musical fidelity A3 CD player vs. Cambridge Audio 640 C

[mpact]

* << ALERT>> Only 3 left in stock here:
-> http://www.amazon.com/Marantz-SR6003.../dp/B001GZZCVK

Oops..it ships to US only

 

[Davemcc]

I'd like to add a few comments here. I suggest that the problem with the living room system is not the Denon 689 but rather lies in the Paradigm Cinema. The Cinema are not a bad solution for an on-wall speaker where sound quality only needs to be adequate. Also, the Cinema have poor low end extension and need to be used with a sub that can reach above 120 Hz, or even to 150Hz depending on the room and set up. I use three Cinema 220's and two Cinema 110's in my bedroom with a Hsu STF-3. I used a Denon 686 on that system for a long time with no problems. It's a well suited combination, fine for a bedroom system, but I'm not sure I'd want it as a main living room system.

The point of all that is that adding a monster receiver to a system based around the Paradigm Cinema is like throwing pearls at swine. The Cinema neither want nor need a better receiver than the Denon 689 and you would not likely benefit from adding a fancy receiver to that system since the Cinema's themselves are the weak link.

I would suggest concentrating on the basement system for critical two channel listening based around the Studios and the Oppo. I support the original concept of finding an integrated amp or receiver within the budget to run this system and leave the living room alone until you can upgrade the front three speakers from the Cinema (at some later date).

 

[Lordoftherings]

Thanks again Bob!

Will go ahead and order Marantz SR6003, so I guess 1 HDMI cable will do it for Blu-Ray/SACD!

I bought AVR-689 from Future Shop for $369 CAD, I don't have the original box (hmm..my kids ruined it). I will try to sell it and get a used Amp, or deducting the $100 from dinner with my wife

No, no, not yet. I did not know that you are a Canadian, it changes the entire equation now. We need a Canadian plan (my speciality of course).

Got to readjust my coordinates.

Note: Dave is absolutely right. So keep your Denon receiver, mpact, and be happy with what you got for now and what you don't have yet, and what's coming next!

 

[Lordoftherings]

Oops..it ships to US only

Ya, I just find out that you live in Canada. Where about?

 

[mpact]

Bob, I live in Toronto

 

[Lordoftherings]

Reassessment.

Bob, I live in Toronto

I'm originally from Montreal myself.

Ok, let's recap.

1. Are you satisfied with your surround system in your main living room?

2. Is it more important for you to have a better 2-channel stereo system in your basement room? (I kind of believe that very stongly, because that's where your Paradigm Reference Studio 20 v4 are.)

3. You do have your CD player (Oppo DV-980) for your basement room (coming soon anyway).

4. Do you still want a stereo integrated amp in your basement room?

5. Talking with us here, it seems that you are contemplating different alternatives, am I right?

6. You are a Canadian, living in Toronto; so how do you do your audio/video shopping there (Internet, Future Shop, London Drugs, all of the above, others)?

7.a) I suggest that you take your time to reassess your priorities.
b) Or even go with your original goal, which is your basement room with a CD player and integrated amp to match with, and of course with your Studio 20 v4 speakers).

8. Toronto is full of Audio/Video stores where bargains can be found. Even used components from reputable stores.

* OK mpact, take your time, think before answering, and try to be certain of what or not is a priority at this moment in your life on the Audio aspect.

Regards,

Bob

 

[mpact]

1. Are you satisfied with your surround system in your main living room?

Yes - since it is mainly for DVD/BD movies. Davemcc's comment altered me Fine to put Studio 20 as the Front speakers, but then I may want to upgrade the center speakers, and ended up with replacing the whole HT system in living room So I would say, for now - I am pleased & agreed with Davemcc. Better NOT touch the living room HT until I have some other budget to upgrade.

2. Is it more important for you to have a better 2-channel stereo system in your basement room? (I kind of believe that very stongly, because that's where your Paradigm Reference Studio 20 v4 are.)

Yes - since that is the only room I can have some silence without the kids. I work on computer, read, etc in that room and would like some good quality music. I do not need very powerful Amp since I will not be listening to music too loud.

