Paradigm Owners Thread - Page 8

True tales of an adventure in purchasing a paradigm product: today is the six-month anniversary of when I first purchase my paradigm Signatures. Once delivered, I excitedly unpacked them and instantly noticed that the C5 had a completely different finish than the S8's. It was so pronounced that it simply looked out of place with the S8's. Not even a close match. Upon further inspection, I noticed pronounced blemishes on the front of the speaker. Completely unacceptable. I was really disappointed by the lack of quality control. But I figured no big deal. So I immediately returned the C5 to my dealer and asked for an exchange for a new one.

After about four months (in July) the dealer became so exasperated with the company , that they gave me the names of two different individuals at Paradigm, and suggested I contact them directly to plead my case. I of course gave that a try, and was told they would send me a new one in a few days. Two months later, four more e-mails, and three more telephone calls, and nobody would get back to me. Simply unbelievable! The dealer is apparently having many similar issues of a complete absence of customer service with other customers as well. I believe they are about to give up completely, and stop carrying their products.

I finally gave up today, and my dealer graciously allowed me to trade in my Signatures for a B&W 800 series set up. It cost me more money, but I feel so much more comfortable knowing I'm dealing with a reputable company. It's really quite sad how tremendously enthusiastic I was to own the flagship Paradigm system. I was so genuinely proud of my Signatures (even though I never got to actually hear them in my home, because I was waiting for the freaking center channel speaker before I set them up). I now feel completely duped for having remained so patient and loyal, and allowing Paradigm to rectify this situation. I'm really quite saddened to have to return the speakers. However, I am so happy to have them out of my house, because they bring nothing but bad feelings.

I truly believe these were some of the finest speakers I ever had the pleasure of hearing. They were also beautiful to look at. However, part of the experience of ownership is directly related to customer service. I am simply amazed at how badly I have been treated by this company. I don't mean to take away from any of the pleasure or pride of any current owners of Paradigm products. But I do want to warn any fellow forum members who are considering buying from Paradigm. They make such a tremendous product, I really hope they get their act together.

Evan

redline65,
Congratulations on the speaker purchase! Let us know how it goes once you get them home.

It's unfortunate you had such a bad experience and it didn't work out for you. Since you had the S8s perhaps your dealer could have let you use the floor model C5 until yours finally arrived.

I wouldn't call the dealer "gracious" for allowing you to give him more of your money. Trading the the 800's for the S8s straight up would have been "gracious". I do admire your patience. Once the dealer gave me the names of people to call at Paradigm I would have asked for a refund of the sales commission to get the speaker at cost. Or cancelled the order for the C5 and found another Pdigm dealer that had one in stock.

Good luck with the B&Ws

Thanks for the good wishes John. My apologies to any and all, for being a dark cloud on an otherwise celebratory thread. I do hope all who own Paradigm products continue to enjoy their speakers, and I hope my experience will not be shared by others.

Evan

Evanfew: No one here is a bigger Paradigm fanboy than me. But, if I had your experience with them, I would not have had your patience. This is an unfortunate example of success breeding arrogance. I would e-mail Paradigm and let them know that your mission in life is now to post on every home theater and hi-fi forum about the miserable customer service you experienced with them. Enjoy the B&W's and let us know how they work out for you.

I had a similar experience with the US rep in customer service, he got very arrogant when I had a few questions regarding cone material and I also wanted to report a blemish on one of my previous speaker cones, (Monitor 11s)

he had no apologies and said we,re not perfect and how come I did,nt call my dealer, which I did, I told him it was my choice to call Paradigm direct not the dealer's, and that I wanted to be sure I have the correct information

anyway he was not much help, and wouldn't elaborate on any info,and insisted that I call my dealer, who was more proffetional any way

very shocked I was disappointed the guy called my dealer and wanted to know why I was calling them, after I told the guy it was my choice to call not the dealers,

I now upgraded to Studio 100s/ CC570 and I still see the same kind of blemishes on one of the drivers but less visible than the last set

I still love the product, but this left a very bad taste in my mouth and will always remember this arrogance, you named it (success breeding arrogance)

As far as 11's go, the mid/tweets sound quite a bit better on the v.4 vs. v.3.

