The Official Paradigm Speakers Thread

[-DLS-]

Originally Posted by supe

I am relieved to hear about the low impact that ducting should have...thanks very much!

Your system is seriously close to what I have in mind. I am going Yamaha (again) for the receiver and was wondering if it would be enough to drive a 7.1 studio setup...then I started reading about Emotiva. Did you notice a big change with the XPA-3? Recommend it for what I have in mind? Here's my current idea:

Fronts: either Studio 60 or 100 (did you notice a big difference between these?)
Center: Studio 690 (seems worth the extra $200 or so)
Sub: SVS PB-13 Ultra (have yet to read something negative, and seems like a good fit instead of the possibly overpriced Paradigm Sub-15).
Sides: ADP 590
Rears: Studio 20

Receiver: Yamaha 6190
PowerAmp: XPA-3 (if really noticeable change).

How does running the fronts and center via the XPA-3 affect the receiver auto-calibration (if it does at all?).

Hope you don't mind all the questions...if I am veering off thread topic perhaps I could PM you?

I think it's okay to post Q&A's in here and I don't mind tryin to help. It might help people out that might have the same question on here or even people searching "Paradigm", "Yamaha" or "XPA-3" or a combination search of them on Google. I've done Google searches and will take as much info as I can get.

To answer your question about the XPA-3 - when I originally got it I used it with the Yamaha and Paradigm Monitor speakers(Monitor 11's and CC-390). They were already very efficient speakers that the Yamaha could handle perfectly all by itself at pretty good volumes with no clipping or distortion. I really like to listen pretty loud at times and with 2ch music, sometimes the Monitor 11's got distorted at much higher levels. The XPA-3 cleaned that up good. I didn't really need it at the time but I guess somehow I knew I would be getting speakers in the future that would benefit from it and that just happened recently with the upgrade to the Studios.

I haven't hooked up the Studios directly to the Yamaha since I already had the XPA-3 hooked up - I just had to swap out the speakers. They do play nice and clean with great detail at the volumes I like and since I won't go any higher than that it is perfect for me. I don't think the Yamaha would handle the Studios as well as they did the Monitors at those listening levels though since they are I guess more power hungry but it should be okay at moderate levels. For movies I also think the XPA-3 is enough for 7.1 too since the Yamaha has more power for just the surrounds. I rarely use all channels for music anyway but If you listen to Multichannel music and have all Studios the XPA-5 might even be better for you.

If you already calibrated your speakers with the auto calibration before adding an amp it will give you a few db's more when you do add it but I'd just recalibrate it. I recalibrate with an SPL meter for any changes I make - even adding or changing furniture or room treatments. It doesn't take much time anyway. I think calibrating with an SPL meter or receiver is one of the most important things to do with an HT setup - it has made a big difference in movie watching after almost a year of listening with my own settings I was wayyy off!

So my final answers is yes I would recommend the XPA-3 - or any amp to help out the Yamaha - I just haven't tried any others. It may not be needed and the Studios may be okay without one but an amp will handle them much better for sure. Hope I was able to help.

[running_gag]

I own a paradigm Ultra Cube 12.
And I like it

[supe]

Originally Posted by DLS_222

So my final answers is yes I would recommend the XPA-3 - or any amp to help out the Yamaha - I just haven't tried any others. It may not be needed and the Studios may be okay without one but an amp will handle them much better for sure. Hope I was able to help.

This helps immensely on my system design (but not my wallet!). I think I'll integrate an XPA-3 into the system. For line conditioners have you found your APC unit adequate? Any problems with it?

Lastly (and thanks for letting me pick your brain) how do you find your CC-690? The size is kind of large, but if the quality is noticeably improved over say the 590, I'd probably go for this one.

[-DLS-]

Originally Posted by supe

This helps immensely on my system design (but not my wallet!). I think I'll integrate an XPA-3 into the system. For line conditioners have you found your APC unit adequate? Any problems with it?

Lastly (and thanks for letting me pick your brain) how do you find your CC-690? The size is kind of large, but if the quality is noticeably improved over say the 590, I'd probably go for this one.

That's what this place will do to you!! I haven't had any problems with my APC But I also live in a place where power outages are very rare - maybe had one in the past 5 years. If the price of the APC-H15 is still down I would just get it - you are putting in a good amount of $$ into your gear.

I've never heard the CC-590 so I can't tell you how much of a difference there is but if you're already even considering the CC-690 then you should just go for it cuz if you don't you're just gonna think about it all the time - I shoulda just got it - and for $250 more why not!? Sorry if I'm a bad influence but what I'm sayin is true!

[supe]

Originally Posted by DLS_222

That's what this place will do to you!! I haven't had any problems with my APC But I also live in a place where power outages are very rare - maybe had one in the past 5 years. If the price of the APC-H15 is still down I would just get it - you are putting in a good amount of $$ into your gear.

I've never heard the CC-590 so I can't tell you how much of a difference there is but if you're already even considering the CC-690 then you should just go for it cuz if you don't you're just gonna think about it all the time - I shoulda just got it - and for $250 more why not!? Sorry if I'm a bad influence but what I'm sayin is true!