3. You do have your CD player (Oppo DV-980) for your basement room (coming soon anyway).

I called to order on Monday but OnlyBestRated claims that it is currently out of stock (ETA in 5 days). Not yet process with the order. I would say for less than $200 CAD, I can get a SACD player with such quality - definitely a better deal than Cambridge or NAD.

4. Do you still want a stereo integrated amp in your basement room?

If I did go with Marantz 6003 for living room, I planned to put Denon 689 in basement (even without TV). But I did some further research saying that Oppo 980 is doing well on digital / HDMI output, but not 2 channel analog, compared to 983/BD83. If that is the case, I may be better off to get a stereo amplifier.

5. Talking with us here, it seems that you are contemplating different alternatives, am I right?

Correct. As you might see, I started with some $500 range CD players + $500 range stereo Amps. Then people suggested Oppo (at $200) can offer a good sound quality, so I can spend a bit more in receiver. I am open to suggestions

6. You are a Canadian, living in Toronto; so how do you do your audio/video shopping there (Internet, Future Shop, London Drugs, all of the above, others)?

50% Internet (Oppo/Sonystyle)
30% Future Shop/Best Buy
20% Pro Audio stores like American Sound of Canada, Kennedy Hi-Fi

I usually tried to avoid pro audio stores (except there is a need for audition) because I am the personality that always lack of control (especially on budget). Say I walk into a store with $1000 budget to buy a set of speakers, I may ended up spending a double/triple when I walk out

7.a) I suggest that you take your time to reassess your priorities.
b) Or even go with your original goal, which is your basement room with a CD player and integrated amp to match with, and of course with your Studio 20 v4 speakers).

Agreed. I would say -
1. Setup a CD player + amp to work with my paradigm speakers (Top priority)
2. Replace Amp in living room (this can be done later, say after the summer)
3. Replace Paradigm CT110 speakers (maybe Christimas)

About 2 & 3 - If you don't mind I will upload a image later regarding my HT setting (or should I post in another thread) - wanted your expert advice on that - if it is worthwhile to do 2 & 3 based on my current restriction of speaker placement (or better move the HT to another room).

Last question - out of topic though. I do not have speaker stands for my Studio 20s. Is it necessary to get a pair of stands? Can I put it on the top of a shelf that is almost parallel to the level of my ear (when I am sitting) What would you suggest to get other than the original from Paradigm?

Thanks again everyone, especially Bob & Dave

 

[Davemcc]

Don't be hesitant of the dedicated A/V shops. That's where you will find stuff like the NAD and Rotel. Use THIS as your baseline, which would also serve you just fine. If the local shops can't give you something as good as that for a similar price, then just pick this up at FS.

 

[Lordoftherings]

*Fundamental*

If I did go with Marantz 6003 for living room, I planned to put Denon 689 in basement (even without TV). But I did some further research saying that Oppo 980 is doing well on digital / HDMI output, but not 2 channel analog, compared to 983/BD83. If that is the case, I may be better off to get a stereo amplifier.

1. Setup a CD player + amp to work with my paradigm speakers (Top priority)
2. Replace Amp in living room (this can be done later, say after the summer)
3. Replace Paradigm CT110 speakers (maybe Christimas)

About 2 & 3 - If you don't mind I will upload a image later regarding my HT setting (or should I post in another thread) - wanted your expert advice on that - if it is worthwhile to do 2 & 3 based on my current restriction of speaker placement (or better move the HT to another room).

Last question - out of topic though. I do not have speaker stands for my Studio 20s. Is it necessary to get a pair of stands? Can I put it on the top of a shelf that is almost parallel to the level of my ear (when I am sitting) What would you suggest to get other than the original from Paradigm?

Thanks again everyone, especially Bob & Dave

Hi mpact,

Here's some true basic substance:

#1. If you do get the Marantz SR6003, how long before it happens?

#2. If it happens sooner than later, and you did put your Denon AVR-689 in the basement room, that will not be very smart. Because the speakers in your living room are more important than the receiver. So the question and the answer to #1 are irrelative.
* Important question: How long do you have before time runs out for your money back or an exchange on your Denon AVR-689?

