Paradigm Monitor series questions...

[IRG]

I am sure this has been posted somewhere before, but my search wasn't helpful.

Anyway, I am curious about the Paradugm Monitor series, I never considered it before (and didn't think I had a local dealer, and now I do). I have heard great things about the Reference series (which the dealer also sells) but it is a bit out of my price range new.

Right now my dealer is selling what is left of the Monitor Series v3 at better prices. The Monitor 7 (floorstander) would be $580, normally $750. The larger bookshelf, the Monitor 5 he doesn't have in stock (he told me he has only ordered that speaker one or two times) so a new version4 would be the same price, $580. From what I have learned, there are some differences in the corssovers, and slight cosmetic changes, but otherwise, probably nothing of real significance. The Mini monitor is $400 and the Monitor 3 is $480, both would be discounted if I buy soon.

Any and all comments on the Monitor series would be welcome. For background, I have a NAD T-743 receiver, a new sub is also in the works, room size is 13 x 19, and this will be used 80% HT/tv viewing, 20% music, with the emphasis on music even though it gets used for that less. Music varies from aggresive alternative rock to classical, some blues and jazz, and some popular country (the wife). I am not giving myself a normal budget, as I have a few other expenses floating around, but $600 is probably my limit.

Is there a speaker in the Monitor line to avoid? One that shines above the others? If so why? I should say I sort of like the Monitor 7 because I wouldn't need stands (although I like the look of monitors on nice stands) and in my house 2 kids, one on the way, that would prevent some problems (yes, they have been toppled off before). I haven't done any serious music testing yet, obviously I will do so. Sometimes it helps to get some advice before hand, on what to listen for. Thanks y'all.

[3db]

and I was fairly impressed. Then I stumbled across PSB Image series and never looked back. Generally, I found the PSB's to have a tighter and deeper bass than the Monitor series and I found the tweeters on the Image series not be as bright as the Monitor series. They both have awesome midrange and image well

[IRG]

and I was fairly impressed. Then I stumbled across PSB Image series and never looked back. Generally, I found the PSB's to have a tighter and deeper bass than the Monitor series and I found the tweeters on the Image series not be as bright as the Monitor series. They both have awesome midrange and image well

Thanks dB. My other dealer sells PSB, and so I will be listening there too. In addition, that dealer also sells Monitor Audio, Boston Acoustics and Klipsch. They seem to prefer the Monitor Audio overall, but everyone has their preferences. The Paradigm dealer also sells Energy (what I have now) and Revell (very nice, but pricey) and Definitive Technology (no interest for me).

You mentioned the tweeter on the PSB as not as bright. If anything, I would prefer something a little more sizzle than my Energy. So I may actually prefer the Paradigm. My PSB dealer also felt that they two brands (Paradigm and PSB) were pretty similar, and they have been selling PSB for quite a while. I wish I have a B&W dealer locally. The closest one is about an hour or so away, and I am interested in the 602 S3. May have to make a trip to hear them too.

[thepogue]

B&W would not impress you...in fact they tend to be layed back...smooth as butter...well worth a listen but not as all sizzling...

Good Luck! Peace, Pogue

Thanks dB. My other dealer sells PSB, and so I will be listening there too. In addition, that dealer also sells Monitor Audio, Boston Acoustics and Klipsch. They seem to prefer the Monitor Audio overall, but everyone has their preferences. The Paradigm dealer also sells Energy (what I have now) and Revell (very nice, but pricey) and Definitive Technology (no interest for me).

You mentioned the tweeter on the PSB as not as bright. If anything, I would prefer something a little more sizzle than my Energy. So I may actually prefer the Paradigm. My PSB dealer also felt that they two brands (Paradigm and PSB) were pretty similar, and they have been selling PSB for quite a while. I wish I have a B&W dealer locally. The closest one is about an hour or so away, and I am interested in the 602 S3. May have to make a trip to hear them too.