Lots of good Paradigm info in this thread, sorry if my question has already been answered but I couldn't read the whole thread. I have your basic JVC 110 watt per channel receiver (RX-7030VBK). I am running Monitor 7's for my fronts and the CC-300 for my center. I recently blew up my receiver (almost literally, actual smoke coming from the unit). I like to listen to my music very loud, I have a large house and when I'm cleaning or doing work on the house I like to have the music up loud. My question is, with a regular 7 channel AV receiver, what is the best way to wire my bi-amp capable fronts and center? I was just running the main speakers outputs to the monitor 7's that have the bi-amp bars installed and the same with my center. Since these are 6 ohm speakers, doesn't that actually bring them down to a 3 ohm draw i.e. parallel connection? Or are they 6 ohm with the bi-amp bars installed and 12 ohm without? Fortunately my receiver was still under warranty but the warrany runs out in a month and I don't want to blow it up again. Then again I have been considering getting a more powerful receiver, although I would like to stay with JVC because of the compulink feature and their most powerful receiver is 130 watts. Any feedback would be appreciated. TIA

Prozakk,
Do you think this would apply to the Mini-Monitors and Monitor 7 as well? I have heard that the v.4 Monitor line has an improved cross-over compared to the v.3 with trickle down technology from the studio line.

I'm sure it would since Paradigm upgraded all Monitor's crossovers.

If I was just using a receiver's power, I'd say get 7's for front L/R. Since I have a 200wpc amp on my mains, I opted for the 11's.

I'd avoid the CC370, no matter which version. The MiniMonitor makes a better center. I speak from experience. I used to have 4 Mini's for surround. After getting tired of the CC370v.3's lack of reproduction below 100 hz, I tried a Mini as center. MUCH BETTER!!!

I sold my Mini's & moved my 5v.3's to rear surround...and bought another pair on closeout for side surround.

I modded my CC. I made a horizontal version of the 5's enclosure/tune for the CC's drivers. See the link in my signature for pics of finished CC/Monitor 5 hybrid.
My center/surrounds are powered to a identical looking 100wpcX5 amp.

Harman Kardon Signature 1.5 (200X2) I bought refurbished for $500.
Harman Kardon Signature 2.1 (100X5) I bought off eBay for $600.

From time to time either are available on eBay &/or Audiogon for $500 to $600, & are a STEAL.

Thanks Prozakk. I'm familiar with your setup from both here and the spot.

I've replaced almost everything in my pics since the SPoT. I listed it there, but the pics weren't updated.

It looks like you had Mon 7's in your first HT set-up. Do you find a big difference between the 7's and the 11's you have now? I know the 11's can go lower, but if you have the 7's paired with a decent sub, is it a big difference?

I have owned various Paradigms for 15 years and have only experienced exceptional customer service. I'm in Canada though so maybe I'm dealing with different reps.

As I stated in a post above, I had 5's for fronts. They were on DIY stands the same width/depth/height as the 5's, thus the illusion of 7's.

As I stated in another post above, if just using a receiver, get 7's. If using an amp, get 11's. I haven't listened to the 7's since v.2's BTW.

I wouldn't suggest either without a sub though. Sure they have okay bass output, but even an el cheapo sub would help.

I do like having towers up front vs. the 5's. I have my x-over @ 80hz, & towers reach it with more authority, thus blending better w/sub(s)...this was much more noticable with music, than movies. Plus when my son's asleep & I want to turn off subs, movie watching is much better w/towers, than bookshelf speakers.

I hope this has been helpful.

P.S. And dont forget...MiniMonitors sound better as a center than the CC370!

I agree completely. I'm running Paradigm speakers as my surrounds and rears and adore them, but if I had the problems you guys are speaking of I would definitely get word to the main office as to just how atrocious both their service and reps have been, and that they are costing the company not only the customer's sales but also the sales of others who become leery of such word of mouth. Lots of people on this forum, and if their poor business ettique costs them just a percentage of their potential sales, that's still a wad of cash.