#3. Even if you put an integrated amp in your basement room, you will not be able to use a digital connection to your soon to get Oppo DV-980. You'll have to use the RCA analog jacks from the Oppo to the integrated amp (unless you get a digital integrated amp, which are quite rare).

#4. If you did in fact put your Denon AVR-689 in your basement room, it will go to waste with all those 5 extra power amps, and all that Audio and Video processing (unless you have plan in the future to add a surround sound system setup with more speakers in your basement room).

#5. Your top priority (from 1.) should be your only priority at this moment, but with an objective view into the future. So for good sound in your basement room, with your Paradigm Reference Studio 20 v4 speakers, and your soon to get Oppo DV-980, and for a 2-channel stereo system; you only need a good stereo integrated amp, period!

#6. If your Denon AVR-689 will remain in your living room till at least this summer, then it will not go immediately in your basement room, duh. And then the main question is still to get an integrated amp now for your basement room, right? And if you keep the Denon AVR-689, and then add another A/V receiver as a replacement in your living room this summer, you'll have or to sell it later at a lost, or put it in your basement room!!!
* * [See, that's why I did ask you before to take your time and think it over very carefully.]

#7. Christmas is still a long way from now, and it's not your priority right now either. So, replacing your Paradigm Cinema 110 CT 5.1-channel speaker system set, should have been done in the very first place. But you are forgiven, because you are new at this, and you did not put enough tought to it by doing some further researchs, or by contacting us right from the beginning. So your problem (issue) is becoming ours too!

#8. No problem with uploading an image of your Home Theater Setup from your living room, right here.

#9. Send us a picture or two of your Home Theater system, and we'll see if you need to move your HT system to another room (I really doubt it).

#10. YES, it will be a very good idea to use some nice stands for your Paradigm Reference Studio v4 speakers (it is actually a MUST).
* But because you are listening to music while working on your computer, they still can be at ear level on shelfs. But these nice speakers deserve better, that's why I previously suggest you to put them in your living room, and on stands too. But because you want a good sound in your basement room, just get some nice stands for them, there. And try to put your computer forward into the room, so your Studio 20s are situated behind your computer with a separation of about 6 feet or so, just like professional monitor speakers in a professional studio. You know what I'm saying.
Something like this:

......................................Front wall...........................................
...................(Left)...................................(Right).......................
................[Studio20].............................[Studio20].....................
..............................................................................................
.....................................[Computer]..........................................
.....................................[Keyboard]..........................................
.........................................[You].............................................
....................................................................*[Your cat]..........


#11. For stands, other than Paradigm; if you are handy, you can build your owns. That's what I did for my own Paradigm spekers. Cost = FREE. I went to a saw mill, where they discard tons of nice wood, and I pick up one piece (6" by 6" by 8 feet long, the type they use for railroad tracks). I cut four pieces from it of 24 inches high each. I sand them nicely and put some nice vernish on them, add a base of 10" by 12" by 1/2" thick and another top plate of 8.25" by 12.75" and 1/2 inch thick, so it matches exactly the dimensions of my speakers (which by the way is also exactly the width and depth of your Studio 20s); and then I put some blu-tac in the top plate, so it anchor my speakers solidly to the stands.
Of course, I did drill 4 holes on each base and plate to put some strong screws to the main post. Voila! I cannot be more satisfied than that.

* But if you are not as handy as I am , you can always purchased some nice ones on line. Just make sure that they are the recommended height for your Studio 20s as recommended by Paradigm. They should be about that, 24" high, that will put the tweeter exactly at ear height for a normal listener sitting like me in my couch.

*** But in your case, because you are sitting higher at your computer chair, you will have to measure the height of your ears, and then deduct approximatively 15 inches from that, because that is the height of your Studio 20 v4 speakers. So, for example, your ears, measured from the floor while sitting at your computer chair are at 48" from the floor; now deduct 15", and that give you 33". So you need about 33" high speaker stands. That should do very nicely for computer work while listening to high end quality audio from your stereo system.