[kexodusc]

My own preference in the Monitor line is for the Monitor 5's or the Mini Monitors...If a sub is DEFINITELY in the mix, cross it over at 60 Hz or below and don't look back...The larger ones tend to have some cabinet resonance issues in my opinion...
PSB and Energy have comparable products in my opinion that have just a slightly different flavour than the Monitors, not better or worse, just different. If you're looking for a bit more sizzle a the top, the Monitor line is as much sizzle as I'd care to try without it becoming harsh...

For home theater use more than 2-channel stereo use, I see no reason to spend more money on the larger speakers (unless your room is huge)...the best value would be in the Mini Monitors and as good a sub as you can buy...
Good luck.

[cam]

My own preference in the Monitor line is for the Monitor 5's or the Mini Monitors...If a sub is DEFINITELY in the mix, cross it over at 60 Hz or below and don't look back...The larger ones tend to have some cabinet resonance issues in my opinion...
PSB and Energy have comparable products in my opinion that have just a slightly different flavour than the Monitors, not better or worse, just different. If you're looking for a bit more sizzle a the top, the Monitor line is as much sizzle as I'd care to try without it becoming harsh...

For home theater use more than 2-channel stereo use, I see no reason to spend more money on the larger speakers (unless your room is huge)...the best value would be in the Mini Monitors and as good a sub as you can buy...
Good luck.

Hey Kex, I agree that the mini's coupled together with a capable sub would meet most peoples needs. The mini's are a very good recommendation. You say your preference would be for the 5's, I'm just wondering though, have you actually heard them, I know you have the studio 40's so maybe you are biased towards this style of standmount. Both RGA and I would most definetaly recommend the less expensive 3 over the 5. The 3 sounds alot better in everyway (to me) and save you some money as well. Maybe the studio line the 40's are better then the 20's but maybe in the monitor line the 5's are a step back from the 3's. For the most part, I have never heard anyone say anything good about the 5's except you and Wooch and both you guys have the 40's. Hmmmm, I heard the 5's and believe me you, they suck, and I'm not surprised they have sold so poorly.

[axelsrd]

I am sure this has been posted somewhere before, but my search wasn't helpful.

Anyway, I am curious about the Paradugm Monitor series, I never considered it before (and didn't think I had a local dealer, and now I do). I have heard great things about the Reference series (which the dealer also sells) but it is a bit out of my price range new.

Right now my dealer is selling what is left of the Monitor Series v3 at better prices. The Monitor 7 (floorstander) would be $580, normally $750. The larger bookshelf, the Monitor 5 he doesn't have in stock (he told me he has only ordered that speaker one or two times) so a new version4 would be the same price, $580. From what I have learned, there are some differences in the corssovers, and slight cosmetic changes, but otherwise, probably nothing of real significance. The Mini monitor is $400 and the Monitor 3 is $480, both would be discounted if I buy soon.

Any and all comments on the Monitor series would be welcome. For background, I have a NAD T-743 receiver, a new sub is also in the works, room size is 13 x 19, and this will be used 80% HT/tv viewing, 20% music, with the emphasis on music even though it gets used for that less. Music varies from aggresive alternative rock to classical, some blues and jazz, and some popular country (the wife). I am not giving myself a normal budget, as I have a few other expenses floating around, but $600 is probably my limit.

Is there a speaker in the Monitor line to avoid? One that shines above the others? If so why? I should say I sort of like the Monitor 7 because I wouldn't need stands (although I like the look of monitors on nice stands) and in my house 2 kids, one on the way, that would prevent some problems (yes, they have been toppled off before). I haven't done any serious music testing yet, obviously I will do so. Sometimes it helps to get some advice before hand, on what to listen for. Thanks y'all.

I have monitor 7's up front, mini monitors for rear and cc370 center and I absolutely love them. I don't know what else to tell you. These are some very fine speakers. I had considered the monitor 5's at one time but they are nothing more than a monitor 3 in a bigger box. I also found out from a dealer in Indiana that there were some problems with the 5's and they weren't sonically up to paradigm standards. Don't remember what the problem was but the dealer won't even recommend them anymore. And besides, you are getting the 7's at a fery good price.

