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Paradigm Titan Monitor vs Mini Monitor v5 for fronts

post #1 of 24
9/26/08 at 10:51am
Thread Starter 
Hi everyone,
I've read all the threads on this topic and I didn't find an answer that fits what I'm looking for.

My local shop has the Titan Monitor and Mini Monitor v5 speakers on sale right now and I want to know which would be a better speaker for using as my fronts? For a centre I'm thinking of using the cc290. Now I know the mini monitors are 6.5" like the cc290 which should match well, however I really do like the sound of the Titans, loud/clear/good bass.

However, I haven't heard the v5 titans vs mini's side by side as they're not setup in the store that way, hence I need some help here. I've read on this forum that the mid bass is "bloated" on the titans? Is this for real? I expect more bass from the titans as they're 7.5" vs. 6.5".

Would the cc290 match well with the titans? the cc390 is way too huge. If anyone can shed some light on this to help me decide I'd appreciate it! Hopefully someone faced a similar decision recently.

Edit: I already have a subwoofer (svs pb-10) hence I'm looking at bookshelves instead of floor standers. For the amp, I'm using an old Yamaha (HTIB) for now until I upgrade to the onkyo 606/706 (still deciding).
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post #2 of 24
9/26/08 at 12:25pm
Only way to tell for sure is to try 'em both out in your own home. It's a strong possibility that 'bloated' mid bass is a room issue or a setup issue and not a speaker issue.
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post #3 of 24
9/26/08 at 12:28pm
Thread Starter 
How do I do that? Ask the dealer for an home audition? I take it that bloated means the mid bass has a spike in the FR right?

What about matching the Titan to the cc290 is that an issue?

This will be my first entry into the mid entry speaker line, hence I want to make sure I'm getting the right stuff. Thanks!
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post #4 of 24
9/26/08 at 2:01pm
I find my Titans are great, and they blend well other Paradigm speakers like my center since they all get tested under Paradigm's labs and share similar construction, this results in great timber. I am not using the same setup you are looking at, mine is a 2 years old now (4 Titans, 1 CC 170, 1 PDR 10). But I love them and find them to have great accuracy and clairity, I think the biggest difficulty is finding a sub that has sharp clean bass. I think the Seismic 10 were great but they will cost you.
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post #5 of 24
9/26/08 at 4:40pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by dignatec View Post

What about matching the Titan to the cc290 is that an issue?

This will be my first entry into the mid entry speaker line, hence I want to make sure I'm getting the right stuff. Thanks!

I have a pair of v4 Mini Monitors as the surround back channels in my Studio series set-up, as I couldn't justify the $$$ for a pair of Studio 20s just for 7.1. I haven't done a tremendous amount of critical listening to them alone, but they are nice for the size/price.

Since you have a nice sub, I think the Minis will be fine (Paradigm recommends either the Minis or the Titans to match the cc290). As your first 'step-up' system, I think you will be happy with either one. The Titans are a lot bigger, the deeper bass response shouldn't really be noticed when properly crossed over to a sub. I would only strongly recommend stepping up to them if you plan to listen to a lot of 2ch music without the sub active, or you plan on really cranking it up in a big room, as they'll fill the room better with the larger driver.

BTW, I have an Onkyo 705 and would recommend the 706 for the more advanced Audessy processing it has over the 606.
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post #6 of 24
9/26/08 at 4:56pm
I am enjoying my Titan v5's and cc 290, excellent panning sonically. I am using Mirage omnican 6's as my surrounds as I had to go in ceiling. Very happy with my purchase. The Titans don't go as low as my old JBL E50's but they are much clearer. The cc 290 is a great center, very clear and natural sounding. I went with Titans over the mini monitors because I needed a front ported speaker and at the clearance price there was very little price difference. Good luck, either way I think you will be happy.
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post #7 of 24
9/26/08 at 11:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by RodK View Post

I am enjoying my Titan v5's and cc 290, excellent panning sonically. I am using Mirage omnican 6's as my surrounds as I had to go in ceiling. Very happy with my purchase. The Titans don't go as low as my old JBL E50's but they are much clearer. The cc 290 is a great center, very clear and natural sounding. I went with Titans over the mini monitors because I needed a front ported speaker and at the clearance price there was very little price difference. Good luck, either way I think you will be happy.