#12. Everything that is related to speakers, speaker stands, HT living room, audio sources, room EQ, room treatments, size of the room, music and movie volume levels, subs, pictures of your setup, etc., are directly related to your A/V Receiver or Amplifier or Integrated Amplifier or Pre/Pros. So, they are all on topic.

* I took my time for this post, so you can concentrate more on what it is than what it's not (ESSENCE over superfluous).

Bob

 

[Lordoftherings]

A stereo receiver and a stereo integrated amp.

Here's a nice Sherwood Newcastle Stereo Receiver with over 100 watts per channel and with a toroidal transformer! It's true. The list price is $250 USA.

--> http://www.sherwoodamerica.com/prod_rx765.html

And here a nice Rotel Stereo Integrated Amp with 40 watts per channel, with a Phono input and 12 V triggers. The list price was $500 USA.

--> http://www.goodsound.com/equipment/rotel_ra02.htm

* I don't know if you can find these in Toronto area, but you might very well get lucky.
Anyway, mpact, you can probably find a Denon, Marantz or Yamaha integrated stereo amp with 30 to 50 watts per channel for a very good price.
Just look at the ads on the Audio section, or phone around to these dealers (stick with Denon, Marantz, Rotel or Yamaha stereo integrated amps).
I personally still use my old Denon PMA-250 stereo integrated amp with 30 watts per channel, which I bought for $250 cdn quite a long time ago.
It is my audiophile amp for a small bedroom guest.
I bought a nice stereo receiver (Kenwood Model KR-5010) with 50 watts per channel at a Salvation Army store for only $15. It works like brand new! And with an excellent tuner too!
There are tons of deals like this at second hand stores or thrift stores. Just take one day (Saturday) to go have fun and check a bunch of this type of stores (make a list of the ones close to your area), and invited your wife too (so that while she's looking at furniture or old dishes or any other cool stuff, you are searching for a stereo integrated amp or a stereo receiver). Yeah?

Bob

 

[mpact]

Thanks for the detailed explanation, Bob. I will think carefully and let you know. Yes, I agree that the top priority (and initial idea) is to get a good 2h sound system for my basement room.

For now, a few questions about stands and placement.

You are right - My ears are exactly 48" above the floor when sitting on my computer chair My computer desk is 30" tall. I check Paradigm website and they suggested J-29 speaker stands (i.e. 29" tall). Checked with local stores and it costs $429.99 (wow!)

I am browsing here (http://www.speakerstandsonline.com/Mid-Size-Speaker-Stands-C39145.html) and seems most medium size speaker stands would fit. If I cannot find an exact 33" inch, should I go higher or lower?

Regarding placement. The room is about 10ft x 15ft. How far should I place my desk away from the speakers?

---------------WALL----------------****Door*****
<------------7 feet-----------------><---3 feet----->
....(Left).............4 feet...............(Right)
..................................................
^ ^
| |
3 feet |
| |
V V
....................[Compr Mon]...............
^2 feet (width of computer desk)
.....................[Keyboard]...............
......................[Me].....................

#11. For stands, other than Paradigm; if you are handy, you can build your owns. That's what I did for my own Paradigm spekers. Cost = FREE. I went to a saw mill, where they discard tons of nice wood, and I pick up one piece (6" by 6" by 8 feet long, the type they use for railroad tracks). I cut four pieces from it of 24 inches high each. I sand them nicely and put some nice vernish on them, add a base of 10" by 12" by 1/2" thick and another top plate of 8.25" by 12.75" and 1/2 inch thick, so it matches exactly the dimensions of my speakers (which by the way is also exactly the width and depth of your Studio 20s); and then I put some blu-tac in the top plate, so it anchor my speakers solidly to the stands.
Of course, I did drill 4 holes on each base and plate to put some strong screws to the main post. Voila! I cannot be more satisfied than that.

* But if you are not as handy as I am , you can always purchased some nice ones on line. Just make sure that they are the recommended height for your Studio 20s as recommended by Paradigm. They should be about that, 24" high, that will put the tweeter exactly at ear height for a normal listener sitting like me in my couch.

