Paradigm vs. Polk

[Drummerboy]

I have RTi8, RTi4, FXi3, CSi5 and PSW505 from polk. I am thinking of getting some Paradigm 11seMK3's, 7seMK3's a CC300 center with an HSU VTF3 sub. I have to find a couple surround backs to complete the paradigm system, but its a great deal (800 for all the paradigm used, new HSU at retail). What is a better speaker in YOUR opinion?

 

[Sheep]

I would take the Paradigm system.

SheepStar

 

[Drummerboy]

awsome... please keep in mind tho sheep that the paradigms are used... is this alright? i have tested they are mint.... but late 90's models for sure... what do you think?

 

[Sheep]

awsome... please keep in mind tho sheep that the paradigms are used... is this alright? i have tested they are mint.... but late 90's models for sure... what do you think?

I have owned demo models (see much more abuse then any used speaker) and they have had no problems. Make sure who ever you are buying from is going to back you up if there is any immediate problems. I know I would.

SheepStar

 

[Drummerboy]

thought you would say that... i like the paradigm so much, i know they last, and i will get a guarentee in writing... now to choose a sub...

 

[Johnny Canuck]

I have Polks and I have to admit, the Paradigms are a step up. Not much better, but yes they are from my RTi's . The Lsi series by Polk are awesome though , but you need enormous amounts of power to drive them.

JC

 

[Drummerboy]

thats what i like... the Monitor series from Paradigm is really sensetive... i like em... however expensive...

 

[T2T]

IThe Lsi series by Polk are awesome though , but you need enormous amounts of power to drive them.
JC

I think the LSi series has to closely be listened to. For me, I find them to be too flat sounding. Not lively enough for my contemporary jazz listening. In fact, I'd probably take a pair of RTi10s over any of the LSi speakers. Again, though, that is just my preference and what my ears tell me.

Drummerboy, What are going to be your intended uses for the speakers? Mainly movies? Some music? If it's strictly movies that you use your speakers for, I don't see where a lot will be gained by moving over to the other speakers. Now, if it were music you were trying to improve upon, then, I'd consider some better 2-channel components and speakers that are more up to the task for music.

Just my .02

 

[Drummerboy]

im looking for a mid line speaker.... movies and music. Im hoping the paradigms will sound less harsh than my Polks. I dunno, maybe ill consider newer... like Monitor series...

 

[3db]

If your looking at Paradigm monitor seires, may I recommend

im looking for a mid line speaker.... movies and music. Im hoping the paradigms will sound less harsh than my Polks. I dunno, maybe ill consider newer... like Monitor series...

PSB's Image series instead. To my ears, the PSB Image series bests the Paradigms Monitor series. I'm not saying the Monitors are bad. I'm just saying the Image series is a little better. They are in the same price league. Can't hurt to check em out.

 

[Drummerboy]

hmmmmmmmmm

 

[ht_addict]

I have RTi8, RTi4, FXi3, CSi5 and PSW505 from polk. I am thinking of getting some Paradigm 11seMK3's, 7seMK3's a CC300 center with an HSU VTF3 sub. I have to find a couple surround backs to complete the paradigm system, but its a great deal (800 for all the paradigm used, new HSU at retail). What is a better speaker in YOUR opinion?

So what are you going to do with your Polks? If you going to sell them why not use the money you get along with the $800 and step into the Studio series? Or are you counting on selling your Polks to finance the deal? If you have a Paradigm dealer in your area that offers a financing plan I'd give it a look. When I got my Studio(v3) 40/20/470 setup I was able to get it taxes in and financed with no interest no payments for 14mths. I really don't think you should be taking a step back. Even a setup of 20/20/470 with taxes in would come to $2700MSRP. Take of your $800 and what you get for your Polks and you'll probably only be financing $1000-1500 over a year. Just my 2cents.

 

[j_garcia]

im looking for a mid line speaker.... movies and music. Im hoping the paradigms will sound less harsh than my Polks.

You didn't say that previously... I'd say that particular package will do that for you and the price you quoted for the whole set is a very good deal. I don't think it would be a HUGE upgrade though, as I said previously. If you are looking for less brightness, I'd spend some time doing some listening and find the right speaker for you before you drop big dough on them.

 

[speakerman39]

I have RTi8, RTi4, FXi3, CSi5 and PSW505 from polk. I am thinking of getting some Paradigm 11seMK3's, 7seMK3's a CC300 center with an HSU VTF3 sub. I have to find a couple surround backs to complete the paradigm system, but its a great deal (800 for all the paradigm used, new HSU at retail). What is a better speaker in YOUR opinion?