Hey, RodK. I've got a similar set-up. Titan v5's for mains, cc290 for centre, and I went with Atom v5's for my surrounds. The sub is an SVS-PB10NSD. Loving my new system. This is my first step up from HTIB.

I can't comment on the Mini Monitors, but I love my Titans. The cc290 is a big, beefy, brute of a centre channel that anchors things very nicely. I never struggle to hear dialogue anymore. I find the Titans to be an excellent match. I'd go with them if your room is on the medium to large side, especially if you plan to use your fronts for any 2 channel music.
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post #8 of 24
9/27/08 at 10:12am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by shrabok View Post

I find my Titans are great, and they blend well other Paradigm speakers like my center since they all get tested under Paradigm's labs and share similar construction, this results in great timber. I am not using the same setup you are looking at, mine is a 2 years old now (4 Titans, 1 CC 170, 1 PDR 10). But I love them and find them to have great accuracy and clairity, I think the biggest difficulty is finding a sub that has sharp clean bass. I think the Seismic 10 were great but they will cost you.

Cool, good to know the 290 will match well regardless. I already have a sub, the svs pb-10 which is rocking my condo. My condo is pretty much open concept so my living room is in a 20x40 open concept room, with one quarter of the room boxed off by the kitchen (it has walls). Currently I'm using some cheap Precision Acoustics speakers from Bestbuy I got on sale during boxing day.

Quote:
Originally Posted by wleehendrick View Post

I have a pair of v4 Mini Monitors as the surround back channels in my Studio series set-up, as I couldn't justify the $$$ for a pair of Studio 20s just for 7.1. I haven't done a tremendous amount of critical listening to them alone, but they are nice for the size/price.

Since you have a nice sub, I think the Minis will be fine (Paradigm recommends either the Minis or the Titans to match the cc290). As your first 'step-up' system, I think you will be happy with either one. The Titans are a lot bigger, the deeper bass response shouldn't really be noticed when properly crossed over to a sub. I would only strongly recommend stepping up to them if you plan to listen to a lot of 2ch music without the sub active, or you plan on really cranking it up in a big room, as they'll fill the room better with the larger driver.

BTW, I have an Onkyo 705 and would recommend the 706 for the more advanced Audessy processing it has over the 606.

Studio 20's cost $1k/pair, I don't blame you for not wasting that money on surrounds. I do listen to a fair bit of 2 channel music, but always with the sub on. Because my condo is open concept, it would be great if the room can be filled with good clean sound. Any idea why the speakers are white in colour? That looks a bit strange ... haha.

As for the 706? What processing does it have that the 606 doesn't? I think it has multi eq (8 point setup) vs 2eq (2 point setup), is that right? Also have you compared your studio 20's vs the mini monitors? I was thinking of getting used studio 20's but the matching centre is impossible to find and I couldn't justify spending 1k on a centre channel! I'd be curious of how they compare vs each other. Did you buy the matching centre as well?

Quote:
Originally Posted by RodK View Post

I am enjoying my Titan v5's and cc 290, excellent panning sonically. I am using Mirage omnican 6's as my surrounds as I had to go in ceiling. Very happy with my purchase. The Titans don't go as low as my old JBL E50's but they are much clearer. The cc 290 is a great center, very clear and natural sounding. I went with Titans over the mini monitors because I needed a front ported speaker and at the clearance price there was very little price difference. Good luck, either way I think you will be happy.

Hey Rodk, Very cool, I'm not too worried about the bass since I have the sub. Are the mini monitors rear ported? Why was that an issue? Did you have to put them right against the wall? Is there any diff b/w rear vs front ported speakers? I'll get the rear speakers at a later time.

Quote:
Originally Posted by tboe77 View Post

Hey, RodK. I've got a similar set-up. Titan v5's for mains, cc290 for centre, and I went with Atom v5's for my surrounds. The sub is an SVS-PB10NSD. Loving my new system. This is my first step up from HTIB.

I can't comment on the Mini Monitors, but I love my Titans. The cc290 is a big, beefy, brute of a centre channel that anchors things very nicely. I never struggle to hear dialogue anymore. I find the Titans to be an excellent match. I'd go with them if your room is on the medium to large side, especially if you plan to use your fronts for any 2 channel music.

