Paradigm Dilemma!

Sam Pat · 02-09-2006, 04:29 PM

Hey guys,

I'm getting the upgrade itch again.

Here's my system right now: Paradigm CC270 v3, Mini-Monitors v4 for L/R and Esprits v3 for surrounds.

For the sub I have a Paradigm PS1200 v4.

Receiver is the Pioneer 1014TX.

I've been thinking about upgrading to a CC370 with Monitor 7s up front and moving the Mini Monitors to the rear. Then I'll have a perfectly matched system that should be pretty satisfying for movies and music.

However, is this worth doing? I've been told that the entire monitor line sounds more or less the same, the difference being the bass and more SPL. But I already have plenty of bass from the PS1200 so this doesn't seem necessary.

I guess for movies I would get more excitment, more effortless room-filling sound, but for music I'm not sure if I would notice much difference. Would I?

For a bit more, I can move up to Studio 20s for L/R and this seems like a better long term plan. Maybe I'll play with the 7s for a year and want to upgrade again and I'll end up wasting more money.

But then I'll need to get the matching CC470 center and possibly for later, another pair of 20s for surrounds. This sounds expensive and I'll be in system limbo again for a while, where as with the Monitor 7s and 370 I'll feel 'complete' and there is a certain feel-good in that.

So my question for those who are familiar with the Paradigm line is this: do the Studio 20s sound significatnly better than the Monitor line? I'm very happy with my mini-monitors for music, but I have never really played with anything higher end. Is it just a subtle improvement or is it an obvious improvement?

What about my receiver? The Paradigm site says the Studio 20s are identically efficient as the Mini Monitors but they are a better, bigger speaker and I wonder if my Pioneer 1014TX is good enough for a switch to a Studio line system. Is it?

My room is 15x15 (that opens to another room in the rear and has high ceilings) and I do about 70% movies, 30% music but I get more pleasure out of music than movies, so that's important. But only if it makes enough of a difference. Otherwise, I might have lots of fun with the big efficient Monitor 7s to belt out the action soundtracks.

Please give input! Keep in mind the money. If I went Monitor 7s with CC370, I am done. If I did Studio 20s, I'd have to get matching center later, then the surrounds as well. But I could always just use the Mini Monitors as surrounds.

AlanZ · 02-09-2006, 04:41 PM

Sam: In my opinion, you don't really have much of a dilemma....if you are able to go to the Studios, then do it. If you were ONLY an HT guy, I'd still encourage you in that direction, but since you say music is very important to you it's a no brainer. Your room is a nice size for the 20s...and in all honesty, I wouldn't worry about the need to add 20s to the rear, either. In fact, in a room that size, I'd really try to stay away from direct radiating surrounds. I would bet that you could get away with the ADPs from the Monitor line (or even the performance line if you had to because of budget restraints) and it would give you a better overall surround effect than having direct radiators back there. It should also make your room seem a good bit larger. If you run a center speaker, though, I'd definitely make sure you get the studio center. As far as your receiver, it shoudl be fine, but if you really want to spice things up down the road, add an outboard amplifier. A nice 2-channel amp would really make the 20's sing and I think your music would sound better than ever.

Just my $.02, bro....

mackie · 02-09-2006, 08:17 PM

If the 20s don't stretch your budget too far, go ahead and get them. I think it's a good idea to get the best speakers you can afford especially for the L&R mains and build from there.

I think the Pioneer should drive them fine. I've only heard good things about it.

If you use your mini monitors for surrounds, you might find you don't need to upgrade them. I understand Alan's point about not using direct radiating surrounds, but I like to direct radiating surrounds. It really is a personal choice with no right or wrong answer. I use 20s for my surrounds in a room a little larger than yours and they work great.

I'd also recommend looking at a Hsu or SVS sub in your price range. It'll be money well spent.

ryan.p · 02-09-2006, 10:49 PM

Sam let me tell you this. The Studio 20 v.3's are a lot better than the mini's. I would definatley go the 20's upfront with the cc-470 and move your minis to the rears. I used to own a PS1000 v.4 sub and it was also very nice. This is exactly the same system I am working to myself. If you decide to go with the monitor line be sure to check out the monitor 3's v.4 because they are very much improved. I am not a fan of tower speakers. Good luck with your choice.

John Garcia · 02-10-2006, 09:04 AM

IMO, the 1014 is pushing it for the Studios. I'd rather have something better, but it will work until then.

I agree with the others, go with the Studios and use the Minis as surrounds.

**HTF Ads**

SteveCallas · 02-10-2006, 03:31 PM

Are you set on Paradigm? There are other speakers out there for the same or less than the cost of the Studio 20s you may prefer. Only way to find out is to do some auditioning.

Sam Pat · 02-10-2006, 05:51 PM

Thanks for the comments, guys!! Much appreciated.

I am pretty much set on Paradigm.

The Studios seems to have such an overwhelming recommendation here that I really have to give them a listen in order to decide.

The appeal of the Monitor 7s with CC370 is that they're very efficient and I'll have lots of headroom in such a setup and won't need to upgrade my other components.

I guess I really need to hear for myself to decide if they're worth the price difference and the suffer in efficiency.

Also, this is an aside, but someone just told me that the Center should be pointed down from the TV towards the listener and this makes sense but I've always just had it sitting flat on top of the T.V. (a Panny PT-47wx42 RPTV) and as a result have had it firing over my head. Is this totally wrong?

But there is absolutely no simple way I can think of to angle the thing down based on how small the top of my set is. It is actually only about 70% of the depth of the center and part of its mass hangs over the rear.

I guess I can think of fabricating some DIY wood panel to angle it down and stabilize it, but is this worth the effort ? It will potentially be an eyesore.

Right now the speaker sits about a foot above my head and fires straight out.

Is it worth finding a way of angling it down?

Thanks!

mackie · 02-10-2006, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Is it worth finding a way of angling it down?

Absolutely

Paradigm has such a strong following for a reason. The company makes very good speakers that are a good value.

If you spend some time reading a lot of posts about speakers, it seems that Paradigm, especially the Studio line, is one of the speaker brands that others are often compared to. It seems that Paradigm is the reference that others are trying to beat.

AlanZ · 02-10-2006, 06:05 PM

Sam: What I did was got a strip of industrial strength velco, placed one side of it right along the front edge of the tv, and then placed the other side along the front underneath edge of the center speaker. That helps to stabilize it enough where you can just find something to prop it up a little bit to aim it more toward your ear level.