*** But in your case, because you are sitting higher at your computer chair, you will have to measure the height of your ears, and then deduct approximatively 15 inches from that, because that is the height of your Studio 20 v4 speakers. So, for example, your ears, measured from the floor while sitting at your computer chair are at 48" from the floor; now deduct 15", and that give you 33". So you need about 33" high speaker stands. That should do very nicely for computer work while listening to high end quality audio from your stereo system.

 

[Lordoftherings]

For now, a few questions about stands and placement.

You are right - My ears are exactly 48" above the floor when sitting on my computer chair My computer desk is 30" tall. I check Paradigm website and they suggested J-29 speaker stands (i.e. 29" tall). Checked with local stores and it costs $429.99 (wow!)

I am browsing here (http://www.speakerstandsonline.com/Mid-Size-Speaker-Stands-C39145.html) and seems most medium size speaker stands would fit. If I cannot find an exact 33" inch, should I go higher or lower?

Regarding placement. The room is about 10ft x 15ft. How far should I place my desk away from the speakers?

---------------WALL----------------****Door*****
<------------7 feet-----------------><---3 feet----->
....(Left).............4 feet...............(Right)
..................................................
^ ^
| |
3 feet |
| |
V V
....................[Compr Mon]...............
^2 feet (width of computer desk)
.....................[Keyboard]...............
......................[Me].....................

#1. Of course I'm right, I'm also using a computer, duh.

#2. DON'T BUY the stands from paradigm at $430! Are you nuts or what?

#3. I guess that you ain't that handy at building your owns. So, you'll have to find some for about $50 to $100/pair, max. Just check on the internet, it's fun and easy.

#4. You are going to use your Studio 20 v4 speakers for your basement room in tandem with your computer seating position and wanting a true quality sound coming from them. So you want NO LESS than 33" high speaker stands.
And 36" will do also just fine, so anything between 33 and 36" high stands.
They have to be at your ears height, that's the way they should be, and there is nothing else you can do about it (unless you want to get a slap in the face). Trust me.

#5. * Each line (....) represent 1/2 foot (6 inches) from one the next one. So 1/4" is exactly 1/2 of a foot, vertically and horizontally. And 1/2" on your computer is one foot exactly in your room.
** This solid line (__) is the front wall (short one with the door entrance).
*** This line (---) is the door.
"K" is for Keyboard. And is for you very happy at your desk.
And this is the cat or dog or a mouse.
Your room measure 10 feet wide by 15 feet long, and your computer is facing the short wall. So on your computer (from my graph), you will end up with a dimension of 5 inches (10 feet short wall, horizontal) by 7 and 1/2 inches (15 feet long wall, vertical).

Here's your setup for an audiophile dream at his desk:

__________________________________-----------------
.............................................................................ll
........___...................................___.........................l
.......l L _l..................................l R .l.........................l
.......l___l..................................l.__l.........................l
.............................................................................l
.............................................................................l
........................__________.....................................l
.......................l...._____....l.....................................l
.......................l...l__K__l....l.....................................l
.......................l__________l.....................................l
..........................................................................l
.............................................................................l
..........................................................................l
.............................................................................l
.............................................................................l
.............................................................................l
.............................................................................l * Half way (length)
.............................................................................l
.............................................................................l
.............................................................................l
.............................................................................l
.............................................................................l
.............................................................................l
.............................................................................l
.............................................................................l
.............................................................................l
.............................................................................l
.............................................................................l
.............................................................................l
.............................................................................l
.............................................................................l
.............................................................................l
_________________________________________________l

Bob

 

[mpact]

Thanks a lot Bob! I will concentrate on looking for a decent Amplifier for my basement room now. Of course I am not buying Paradigm stands for $439 ~ too expensive, better save $$ on Amp I am not good at making my own stands, so will keep checking online stores.