Just finished the basement and putting the finishing touches on the new home theater (my first!). It's appx 22'x25', but only using about 2/3 the room for the theater. Went to the dealer a couple of weeks ago, auditioned paradigms, and fell in love. I told him my room requirements and my budget, and purchased the following:

Fronts: Monitor 7
Center: CC370
Sides: MiniMons
Rears: Maybe later!
Sub: PDR10
All ver 4

In his (10'x15') demo room, these sounded fantastic, but I've been reading that Paradigm subs are a bit lacking in power. After scanning through this topic, I don't really see anyone who has bought the PDR10. Should I look to exchange my sub for something else? Is there a comparably priced sub that performs better? I have no illusions about these speakers being as spectacular in my large basement as in the dealer's room, but I'm wondering if I can squeeze just a little bit more out of my dollar. I might even be able to spend a bit more for something better. I did get a good deal on this set (significantly below MSRP), but the dealer is a good guy, and will exchange speakers if I'm not satisfied.

BTW, these speakers will be driven by a H/K AVR635.

I have a PW2100 Paradigm Sub and I love it, it's a 10" as I listen to a little more music I wanted a "faster" Sub so opted for a 10" over the 12". I've never heard the PDR10 however after listening to my PW2100 I know paradigm knows how to make a sub I would however recommend at least a PS1000 or PS1200, more money than the PDR Series but you'll appreciate the extra power.

BTW the Monitor 7's rock

Yuri33,
I have a PDR-10 sub in a 17 x 15 room. The PDR-10 is a relatively fast sub which makes it decent for music, however if you are looking for that deep gut punching bass then you might consider some other subs. For a room your size, you might be better off with a second sub or a more powerful one.

If you can swing it, then the PW2100 is another 10" sub that has gotten really good reviews. You might also check into subs by Hsu and SVS which are not that much more than the PDR-10.

If you are constrained by the size of the sub, which it doesn't look to be based on the size of your room, then you might want to check out the new Paradigm Ultracube 10. Its footprint is even smaller than the PDR-10, but retails for $699.

I have been lurking here for a while and am about ready to purchase some paradigm speakers. My room is 17x17 with the couch against the back wall. As such, I will have sides and no rears. We watch 80% movies/TV

Fronts: Monitor 7
Center: MiniMons or CC-370
Sides: MiniMons or ADP-370
Rears: Not much room. Couch is against the back wall
Sub: PS-1000 or PS-1200 or non-paradigm
Receiver: Denon AVR-1906 or 2106

I had a few questions/thoughts:
1. I understand the CC-370 isn't..umm..highly regarded in this thread. I was thinking about getting a MiniMon for the center and maybe just using the other MiniMon from the pair (do they sell them outside of pairs?) mounted on the rear ceiling to fire downward. Although this may not pass the WAF.

2. I have noticed a wide variety in subs in this thread. Any thoughts on a good sub to pair with my set-up and watching habits?

3. Given that the couch is against the back wall and I will only have sides. Would the MiniMons or ADP-370's be better? For budgetary reasons the MiniMons are a lot better, but if there would be a noticeable difference, I could move up to the ADP-370s.

4. Is the Denon AVR 1906 enough to power the front and sides?


Gosh, I feel like a five year old on the day before Christmas. Thanks for any help.

Based on your intended usage, I would normally suggest going with the ADPs. However, since your couch is right up against the back wall, then the ADP-370 probably won't be right for you. In a 5.1 set-up, the ADP-370's should be mounted on the side walls with at least 2 feet between the back wall and the speaker in an ideal situation. I have my ADP-170's about 1.5 feet from the back wall and it seems to work ok.

Hi guys, well I am throwing in my request for paradigm help also

I've looking, reading and listening to Paradigm speakers since a long time, and in 2 months I'm moving into a condominium, so I will upgrade in coming years. So far that's what I've pull up:

MAINS: 2X Paradigm Studio 60 (Rosenut finish, oh-oh!)

SIDES: 2X Paradigm Studio 20 (or 2X ADP-470, but I'm not sure since I have no back wall, I need your advice on this?)

