Paradigm Phantoms

[Spiffyfast]

Ok, so due to a speeding ticket I got on my motorcycle today (come on 45 over on the highway and the cop gets pissy) my new setup budget is significantly reduced . So instead of Monitor 7's I'm thinking about going with the Phantoms anyone have any thoughts

http://www.paradigm.com/Website/SiteParadigmProduct/ParadigmModels/Performance/PerformanceSpecs.htm

Only going to be able to afford around 400-500 for my mains now, darn cops

 

[cam]

Sorry to hear about your fine, but I would wait till you can afford all three front speakers within the same line. If you can only afford the phantoms, then they must be matched with the Paradigm cc-270. If you are hell bent on buying the cc-370 for your center in the future, then save up for those 7's. The monitor line is a big step up from the performance line, it's a bigger step up (to me anyways) then going from the monitor line to the studio line.

 

[Takeereasy]

Cam is right on IMO, although I can't see those Phantoms sounding bad. Have you heard the Phantoms? Tough luck on the fine, that chomps. So close. I think every one of us has been close to a big purchase we really wanted only to have the rug jerked out from under for a variety of reasons.

 

[Spiffyfast]

Cam is right on IMO, although I can't see those Phantoms sounding bad. Have you heard the Phantoms? Tough luck on the fine, that chomps. So close. I think every one of us has been close to a big purchase we really wanted only to have the rug jerked out from under for a variety of reasons.

I did here the Phantoms and they sounded really really good, just not amazing like the Monitor 7's. I'm not too worried about the center b/c when I was listening to them at the shop the dealer told me that the CC270 would sound fine with the 7's and they sell alot of set ups with that combination. Its just that I'm so impatient and dont want to wait, but for only 150 to 200 more I can get the 7's over the Phantoms. Both are such a step up from my HTIB that I would be completely happy with either, was just hopting someone had a set of phantoms and would post their thoughts

 

[nm2285]

150-200 more and you find the step up amazing? if you buy the phantoms, you may feel that old buyers remorse even if you like them. i'd definately wait if i were you. i'd also slow down when driving so i didn't have to wait any longer than necessary.

 

[T2T]

Its just that I'm so impatient and dont want to wait

Hold on a second. Wasn't that the cause of the speeding ticket? I'm starting to see a parallel here.

In all seriousness, though, I'd hold out for the better speakers. You'll appreciate them more and hold onto them longer.

 

[Takeereasy]

I'd wait too. You'll regret not getting what you really wanted after getting so close.

 

[Audiosouse]

Patience

My initial plan was Phantoms and the whole Performance HT. However, in the listening room with same source and amplification I was able to switch between the Monitor 7s and the Phantoms instantly.

I was surprised by the diffference between them. While the Phantoms kick *** (in fact, I like them better than the Energy Conoisseur C5, and I'm a big Energy fan), the Monitor 7 tweeter is awsome and that low frequency driver really lets you feel the bass.

It's a tough decision because the Performance line looks so damn good now, better than the Monitor series IMO, but the sound is a noticable step up, and that goes for the CC370 also (their different drivers than the CC270 and what's more important than the centre channel?). Be cool Save the speed for your bike and your girlfriend.

 

[Spiffyfast]

My initial plan was Phantoms and the whole Performance HT. However, in the listening room with same source and amplification I was able to switch between the Monitor 7s and the Phantoms instantly.

I was surprised by the diffference between them. While the Phantoms kick *** (in fact, I like them better than the Energy Conoisseur C5, and I'm a big Energy fan), the Monitor 7 tweeter is awsome and that low frequency driver really lets you feel the bass.

It's a tough decision because the Performance line looks so damn good now, better than the Monitor series IMO, but the sound is a noticable step up, and that goes for the CC370 also (their different drivers than the CC270 and what's more important than the centre channel?). Be cool Save the speed for your bike and your girlfriend.

thnx for the input audio, I felt the same thing listening to both speakers. Just not sure of the marginal benefit is big enough for me to justify spending the extra money I dunno, speakers are a much tougher decision that receivers, theres so many speaker options other there its rediculous

 

[nav]

I think every one of us has been close to a big purchase we really wanted only to have the rug jerked out from under for a variety of reasons.

One of my rear molars (for lack of a better word) died and fell apart a couple days (completely unexpectedly!) before I was going to purchase my current left and right speakers. The dental bill was rather impressive. I bought them anyway, borrowed money for the cheaper dental procedure (extraction rather than root canal and cap), and took a fun time paying that all back the next couple weeks . I'd been saving too long to just go without getting them for a while.

 

[Takeereasy]

You're a dedicated man Nav. I'd have gone the More expensive dental route and started saving again. Dentists are an arm and a leg up here too. I get mine covered for once a year, up to $100. My dentist charges $110 a visit and then if you need any work done, lord help ya.

 

[Audiosouse]

...speakers are a much tougher decision that receivers, theres so many speaker options other there its rediculous

That's the fun of it. Just don't make it tedious. Use my foolproof three step process of elimination:
1) Only consider speakers you can get locally or direct if they have a trial policy (always anticipate a problem).
2) Find speakers that perform (measure) well. That eliminates a whole bunch.
3) Listen to well regarded or speakers way out of your price range to find traits you like. Look for those same traits in YOUR price range and the decision will present itself quite clearly.

You may even be surprised when you end up with a pair you hadn't previously considered because of above or a sale. Just don't let your preconceived bias get in the way, it's there, even if you don't know it.