Thread: 5.1 System Build Advice

Alright took the plunge and finally spent some cash locally. Found some Paradigm Titans that were too cheap to pass on. Only got to hear them for a couple minutes while the seller demonstrated that they were working. Anyways I'd like some thoughts on where to go from here. Ive got a Denon 1611 on the way. 90% Movies/TV/Games 10%Music. Room is a squarish 19x19x8. Listening area is about 14ft away.

..I believe Paradigm recommends the cc290 for a matched center. Anything wrong with stepping up to the cc390 if I can a find a price close enough? Overkill? I don't want to overpower anything up front.

..For rears I think most of the time I'm too close to the back wall to use the Paradigm recommended dipoles. Probably will wall mount another Monitor series bookshelf instead. Any advantage in going with another pair of Titans in the back too? Again the price is close enough to wonder about Titans or just Atoms for rears. Could the ports be a problem? I'd likely be positioning them close to 90 degrees towards the listening area since I'm on pretty much on the backwall

..For a sub I actually had a Paradigm PDR-10 basically thrown in as a bonus into the Titan deal. After later researching the specs it seems like it may be on the light side. Whatcha think? Worth an upgrade? I'd like to stay at under $400 for a sub. New I've seen the Infinity ps212 recommended a few times here. Any thoughts on something a little pricier that maybe could be found used for under $400?

I was just talking to my local Paradigm dealer the other day, and he said the cc-390 is fine for the titans it is just a matter of weather or not you have a place to put it and the wife approval. It seems to me that the 390 would be too much, but he said other wise, then again the titans are a bit of a monster too. As for your sub an upgrade would do the titans justice yes the ps212 is in fact a great sub, other to check into in your price range would be.

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As far as buying used just keep an eye on Audiogon.com. Just look for any of the above brands along with svs, and epik.

Great insight on the 390. And I'll look for those sub brands.

Any thoughts on the rear surrounds? I've gathered completely matching the rears isn't necessary, so I'm not sure if another set of Titans is the way to go. They would seem big compared to the traditional surround size I've seen for the most part.

Originally Posted by Loves2Watch

To present the proper soundstage it's usually best to stay with the same brand of speakers so they are timbre and tonally matched. Paradigm does make some smaller speakers and I would recommend you look there.

Ok, will do. I've seen it said that different Paradigm versions are still somewhat of a timbre match. Do you believe this to have some truth to it ? Or should I play it safe and stick to Version 6 as same as my Titans?

That's what I like to hear L2! I think I'll save some cash and look for some older versions then. Now what to do with the $100+ savings. Best bang for those bucks opinions would be appreciated.

.A) Upgrade to a better receiver adding 20-30 watts something along the lines of a Denon 2311 or Yamaha rx-v867

B) Secure the cc-390 center instead of cc-290.

C) Invest in real Paradigm stands

D) Add towards a sub upgrade

E) None of the above. Add a suggestion.

That's kinda the way I was leaning as far as ranking the upgrades, but my HT knowledge is limited so some assurance helps.

Sanus were the stands I was looking into for a cheaper stand alternative. If I don't take it a step further with DIY stands.

If you have the tools and know how go with some diy stands, here are mine LINK If you like them shoot me a pm and I can show you how to build them they are very easy to build. As far as where to stick extra money, I would put it towards the sub. What is your budget on the rears? I am not sure about the titans for rears as they are huge speakers. Maybe keep an eye open for some cinema micros aka micro monitors, those are what I use you should be able to check them out from the link I posted.

Originally Posted by caliberconst.

If you have the tools and know how go with some diy stands, here are mine LINK If you like them shoot me a pm and I can show you how to build them they are very easy to build. As far as where to stick extra money, I would put it towards the sub. What is your budget on the rears? I am not sure about the titans for rears as they are huge speakers. Maybe keep an eye open for some cinema micros aka micro monitors, those are what I use you should be able to check them out from the link I posted.

Hey your link is not working for me. Budget for the rears is about $150 if i want to pass the savings onto another area.

Try this LINK

That works. Those stands look pretty slick. PM sent.

Well it may come down to a decision between the beefier 390 center or an upgraded sub. I'm sure I don't really need either, but unless my luck and timing are perfect it's likely I won't come away with both. My thinking is that I'll get more "use" from the center. As opposed to however lower the better sub would go.

Then that's that. I'm gunning for the cc390. Now I just need to strike the best deal possible.

After owning an hsu vtf3 mk2 and installing an infinity ps210 and ps212, I say no comparison go with the $700 hsu or SVS. The infinity's are great great subs, but will not dig as deep and slam your chest like an HSU will. Also I find the HSU to be a bit more accurate and quicker. I love HSU, but you should check out SVS too, look at this one HERE.