Drummer like I mentioned to you over at hometheaterforum.com I really like both Paradigm and Polk. However, just yesterday I did some rather exrensive listening to the Rti6's and the Mini Monitor v.4's and I noticed a couple of things. First, the mini certainly had more bottom end BUT it was very boomy and sorta sloppy whereas the Rti6's had a more controlled articulate sounding low end. Secondly, the mini's sounded kinda dull and flat while the Rti6's were much more open and engagingly dynamic. Personally, I would keep what you have and buy a better sub from either SVS or Hsu. You will see a dramatic improvement to your system. I noticed that the Rti6's were a little on the bright side but the minis sounded blanketed and rolled off if you will. IMHO, the monitor line can be a little on the forward side as well. Good luck in your decision. Keep us informed.

 

[Johnny Canuck]

I'm with speakerman.

I considered selling my Polks too because if I had a chance to do it again, I would buy psb or Axiom.

However, if I were to sell my gear now to get the equivalent or better, I would lose more money than what little improvement I would hear. Your stuff is good. Paradigm will cost you much more. Gotta weigh it out. I got a HSU sub and I have to say I am happier now with the Polk RTI 12's now. The Polk subs really, really suck.

JC

 

[Drummerboy]

Ive decided to give the polks a second chance, im guessing they can handle more, but with a better reciever than the Pioneer vsx-1015tx. Im looking at the Denon 2807, but im open to suggestions? Ive ordered the new HSU VTF3 HO sub with the turbo port to be delivered in april. The polk PSW505 really is weak. I wanna make the right decision on the reciever too... the pioneer wasnt right for me...

 

[T2T]

Drummerboy,

In all honesty, you're not going to see/hear a whole lot of difference between your current 1015 and the newer Denon that you're looking at.

It seems like you're itching to spend some money - but, most of the moves would not be true upgrades, but more lateral moves and possibly, only a slight improvement.

Spend your funds on a decent sub. Get something that will "knock your socks off" and I think you'll be pleased. If you still have some money left over after that, well, then, my charity is always open for donations.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Polk owners realize these speakers need power. JC and myself have the Denon 3805, and probably should have went with a flagship unit instead to drive these speakers. They sound wonderful with proper power. Had I known the amp section in the 4 and 5 series Denon's were that much better, I would have opted for the earlier models - giving up some surround modes that I don't use currently. I can also tell you Polks are finicky with receivers. If you try to push them with an entry level AVR, distortion will rear up quickly, and make your highs and bass sound terrible.

I'd highly recommend you consider keeping your Polks, and do some research on this earlier unit. Yes, you can always add an amp later, but this unit should drive your speakers well, and with a bit less sibalance than the 1015.

http://www.dakmart.com/website/Items.asp?cID=111

 

[PENG]

Polk owners realize these speakers need power. JC and myself have the Denon 3805, and probably should have went with a flagship unit instead to drive these speakers. They sound wonderful with proper power.
http://www.dakmart.com/website/Items.asp?cID=111

Hi Buck, have you added an amp yet? All published lab measurements indicate the 3805 could push most Polk speakers except perhaps the biggest LSi and RTi (RTi12) floor standing speakers. I added a 200 WPC Adcom to my 3805 to drive a pair of 87dB sensitivity floor standing speakers and hear very little difference if any. In two channel stereo mode, the 3805 is surprisingly powerful. Adding an amp to drive you big RTi10 may get you perceived improvement due to Placebo effect only.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Hi Buck, have you added an amp yet? All published lab measurements indicate the 3805 could push most Polk speakers except perhaps the biggest LSi and RTi (RTi12) floor standing speakers. I added a 200 WPC Adcom to my 3805 to drive a pair of 87dB sensitivity floor standing speakers and hear very little difference if any. In two channel stereo mode, the 3805 is surprisingly powerful. Adding an amp to drive you big RTi10 may get you perceived improvement due to Placebo effect only.

I have not added an amp yet. I've yet to come across one I've really liked. When I do, it will be a vintage 70's amp. I'm trying to track down a clean Sansui. MacManNM promised me a Proton to demo, but seems to have lost it. Right.

The reason for the amp is for cleaner bass down low in the towers. The caps in the 3805 are impressive, and 120x2 is nothing to scoff at. I'm running a simple Audiosource EQ11 which does wonders for the low end at lower levels. My room is almost 4100 cu/ft, and I do push the system on the weekends when the wife isn't around.

Which 87dB speakers do you have? That's odd 200x2 rms wouldn't light those up. Do they sound great with the 3805 already?