What Paradigm Studio setup should I go with? (1 Viewer)

[ArthurJ]

The following I can get in CAD funds...I just need your guy's opinions on how I should go about all this...

First off I can get...

Studio 60's
Studio CC
Studio 20's

for $2137.50 CAD Tax included

I can also get...

Studio 20's
Studio CC
Studio 20's

for $1650 CAD Tax included

OR I can save myself some money and go...

Studio 20's
CC
Titans

for $1275 CAD Tax included

Basically I will have a MORE then adequate Subwoofer(s) for low end extension. I listen to a lot of music, but I equally love movies. SO basically 50/50 in terms of listening taste. I will be driving these with a nice big amp, probably in the 150-200 watt range. as well as a pre-amp/pro. I just don't know if the jump into 60's will be worth it if I have a solid subwoofer setup. Will they be crossed over the same? Anyways, thanks for anybodys opinions.

 

[Jamey F]

If your primary use (75% or more) were HT, I would say the 20's would be all you need. Since you say 50/50, I would jump up to the 60's. I have the 100's, cc, and 20's. I use the Servo 15 for a sub, so I'm covered in the low end with a musical sub. The 100's are a big step up in music, but not in HT (IMO). I would think the 60's would perform closer to 60's than the 20's for music. Don't forget, stands will cost a bit, so be sure to factor that in if you don't have any.

 

[Robin Warren]

I was at a local store yesterday and talked to the paradigm rep. He brought the new Studio 20's V3 and they were beautiful sounding speakers. They had all new drivers and tweeter configurations and looked very rich. The soundstage was incredible. If you wait a couple of weeks they should be in stores along with the new center channels the Studio CC 470 and Studio CC 570.

 

[Matt_Doug]

did the speakers look like these Paradigm Signature Series
Paradigm reference studios aren't do for an upgrade anytime soon. Your dealer probably showed you the new signature line. But their price point is almost triple the ref studio line.

 

[Tyler DJW]

Arthur,
I think you would be happy with any of those, they're all great speakers. I have to recommend the 40s up front though. I found that when you listen to them side-by-side with the 20s, you can hear a distinct improvement in the overall balance of the speaker. Particularly in the low end, the 20s have good bass extension for their size, but it isn't as well balanced as the 40s which also have slighly better extension. Either would be excellent for home theater, but for occaisions when you are doing some stereo listening I think the 40s really shine.

I liked the 60s as well, but generally prefer the imaging obtained with stand-mounted speakers to towers.

Robin: Please tell us more! I haven't heard anything more than vague rumour that there was going to be a v.3 of the studio series, at least not until after they launch the Signature series.

 

[Robin Warren]

Yes they did look like those. But the rep was adamant that these were V3's. Studio 20's to be exact. He and the owner of Natural Sound in Kitchener were discussing them in depth (as well as demoing them). He said they are replacing the V2's sometime this month. I don't know what to think. It came from the horses mouth so what can I say? Another thing he mentioned was about the new center channel in the signature line. He mentioned it was going to cost about $4500CDN and the dimensions of it were pretty staggering. He said it would just fit on top of a Pioneer Elite Widescreen...but just. It will feature the same tweeter configuration but will have a midrange driver as well as two woofers. Interesting stuff but if untrue then I don't know how he keeps his job....

 

[ChrisDixon]

Robin,

I've been trying to get a straight answer about this for a while now. My dealer and their Paradigm rep continue to deny any knowledge of a v3 line of the Studio Ref series. I just bought a set of Studio v2s, and have been telling them that I would have waited if I knew that a similarly priced line of v3's was on the way. Did you get the impression from your rep that they were going to be at the same price point as the v2? Anyone else know?

Chris

 

[Robin Warren]

He said there was a slight price increase due to the molded metal trim and some upgraded components. It did not sound like a huge price gap but I never got specifics.

Cheers.

 

[MikeRP]

I have 40s, CC, and ADPs and love the system. You'll be happy with any of them but the Studios are really nice.

Mike

 

[ArthurJ]

Ok, I'm going to throw 40's into the bunch....

I can get them for $800 CAD tax in.

40's over 60's? 60's over 40's?

Local paradigm dealer does not carry the 40's in shop. He can special order them however.

From what I thought before, after buying stands and what not for the 40's, your basically up there in price with the 60's, so it makes sense to just go with the 60's!

 

[ArthurJ]

Heres the prices I can get these for (CAD) Tax included

Studio 20's $600
Studio 40's $825
Studio 60's $1087.50
Stduio 80's $1350
Studio 100's $1800
Studio CC $450
Studio ADP $787.50
Servo-15 $1342.50

I'm not really interested in the Servo, considering I can do a DIY project for half the cost and will absolutly smash the Servo every which way. I'm also not interested in the ADP's, unless they are that much better for rear use then the 20's. 80's and 100's are a little too expensive.

 

[Ron_L]

Arthur,

those are excellent prices.

 

[Martin Rendall]

Hey ArthurJ,

What city are you buying in? I'd love to meet up with you and share those great prices... er, I mean, help contribute to your bargaining power!

Martin.

 

[MikeRP]

It depends on your room for the 40s or 60s. The 40s are taller with stands and I like that better plus they get the speakers above an end table that is in the way on one side of the room.

The 60s will not be as tall and you can't block the front at all.

Both are great - beleive me the 40s are impressive.

Mike

 

[Louis-Philippe]

Arthur,

Those are crazy prices, really good prices...

The Studio 60's are worth 1450$ CAN before taxes.

Jump on it.

 

[ArthurJ]

Thanks guys...

Basically I'm stuck between this...

Rear L/R: Should I get 20's or the ADP's?

Front L/R Should I get the 40's or the 60's? I listen to a lot of 2 ch music. I beleieve there was a huge thread on this. I can't find it but if anybody has a link that would be great.

 

[GabrielC]

Wow, Arthur, if you need any more purchasing power please let me know, I've been looking for a place to get a set of Paradigm's for a nice price!

 

[Shawn Solar]

I got a pair of studio ADPs, boxes and manuals for about $585US, cheaper if your in driving distance Need to sell.

 

[Tyler DJW]

Rear L/R: Should I get 20's or the ADP's?

I would say this depends on two things your room layout, and listening habits. I've owned ADP370s, and now own 20s for surrounds, so I've tried both.

If your surround speakers are going to be beside your listening area, rather than behind I'd suggest ADPs for movies. My room was small and the surrounds sat close to the sofa and with ADPs the quality and volume was virtually the same anywhere between the two.

If your surround speakers will be behind your listening position I would suggest the 20s. If monopoles are too close to the seating position, sitting slightly off-center creates distracting localization. Example, if you've got 3 people sitting on a sofa watching a movie and one of them is much close to the right surround channel, they'll be distracted by what's happening right there. If you can move them away from the seating area though, I find them to be better.

If you are into surround music (SACD/DVDA) most people prefer monopoles as well. I've done both and I honestly didn't mind ADPs for surrounds, but it depended on the mix.

My preference in the end was for the Studio 20s behind and to the sides of the listening position (and ~6ft off the floor). They're also cheaper.

Just my 2¢, hope it helps.