After thinking back & forth, also discussed with a close friend, the living room HT will stay as it is for now. Yes, the new comer (Oppo BD-83) convinced me to carry out a revolution on the living HT system, but the fact is that my living room is not an ideal place for 5.1 or 7.1 surround. See my constraints below.

Budget-wise, I can replace Marantz SR6003 anytime (and simply give away Denon 689). But as Davemcc suggested, the Paradigm CT110 may need replacement too....so comes to a conclusion that - save $$ for a new set of HT system in a new place (lots of rooms in the basement) LATER

My wife said, if move to basement later, leave the living room HT for kids - they watch Wall-E, High School Musical, even TreeHouse TV (whatever).

 

[Lordoftherings]

My wife said, if move to basement later, leave the living room HT for kids - they watch Wall-E, High School Musical, even TreeHouse TV (whatever).

Hi mpact,

From all the people so far in this thread, your wife is the smartest one.

Here's why: the living room surround sound system is all set and ready for all the family. Done. No more talking about that room.

Now your basement room is your own Paradise on Earth (well, underground).

From the living room, just get the Oppo BD-83 and put the Oppo DV-980 in place.

Now get the Marantz SR6003 for downstairs, plus 5 more speakers (preferably Paradigms, like the Mini Monitor for the side surrounds, the Atom Monitor for the rear surrounds and the CC-290 for the center channel). Buy them all together from the same dealer, so you'll get a great discount.

Get a projector for about $2,000 (1080p) with the screen included, again from the same dealer.

And Voila, a true Home Theater in the underground. The screen will be facing the rear short wall. Your computer will be in the back room, against the wall now, that have the entrance door. Put a couple nice couches there and it will be in the next home theater magazine picture show.

DVDs for the kids upstairs.
And Blu-Rays, CDs, SACDs and DVDs plus DVD-Audios for the big kid(s) underground.
The Denon AVR stays up with the full HTIB Paradigm Cinema 110 CT speaker's set.
And the AVR Marantz goes underground with the Oppo blu-ray player, plus the Studio 20 v4 and these other suggested Paradigm speakers.

Don't have to do it all at once. Just take your time, add one thing at a time, and by about next year, you'll be prety much setup, say summer 2010. So you'll have plenty of time to do a good "calibration" and also to save the required funds.

Youpie!

Bob

 

[mpact]

Thanks Bob!

My wife also said you are the genius

I am going for more audition for Amps and shopping for speaker stands this weekend. Worry about HT later.

P.S. My basement is not fully renovated - the music room (i.e. my home office) is the only one room there, but we plan to make a 600 sq feet space for HT this summer. I mean the construction work this summer, while planning the HT equipments down the road. Thanks again - will definitely post and ask you for further opinions then.

 

[mpact]

Hi Bob...some update. here is my temporary setting (without speaker stand)

I don't have much luck for 33" & above speaker stands. The reason being most 29" and above stands have smaller top plates, which is not too "safe" for my huge Paradigm Studio 20s.

I am making 2 plans and would be great if I can get your advice. Again this is only for the small room in the basement. Planning to go with 29" stand for now.

Plan #1 - VERY close to your suggestion (except haven't decide on speakerstand yet) easier for me. How would you comment on the sound improvement.

Plan #2 - more hassle, lack of space for me (see the space I can move between the desk & the bookshelf - I am the Ham & Cheese in a Ham & Cheese sandwich). Those highlighted objects are wall mounted and not movable.

Thanks!

 

[Lordoftherings]

Pictures are worth a thousand words.

Thanks mpact for the picture and designs, it is worth many useless words.

I see now exactly what is your situation. But I cannot resist a short comment: such nice speakers in a tough situation.

But, let's see what we can do for best compromise.

The #2 option, just let's forget about it, it's just not practical enough for you.
And I can put myself in your situation, so I'll work with you on the best compromise.

