Paradigm vs. Klipsch

BillGallagher · 07-20-2004, 10:16 PM

After weeks of searching and auditioning, I have finally narrowed down my speaker choices to the following:

Paradigm-
Front: Monitor 7 (~$749)
Center: CC-370 (~$379)
Surround&Rear: ADP-370 (~$1,460)
Sub: PS-1200 (~$650)
Total Price: ~$3,236 (before negotiating)

Klipsch-
Front: RF-25 (~$898)
Center: RC-35 (~$359)
Surround&Rear: RS-35 (~$1,080)
Sub: RW-12 (~$595)
Total Price: ~$2,932.70 (before negotiating)

Because I can't listem to these systems in a side-by-side comparison, I am having a difficult time deciding between the two. Therefore, I am seeking outside experiences (good or bad) with either system to help me decide.

Does anyone have any recommendations or any experience with either system? (By the way, my home theater is 14' long x 12' wide, my A/V receiver is a Denon 3803, using a 7.1 speaker arrangement; if that helps anyone to steer me in one direction or the other).

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

BillGallagher · 07-21-2004, 09:20 AM

Isn't there anyone out there that has input on Paradigm or Klipsch?

Steve Lucas · 07-21-2004, 11:07 AM

I auditioned basically the same systems and ended up with the Paradigms, except that I got the PW-2200 sub. I originally intended to buy Klipsh on reputation alone, but when I auditioned them, I didn't like the sound of the horn mid/highs.

I am very satisfied with my choice although upraditis is afflicting me, making me want to add a second pw-2200 and trade the speakers for the studio series.

Cameron Wright · 07-21-2004, 12:36 PM

how much more would a PW-2200 be over a PS-1200..

I started out with a 1200 a loved it.. Sold it after a while then started the hunt for a sub... I probably had about 7 sub I was able to take from from B&Ws, Every Boston and a SERVO-15, PW-2200.. and the new V2 or V3 PS-1200 I ended up keeping the 2200.

It sounds much better then the 1200 in every way. I think its only a couple hundred more... The 1200 sounded ok on its own.. but beside the 2200 it just went home..

also see if you can but a nice deposit down and bring both the B&W and Paradigm mains home... or maybe just one of each... or if only one store allows you to bring them home for a test... Bring them to the other store

You dont know until you ask.. I had my Boston 965's beside a pair of B&W 603s and a Anthem amp... (none were mine

) and again I ended up keeping the Bostons as the B&Ws sounded so bad beside them.

Oh and I would personally go with the Paradigms

Actually I Just checked Paradigms site and it looks like they have a new PW sub.. the PW-2100 It looks like the only diff from the 2100 and the 2200 is its a 10inch not a 12 ( but same 400W wamp).... I just keep finding more and mroe.. check out the Seismic™ 12 lol...

Frank Lee · 07-21-2004, 01:11 PM

Hi Bill

I just purchased the exact same speakers (minus the sub). I haven't got them completly set up yet, but so far they sound excellent. I will not be taking them back! I didn't have a chance to compare them to Klipsh. I have them hooked up to a Yamaha HTR-5590. I ended up getting all five speakers for $1307. So you definately have room to bargain. This is just a suggestion, but if I was you I would skip the paradigm sub and get a SVS 20-39. They run less then $650 shipped to your door and are pretty amazing. I compared my SVS to paradigm's top sub (the $800 one) and I am convinced the SVS is better. The whole setup cost around $2000. I am really happy with it.

Frank

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DavidCooper · 07-21-2004, 01:24 PM

Frank is right.....a Paradigm sub (decent) is no match for an SVS.

I have heard quite a few Paradigm subs..and it takes a lot more money in their line to start to equal what an SVS can do.

BillGallagher · 07-21-2004, 01:37 PM

Thanks for your suggestions.

I thought about the SVS sub, but I'm a bit nervous about buying something I haven't heard. I know they have a money back guarantee, but I'm still out the shipping cost.

Does anyone have any opinions on the horn vs. dome tweeters? Again, because I couldn't do a side-by-side comparison, I can't be sure whether or not I heard a difference. If there is one, it wasn't obvious to me.

If I went with Klipsch, would all the horns in small room with 7.1 be to "tinny?"

Cameron Wright · 07-21-2004, 01:42 PM

I hear ya. If I was in the states I would consider getting a SVS sub and seeing whats all the hype about... but I'm in canada and the SVS sub would cost me a arm and leg... and maybe another arm.

When I was looking for speaker I heard some Klipsch speakers and the horn tweeters were so... Tinny or Bright or something.. but it almost hurt my ears..

MikeHU · 07-21-2004, 02:44 PM

Bill, I ended up with the Klipsch RB-35 fronts, RC-35 center and RS-35 surrounds (2). I have a Dennon 1801 for 5.1 . I opted for a Paradigm sub over a comparable Klipsch sub because I thought it sounded more pleasing in a side-by-side comparison. (that was before I ever heard of SVS - my loss, I guess). I use it for about 75% HT and 25% music, in a very large rectangular room. I am very happy with my Klipsch speakers, but did not do any side-by side with Paradigm. My music is heavy on the jazz and acoustic guitar, so perhaps I favor a brighter sound. To me, it just seemed to have a little more presence than some other speakers I tried. I personally do not believe the Klipsch to be overly bright, but would recommend you give both systems a listen for yourself. I suspect you couldn't go wrong with either. Good luck. Mike.

Tim_Stack · 07-21-2004, 03:22 PM

I have the Klipsch RF-25s - love 'em! I'm thinking that you could get a slightly better price than $898 - I got mine for $780 including sales tax.