Tboe, your system is pretty much the same thing I'm planning to make. We have the same speakers. My room is definately a medium sized room. Thanks for the tips, it looks like I should go for the Titans. I can get them for $400/pair, while the mini's are $300.

It sounds like everyone likes the Titans, and no one that actually owns it are complaining about that alleged mid bass bloat. Great!!
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post #9 of 24
9/27/08 at 10:48am
[quote=dignatec;14751025]





Hey Rodk, Very cool, I'm not too worried about the bass since I have the sub. Are the mini monitors rear ported? Why was that an issue? Did you have to put them right against the wall? Is there any diff b/w rear vs front ported speakers? I'll get the rear speakers at a later time.



I , of course, have always used a sub as well. Yes, the mini's are rear ported. Here is a pic of my room to show why I made the decisions I did.
LL
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post #10 of 24
9/27/08 at 10:57am
Quote:
Originally Posted by dignatec View Post

Studio 20's cost $1k/pair, I don't blame you for not wasting that money on surrounds.

Yeah, the purist in me would like to have all Studios, but considering how much use the surround back channels get, and that they're in back if your head, the monitors do just fine.

Quote:
Originally Posted by dignatec View Post

As for the 706? What processing does it have that the 606 doesn't? I think it has multi eq (8 point setup) vs 2eq (2 point setup), is that right?

Exactly; I did some reading up on Audessy, but have not compared Multi EQ to 2EQ directly. Supposedly the Multi EQ is much more powerful and accurate. And for future-proofing, and extra HDMI input is always nice to have.

Quote:
Originally Posted by dignatec View Post

Also have you compared your studio 20's vs the mini monitors? I was thinking of getting used studio 20's but the matching centre is impossible to find and I couldn't justify spending 1k on a centre channel!

Yeah, I love them, but couldn't justify full retail for the Studios either. I was leaning towards Monitors when a local Paradigm dealer went out of business. I got my Studio 40s with stands, CC590, and Mini Monitors for well under $2k. I bought some used Studio ADPs for side surrounds to complete my almost all Studio 7.1 system on a budget . I only breifly compared the 40's to the Minis; they're obviously in another league, but for the money, the Minis are phenomenal.

Quote:
Originally Posted by dignatec View Post

It sounds like everyone likes the Titans, and no one that actually owns it are complaining about that alleged mid bass bloat. Great!!

As long as you have the space, $100 isn't much of a difference, so go for the Titans. You'll be happy
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post #11 of 24
9/27/08 at 11:24am
I'm glad you started this thread, cuz I'm looking at a really similar setup. Thanks to everyone who posted for all the information you provided.
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post #12 of 24
9/27/08 at 11:26am
Thread Starter 
Wlee:

It sounds like you got a great deal for the studio package. I can't spend 2k right now, 1k is more my budget hence my interest in the monitor line.

I was considering the 706 b/c of the preouts (for future proofing) and they're thx certfied 4ohm stable, which may be useful if I upgrade my spekaers again.

Very cool that people can give advice here!
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post #13 of 24
9/27/08 at 11:27am
Thread Starter 
[quote=RodK;14751195]
Quote:
Originally Posted by dignatec View Post






Hey Rodk, Very cool, I'm not too worried about the bass since I have the sub. Are the mini monitors rear ported? Why was that an issue? Did you have to put them right against the wall? Is there any diff b/w rear vs front ported speakers? I'll get the rear speakers at a later time.



I , of course, have always used a sub as well. Yes, the mini's are rear ported. Here is a pic of my room to show why I made the decisions I did.

Thanks for the pics man, your home is beautiful, I understand your rationale now. Cheers!
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post #14 of 24
9/27/08 at 11:27am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by fireman325 View Post

I'm glad you started this thread, cuz I'm looking at a really similar setup. Thanks to everyone who posted for all the information you provided.

Hey,
Yeah I can't find anything online about this comparison (google does NOT know all) hence I started it. It's great that others are willing to share their experiences and give advice recommendations.

Once I have more $$$ I can always upgrade to studios and use the Titans as my rears as Wlee did so this money won't be wasted at all.
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post #15 of 24
9/27/08 at 11:33am
Quote:
Originally Posted by dignatec View Post

Hey,
Yeah I can't find anything online about this comparison (google does NOT know all) hence I started it. It's great that others are willing to share their experiences and give advice recommendations.