The #1 option will be the one that we'll be working with.
If I remember well, the ports on your Studio 20s are in the front, right?
Or are they in the back? Because if they are in the back, you want them some distance from the front wall for sure. And even if they will be on the front, the same principle apply.
Now, you definitively want some speaker's stands.
You can find some very sturdy ones, without spending too much money.
Now, look for 28 or 29" high speaker's stand. I do agree with you. You want a strong and large enough top plate for your speakers, and you want a good speaker stand, not a cheap frail looking one that can tip your speaker easily.
So, you should be able to find one at 28" height with a good sturdy base and post, plus a large enough top plate.
After you find the perfect speaker's stands (don't be cheap to invest a reasonable sum for good stands, I'm sure that you can get some for less than $200, or even $150 or so), you can put some blu tack on the top plate and add another larger top plate of about an inch or so thick. So, in the end it will be perfectly fine.

Now, from your plan #1 drawing, I will get the left speaker about 3 to 4 inches closer to that left wall. And the right speaker, about 2 to 3 inches more to the right.
Now, both speakers will be about 2 and 1/2 feet from the front wall, and if you can go with 2 and 1/4 feet, that will be excellent. So from what I can see in your design, they will be close to the shelfs on your front wall. No problem with that, go for it, just closed to the shelfs if it's possibly practical for you. You'll end up with the front baffles of your Studio 20s at approximatively 3 feet from the front wall.

And if you can move your desk about 3 inches or 4 to the right, that will be great (3" will do just fine), if it's still possibly practical enough for you. If not, just a couple inches (2") will do it too.

Ok, that's it. I believe to be one of the best compromise that you can make right now in that room with these dimensions for all practical purpose.
As for the distance from the speakers to your chair, that's the easiest part, you just have to listen to some nice recordings with good imaging, like Jennifer Warnes "Famous Blue Raincoat" and try various distances till her voice his dead in the center with good separation of all the other musicians playing with her. Just put your desk at the side for this test. And when you found the sound that gel very good at your sitting position, just repositioned your desk in front of your sitting position. My best guess is that your ears will be at approximatively 9 feet from the front wall, which means that your desk will move a little more closer to the front wall.

* Can you see a smart pattern in my recommendation? Indeed, I am using a proven formula on listener and speaker's positioning, the 1/5th formula.
Your room is 15 feet long (deep), your speaker's front baffles as to be as close to the 3 feet positioning from the front wall, which is 1/5th from the total room length.
Your listening position (your ears) have to be at about as close to possible of 9 feet from the front wall, which is 3/5th of the total room length.

And finally, your room is about 10 feet wide (or more like 11 to me).
So for the width, I'm using the 1/9th formula, another good proven positioning method. And I'm using the 11 feet width of your room. I took some liberty here, but you can easily adjust that, now that you know how to calculate (1/9th of 10 feet is about 1.12 feet).

* [Just remember that important point: always measure from the center of the tweeter to any wall. And measure from the center of your ears too.]

Your left speaker tweeter, I want it at about 1.222 feet from the left wall, which is 1/9th of your room (11 feet) width (I wanted to use the 1/7th formula, but with your room, computer desk, front door entrance, and other related aspects, I choose instead the 1/9th formula; you do have to compromise sometimes for your best overall benefit).
And your right speaker tweeter, I want it to be at about 3.666 feet from the right wall, which is 3/9th of your room width.

That's it. Done. Now you got the magic formula at your disposition.
And you also know which speaker's stands to get. And how to adjust them perfectly for you, because you have to know that your ears can be between the tweeter and the woofer height of your speakers, and you will be in excellent shape. And when you work at your cvomputer, you always bend a little bit down too, or you just lay back in your chair to relax with your body lower than usually. So what this means finally, is that with any speaker's stands between 26" and 28" high, you'll be perfectly fine. So, rejoice, indeed. And like I previously said, a speaker stand is easily modifiable by adding an extra top plate to it very securely with blu tack, without damaging it, and without loosing any audio benefits.

I will even add that even if you find a 26" high speaker's stands, you'll be able to eventually use them too on different heights from different type of seats. Your studio 20s are 15" high, the stands are (supposedly) 26" high; so the top of your speakers (after some spikes or some rubbers under the base plate) will be at about 42" from the floor (I will even say 42.5 inches).
Now, the tweeter on your Studio 20s are quite high on the baffles.
So, that means that you can be as low (your ears) as 36" from the floor, and if you add a nice thick plate of 8" (W) by 12" (D) by 2" (H) made of some hard wood or even marble, your ears can be as high as 45 inches.