You are right - on the APC and the CC-590...and the budget thing. I originally was going to go with a Monitor-level system...then I read about Studio, and then I auditioned a Studio system - this mistake made me realize I had to go Studio. Then it was Studio 60s and now after more consideration it is Studio 100s. It was intially 5.1, then I figured I'm only going to design the room setup once so might as well go 7.1. Now you've got me convinced on a XPA-3 and CC-690. The only place I've gone down in price is deciding on a SVS PB-13 Ultra for the sub rather than a Paradigm Sub-15....but I don't think this is a shift in quality.

I must stop now it looks like the audio portion will now comprise ~ 75% of my final equipment costs.

[-DLS-]

Originally Posted by supe

You are right - on the APC and the CC-590...and the budget thing. I originally was going to go with a Monitor-level system...then I read about Studio, and then I auditioned a Studio system - this mistake made me realize I had to go Studio. Then it was Studio 60s and now after more consideration it is Studio 100s. It was intially 5.1, then I figured I'm only going to design the room setup once so might as well go 7.1. Now you've got me convinced on a XPA-3 and CC-690. The only place I've gone down in price is deciding on a SVS PB-13 Ultra for the sub rather than a Paradigm Sub-15....but I don't think this is a shift in quality.

I must stop now it looks like the audio portion will now comprise ~ 75% of my final equipment costs.

That'll be a SWEET setup - make sure you post again once you got it all together!! It's all worth it in the end just don't get the upgrade bug after you get a taste of the nice sound of the Studios!!

[PS3-Playb3yond]

Got the Mini Monitors hooked up on Wednesday and I'm using them as my fronts, they sound amazing!!! Wonder how they will sound when they break in. Next I will get the CC-290.

[supe]

Originally Posted by DLS_222

That'll be a SWEET setup - make sure you post again once you got it all together!! It's all worth it in the end just don't get the upgrade bug after you get a taste of the nice sound of the Studios!!

In the interest of size consideration (and saving $1000 or so) I am considering the Studio 60s in place of the 100s while keeping everything else the same. Since 90% of my use will be for home theater do you see this as a good compromise? I figure the SVS sub will cover any bass needs. I am also wondering about room size - it will be 12ft across, of which ~9ft will be screen width. I've heard the 100s need good breathing room and am not sure 1 to 1.5 ft from the wall corners would be sufficient.

Thanks again for your experienced insight.

[-DLS-]

Originally Posted by PS3-Playb3yond

Got the Mini Monitors hooked up on Wednesday and I'm using them as my fronts, they sound amazing!!! Wonder how they will sound when they break in. Next I will get the CC-290.

Just sent you a PM

Originally Posted by supe

In the interest of size consideration (and saving $1000 or so) I am considering the Studio 60s in place of the 100s while keeping everything else the same. Since 90% of my use will be for home theater do you see this as a good compromise? I figure the SVS sub will cover any bass needs. I am also wondering about room size - it will be 12ft across, of which ~9ft will be screen width. I've heard the 100s need good breathing room and am not sure 1 to 1.5 ft from the wall corners would be sufficient.

Thanks again for your experienced insight.

Thanks - I wouldn't consider my self an expert so don't take my word on everything. My experience with the Studios has only been a month or so and HT in general just over a year since I moved from an HTIB.

For 90% HT I think the 60's would be fine with an SVS sub. I went with 100's with more HT use too but have been listening to a lot of 2ch lately so it was worth it for me. So if you don't think you will be getting into that it will be fine. I also got a really good price on the 100's so to me the difference was well under $1000 from the MSRP of the 60's. If I had to pay close to MSRP, I probably would've went with the 60's.

Also talk to you dealer and see what kind of deal you can get for each speaker. If the difference is not as much as you were expecting than you can decide from there. Take whatever you can get a better deal on if you still can't decide - they're both good speakers and it's money you'll be spending. Hope I was able to help & sorry if I wasn't.

[supe]

Originally Posted by DLS_222

Thanks - I wouldn't consider my self an expert so don't take my word on everything. My experience with the Studios has only been a month or so and HT in general just over a year since I moved from an HTIB.

For 90% HT I think the 60's would be fine with an SVS sub. I went with 100's with more HT use too but have been listening to a lot of 2ch lately so it was worth it for me. So if you don't think you will be getting into that it will be fine. I also got a really good price on the 100's so to me the difference was well under $1000 from the MSRP of the 60's. If I had to pay close to MSRP, I probably would've went with the 60's.

Also talk to you dealer and see what kind of deal you can get for each speaker. If the difference is not as much as you were expecting than you can decide from there. Take whatever you can get a better deal on if you still can't decide - they're both good speakers and it's money you'll be spending. Hope I was able to help & sorry if I wasn't.

Thanks - I might try a couple dealers considering some variance in discounts seem apparent.

On another note - I read a separate electrical circuit is recommended for the Emotiva...have you found this necessary? I am also curious what you have connected to your H15 and what you don't (subwoofers and amps aren't recommended?).

