I had a chimney fire and get to rebuild my theater.

I had a Paradign PDR12 sub. I still actually have it but it's visualy not in the best shape. I can clean it up if it's considered a decent sub.

I have about $400 to replace it with. Any suggestions? My room is pictured below. I have no idea where to place ANYTHING (projector / lcd / receiver)... But thats another thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1095499)

My equipment:

Denon AVR 3808
42" plasma or 52" LCD
4 paradigm titans
Paradigm Center (I forget the model)
Xbox 360
Xbox
AppleTv or MacMini running XBMC or Boxee

My room (walls are number coded in gray for ease of referencing). I think that the screen and tv will go along wall 3... no idea where to put receiver and sub though.
http://www.ahreno.com/living.png

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

here is what the FAQ suggests I answer:

1. Your budget. $400 (don't really see a need to exceed this)

2. Size requirements/limits. None. Must fit in the room so less than 13' wide please.

3. Room dimensions. roughly 21'x13'

4. Primary uses. movies / tv / video games.

5. Listening habits. I want it to sound good. I don't need my windows (or ear drums) shattering... I like loud bass... the damn girlfriend doesn't. So we usually find something on my side of the middle ;)

6. Appearance requirements. my speakers are black...

7. Timeframe. within 3 months

First I'm very sorry to hear about the fire. I'm glad your subwoofer was the only casualty. For replacement subs close to your budget check out the eD A3-250 (http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_41&products_id=309) and A3-300 (http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_41&products_id=102).

It looks to me like your idea of putting your TV on wall 3 is about your only option. I would put the AVR in an ET stand below the TV, along with the Xbox and Xbox 360 and any other components, such as your AppleTv. As for the sub, it's kind of hard to say. It could go in the back 1/4 corner if you could run a cable back there for it. Or it could go in a front corner if there's room for it.

Good luck getting everything back up and runing like you want it.

would one of those be enough for the room? Would i want to keep using my paradigm sub?

Is the pdr12 considered a good sub? It's a model from about 8 years ago...

thanks for your suggestions... the sub wasn't the only casuality... i also am replacing projector / lcd / hardwood floors / chimney / fireplace / wall ... it's a great blessing in disguise... just a lot of stress to try to figure out what to buy again!

Also.. what is an ET stand?

would one of those be enough for the room? Would i want to keep using my paradigm sub?

Is the pdr12 considered a good sub? It's a model from about 8 years ago...

thanks for your suggestions... the sub wasn't the only casuality... i also am replacing projector / lcd / hardwood floors / chimney / fireplace / wall ... it's a great blessing in disguise... just a lot of stress to try to figure out what to buy again!

Also.. what is an ET stand?

I'm sorry to hear you had such a loss. I misunderstood from your original post how extensive the damage was. I'm glad to hear that noone was hurt.

It's my understanding that the PDR subs from Paradigm aren't all that great. The eD models I suggested would probably surpass it easily. As far as being enough for your room, I'm not sure, but they have great reputations and are right about where your stated budget range is. Plus the eD's ship for free via Fedex if you're within the continental US, which means your entire budget goes to the sub and not to shipping costs. There are better subs out there, but they're higher priced.

An ET stand (entertainment stand) is just a stand for your TV that also houses AV components inside it in various shelves or cabinets. They vary widely. See the sample picture below.

http://www.uncrate.com/men/images/2006/10/avion-tv-stand.jpg

I'm not suggesting this particular one. It's just the 1st one that popped up in a search.

Also, if you're going back with hardwood floors, consider adding a big area rug. While beautiful, hardwood floors aren't so great for HT acoustics, so you'll need some good room treatments in the form of a rug, padded furniture, heavy drapes for starters.

Thanks.... anyone have any other suggestions?

are the eD A3-250 and A3-300 hands down choice?

are the eD A3-250 and A3-300 hands down choice?

well, I think the eD A2-300 would be my choice.
http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_41&products_id=407

well, I think the eD A2-300 would be my choice.
http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_41&products_id=407

Besides the price difference, is there any reason you would pick the A2-300 over the A3-300?

What about the HSU VTF-1 ($404 + shipping), or the Outlaw LM-1 Compact ($399 + shipping + 10% off), or the SVS PB10-NSD ($429 + shipping).

vtf-1

eD's will give you more output for the money than any competitors in that price range

Besides the price difference, is there any reason you would pick the A2-300 over the A3-300?

Nope, just trying to keep it under the OP's budget and allow for the matte finish.

Nope, just trying to keep it under the OP's budget and allow for the matte finish.

Gotcha. Good point about the finish. The matte does look better.