Paradigm package vs individual components

[Voyager]

Hi all. This is my first post here, though I've been reading the posts for a few weeks. I'm in the market to upgrade my aging Pioneer VSXD508 with HTiB speakers. I've prettymuch settled on the Yamaha RX-V2500, though I also considered the Onkyo TX-NR801.

My questions concern getting some good speakers to go with it. I'm not an audiophile, and use my system for 50% TV/movies, 25% music and 25% games. I plan on going out and listening to as many sample systems as I can. I'd just like to get smarter on things before I do so I don't look like a doof.

The room size is 30x15 with 8 or 9' ceilings (popcorn.. ugh!) It has 2 sliding glass doors (with curtains) and opens up to a dining room in the front left.

My budget is approximate $1500(US) and with the 500 comming in at ~700 that leaves about $800 for the speakers. I'd like a full 5.1

I was primarily looking at speaker packages, simply because they are less confusing and pricy. I was looking at a few packages including:
- Infinity TSS-750
- Polk RM-7200
- Paradigm cinema 90's

After reading on here, I haven't heard much about the Infinity or Polk package. What I did read was favorable, though almost everyone said they were underpowered, especially in the mid-range.

While everyone here seems to rave about Paradigm's, not much is said about their Cimema line, instead suggesting various Paradigm components like the Monitor 5's, 9's, Studio 20's or Mini-Monitors. All of which seem to be much more $$$ (though probably worth it).

Will one of the packages above fit well with the 2500? Will it fit the room? If not, what combinations are recommended? I know a lot of people combined the Paradigm Monitor-5's with CC-370 and ADP-370 and a HSU STF-2 Sub.
I also saw the Mini-Monitor's and Atom's combined. Would there be a huge difference? Will such a system break my bank?

Thanks in Advance!

 

[dloweman]

Just a thought, why don't you get the yammie 1500 over the 2500 and use the extra $$$ for speakers as there isn't much difference b/w the two receivers. As for the speakers you are definately on the right track with paradigm, and buying the components individually is really the way to go if you want a nice home theatre. Here is 2 systems for ya. Titans as fronts($200), cc170($200), and adp170(300), these prices are just rough though. Also, you could step up to the monitor line (the previous speakers are from the performance line) which you could get mini-monitors(350), cc370(350), and either another set of mini-monitors, or adp-370(500), or adp170, or a set of titans. As you can see the surrounds don't have to be from the same line as long as they are from paradigm, so it is up to you for surrounds whether you want to go with di-pole or direct radiating speakers for surrounds. Hope this helps you out a bit.

 

[jaretsky]

I have Polk rt35, rt3 cs145, and psw 350 that I'm thinking of selling. If you're interested look them up and let me know. Everything is well kept and is my current system and my receiver is a yamaha rxv 1300. I've got the upgrade bug.

 

[HookedOnSound]

I also think you should go with the Yamaha RXV1500 instead as someone posted earlier and jump up a few notches with the Paradigm monitors including the Paradigm CC-370 center channel, alot of ppl have said the cc-170/270 were a little thin for centre channel performance. It won't be a bad investment for your HT setup.

There seems to be a consensus on this forum and others alike that Paradigms offer a very attractive value/performance. But go audition some for yourself and other brands to see what sounds good to you...

Whatever receiver you plan on getting make sure you have enough input/outputs required (I think the Rxv1500 has 1 less component video input than the RXV2500). Alot of ppl seem to overlook those features and focus too much on power specs...

Good Luck

Kim L.

 

[jmgillespie]

I would also suggest the rx1500 instead the only difference is the 1500 puts out 110 watts per channel and the 2500 puts out 130 watts per channel. I think its around a $200 difference in price so add that on to your speaker budget. With a $1000 bucks you can get a pretty good system. To stay around that price range I suggest going with the Paradigm Atoms ($100 each) for both fronts and rears (or adp170's for rears if you like the sound of dipoler speakers they run around $225 each I believe), cc170 ($200), pdr10 ($375). Total is $950 that is retail store prices online you might find a better price. The only problem with that system is you would have to wall mount all of the atoms or buy stands (I'm not sure if they come with brackets to wall mount). Stands will cost you around $100 each.

If you have to buy stands for the atoms I suggest saving up and getting this instead:
Paradigm Esprits ($225 each) - reason being for the extra $25 each you are getting better speakers they have a 6 1/2 inch mid ranges and 1 inch tweeters comared to the atoms 5 1/2 inch mid range and 3/4 inch tweeter and you don't have to buy stands the Esprits are floorstanding speakers.
Atoms for rears wall mounted
CC270 ($275) - Go with the larger center to match the driver size with the fronts.
pdr10 for sub
Total $1300 for and extra $150 you could get Esprits for fronts and rears. I have Paradigm legends as fronts and rears and it sounds amazing.