Recap for stands:
1. 26" high stands = approximate ears listening height, from 35" to 45".
2. 28" high stands = approximate ears listening height, from 37" to 47".

These wide variations are possible due to the flexibility of adjustments from under the base plate (up or down) to the top plate easily increasable height by adding another top plate on top of the original one.

Ok, I'm done with this post now. If you have further questions, don't hesitate.

Regards,

Bob

 

[mpact]

Bob - thank you so much!

Now I got my speaker stands and I have a dumb question. After placing the Paradigm Studio 20 (rear ported) on the stands, it seems still a bit flimsy. I haven't applied the sticky foam cushion yet.

So I wonder if I should put sand (if yes, can I use my kids' playsand)? Also it seems a little difficult if I have to place the speaker right on the exact middle of the stand's top plate. Any suggestions?

Also, since I am putting in on carpet? I guess I do not need Footplate? Just use the spike nut?

 

[Lordoftherings]

Tips.

Hi Mpact,

Great to see that you now have your stands. With your Studio 20s being rear ported, you will notice a great improvement in sound.
You don't say how tall your stands are, but you don't have to, they are 29" tall, according to your picture, right?

Yes, do put sand in the cylinders (tubing posts). Sand from the kids' playbox is fine, but don't get them mad.
You can even use cats' litter, that works also quite well.
The main thing is to make the speakers' stands as heavy and stable as possible.

For the carpet, you want to use spikes, definitively. Just the spike nut, no footplate, you're right.

If I was you, I will add another top plate on top of the one already there.
Is the top plate made of metal, it looks like it. If so, I will drill 4 small holes in each corner and screw a nice wood top plate measuring about 8.25" by 12.75",
and about 0.5" thick. That will perfectly fit your Studio 20s exact dimensions.
You'll have to use small screws with a V shape at the head and only 3/8 of an inch long, from your home hardware store (very small indeed). And they will be screw from the under side of the original top plate, so they grab the newer top plate from underneath and don't pierce the top plate, so as to not damage your speakers, got me?

Here's an even better solution: on top of the original metal top plate, before you screw the new wood top plate, put some small rubber pads of about 1/8 of an inch thick around the four corners, so that way you'll have some beneficial sound absorbing between the two top plates, and now you will be able to use 1/2 of an inch long screws (easier to find). But you want the V head shape, so they disappeared into the metal plate underneath, to create a seamless profile and a pro job. You'll have to figure out the size of the bit you need to drill the right size holes.

As for the wood plate itself with the dimension that I already gave you, it's quite easy, just check at your hardware store, or ask a worker there what you need, and I'm sure they'll be able to help you out. Or they can even cut you the perfect sizes for your need. Just pick a nice type of wood of about 1/2 inch thick. And you can always sand it nicely at home (get some fine sanding paper while you're at the store, if you don't already have some at home). And you can vernish them too or even painted them to match your Studio 20s, it's up to you.

When this is all done, just put some blue tack, you know that kind of blue gum that stick pretty good, for purpose exactly like that (ask the guy at the hardware store, he'll know). And with that stuff, you're assured of no damage to your speakers' undersides.

And if you don't want to go for the trouble, just get some blue tack and put some at the four corners of the metal top plate, and put your speakers reposing on them. And after the spikes installed, plus the sand, you'll be able to perfectly adjust them, so they are very straight vertically.

Are we good?

Bob

 

[Lordoftherings]

Lead shot inside your speaker's stands is the best way to go.

Hi mpact,

How are you?
I don't know if you'll read this, but here I shoot.

* The stands for your Paradigm Reference Studio 20 speakers should be filled with "Lead Shot", to make them as heavy as possible for best stability and anchor. That will also give you a more focus sound with a better soundstage and imaging.
It will also add spaciousness with a wider and deeper soundstage.

Hopefully, you'll be able to read this.

Regards,

Bob