REARS: 1X Paradigm Studio 20 (Since I got a small room, I figure I don't need 7.1, I'll go 6.1)

CENTER: 1X Paradigm Studio 20 (Or the CC-470, but it might a good idea to use a Studio 20? Not sure either)

SUB: That's the area where I have no idea, since I will live in a condominium (basement level, pretty much concrete all around except for the ceiling), I don't want to disturb the neighbours too much, but still want to enjoy my HT with bass. I've look in into room dampening, stuff like bass traps, and such, can it really help diminish the neighbour disturbance?

For the sub, I need advice on this too, since I got a small room, it probably won't cost me too much, my budget is about 600-700$. I like tight bass. One salesman recommended me the Monitor Audio Radius 360, I didn't have time to listen to it yet though. How about Paradigm subs? Witch should one I look at? I'm Canadian, so I get a little more value for my dollars when buying Canadian, so maybe I could go that route?

RECEIVER: I'm currently looking at the Integra 6.5

ROOM: 12' X 14' (but there is no back wall, it goes right through the dinner room and kitchen, witch give a total room size of 12' X 27' 6)

LISTENING: 60% Music (CD, SACD, DVD-A) / 20% Movies / 20% Games

That's it so far, thanks in advance for any input!

with those dimensions i would look into a large sub velodyne or paradigm with a 15 inch woofer. close to my space i had to take back the 12 get the 15 vel to fill the space won't to feel the explosions not just hear them.

I have absolutely no problems with the CC-370 whatsoever, It's basically for HT only and to that end it does it's Job just Ducky for 5/7 Channel Stereo I set it to -6dB as I feel it's not needed. I run all speakers small, 60hZ Cossover.

I also ran the cc370 for about three years and never felt that it underperformed.

Gentlemen, I'd love to hear some opinions I've had a set of Studio 60 v.3's and CC470 for about a year or so now and really enjoy them. Previously I've used the reference SA-15R ceiling speakers for surrounds but I've recently moved and ceiling speakers won't work in the new room. The new room is a rectangle, with TV against a long wall and couch against the other long wall. One short side is open to kitchen area. I can't decide what to do for new surrounds. Should I go with 20's mounted to the back wall pointing at listening position or should I go with ADP 470's mounted on back wall facing TV? Side placement is out since one short wall is open and speaker stand wouldn't really work due to couch placement. Also what would be a good price for a pair of Studio 20's or ADP 470's keeping in mind that I've moved and have no relationship with the local dealer. Thanks for the input!

I'm in a similar situation, I have Studio 60's and the CC-470 on the way but I don't know what to do for surrounds. My couch sits against my back wall, and there are no side walls to mount surrounds to. Floor standing surrounds fall short of the wife approval factor and are out of the question. I could mount the surrounds to the wall behind my couch, each one approx 5'-7' from the center position of the couch. Not sure which surrounds to go with for this, maybe the ADP 470's flush mounted to the wall facing the TV. Don't know if these speakers are bipole/dipole, or what that would mean for mounting them.

If you can't tell a CC370 doesn't do <100hz, lucky you.

If you can't tell a Mini sounds better than a CC, again, lucky you.

I'm aware of the <100Hz limitation but for a center channel it hasn't appeared to be an issue (Assuming mainly for the human voice sounds in HT -- approximately 500hz to 5khz), now if I was using it for other duty i.e. surrounds etc.. I could see where it would be more of a problem, thus for music I faze it out (-6db or greater channel level and leave the imaging to my 11's ).

I have no doubt the Mini is an excellent speaker and am in no position to compare the two, just to comment on the lack of problems with the CC-370 in my configuration.

I don't doubt you meant well and were not intending to offend, however your comments came across a little condescending.

Try listening to a muscle car go across the front 3 channels. The low rumble will be missing.

My dealer didn't notice a problem. I didn't at first. But the more I listened to it, the less I liked the weak/thin sound of it.

Since I modded mine, I like it alot.

Next time you go to a Paradigm dealer, ask to hear a Mini as a center. It will make the center come to life, in comparison to the CC.

For the price of a CC, you can buy a pair of shielded Minis, and use the second one as a rear center, or just a spare.

I just hate to see people spend hard earned money, on a speaker they'll grow tired of if a critical ear is developed.

But if you don't want to compare, don't. If you're happy, good. If you're happy or not, then compare, you'd hear what I mean.