paradigm monitor setup.

[smooth2222]

is this a good set up?

monitor 11 699
monitor 11 699
cc-390 699
adp-390 429
adp-390 429
dsp-3400 899

total price 3854

how much can i negotiate this price down? 20%, 30% would be good.

also on the center speaker? do i set my 65inch lcd tv on top of this, or just wall mount the tv?

much appreciated,

steve

 

[3db]

is this a good set up?

monitor 11 699
monitor 11 699
cc-390 699
adp-390 429
adp-390 429
dsp-3400 899

total price 3854

how much can i negotiate this price down? 20%, 30% would be good.

also on the center speaker? do i set my 65inch lcd tv on top of this, or just wall mount the tv?

much appreciated,

steve

Have you auditioned other speakers? I'm not a fan of Paradigm's monitor series. Studio series definately but not the monitors. The PSB Image series
outclasses them. There are other speakers to look at too like Energy, Polk, etc.

 

[oppman99]

I agree with 3dB. As much as I love Paradigm, I think the Studio series and up is where it's at. Definately audition as many speakers as you can. If you are willing to look into the used market, you can probably find a Studio setup for close to the same price as what you're looking at now (if you are patient). If you feel the need to go new, I have heard nothing but rave reviews about the PSB's. Another option is Emotiva. I haven't owned any, but I've seen a few direct comparisons between the 8.3's and the Paradigm Studio 100's, and the Emotivas are supposedly in close competition at a much more reasonable price. You could get 5 speakers for about the same as what you are looking at and have plenty left for a good sub. Explore some options before you take the plunge. It will be worth it.

 

[GO-NAD!]

First of all, are these prices in US dollars? They look like Canadian prices, which are generally a bit higher. If they are US prices, I'd go for at least 20%. As for the Studio series, of course they are better. They also cost significantly more. It all depends on your budget. Since you are buying them for HT use, you could save significantly more by going with the Monitor 9, or even the Monitor 7. That sub will make up the difference in bass extension. I also think the CC390 is overkill. I'm very happy with the CC290.

I agree with the previous posters, in that you should audition other speakers before buying. You need to put some effort into this if you don't want to have lingering doubts after your purchase. However, I do believe that the Monitor series offer a great value for your money. Do NOT pay the prices you quoted though...

 

[STRONGBADF1]

is this a good set up?

monitor 11 699
monitor 11 699
cc-390 699
adp-390 429
adp-390 429
dsp-3400 899

total price 3854

how much can i negotiate this price down? 20%, 30% would be good.

also on the center speaker? do i set my 65inch lcd tv on top of this, or just wall mount the tv?

much appreciated,

steve

Hi Steve, welcome to the forum.

If you like the sound that's all that matters. If it were me and I wanted to buy Paradigm I would get 5 Studio 20's and then put as much into an internet direct sub like SVS or Hsu as I could afford.

If it were me and I wanted a "Paradigm like" speaker I would go with Ascend Acoustics.

As far as discounts go shop around for best price and then work the best deal by pitting on dealer vs another.

-SBF1

 

[GO-NAD!]

Hi Steve, welcome to the forum.

If you like the sound that's all that matters. If it were me and I wanted to buy Paradigm I would get 5 Studio 20's and then put as much into an internet direct sub like SVS or Hsu as I could afford.

If it were me and I wanted a "Paradigm like" speaker I would go with Ascend Acoustics.

As far as discounts go shop around for best price and then work the best deal by pitting on dealer vs another.

-SBF1

That's not a bad idea, but I don't know if a dealer will sell him 2.5 pairs of speakers. Although, if he had to buy 3 complete pairs, he can go 6.1...

 

[j_garcia]

That's not a bad idea, but I don't know if a dealer will sell him 2.5 pairs of speakers. Although, if he had to buy 3 complete pairs, he can go 6.1...

Get 2 pairs and a matching center I agree with stepping up to the Studios as well or auditioning some other brands. I've owned many Paradigms over the years.

I personally feel the Signature line is where it is at for Paradigm, but the Studios will do

 

[GO-NAD!]

Get 2 pairs and a matching center I agree with stepping up to the Studios as well or auditioning some other brands. I've owned many Paradigms over the years.

I personally feel the Signature line is where it is at for Paradigm, but the Studios will do

Boy, you guys sure don't mind spending his money!

 

[oppman99]

Boy, you guys sure don't mind spending his money!

Which is why I suggested the used market for Studios where you can get more bang for your buck. Not saying the Monitors are bad, but for the total cost he was looking at, it's very possible to get a higher quality system (which I'm sure you know).

 

[smooth2222]

thanks for all your replies. i defiantly want brand new. this way i have no worries.

i currently have no home theatre system. just moved in 2 years ago. so i'm sure anything is going to sound better than nothing. LOL

the better you get the more and more it costs.

you think i can get 30% off?

anyone out there at has this system and loves it?

steve

 

[j_garcia]

Boy, you guys sure don't mind spending his money!

