paradigm monitor setup.

[GO-NAD!]

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.

I know that impedance variations will influence the current draw, but are you going to tell me that a Studio 20, which is 7 dB less sensitive than the Monitor 11 (both having a nominal impedance of 8 ohms) will not require more current to acheive any given volume? I have to say, I'm somewhat sceptical. So, I would still advise that this aspect of speaker selection should not be ignored.

As for "Nobody is saying the Monitors aren't good", well, that is the distinct impression that I'm getting. I take issue with that. Again, I'm not arguing that the Monitors are as good as the Studios and I'm not defending them just because I have them. I'm sure that there speakers of similar cost, that perform better. I just haven't heard 'em myself...

Smooth 2222 for the money you are willing to spend, you should consider an Axiom system, as previously suggested. I haven't heard them, but they've received fantastic reviews. If I'd been aware of Axiom when I was in the market, I think I would've been tempted to go that route myself. You will probably get better performance, at the same cost.

Other factors that should be considered:

A large room will demand more from your speakers and receiver. If your receiver can't deliver lots of current, your speakers need to be easy to drive, i.e. higher sensitivity, with impedance that doesn't dip too low. Of course, the smaller the room is, the less important these factors are. A smaller room may have space restrictions as well, although with the system you are considering, I'll assume that isn't the case!

Do you have a receiver now, or are you still considering that purchase?

If you have a well-damped room - carpets, lots of soft furniture, etc (which is what I have) - speakers that might be considered "bright", may suit such a room well. The inverse is true as well. If you have a lot of hard surfaces - ceramic tile/hardwood floors, bare walls, hard furniture - a speaker that tapers off the higher frequencies might be a better match.

I hope the "debate" between the Studios and Monitors isn't turning you off. I'm feeling somewhat abused however...Sniff...

Just kidding all you Studio aficionados! It's all good!

 

[UncleCheese]

Well I hope it didn't sound like I was bashing the Monitors. In that price range they sound better than most of the speakers I auditioned at the time.

 

[GO-NAD!]

Well I hope it didn't sound like I was bashing the Monitors. In that price range they sound better than most of the speakers I auditioned at the time.

Whew! I was starting to wonder if my hearing was going bad!

 

[just listening]

I wasn't trying to bash the Monitor line either. But, with the price quotes he was given, I think many of us felt that for the same budget, he could move up into the Studios, and get better sound quality with smaller speakers.

 

[GO-NAD!]

I wasn't trying to bash the Monitor line either. But, with the price quotes he was given, I think many of us felt that for the same budget, he could move up into the Studios, and get better sound quality with smaller speakers.

I wouldn't argue with that. I think the prices are too high myself. If he's set on getting the system he mentioned, he should negotiate a healthy discount from those prices, or look elsewhere.

 

[j_garcia]

I wouldn't argue with that. I think the prices are too high myself. If he's set on getting the system he mentioned, he should negotiate a healthy discount from those prices, or look elsewhere.

With the integration/elimination of the Performance line, they could have brought the prices down a little, especially since they didn't really change much in the Monitor line.

I used to have a full setup of Monitors and I was very happy with them.

When it comes to the Studio 20 vs 11, yes, you are going to need a lot of power to get the 20 to achieve a similar SPL and the 20s can handle a TON of power. What I am saying is, even though the 11s are more sensitive (due to multiple drivers) that doesn't mean it will draw less current because you have a large number of drivers in the 11 and since it plays much lower than the 20s, it WILL draw more current than the 20s at the same SPL. I found with the Monitors that they were great but at a certain SPL they would begin to break up even with plenty of amplification, where the Studios could be cranked to uncomfortable levels without breaking a sweat.

 

[GO-NAD!]

With the integration/elimination of the Performance line, they could have brought the prices down a little, especially since they didn't really change much in the Monitor line.

I used to have a full setup of Monitors and I was very happy with them.

