Hello again my trusty friends http://talk.dvdtalk.com/ubb/smile.gif

This forum rules!

I just orderede a Pioneer Elite VSX-35TX,
looking forward to testing it - will let you know..

Now - to do this I probably need some speakers - I've asked around a bit and I'm considering something like :

Fronts : Paradigm Monitor 3's
Surrounds : paradigm minimonitors
Sub : paradigm PS-1200
Center : Paradigm CC-350

This is not one of their recommended systems. Are the mini monitors not good for surrounds - all their recommended systems have ADP 170 or ADP 350's for surrounds.

What do you think? Would this be good? I'm not sure I will have the opportunity to listen before buying, so any advice is welcome.

Does anyone know a good place to get paradigms on the net?

Another thing : Is there a list of the THX certified speakers around?

First of all, Paradigm speakers cannot be purchased legitimately on the web.

The setup you have is fine. Paradigm recommends the ADP speakers for surrounds because they are bipolar speakers. The Mini Monitors are direct radiating speakers.

Good luck and enjoy your speakers.

Ok, so maybe use the bipolar speakers - this would probably make more sense?

[buying paradigm off the web]
Some websites do sell them - but does this mean void warranty or any other "risk"?

Ravan, yes, this does mean they won't honour any warranty problems--not that there is a high probability that anything will go wrong with them, but you take that chance. I don't know where you live, but, if its anywhere near Canada you can save yourself some money buying them here--the exchange rate and a gst(a tax) rebate if you live in the U.S. can add up to a good savings.

webbo : I'm in Phoenix, AZ - thats not exactly on the canadian border.. More like the mexican. (Wanted to insert a smiley with a sombrero here).

I'm fine with buying from an unauthorized etailer, if I could find one that is http://talk.dvdtalk.com/ubb/smile.gif

I would change the fronts. The Monitors 3's are great speakers, but the 8" woofers are a little boomy compared the the 6.5" ones. Take a look at some LCR-350's for all 3 front channels. They have the same D-Appolito driver setup as the CC-350 but are in a regular "rectagular cube" enclosure and don't have the odd end panels the CC-350 does. They are also about $50 cheaper than the CC-350 http://talk.dvdtalk.com/ubb/smile.gif

Like John Sy said. The reason they have the ADP's for surrounds is simply because they are dipole/bipole and most people prefer them for listening to HT and direct radiating speakers for music. I personally used Monitor 5's for the surrounds and they sounded great, so the Mini's should sound just as good.

Definitely stick with the MiniMonitors for surrounds unless you can place the ADP series speakers on stands or wall mounts to the left and right sides of your primary listening area. ADP series speakers are dipolar (one side radiates out of phase from the other) and must be positioned this way. Dircet radiating speakers are more practical because you can put them behind you or to the sides firing in. Also, direct radiating speakers typically have better dynamic range than dipoles making them better for multi- channel music. The new Elite receivers feature 5 channel stereo which is excellent for non-dts music playback.

Without a doubt, buy the Paradigms from an authorized local dealer. There are no authorized web dealers for their speakers, and Paradigm will not honor the warranty if they are purchased off the net. I used to sell Paradigm speakers up until last year, and I had one customer who bought a pair via mail-order. The crossovers needed replaced and when Paradigm referenced the serial number for the warranty claim, it did not match any of the serial numbers in their system. The warranty was not covered and the consumer was out $130 for each crossover. I guess this should serve as a cautionary tale to anyone wanting to buy hi-fi gear off the net.

You have the making of a good system there, so protect your investment, and enjoy.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by ravan:
webbo : I'm in Phoenix, AZ - thats not exactly on the canadian border.. More like the mexican. (Wanted to insert a smiley with a sombrero here).

I'm fine with buying from an unauthorized etailer, if I could find one that is http://talk.dvdtalk.com/ubb/smile.gif<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

You can try these guys: http://www.world-exchange.com/
Obviously, the site is under construction but you can email for a quote and get one. I got a quote on some speakers but have not acted on it so I have no idea if they are reliable. Again, I am NOT recommending them just pointing out a possibility.

Last time I talked with World-Exchange/Costsheets they still sold Paradigm, but only the higher end studio and reference line. Nat(the owner) said the margin of profit on the Monitor and Performance series wasn't good enough.

They are not authorized to sell "NEW" Paradigm so they sell it as "open box" http://talk.dvdtalk.com/ubb/smile.gif

I got a pair of Atoms from them for a nice discount about a year ago. I paid $120 shipped when they were selling for $185 at the dealer down the street. They were new and still work great.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Now - to do this I probably need some speakers - I've asked around a bit and I'm considering something like :

Fronts : Paradigm Monitor 3's
Surrounds : paradigm minimonitors
Sub : paradigm PS-1200
Center : Paradigm CC-350

This is not one of their recommended systems. Are the mini monitors not good for surrounds - all their recommended systems have ADP 170 or ADP 350's for surrounds.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

You won't be disappointed with the Paradigms. Here's my setup:

Fronts: Monitor 7's
Surrounds: Mini-Monitors
Center: CC-350

The reason for this setup is because all these speakers use the same drivers, so the sound will be very consistent. I am very happy with it.

Good luck on your choice.