A system consisting of 20s will cost about the same as what he is looking to spend now and sound better.

You can get 10% off at most places. 20% if you work with them really well, and 30% if they are hurting.

 

[UncleCheese]

Smooth,

I had the Monitor 11s with the cc390 for about 2 weeks. I liked it...didn't love it. I felt like I wanted something that was going to make me happy for a very long time without feeling like I wanted to upgrade. I decided to spend the extra cash and get the Studio 60s with the cc690. I love it and don't feel like I need to touch that part of my system for awhile.

I agree with the Studio 20 recomendation. I listened to them and am looking to get 2 myself. You should compare them against the 11s and see what you think.

 

[FIqbal]

I listened to Monitor 11 in an audio shop about two years ago. Did not like it as they were harsh and on your face kind of sound. Finally I have brought Stuido 60 v.4 about a month back and re-discovering all my CDs. Studio sounds rich, balanced and full to me. I do not how else to put the experience. Like most people, I would also suggest to get something from the Studio line. Good luck.

 

[just listening]

The monitor series will play loud, but agree with another poster that they can be "too in your face", and end up becoming fatiguing.

Another option is Studio 10 for the center and rears, with a Studio 60 for the fronts and a third party sub. The rear channels don't carry a ton of information and if your budget is tight it's a good place to reduce costs.

Don't expect dealers to go past 10% discount, speakers are their profit margin item in comparison to the electronics. I'd try bargaining for in home professional setup for ideal positioning in the price. Way too many home setups are done quickly, thus limiting the best listening experience.

 

[GO-NAD!]

I certainly won't argue that the Monitor line is as good as the Studios. However, for the money they are great speakers. I like mine just fine. Smooth2222, if you're happy to go with bookshelf speakers, then I'd say go for those. If you want some floorstanders, you're gonna have to fork out much more than you've listed. If you wait and try to accumulate a complete system of Studios on the used market, for a fair price, I think you'll be waiting a long time.

I compared Polk Audio RTiA7's with my Monitor 9's, side-by-side, in my own Rec room. My wife and I took turns blind listening to each pair and the 9's won it. The Polks cost about 50% more. So, there is value to be had in the Monitor series.

Best way to do this - compare a Studio 20 system with a Monitor system at your dealer. Only YOU can decide what's best for you. Despite what some of the other posters are saying, for the money, the Monitor line is perfectly fine. One thing to keep in mind - speaker sensitivity. The Monitor 11's are much more sensitive than the Studio 20's. Don't know how much you know about such things, but the more sensitive the speaker, the less power it will demand from the amplifier. That may or may not be be a major factor - depends on how big your room is, how loud you like to listen and the quality of your receiver/amplifier. Just another thing to consider...

 

[j_garcia]

Nobody is saying the Monitors aren't good, just that the Studios are better.

A higher sensitive speaker does not necessarily mean it will draw less current than a lower sensitivity speaker, because that will vary with the design of the speaker itself.

 

[Highbar]

I love my Monitor 11's for my music setup. Yeah they might be a little in your face at times but for music I don't find that bad at. As for home theater, I don't think you need a tower for fronts, a good well rounded Bookself speaker will do great, with a nice sub. I've heard some of the smaller Paradigm Monitor series and never had a problem with them. I would get a nice center as a good portion of your audio will be coming from that, the 190 I heard was just too small in the room it was in.

If you want to stick with the Monitors and plan on always using the sub, I don't with my 11's, I would look at the 7's or 9's as fronts. They should have plenty of bass extension to match with the sub and still be towers.

Get what you like. That's the key in speakers, and why there are so many.

 

[smooth2222]

so what do you guys mean by in your face? can someone try explaining?

 

[fredk]

I believe they mean forward. Like you are in the front row in a concert, though someone also mentioned fatiguing which is usually caused by an overemphasized upper end.

I agree the Studio series us much nicer. Studio-like alternatives also include Axiom M60/80, Aperion T6 tower, and if you have the stomach for it, AV123 Rocket 850. All of these will vary in sound from the Studios, but they will get you much closer than the Monitors at a decent price.

 

[3db]

Nobody is saying the Monitors aren't good, just that the Studios are better.

A higher sensitive speaker does not necessarily mean it will draw less current than a lower sensitivity speaker, because that will vary with the design of the speaker itself.

For that kinda of money, I would look at PSB's Image Series speakers which outclasses Paradigm's Monitor series for the same amount or less money. I've never liked the Monitor series. I found the tweeters to be gritty nad harsh and the sound thrown in your face. The OP should look else where if he wants to maintain his budget or move up to the Studio series.