When it comes to the Studio 20 vs 11, yes, you are going to need a lot of power to get the 20 to achieve a similar SPL and the 20s can handle a TON of power. What I am saying is, even though the 11s are more sensitive (due to multiple drivers) that doesn't mean it will draw less current because you have a large number of drivers in the 11 and since it plays much lower than the 20s, it WILL draw more current than the 20s at the same SPL. I found with the Monitors that they were great but at a certain SPL they would begin to break up even with plenty of amplification, where the Studios could be cranked to uncomfortable levels without breaking a sweat.

Yes, you are right. Mea Culpa. I didn't think that through very well, before making my comment. So, Smooth2222, I apologize and hope I didn't confuse you on that point.

I guess that the lesson here is to compare apples with apples, when it comes to sensitivity, i.e. similar number and size of drivers and the low frequency response of the speakers in question. Would you agree with that j_garcia?

 

[j_garcia]

Yes, you are right. Mea Culpa. I didn't think that through very well, before making my comment. So, Smooth2222, I apologize and hope I didn't confuse you on that point.

I guess that the lesson here is to compare apples with apples, when it comes to sensitivity, i.e. similar number and size of drivers and the low frequency response of the speakers in question. Would you agree with that j_garcia?

Yep, I would tend to agree with that. I don't think it is the entire answer, as there are many factors, but it does get one in the ballpark.

 

[smooth2222]

I know that impedance variations will influence the current draw, but are you going to tell me that a Studio 20, which is 7 dB less sensitive than the Monitor 11 (both having a nominal impedance of 8 ohms) will not require more current to acheive any given volume? I have to say, I'm somewhat sceptical. So, I would still advise that this aspect of speaker selection should not be ignored.

As for "Nobody is saying the Monitors aren't good", well, that is the distinct impression that I'm getting. I take issue with that. Again, I'm not arguing that the Monitors are as good as the Studios and I'm not defending them just because I have them. I'm sure that there speakers of similar cost, that perform better. I just haven't heard 'em myself...

Smooth 2222 for the money you are willing to spend, you should consider an Axiom system, as previously suggested. I haven't heard them, but they've received fantastic reviews. If I'd been aware of Axiom when I was in the market, I think I would've been tempted to go that route myself. You will probably get better performance, at the same cost.

Other factors that should be considered:

A large room will demand more from your speakers and receiver. If your receiver can't deliver lots of current, your speakers need to be easy to drive, i.e. higher sensitivity, with impedance that doesn't dip too low. Of course, the smaller the room is, the less important these factors are. A smaller room may have space restrictions as well, although with the system you are considering, I'll assume that isn't the case!

Do you have a receiver now, or are you still considering that purchase?

If you have a well-damped room - carpets, lots of soft furniture, etc (which is what I have) - speakers that might be considered "bright", may suit such a room well. The inverse is true as well. If you have a lot of hard surfaces - ceramic tile/hardwood floors, bare walls, hard furniture - a speaker that tapers off the higher frequencies might be a better match.

I hope the "debate" between the Studios and Monitors isn't turning you off. I'm feeling somewhat abused however...Sniff...

Just kidding all you Studio aficionados! It's all good!

my front room is about 20 x 20, and goes into the kitchen.

the studio's cost a bit of a penny more.

will buy a reciever to match whatever system that i plan on getting, which i'm confused now. lol i like the monitors, don't think i want to spend 1g-2+ more for studio's

 

[smooth2222]

I wasn't trying to bash the Monitor line either. But, with the price quotes he was given, I think many of us felt that for the same budget, he could move up into the Studios, and get better sound quality with smaller speakers.

well that price i would get 20% off he said already, and will push to get 25 to 30% off, so i want be paying those prices. those are the MSRP prices

 

[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

with the discount would be 2700 to 3000

 

[STRONGBADF1]

my front room is about 20 x 20, and goes into the kitchen.

the studio's cost a bit of a penny more.

will buy a reciever to match whatever system that i plan on getting, which i'm confused now. lol i like the monitors, don't think i want to spend 1g-2+ more for studio's

If you like it, that is all that matters. There are lots of satisfied Monitor series owners in the world. They are good speakers. We just like to push the envelope around here to maximize the performance/dollar ratio. You might not like the studio series...it's just personal preference.