Once I have more $$$ I can always upgrade to studios and use the Titans as my rears as Wlee did so this money won't be wasted at all.


Exactly. I posted almost the same question in the Paradigm threads, and got a couple of responses. I believe from the same folks who posted here, but the posts here go in to a bit more detail.

I'm looking at a pair of Titans, a CC-290 center and a pair of ADP-390 surrounds. I plan to go demo this setup (and a couple of variations) maybe next week. I have to drive about 50 miles to get to the nearest Paradigm dealer. I'm really curious to hear the dipole surrounds and see if I like them or not.
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post #16 of 24
9/27/08 at 1:51pm
Thread Starter 
Just came back from a stereo shop that happened to carry PSBs and Paradigms and did an A/B comparison of the mini monitors vs the B25. Interestingly, I did find the soundstage to be a bit bigger on the PSBs and the tweeter/highs were better as well. On "Billy Jean" by MJ, you could hear the shakers percussion instrument much clearer.

Talk about confusing myself, I'm not talking about a night & day difference at all, just better highs, the bass would be better on the Titans vs the Mini's so can't really make that comparison. I also love the look of the Paradigms in rosenut while the psbs are a bit plain looking.

Just some more info for ppl to chew on, as the search continues

I forgot to listen to the dipoles, but that will be for another day anyway as I'm only buying the front 3 anyway.
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post #17 of 24
9/27/08 at 2:02pm
Thanks for the update. I agree that the Paradigms look better, and they're also more efficient. My receiver is rated for 6-16 ohms, and the PSBs are 4 ohms, so I don't think it would be safe for me to use them.

Edit: Oops. scratch that. I wasn't looking at the right speakers.
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post #18 of 24
9/27/08 at 4:34pm
Coincidentally I narrowed my search to the Titans and the PSB image b25, but I couldn't find the PSB's locally to listen to and I don't like to buy a speaker without listening.
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post #19 of 24
9/27/08 at 7:44pm
Thread Starter 
Guys,
Yeah the images are 6 ohms as well. The cd I brought didn't work so I wasn't really listening to music I listen to (rnb, hip hop, house, salsa, some jazz). So I gotta reaudition with my cd's working..haha

Either way, I may still go paradigm as the difference was very subtle, while the looks of the Paradigms are much nicer.
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post #20 of 24
9/28/08 at 10:26am
If it helps any, when I come home every day I want to hug my titans. They are one purchase I never regret, love the sound they have, also love my NAD T743 Receiver, if you like clean clear music it does it impeccably. Overall I never regret buying my system, smile every time I throw a test piece in.
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post #21 of 24
9/29/08 at 8:09pm
Thread Starter 
Very cool, I'm leaning towards the Titans but I will give the PSBs one more try this weekend and make the final call.
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post #22 of 24
9/29/08 at 8:39pm
I have Titans v.5 in rosenut along with a NAD T754, instead of the CC290 I opted for the 190 and dont feel its a bad match in any way shape or form. Of course the dealer tried to sell me the 290 when I bought my speakers a year ago, but that doesnt suprise me cause EVERY time I call them they try and sell me the next one up cost wise.
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post #23 of 24
10/6/08 at 9:59am
Thread Starter 
Yeah I don't really trust salesmen either. I prefer to do my own research/read msg boards.

Update fellas: I've done the a/b comparison of Monitor series vs Image (PSB) and I've decided on the PSBs now. Both are great speakers, I just found the overall range better of the PSBs and clearer/more detailed highs.

My system I'm ordering is t45/c40/ b15 or s50s (not sure if dipoles are worth the $ yet - still deciding) this weekend.

Thanks for all of the help, I still love the look of the paradigms, but in the end I wanted that *slightly* better SQ (for my personal tastes).

Hope this info helps others on the board.
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post #24 of 24
11/17/08 at 1:16pm
the titans are on sale at 6ave.com! These are brand new factory authorized dealer. Does anyone know why 6ave.com can sell paradigm online now?

I got a millenia 20 for there and its great just alot cheaper then my local store and no tax! plus free shipping!

Great deals are still to come this holiday season...ya! Weak economy equals lots of new toys for cheap...
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