Surrounds to match my Paradigm Studio 20's?? (1 Viewer)

[Zak Ruck]

I'm in the process of rebuilding my HT, and just received my new receiver yesterday in the mail, YEAH!!! But I ahve to finish my audio rack before I can hook it up. I bought a Elite 45tx. I'm going to be purchasing a pair of surrounds pretty soon, and I'm not sure what to get. I'm currently running Studio 20's for the front and a single 20 for my center. In an ideal world I'd run Studio's all around, but just don't have the $$ for that right now. I'd love to get the studio ADP's, but just swing it for now. I'm also in the process of deciding on which sub, which I'm leaning toward building an Adire.

I've been thinking about using a pair of Mini Monitors, Atoms, Titans. Really like the Atoms, great sound out of those little guys, just not sure if my receiver will over power them. The 45tx runs 100wpc x 7.

Any thoughts??

Thanks,

Zak

 

[DerrikW]

How much are you looking to spend? You could buy another set of 20's and use them as surrounds for now, they are a little bit cheaper, but not much. And then down the road get a set of adp's for the sides and then move the 20's to the backs.

 

[Zak Ruck]

I'm looking to stay under $300. I'd love to get 20's, but they are out of my range right now as well. Also, our room is not setup for a 7.1 system, so I have to stay with 5.1

Our couch is against the back wall, so the sides and rears would only be a few feet apart.

 

[Mike_Gr]

Of course, I would normally recommend staying with the same series surrounds but it appears your budget will not allow that.

I know of two surrounds that I personally like that are within your budget.

The first are the surrounds for the Wharfedale Evolution series. I believe they are $225. I think they do very well and they won't break the bank. However, I am not sure this will be the best 'sound match' for Paradigm. I find the Wharfs to be more laid back....unlike the Paradigms.

The second suggestion would be the Axiom QS4 surruonds. IMO Axiom and Paradigm Studios are fairly close sounding to one another. I have read this same sentiment in this forum and others so they might make a good match. Try searching for reviews on the QS4 (very similar to the QS8 but better suited for smaller rooms). Also, try the Axiom forum (axiomaudio.com). Find out how owners of the QS4 feel about them and ask for opinions on how they would match with your Studio 20's. They retail for $310...but I bet with a little effort you could manage to shave off 10 bucks.

Best of luck!

 

[Ariel]

i had the studio20 before and atoms as surround. the atoms can hold their own as surround. as for overpowering them, it will depend on your listening preferences but on my experience, they can go very loud before you reach their peaks.

 

[John Garcia]

If you can foot it, the Minis are much better than anything in the Performance line. You could get away with Titans. The Atoms do hold their own, but I found it too easy to push them to the limit, even when set to small with a 100Hz x-over. The 45Tx will not overpower the Atoms. I hooked them up to my Marantz PM7000 (95x2@8ohms, 150@4ohms) and they were able to take it, but their lack of bass means they cannot be driven hard when run full range.

I don't find that Studios sound that similar to Axioms, but when it comes to surrounds, they will probably work out fine for the time being.

 

[Matt Odegard]

Hopefully your dealer has an upgrade policy to so you can settle for the titans, Atoms for now and get the 20's later.

As for 7.1 just get a pair of ADP's for behind your couch. I was in the same boat as you, I have a 45tx, Studio 40's, 20's, CC and ADP170's for my 6 and 7th channel. My couch was right up against the back wall so I couldn't throw a pair of 20's back there and Studio ADP's are overkill since there set to small and I really didn't need $900 speakers back there, but I really wanted the 7.1 so I got the 170's, and threw them up behind the couch and it sounds awesome on DD EX and DTS ES flicks.

So I suggest you get the most out of your 45 and throw a cheap pair of ADP's back there, trust me it sounds great and you'll love it.

 

[Zak Ruck]

I thought about getting a pair of ADP 170's as well. If i place them on the back wall, how far foward should I place the Atoms/Titans/Mini Monitors?

 

[John Garcia]

In a 7.1 setup, the sides should not be monopoles, they should be bi/dipoles. I can see how bi/di would work as rears if your couch is up against the wall though.

 

[Matt Odegard]

My 20's are about 3' from the back wall, about a foot ahead of my listening position but towed in toward me. It still sounds great even when I listen to the Eagels HFO dts in 5.1 and other DVD-A.

 

[John Garcia]

My buddy has 20s as surrounds, in nearly the exact setup you mention, and I don't think it sounds good at all. It never conveys the sense of spaciousness that I get in my system with the rears about 4' behind. I just don't get that "I'm sitting in the audience" feeling.

 

[James Bergeron]

I have Atoms as my back channels with Studio 40's in the other 5 channels. I have no issues, they sound great. I wouldn't hesitate to use them in your setup, the Atoms are plenty powerfull for surround duty.