[rigo56]

Hello all,


This is my first post here although I have read the forums for a while.


I recently purchased a pair of Pardigm Studio 60's V2 and a Studio CC V2 for my center. I got a great deal on these as they were floor models being cleared out for the incoming V3's.


My question is regarding the surrounds. I currently am running a pair of cheap surrounds in my 5.1 set-up and would like to work on replacing them. In your opinions are the Studio 20's the best bet for the rears? My room is 12 x 16. I am not considering going to 7.1 anytime soon either. The Mirage Omnisats are also interesting to me as rears.


Also, currently running a Yamaha amp, but would like to eventually upgrade that also. What amp pairs up well with the Paradigms and will get the most out of the speakers.


Thanks in advance!

 

[Salvatore Restivo]

Naturally, the Studio/20 speakers make great surrounds in a Paradigm Reference 5.1 system. If you listen to any multi-channel music, then the 20s (monopoles) are really better than the Studio/ADP surrounds (dipoles). However, if your focus is on movies, then you might prefer the diffuse sound that comes with the ADPs. It's really a matter of your personal taste and listening habits.


As for good amplification to match the speakers... I think the general recommendation is for warmer amps, with MOSFET output stages, like those from Parasound, Rotel, and B&K. These brands have very good synergy with Paradigm Reference. (My comments apply to the v2 series, as I've not yet heard the v3 series.)


Myself, I'm running Studio/60 mains, Studio/CC center, Servo-15 sub, with Definitive Technology UIW-BP/A surrounds. (I went with the DefTechs because I wanted in-ceiling bipoles.) They are powered by Denon POA-8300 and POA-8200 amps. I'm very happy with this combination.

 

[Woochifer]

Congrats! I use a Studio 40/CC/20 v.2 surround configuration and it works together very well. The key is with the speaker placement. I would start with the mains offset at 30 degrees and the surrounds offset at 110 degrees and go from there. A common placement recommendation for direct firing surrounds is to have them placed above ear level and pointed at one another.


If placed correctly with proper voice matching, the surround soundfield is seamless (with a slight gap in the back surround) and the side imaging is amazingly wide and stable. IMO, the Studio 20 is an excellent match as a surround speaker, and preferable to the Studio ADP. Going with mismatched surrounds is not ideal, but still workable. However, once you get the surrounds matching, the difference is immediately apparent.


The only issue with the Studio 20s is figuring out how to properly mount them. (You'll get this issue if you try the Studio ADP as well) I tried to find a reasonably durable speaker stand that could support a 30 lb. speaker at least 38" high. I wound up going with a set of Sound Anchor adjustable speaker speaker stands, which can support up to 100 lbs. with heights between 6" and 45". Wall mounting the Studio 20 v.2 is not a good idea because of the rear-firing port, however one of the newer Studio 20 v.3s might be workable using a wall bracket because its port faces forward. The voice match will differ slightly with the v.3, but it should be close enough such that it's still suitable.