chuck-h

A few Paradigm questions.

I have decided to go with the Yamaha RX V1500. It has every thing I want and helps with the budget factor. I have pretty much decided on Paradigm speakers as well. I have talked to two different dealers and we have all decided that the Mini Monitors would be the best for my front mains. However, one says that the CC170 would be plenty for a center channel and the other states that because the center is the most important speaker in Home Theater that he would go with the CC 370(and it matches the monitor line). I will have CS-60R in ceiling speakers for rears. Anyone have input on a good fit for a center speaker with this setup, my room will be about 17.5 deep X 19 wide and half the back wall opens to the kichen/breakfast area. And speaking of in ceiling speakers, how do the paradigm in walls compare to other brands.
I know it is early to compare the new SVS PB10-ISD subwoofer but I am looking at this one for a sub. I am also considering the more expensive Paradigm PS-1000 as well. Would also like any input between these two subs. And lastly both dealers have given me sticker MSRP prices on these Paradigm's. Are dealers willing to deal on Paradigms are do you have to pay what is asked. One dealer has Yamaha's and Paradigms but is about 75 miles away. Hard to drive that far for the same price I can get locally, just have to get the reciever for a different place.

PaulDA

I would go with the matching centre, in your case, if it's not out of your budget. A strong centre (to me) is critical for movies, especially if you're not the only one using the system (even if you are, I still think a strong centre channel speaker is better than a phantom centre for movies). Also, if ever you decide to go with m/c hi-res music, a centre with the same tweeter, (if not entirely identical to your front mains) will sound much better. Getting the smaller centre from Paradigm won't be fatal (I don't have the matching centre for my mains--but my centre uses the same tweeter and is bigger than the "matching" centre for my mains and was significantly less expensive {a reality that tipped the scales for me in a way you might not have to deal with}) Best thing is to audition them (even if it can't be with your receiver, you'll still get a good idea of the major differences) with a movie you are very familiar with.

Good luck.

Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes time, and it annoys the pig.

Kurt Charnoski

Go with the CC370 for the center it will match the mains better and if you ever upgrade your mains up the monitor line your center will be good all the way up to the Monitor 11's.

I've owned the Paradigms and you will enjoy them very much............Go for the CC370 !

Garrett Lundy

Nobody ever said "This is too much center channel. I think I'll take it back and get the smaller one". Get the CC-370 in my opinion.

"Did you know that more people are murdered at 92 degrees Fahrenheit than any other temperature? I read an article once. Lower temperatures, people are easy-going, over 92 and it's too hot to move, but just 92, people get irritable."

Joe Mihok

I had a CC-270 when I purchased my Monitor 7's. I thought it was timre matched when I bought it, but after a few weeks I just didn't like the sound of the centre and it didn't really blend with my mains. After some research, I had found out that the CC270 was a match for the Performance series, not the Monitor (you would think the dealer could have warned me). Anyways, I exchanged for a CC370 and now the front soundstage is seamless and perfect. Go for the CC-370, without a doubt.

Aaron_Mum

Get the CC-370, it has the exact same drivers that the mini-monitors have. If you are going to spend hundreds of dollars on gear do it right the first time. The CC-370 will blow your mind when you hook it up for the first time, its a great speaker.

As far as the subs go the SVS sub is MUCH better even though it is less money. That choice is a no brainer. I own the PW-2100 and from what I have read, the PB10-ISD sounds comparable to it. In my opinion if you buy the PS-1000 you are spending more money on a lesser sub.

The bargaining rule with Paradigms from what I have heard is that you should be able to get them down 15-20% off sticker price. I have had to wait for sales to do that but I got 20% off all my paradigm gear.

Marty M

Lawn Ranger Motto: You're only young once, but you can be always be immature.

cabreau

Before I say anything, I want you all to know that I am a HUGE Paradigm fan and my last system and current are Paradigm...

When I was out getting ready to upgrade from my Atoms, CC-170, PDR-10 system, I considered upgrading to the Monitor line. The salesman let me listen A/B to the CC-170 against the CC-370, using Mini Monitors and Monitor 5's. I actually liked the sound of the CC-170 more - it was bright and clear (not harsh) compared to the CC-370. The CC-370 sounded VERY muddy to me. I was having a dilemma - I liked the full sound of the Monitors, but I didn't like the matching center. Just as I was about to keep my CC-170 and buy Mini Monitors, the salesperson was off getting prices, so my friend and I strayed into the room with the Studio line in it. Finding Nemo was playing. I noticed IMMEDIATELY that the voices were clear and accurate through the full range. Wow, what the hell speaker is doing such a good job? The CC-470. I decided to bite the bullet and I walked out that day (after trading in my CC-170 and PDR-10) with Studio 20's and the CC-470. I never looked back.

My suggestion to you is...go to a Paradigm dealer, have them play Finding Nemo, Toy Story 2, Star Wars, etc. All the typical stuff...and have them setup the Mini Monitors and then have them setup a CC-170, 370, and 470 and do A/B/C comparisons with them and pick the one you like the most. Do a blind test. Have him do it random, or shut your eyes so you don't know which one he's playing. Tell him which one you like the best.

IMO, the CC-470 is worth the extra cash ALL DAY LONG.

\"...He who knows how to live can walk abroad without fear of rhinocerous or tiger. He will not be wounded in battle. For in him rhinoceroses can find no place to thrust their horn, tigers can find no place to use their claws, and weapons no place to pierce. Why is this so? Because he has no place for death to enter.\" - Lao Tsu

Frank Lee

I agree with getting the CC-370. Since it is matched with the mini monitors. And also because the center speaker is a very important part of the set up.

As far as the cost goes. A few months ago I went into my local A/V store ready to by my Paradigm Monitor 7s, CC-370 and ADP370's. The first price they shot me was $1928 for the whole set. I ended up paying cash and walking away with the speakers for $1307. So, yes you can talk them down.

Oh yeah, go with the SVS you will be happy!

PS I am also running a Yamaha HTR-5590 reciever.

TimMc

Well, it's darned near 100% for the CC-370 then, isn't it? Yup, got mini-monitors & the center and can vouch for everything everyone else has said. And yup, that includes Cabreau, too - 'cause I've gone overboard & have Studios (including a CC-470) in the "big room" and yes there really is a difference to these old ears. Not that you'd be disappointed at all in the Mini-monitors (and I used them for rear surrounds w/ the Studios for a while, used them alone, and used them w/ the 370 center) or anything else in the Monitor line. The Mini's are one tremendous band-for-the-buck speaker and the matching 370 is darned near seamless. However, there were a few extra bucks just lying around and I'd heard the Studios and that was that.

DO NOT listen to Signatures. Just get the 370 now so you won't be going back anytime soon for the upgrade from the 170...