[-DLS-]

Originally Posted by supe

Thanks - I might try a couple dealers considering some variance in discounts seem apparent.

On another note - I read a separate electrical circuit is recommended for the Emotiva...have you found this necessary? I am also curious what you have connected to your H15 and what you don't (subwoofers and amps aren't recommended?).

I don't have the amp on a separate circuit but it is plugged straight to the wall. Each sub is also on separate cheaper Belkin and Monster surge protectors since like you mentioned power conditioners are not recommended for them. Some people do use it and have no problems - and the connection for a sub/amp is on the back of the HPC but I just never bothered.

[supe]

Originally Posted by DLS_222

I don't have the amp on a separate circuit but it is plugged straight to the wall. Each sub is also on separate cheaper Belkin and Monster surge protectors since like you mentioned power conditioners are not recommended for them. Some people do use it and have no problems - and the connection for a sub/amp is on the back of the HPC but I just never bothered.

Sounds like a solid approach...I think I'll keep the sub and amp off the H15. I just have to figure out how to get a ceiling mounted projector to share the conditioner...apparently there's a way with a powerbridge or something I need to read more on.

[Intamin]

I'm officially an owner now; I picked up a pair of monitor 7s to serve as surrounds. I've only watched one movie but I liked what I heard!

[EigeSan]

I'm looking to upgrade my Yamaha HTiB speakers and Paradigm's slim design has caught my attention. I'm encouraged by the positive reviews of members in this thread and Paradigm being Canadian owned and manufactured is a big plus.

My plans are to start with Paradigm 3.0 speakers - specifically the Monitor 7 (left and right) and CC-190 center. Thank you DLS_222 for posting the CDN MSRP for these speakers:

- Monitor 7 (left) - $419 CDN
- Monitor 7 (right) - $419 CDN
- CC-190 (center) - $319 CDN
= $1,157 CDN
+ 150.41 tax
Total = $1,307.41 CDN

This amount is much too expensive. My question would be what are your thoughts of purchasing each speaker individually as my budget permits? For example buying the CC-190 first then one Monitor 7 in a couple of months then the other Monitor 7 after. Would that be a possible alternative?

Also, I know a few members including DLS_22 and Twitch9 and others are Canadian. Could you suggest authorized dealers around the Toronto area I could visit? I don't mind haggling, it's one of the things my Dad taught me .

Any feedback I would greatly appreciate. Thank you.

[lucv13]

Hey there lad - great choice for your Home Theater, the best way is to do exactly what you suggested buy them as you can - one suggestion is don't skimp out on the Center speaker as it is one of the most important, I've never heard the CC-190 and it is probably great being Paradigm but save for the CC290 of better yet the CC390 since your mains will be full range speakers. Just my opinion

[EigeSan]

Originally Posted by lucv13

one suggestion is don't skimp out on the Center speaker as it is one of the most important, I've never heard the CC-190 and it is probably great being Paradigm but save for the CC290 of better yet the CC390 since your mains will be full range speakers. Just my opinion

I'm wondering is there is a noticeable difference in terms of AQ between the CC-190 and CC-290? What I'm looking at is the $200 difference. Is the CC-290 worth that?

Yes, the CC-390 is a big beautiful speaker. If you look at my gallery I won't have space for it though .

[lucv13]

You will likely be happy with the CC-190, will there be a significant noticable improvement with the CC-290 yes, is the diffrerence worth $200 - Only you can decide that.

[BluCheez]

Originally Posted by Intamin

I'm officially an owner now; I picked up a pair of monitor 7s to serve as surrounds. I've only watched one movie but I liked what I heard!

Congrats & welcome to the Paradigm club. You won't be disappointed. Great bang for the buck!

[mywxrld]

Originally Posted by EigeSan

I'm wondering is there is a noticeable difference in terms of AQ between the CC-190 and CC-290? What I'm looking at is the $200 difference. Is the CC-290 worth that?

Yes, the CC-390 is a big beautiful speaker. If you look at my gallery I won't have space for it though .

I just bought the Monitor 7's (fronts) and got the CC-190 for the center but within a week I ended up exchanging it fot the CC-290. The 190 didn't seem to be loud enough (wife kept turning it up and down all movie long). Ever since we exchanged it we've had no problems. Just something to think about.

[EigeSan]

Originally Posted by lucv13

You will likely be happy with the CC-190, will there be a significant noticable improvement with the CC-290 yes, is the diffrerence worth $200 - Only you can decide that.

Thanks lucv13 for your input. I appreciate it .

Originally Posted by mywxrld

I just bought the Monitor 7's (fronts) and got the CC-190 for the center but within a week I ended up exchanging it fot the CC-290. The 190 didn't seem to be loud enough (wife kept turning it up and down all movie long). Ever since we exchanged it we've had no problems. Just something to think about.

That's exactly what I'm looking for in a center speaker. Dialogue clarity at normal volume levels. Not having to turn the volume up then turn the volume down at loud action scenes. Now I'm leaning toward the CC-290. Thanks for your help mywxrld .

BTW, the Monitor 7's are the same speakers I would like in my setup. How do you like them so far? Must be beautiful!