Paradigm or Rockets

[joebob]

2 Questions:

I listened to Paradigms at my local HT shop. I like the Studio 60s. I wasn't blown away, but I think they will fit the bill. Surprisingly, the selection of higher end speakers in my area, Tampa, is pretty thin. I would like to listen to a number of other manufacturers but there isn't much other than what the big box stores offer. I'm interested in the Rockets, 760s or 550s. There aren't any owners in my area, that I'm aware of, that would give me that opportunity to hear them. I don't mind buying the rockets and returning them if they don't work for me, but I want to have an Idea that they are a better value than the Paradigms before I go through the trouble. If anyone has experience with these, please reply with your thoughts.

The other issue is that I won't be able to get matching surrounds due to my room layout and WAF. Is it ok to use small bookshelves as surround speakers, or am I better off going with a 3.1 setup? My room is about 15 X 15 and the back is open to the kitchen. There is no way to mount in wall speakers in this room. I'm using a Yamaha RXV 2500 receiver. Thanks for your feedback.

 

[jcPanny]

Onix Rockets

I would encourage you to try the Onix Rockets as an alternative to the Paradigms. Axiom Audio and Ascend are also internet direct companies that are worth a look. I am enjoying the Onix Reference 1's in my system.

Bookshelf speakers like the Onix Rocket 250's or the Paradigm mini monitors will work great for the surround channels of your 5.1 system. Keep in mind that the ideal location for the surround speakers in on the SIDES of the listening position, so you may still have an option of wall mounting bookshelf or bipole/dipole type speakers.

If you post on the av123 message board, you can probably find someone who will let you demo the rockets.

 

[zildjian]

IMO, if you weren't blown away by the Paradigms, then keep looking. I can't comment on the Rockets as I haven't heard them. As far as surrounds are concerned, I think you'd be better off with any surrounds bookshelf or whatever rather than go with no surrounds. I have pretty large bipolar surround speakers, and with most movies, I rarely hear them getting a workout like they were meant for. Have fun auditioning speakers, that's the most exciting part for me. I'm a speakerholic. I'd have a massive collection of all types if I had the space and time and money... maybe someday.
Brad

 

[bongobob]

I've got to agree with Ziljian. Everyone likes something different. My 60's blew me away and still do while a bud of mines 550's sounded less smooth throughout the frequency range and a bit lacking in the mids. To me. He just loves em. Happy Hunting!

 

[j_garcia]

The Rockets sound very similar to the Studios to my ears (750SEs), so if you weren't blown away by the 'digms, the Rockets aren't going to do it for you either.

 

[capttony]

I can recommend the Rocket 760s with the RSC200 center as a great combination!
I use smaller RS250s as rears and Dipole Arrays on the sides.
Powered by Denon 3806 as a pre/pro with a Sherbourn (5x200w) amp and SVS PB12 plus
Very satisfied and no longer looking to upgrade.....well at least not today....

 

[sjsrocks]

See if your Paradigm dealer will let you Demo the 60s and get the Onix Rockets at the same time so you can A/B them. Then get a friend to help you with a Blind test of the two. I did that with my Studio 60s and Ascend's CMT 340 Mains.
To me the Paradigm had more Headroom and a bigger sound stage.
You might think the Ascend's sound better. Everyone has different tastes.
There is a lot of speakers to choose from. So have fun and listen to all you can and then decide.