If you do this soon you may be able to still get version 3's of all these paradigm products and bargain the price down.

 

[Voyager]

Thanks for the replies so far.

I hadn't looked at the Yam 1500. Originally I was looking at the 2400, but then saw that the 2500 had some improvements that I liked. I'll take a look at the 1500 though. My only issue might be the lack of a 3rd component video output. I know right now that I'll be using at least 3 (Cable, DVD, Xbox). If I go with the 1500, then I have 2 into the reciver and 1 into the TV directly with no chance of adding anything new. With the 2500 I at least have 1 unused connection should I get another device that needs/warrents it. I definitely see everyone's point about using the price difference to get better speakers.

As for the speakers, it sounds like everyone agrees with getting components seperately. I'm hoping to get out to a Paradigm dealer tonight to take a listen to the Monitors, Espirits, Titans..etc. I'll also try to compare cc{1,2,3}70 and adp-{1,2,3}70

Is there a good reason to stay with the Paradigm line for the sub? I haven't heard much about the PDR line and I've heard good things about HSU's STU-2. Does the sub have to match as closely with the rest of the system as say the mains and center?

Thanks for all the advice, you all have given me some things to look at tonight. The next thing will be to finish tiling the bathroom so my GF will let me buy anything.

 

[Nick250]

, Xbox). Is there a good reason to stay with the Paradigm line for the sub? I haven't heard much about the PDR line and I've heard good things about HSU's STU-2. Does the sub have to match as closely with the rest of the system as say the mains and center?

If it were me I would get the HSU sub. The local Paradigm dealer in fact sells HSU subs and recomends them. I got a VTF 2 when I purchased my Paradigms 4 years ago and continue to be absolutely pleased with the sound it delivers for both music and movies.

Nick

 

[Karp]

The sub does not have to match the rest of the speakers. I would go with SVS (which I own and HIGHLY recommend) or HSU for a sub.

I'll add my agreement to getting the Yamaha 1500 rather than the 2500, although I preferred the Dennon 2805 over the Yamaha 2500.

Spend most of your budget on your speakers. Most people upgrade electronics every 5 years or so, but good speakers last decades (and hold their value better).

 

[Voyager]

<Rant>
Last night I went out to try to audition the paradigm line. I was rather disappointed, not with the actual speakers, but with the only dealer in my area that carries them. I was hoping the place would have things arranged so that I could listen to them in a close-to-HT environment, and that I could switch in and out a few combinations to try to hear the differences. I was wrong. They had a few setups like this, but none of them used any of their Paradigms. They were all on a display. They were wired, but not in any configuration I would use. So I ended up 0 for 1.
I then went to BB/CC to check out any receivers, specifically the Yamaha 1500/2500. They had Yam's, but just the HTR line. 0 for 2.
</Rant>
Anyone know of a audio store in S.Jersey that carries Yamaha and Paradigm's?


One thing I noticed with the first store is that they had significant mark up on their Paradigm prices then what was mentioned above. Is there a good site that I can reference for prices?

Thanks again for all the good information!

 

[Audiosouse]

Learned

One thing I've learned about shopping for HT is that it's always easiest to narrow down your choices geographically. By that I mean pick items readily available from local manufacturers, then choose between them. It makes a huge difference for support, which you'll always need more than you think.

In addition, the US seems to have a growing internet direct market, meaning you can buy tons of great gear while sitting at home, and audition it where it will actually be set up. Just make sure they've got such a policy. Outlaw Audio, AV123, HSU, SVS, Blue Jeans Cable...and the prices are right if you don't mind you're gear made in China.

It's damn near impossible to test and compare equipment in a store environment, unless the store will swap out speakers and electronics for you in one of their rooms and I think most will.

 

[soundjunkie]

Easiest way I've found to find dealers around my area is to go to the home website and look up your zip on their dealer locator. I know Paridigm offers it, as it was the way I found out a local dealer here actually carried them.

 

[mwheelerk]

The Paradigm Line

I am not familiar with the Cinema series. I have however owned several Paradigm products from across their product line. I have also owned Polk. I have nothing negative to say about Polk, but I can highly recommend Paradigm. I simply feel $ for $ they are the best quality speaker available. I don't think you will go wrong.

 

[cownd]

I've compared the Paradigm speakers with a few others. Absolutely fantastic! is all I have to say. I actually just replaced my two Esprits(front's) with Monitor-7's (V.4's) OH my God!! (now officially slowly replacing the rest )

My local dealer dropped Yamaha a while back stating "there not a high-end manufacture anymore, there just another Panasonic" which I have to agree with.