Josh~H

Forgive me for making a new thread on this topic. I've been discussing my soon-to-be-bought Paradigm 5.1 system in at least two separate threads, and I'm trying to consolidate my thoughts into a more focused thread. This thread.

I'm going to audition Paradigm Atoms, CC-170, ADP-170's, and PDR-10. This setup fits nicely within my budget, and unless I'm dissatisfied with the audition, I'll likely make a purchase in the next 2 days.

It appears that Atoms may be cheaper than the ADP-170 surrounds. I know the ADP-170 features a dipole design in order to create a more diffuse sound for surround duty. With my current lousy rears (old sony satellites), the surround track always seems decidedly localized. I suspect that the dipole design of the ADP-170 would probably serve me better, especially since I'm going to be using this system almost 100% for DVDs movies.

But my Yamaha A/V has 6.1 DTS-ES Discrete/DD-EX...and given that the Atoms are cheaper than the ADP-170's (I think), I might be able to get Atoms all around -- including rear center -- for about the same price as a 5.1 set with ADP-170's. The addition of the rear center Atom could complete the rear stage and mitigate the localization effects of 2 direct speakers for the L/R surround.

Is my logic sound? What advice can you offer? Any been-there-done-that stories?

David Sorenson

I'd stay away from the Atoms as the new plastic back has significantly reduced the sound quality. Can't comment on the ADP series. If you go with direct, make sure the model has a wood back.

Josh~H

Do you know this from experience? This is the first I've heard about the new plastic back causing any reduction in sound quality. I was actually on my way out the door to go to the Paradigm dealer when your message caught my eye. Now I've postponed my trip until tomorrow so I can do more research on this matter...I hope your comment wasn't merely speculation!

Kevinkall

I have the Atoms with the plastic backs and they sound GREAT! My Paradigm dealer hasn't carried the wood back Atoms for awhile. This is the first time I've heard anyone mention this and I've read a TON of reviews on these.

Josh~H

Yeah, I just got done reading as many reviews online as I could find. I didn't see any mention of the plastic-backed versions offering up diminished performance in any way.

If it hadn't been for David's warning, I probably would have been on my way home right now with my new Paradigm setup. But his warning sounded sufficiently ominous to make me second guess everything I've read up to this point.

Kevinkall

I would still recommend the Atoms, out of all the reviews I've read this is the Only time that I've heard of this. I think it was a BIG issue you would have heard it mentioned before. It may just be a matter of taste. You should go and give them a listen, see what you think. I bet you'll fall in love with them just as I did.

William_jones

Are these Atoms great sounding speakers? I am looking at replacing some Bose cubes currently being used as surround sound speakers?

How would these Atoms match-up with Bose 601's. I have a Paradigm sub that I like. Are their other speakers pretty good?

Sorry if these questions sound basic, but I'm new to the forum and am trying to improve my HT setup.

Bill

Kevinkall

YES, they are GREAT sounding speakers for there size and price. You can get a pair for under $200 and worth every cent. I don't know how well they will blend in with your Bose, I'm guessing not very well. Still good speakers and worth checking out.

Josh~H

Bill -

I'm new to alot of this too. It does seem that the Paradigm speakers in general seem to be very well regarded, especially for the price. Search on the internet and you'll find that most of the reviews of Paradigm speakers are more than complimentary. There's nothing particularly special about the Atoms vs the other Paradigm models, except that they have very good performance for a price just about anyone can afford. < $200 per pair.

ChrisWiggles

Um, the atoms would EASILY replace those Bose 601s. No comparison at all. Forget about using the as surrounds, stick the lousy 601s in the rear, and put those atoms up front, IMO.

Ans as for David's mention of the plastic back, I dunno WHAT he's talking about. The atoms are an absolutely amazing bargain. As for whether to go 170 or atoms, depends on your priorities and how much you're willing to spend. Obviously the ADP 170s are more $$, so you should go audition with both and see whether the more diffuse field is worth it.