My suggestion was to go studio 20's (bookshelf vs. floorstander for about the same money) and get a more cost effective sub. (most people would consider this better sound quality but you may not). You could still get the monitor series for you surrounds because they don't have to be an exact timber match to the fronts.

My advice is to make yourself happy...not any of us.

 

[TjMV3]

with the discount would be 2700 to 3000

My suggestion is for you to tear yourself away from the clutches of the Paradigm death grip.

There are a lot of good speakers on the market. Take a look around, audition different speaker brands and find out what you personally like.

Energy, PSB, Jamo, Wharfedale, Polk Audio, Outlaw Audio ...all have good sounding speakers. Speakers that actually play music. Give them a listen.

 

[GO-NAD!]

my front room is about 20 x 20, and goes into the kitchen.

the studio's cost a bit of a penny more.

will buy a reciever to match whatever system that i plan on getting, which i'm confused now. lol i like the monitors, don't think i want to spend 1g-2+ more for studio's

That's a fairly large space to fill. So, I wouldn't skimp on the receiver. Of course, if you don't crank it up, you may not need quite as much power. One of the mid-higher models from Yamaha, Denon, Pioneer or Onkyo perhaps? My Yamaha RX-V1800 works well with my system, in my space, which is about 2500 cubic feet. The RX-V 1900 replaced the 1800, so that would be the equivalent model right now. If you don't mind my asking, how much were you thinking of spending on a receiver?

 

[GO-NAD!]

well that price i would get 20% off he said already, and will push to get 25 to 30% off, so i want be paying those prices. those are the MSRP prices

If you can get at least 20% off, that would be fair. Get more than that and you would be doing very well. As for the subwoofer, you would probably get more bang for your buck with a model from SVS. Subwoofers are their bread and butter and are of very high quality. I'm making that recommendation based on the general consensus of the members of this forum. I've never heard one myself, but people here swear by them!

 

[Stereoguy]

Check out Axiom M-60's,VP-150,QS-8's

Hi: You also could look at Axiom's M-60,VP-150 and QS-8's which are very close to the Paradigm's Studio series you are looking at and are less expensive to boot. I own them and recently listened to the paradigm Studio's and Monitor's.The Axiom's are superior to the monitors and are in the same price bracket.

 

[griffinconst]

Well - are you still glad you asked?
Here's my 2 cents, if the Monitors sound good to you, that's what matters most. I think if you're getting a decent sub you would do well to use Monitor 9's as fronts. I thought that 7's got a little stuffy when pushed and the 11's are overkill if you get a good sub. This would help your budget as well.
If you buy a whole new surround setup , you wouldn't be out of line to ask for 20% off. Don't forget about sales tax.
Good luck to you and keep us informed. Of course we'll need pictures of whatever you buy.

 

[smooth2222]

That's a fairly large space to fill. So, I wouldn't skimp on the receiver. Of course, if you don't crank it up, you may not need quite as much power. One of the mid-higher models from Yamaha, Denon, Pioneer or Onkyo perhaps? My Yamaha RX-V1800 works well with my system, in my space, which is about 2500 cubic feet. The RX-V 1900 replaced the 1800, so that would be the equivalent model right now. If you don't mind my asking, how much were you thinking of spending on a receiver?

500-1000, what is recommended once i figure out the exact speakers i want.

which is now more of a headache. lol

 

[griffinconst]

500-1000, what is recommended once i figure out the exact speakers i want.

which is now more of a headache. lol

I can throw you a couple asprin if you're in the Seattle area.

 

[smooth2222]

so do i have approval to get the setup i listed? 2800-3000. listened to the monitor 9's and they sounded good,

considering i'm going from nothing to this setup, don't see how i would be disappointed. have to say the only system i have really heard in the past is a bose and i know they are junk.

how many of you agree about the sub woofer comment, that i could get a better one for the money?


I really don't have time to try out every speaker brand as i would have to drive 30 minutes to each place. have kids, lots of work, just don't have the time.

steve