Paradigm Monitor 7

[otis39]

The person who Im working with is recommending that I condsider the Paradigm line of speakers. I dont have the money to purchase a surround sound system and I have small children who would likely destroy it if I did have one. I just want good sound for movies and music.

What do you think of these 2 options:
1) Two Paradigm Atoms and an 8" Subwoofer
2) Two Paradigm Monitor 7 Foorstanding Speakers (with the idea that I would not get a subwoofer at this time.

This is what I have so far. I just purchased a Sony 40" LCD, a Sony DVD player, and a Yamaha v663.

Any help will be appreciated.

 

[j_garcia]

I'd return the Sony DVD player

First question is, what exactly is the budget? There are other speakers out there that are as good or better than Paradigm for the same or less. Paradigm is a great manufacturer for sure, but they aren't the best deal out there. I can say that as a former Paradigm owner for many years Have you listened to the Paradigms? If you like them, nothing wrong with going with them.

I'd take a look at the X-series from AV123 however as part of your search: http://av123.com/component/option,com_virtuemart/page,shop.browse/category_id,21/Itemid,37/

 

[otis39]

I have not listened to the Paradigm speakers. I cant seem to find any of the Atoms in my area, but the guy said that they are a solid manufacturer and I cant go wrong with them.

If I could have a good speaker system for less than $700 I'd be happy.

 

[mazersteven]

If I could have a good speaker system for less than $700 I'd be happy.

With your $700 bucks your close to obtaining a very good budget HT system.

SVS SBS-01 system
http://www.svsound.com/products-sys-sbs_black.cfm

Ascend Acoustic CBM-170 system
http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/cbm170/cbm170.html

AV123 X-series x-ls encore system (wait till these go on sale)
http://av123.com/component/option,com_virtuemart/page,shop.browse/category_id,21/Itemid,37/

 

[j_garcia]

Mazer beat me to the other two Those are what I would recommend also. I mentioned the X-series first because they offer towers which might give you the option of no sub at first, to be added later (since you mentioned towers).

I don't think the original Atoms exist anymore, as Paradigm has discontinued the Peformance line - they were rolled into the Monitor line.

 

[drinke]

Depending on your dealer - you might just try the Studio 20s. They have better lower end range - in fact I think they are rated down to 36hz v 41hz on the 7s.

Plus the mids and the highs are just much better on the 20s I own the 7s, and don't get me wrong - they are a good speaker for the money - but the Studio line really does sound much better, and I am actually in the process of upgrading. They just have a fuller, smoother sound to them (recently compared side-by-side) - and I would think they would be just slightly above your price range if you can catch a good deal from your dealer.

Good luck -

 

[skers_54]

I have the Atom v.5s with a sub in my bedroom. I only listen to music on them and I like them (mostly listen to rock music). They are a bit soft on the midbass (probably due to insufficient cabinet dampening as they sound fairly hollow) and roll off fairly high at around 80 Hz. The highs are crisp though. I think you could do better for HT with some of the suggestions above. I would try to find some dealers in order to listen to as many brands as possible because speaker taste is very subjective.

 

[fredk]

Having listened to the studio 7 I would say they are not the best choice for the money. You can get a lot better sound from other manufacturers.

If you have small children that like to get into things, I would say your mains would be as much at risk as any other part of a surround system.

If you want good sound for movies, a decent center channel is a must. Until I upgraded 3 months ago, I had always listened to movies in stereo. I have had trouble hearing some dialog in almost every movie I watched. Now, I can hear all dialog very clearly, even most stuff that is whispered.

If 700 is your total budget, I would go for one of the budget surround systems suggested. If you can add to that 700 sometime down the road, consider spending that on fronts or fronts and a sub and adding the rest of the surround system later.

There are other internet direct companies like Axiom that also make excellent speakers.

Last, and most important, go out and listen to some different speakers to get some idea of what you like and don't like. In the end, it is your ears doing the listening, not ours or your friends. PSB is another excellent speaker company that should be easy to find in stores.

Good luck.

 

[otis39]

listen to some speakers

So it sounds like what I have heard so far is that paradigm is a sold company but I might get more for my money with other arrangements. I followed the links to those other speaker sites - can I listen to those models in shops or are they internet only?

 

[mazersteven]

can I listen to those models in shops or are they internet only?

Internet Only