Paradigm. Keep it in the family?

[UncleCheese]

Newbie here.

I currently have the Paradigm 110 Series (5.1) but I want to upgrade my fronts to something a bit more powerful and move the current 110 fronts to the side and create a 7.1 system.

I mainly use my configuration for Blu-Ray movies 90% and about 10% for music. I was thinking either the Paradigm 11s or the Axiom M80s.

I guess my question is...should I keep all my speakers in the same family? That being Paradigm? Any suggestions?

Thanks so much!

 

[Warpdrv]

Paradigm aside, if you plan on upgrading speakers, you should be looking at the same line of speakers across the entire front sound stage... Not just the mains.

The Center channel should be voice matched to the mains so you have seemless blending when panning from right to left and vice versa...


Oh and BTW, Welcome to Audioholics...

 

[ninja12]

Ditto what Warpdrv said. It's best to keep the speakers in the family to achieve matching timbre. I suggest you stick with the same brand all the way around.

 

[UncleCheese]

Thanks

Thanks guys. I appreciate the advice from the pros. Glad to be here!

 

[Warpdrv]

To add to that, I don't think its totally imperative to match the surrounds, though it is vital to match front 3 speakers...

Surround effects are less noticeable comparable to the main stage.

If you trying to save some money, upgrade the front 3 and use what you have for surround duty, if you feel later down the line upgrade the surrounds, but I would try it first to see how it sounds and whether its absolutely necessary

 

[UncleCheese]

That makes sense. I'll try that out. Appreciate your help a lot.

 

[lsiberian]

I would think as long as you have the same type of tweeter you should be ok with another brand. Still I find it much easier to stick to the same brand.

 

[Kai]

Hi Uncle,
If you are considering the Monitor 11's you will need to match the center to them at some point or you are going to be dissatisfied with 5.1/7.1 audio especially for movies.
I have the 11's v.5 and the cc290 for center and it is a good match. I would not go with less than the 290. As has been said the surrounds are not as dominant and matching is not as needed as the front 3. You can mix brands but timbre matching is important or you will be less than satisfied with the result.

I love my 11's and would not trade them for anything...hmmm except for the Studio's I listened to but just can't afford...for now.

Good luck and keep us informed.

 

[fredk]

Give a listen to the alternatives and see if you hear a difference.

Personally, I am very happy with my M80s and feel they compare favourably to the Paradigm Studio line, but you should do the comparison for yourself.

Take the time and listen to a few different brands in your price range. There are a lot of good speakers out there and you never know what you might find.

As for Axiom, check out their Hearing Things forum and see if there is someone local to you who will give you an audition.

 

[UncleCheese]

Hi guys,

I really appreciate your help. This is such a good resource for people like me to ask for help and opinions.

Just an update...I did purchase the Monitor 11s V6 and the CC-390 centre. I listened to them in the store and it sounded great. However, I feel like I made an impulse buy because of the great price for all three (or at least I think so). $1695 Canadian (roughly $1550 US).

Now reading some posts around here and other forums, they say that for the price range for 11s, you might as well move up to the Studio 60s or just go with the Monitor 9s which sound better.

I guess I just need another opinion, whether I made a good choice or if I should have researched more. Perhaps take them back? I guess it all depends whether they sound good to me and make me happy.

Thanks guys.

 

[UncleCheese]

Oh and to add. Everyone here with the great advise that said that I should also purchase a matching centre for the 11s...that was an understatement! I had to order the centre so for now I am using my old Cinema 110 centre. Watched a movie and I cannot even hear the dialogue. Lol.