to provide me a recognizable improvment then I will just stick with what I have. I can never tell when I am at the store as they all have ideal set-ups and cant compare the sound to my own.