[IRG]

I have monitor 7's up front, mini monitors for rear and cc370 center and I absolutely love them. I don't know what else to tell you. These are some very fine speakers. I had considered the monitor 5's at one time but they are nothing more than a monitor 3 in a bigger box. I also found out from a dealer in Indiana that there were some problems with the 5's and they weren't sonically up to paradigm standards. Don't remember what the problem was but the dealer won't even recommend them anymore. And besides, you are getting the 7's at a fery good price.

Interesting about the Monitor 5s. Maybe that was why my dealer almost never sells or orders them either. At $580 that seems to be a pretty ood price on the 7s. Not sure if I can get by without them being shielded. I will have to check tonite. Where in Indiana are you? I went to grad school at IUPUI in Indy. Nice city, seemed to be improving a lot by the time I left.

[axelsrd]

Interesting about the Monitor 5s. Maybe that was why my dealer almost never sells or orders them either. At $580 that seems to be a pretty ood price on the 7s. Not sure if I can get by without them being shielded. I will have to check tonite. Where in Indiana are you? I went to grad school at IUPUI in Indy. Nice city, seemed to be improving a lot by the time I left.

I don't live in Indiana. I was working with a dealer to have them shipped to Atlanta to see if it would be cheaper to pay him shipping as apposed to paying the sales tax here. I ended up buying local and paying the tax. I auditioned the 7's, 9's and 11's side by side bouncing back and forth. The 9's had a bit better bass as they use two 8" vs two 6.5". The 11's, well, I couldn't hear any difference between them and the 7's so I ended up with the 7's at $659 out the door and never looked back. I didn't need the extra low end because I use a sub. I can't tell you how to spend your money other than stay away from the 5's.

[axelsrd]

Not sure if I can get by without them being shielded.

If you have a projection tv it won't matter.

[IRG]

If you have a projection tv it won't matter.

No I have a regular flat screen tube unit. Where in Atlanta do you live? My wife is from Marietta, and we might move back to that area in another year. I like it, except for the traffic. Are there any good audio shops in the area? There must be, given its size. If not, maybe I will open my own shop, then I can switch gear all the time!

[bikehikefish]

IRG -

I currently use Mini-Monitors (V1) with the PS-1000 sub. They are great.

Recently I considered buying a pair of Monitor 7s on ebay, which went for $275. I went to my local Paradigm dealer and auditioned the Minis and 7s side by side. Was there a difference? Without a sub involved the 7s had more bass than the Minis (obviously). With a sub, there was a difference, but not much. Little better mid range with the 7s, better imaging. But to me, it wasn't a $275 improvement, so I didn't buy the 7s.

My opinion is, if you are using your speakers for 80% HT, and you are using a sub, the Monitor 7s won't be that much better to justify the cost.

[axelsrd]

No I have a regular flat screen tube unit. Where in Atlanta do you live? My wife is from Marietta, and we might move back to that area in another year. I like it, except for the traffic. Are there any good audio shops in the area? There must be, given its size. If not, maybe I will open my own shop, then I can switch gear all the time!

Now this is getting weird...I live in Marietta but I am being transfered to New Orleans. Have to be there on the 11th. Anyway, bikehikefish has a good point, if it is a small room then maybe mini monitors up front and maybe a pair of Titans for rear and of course a center and sub. This is the setup I had before I moved the minis back and got the 7's.

[Feanor]

...
Anyway, I am curious about the Paradugm Monitor series, I never considered it before (and didn't think I had a local dealer, and now I do). I have heard great things about the Reference series (which the dealer also sells) but it is a bit out of my price range new.
....

I have MiniMonitors, (V.3, I believe), as fronts in my HT system. They're OK but not great -- limited bass, somewhat forward and colored mid-range. I originally bought them for my main system but I wished I'd saved my money.

I replaced them there with Magneplanar MMG's. The Maggies wasted them in every respect, at least with accoustic music.

From your profile I see you have Energy C3's. If I were you I'd keep those until I had the cash for at least, say, the Paradigm Reference Studio 40's.