So I just got my first HT gear

[xXI GaMe IXx]

So today I picked up two paradigm mini motors and a center to start off. I also picked up a pioneer receiver for everything I paid $1200.00. However, I'm scared to get started I have no idea what to do or how to even start. I couldn't find any 14 gauge speaker wire anywhere. I also feel like I rushed the unit. I couldn't decide between this or the Denon 1913.

[darkpoet25]

Originally Posted by xXI GaMe IXx

So today I picked up two paradigm mini motors and a center to start off. I also picked up a pioneer receiver for everything I paid $1200.00. However, I'm scared to get started I have no idea what to do or how to even start. I couldn't find any 14 gauge speaker wire anywhere. I also feel like I rushed the unit. I couldn't decide between this or the Denon 1913.

Looks like you are off to a very good start. This site is the best place for wires and cables. This link is for a 100ft roll of 14AWG wire:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/pr...seq=1&format=2
If you have questions don't be afraid to ask them on here. Just remember there are no stupid questions, we all started somewhere at some point.

[thejokerha13]

Great start I'm actually gonna upgrade from my Pioneer 522-K to the 1122-K myself, has good specs for the money. Can't wait to see it set up.

[callas01]

congrats, those will be very good speakers to have a starting setup built around.

did you buy the receiver from the dealer that you bought the paradigms from?

[xXI GaMe IXx]

I got the receiver from the dealer and I'm doubting it because of the reviews I read. My dealer called me at 08:50 and asked me how it was going. I told him I didn't have speaker wire and he told me to go tomorrow and he will give me some at $.25 a foot.

Do all three speakers have to be aligned or can the center be closer to the wall and the book shelves more in front? How far away from the wall should they be?

[callas01]

Originally Posted by xXI GaMe IXx

I got the receiver from the dealer and I'm doubting it because of the reviews I read. My dealer called me at 08:50 and asked me how it was going. I told him I didn't have speaker wire and he told me to go tomorrow and he will give me some at $.25 a foot.

Do all three speakers have to be aligned or can the center be closer to the wall and the book shelves more in front? How far away from the wall should they be?

I would ask the dealer if you could hear the speakers both the denon and the pioneer receivers to see what you prefer the most. It seems some find the pioneer/paradigm a little too agressive, but some people like it also. Denon might be more in the middle, but that would up to you to decide what you like.

I got to hear the atom v7 not to long ago, it was a good speaker, I heard them with a NAD integrated amp and cd player.

Take the dealers wire, and see if he has some banana plugs to go with them, you'll need 12. Id get equal lengths of wire too, so maybe all 10 feet long... or whatever.

Id try to keep the center and bookshelfs inline, but if its not possible then you will just have to do what you can.

What stands are you putting the Mini's on?

[xXI GaMe IXx]

So I just picked up the speaker wire. I got 25ft I hope that is enough. I asked him about the Banana plugs and he gave me 6 that he had laying around and said I can purchase the rest. However, he said it really makes no impact, so I decided not to buy the extra ones.

My wife and I are about to go to Nebraska Furniture Mart and look for some speaker stands.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by xXI GaMe IXx

So I just picked up the speaker wire. I got 25ft I hope that is enough. I asked him about the Banana plugs and he gave me 6 that he had laying around and said I can purchase the rest. However, he said it really makes no impact, so I decided not to buy the extra ones.

My wife and I are about to go to Nebraska Furniture Mart and look for some speaker stands.

banana plugs just makes it look cleaner and makes it more convienent for installation purposes.

my suggestion would be to get yourself metal stands, not wood.

cut the wire into 3 8-ft sections.

[xXI GaMe IXx]

Originally Posted by callas01

banana plugs just makes it look cleaner and makes it more convienent for installation purposes.

my suggestion would be to get yourself metal stands, not wood.

cut the wire into 3 8-ft sections.

I wanted metal but their more than i want to pay im going to have to see the price difference. Should i pick up anything to cut the speaker wire? Like a monster kit

[callas01]

Originally Posted by xXI GaMe IXx

I wanted metal but their more than i want to pay im going to have to see the price difference. Should i pick up anything to cut the speaker wire? Like a monster kit

you have a pair of wire strippers? home depot should have them for like $5. Also at home depot, see if they have quake-hold putty, that will secure the speakers to the tops of the stands and wont let slip off if bumped or if you have kids... that could touch/play with them. I use it, and it will really withstand earthquakes.

My suggestion is to look at http://www.audioadvisor.com and get a pair of the Sanus Euro stands. They are typically about $50 and they will be much more sturdy and will last longer then wood stands. Over in the polk thread they were discusssing wood stands, as they have been discussed many times over on this and other sites, and everyone will tell you to get metal.

[xXI GaMe IXx]

I'm going to order some metal stand online. I have a problem I dont know how to use the banana plugs as far as getting the speaker wire in and I cant cut this speaker wire with out losing some of the inside.

[darkpoet25]

Originally Posted by xXI GaMe IXx

I'm going to order some metal stand online. I have a problem I dont know how to use the banana plugs as far as getting the speaker wire in and I cant cut this speaker wire with out losing some of the inside.

How to install Banana Plugs on Speaker Wire - YouTube

Here is a video showing you how to use banana plugs.

[xXI GaMe IXx]

Originally Posted by darkpoet25

How to install Banana Plugs on Speaker Wire - YouTube
Here is a video showing you how to use banana plugs.

I actually saw that one earlier thanks though.

[xXI GaMe IXx]

I'm going to order some stands tonight but this will have to do for now

[xXI GaMe IXx]

Im sitting here baffled that nothing is working the sound is completely gone and I can not figure it out

[ZIPPO]

Originally Posted by xXI GaMe IXx

Im sitting here baffled that nothing is working the sound is completely gone and I can not figure it out

Is your receiver in protection mode? Make sure you don't have any stray speaker wire strands causing shorts. Try unplugging your receiver for a while.

You can get a pair of metal VTI speaker stands for the same price of real wood( not mdf or particle board ) stands.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by xXI GaMe IXx

Im sitting here baffled that nothing is working the sound is completely gone and I can not figure it out

have you ran auto caliibration?

[xXI GaMe IXx]

Originally Posted by callas01

have you ran auto caliibration?

I havent yet. I will do that tomorrow when I get a chance. I had to reset the system to get the speakers working. I wish there was a way to still use tv sound but since the Hdmi is connected to the receiver there isn't

[callas01]

Originally Posted by xXI GaMe IXx

I havent yet. I will do that tomorrow when I get a chance. I had to reset the system to get the speakers working. I wish there was a way to still use tv sound but since the Hdmi is connected to the receiver there isn't

why would you want to use the TV for sound?

Calibration is important to setting up the system correctly so that things sound accurate and well balanced.

[xXI GaMe IXx]

So I have not set or adjusted anything. I have the day off Im hoping to get some more bass response.