Narrowing down speaker choices, input appreciated...

[blueboxer]

Hello Folks,

I have been auditioining speakers for my upcoming home theatre room (approximately 20x24 with 9ft ceilings), and have narrowed down the choices to the LSi25, LSiC, and LSiFX, Mythos STS all around with a Mythos 9 as a center, or a Paradigm system with the Studio 100's, C690, and mini monitors for surrounds. I am currently using a Pioneer Elite SC-07, which is the main limiting factor. I trust the amp could drive the Mythos system and adequately drive the Paradigms, but am hesitant to run an LSi system off the AVR.

In terms of tonal quality I rated the systems from best to worst as Paradigm, LSi, and the Mythos in terms of overall performance, but leaned towards Paradigm for music and the LSi and Mythos for HT. The issue is that the Paradigms were demoed with NAD components, the Mythos off a Denon 3808, and the LSi's off of the same Denon. I am not entirely against upgrading to components at a later date, but that would be a year or so off due to the smaller surround system being installed in the family room limiting my budget.

Has anyone had experience with all or any of the two referenced speakers being powered by the same AVR/Amp, and if so what were your impressions? I was hoping some of the pros like Mantis or Ben could provide some input, but all personal experience is greatly appreciated.

[renowilliams]

First off, welcome to the forum.To be honest, I only have first hand experience with the studio 100's the other two I know by reputation, reading in this forum and research as I am looking for speakers for a two channel set up myself. I am certain that the avr your using will easily drive the Paridigms. The Mythos are rated 4-8 ohms and the LSI's are rated to 4 ohms and actually dip lower at certain frequencies. For these speakers, I would definatley suggest a power amp to run with your avr. Your avr will drive them, but not well and you would lose out on their performance.

The demo you did was not a very good indication of how the LSI's or Mythos should really sound like, given they were driven with the Denon avr.


I would say that these are all nice speakers and you would likely be happy with any choice. Again, if you decide on the mythos or LSI you will need a power amp.


Tim

[blueboxer]

I am leaning towards the Paradigms and a sub, which would almost be the same cost as the Polks and seperates, but I have to admit that I would love to hear the LSi's fully powered prior to making a decision. Unfortunately, the two shops that I demo'd the speakers at are about 45 min away, so I can never really carry one listening experience straight to the next. The paradigm dealer is also providing a nice discount for the entire system that is comparable to the polk direct pricing. Anyone have experinece driving the Studio 100s off an AVR? If they would require a seperate amp as well, then i might as well go with the LSi. :o)

[renowilliams]

As I said, You will have no problem driving the Paradigms with your sc-07.




Tim

[vijayl]

welcome to CP.
I'm currently driving Mythos ST w/ SC-07. Its it is fantastic both for Music and HT.
I don't think SC-07 could drive LSi series which are 4 ohm speakers (folks here in CP claim that some of LSis goes down to 2 ohms as well) - FYI: I've not had any experience with LSis.
Don't have any experience w/ Prdms

[blueboxer]

Do you feel the Mythos are as detailed and neutral as some of the other brands you auditioned? In the demo room I listened to them in, they were full and forward, much more heavier in the midrange than the LSi, but not quite as smooth in terms of vocals.

[blueboxer]

Figured I would bump this up for additional input other than that Mac guy sucks.

[Hawkeye]

I have the Mythos for the fronts and the Gems for the rear in our HT. I don't care for them listening to music. Too bright and forward for me. As an HT speaker they serve us well.

I've never owned the LSI line so can't make an honest assessment.

My previous HT was Paradigm all the way around. Studio 100 anchored the front with matching Studio Series rest of the way around. Power by B&K. I was very pleased with this setup and if we had room in this house, we would still have it. Very good for both HT and music.

If my next house has the room, I would attempt to duplicate that setup without any question.

Gordon

[danz1906]

The Paradigms will work well in your room.

[blueboxer]

I have the Mythos for the fronts and the Gems for the rear in our HT. I don't care for them listening to music. Too bright and forward for me. As an HT speaker they serve us well.

I've never owned the LSI line so can't make an honest assessment.

My previous HT was Paradigm all the way around. Studio 100 anchored the front with matching Studio Series rest of the way around. Power by B&K. I was very pleased with this setup and if we had room in this house, we would still have it. Very good for both HT and music.

If my next house has the room, I would attempt to duplicate that setup without any question.

Gordon

Just the type of post and input I was looking for, thank you very much, sir. I am pulling the trigger tonight on the studio 100 v5, CC-690, and either the adp390 or mini monitors for the rears, which will be upgraded later. :D

[blueboxer]

Ordered. woo hoo!!! I think I just pooped my pants. :(

[xcapri79]

06-11-2009, 01:54 PM
Hello Folks,

I am currently using a Pioneer Elite SC-07, which is the main limiting factor. I trust the amp could drive the Mythos system and adequately drive the Paradigms, but am hesitant to run an LSi system off the AVR.


Today, 01:23 PM
It looks likes there are great deals on the SC-07 as of late, a couple authorized vendors have both offered them around $900 shipped, which is close to what I had paid for my Denon 2809 :(. I have narrowed down my speaker selection to the LSi speakers and Paradigm Signature 100's and matching centers and surrounds. I loved the warmth of the NAD with the Paradigms and that it is 4 ohm stable, which would let me run the LSi's until I can get a dedicated amp. On the same hand, I have read nothing but stellar reviews about the SC-07 and how some even considered it close enough to the performance of their seperates. I'm on the fence between the two, but the discount of the elite versus limited discounts on anything NAD makes it a tough call.

Conflicting posts. He has a SC-07 on the 11th and is considering one today.
Sounds like someone is trying to get to 25 posts in a hurry.

[blueboxer]

The SC-07 was purchased at Best Buy when they had them for $1499 and is sitting in its box untouched. However, I recently sourced one for available $950 and will either return the unboxed one and take advantage of a even steeper discount. This is what made my debate even more difficult, initially a local authorized Paradigm and NAD dealer has a 775 he was letting go for $1800, which was close enough to the SC-07 to really make it a tough call, but at $950 I really have to lean to staying with an SC-07.

I am sure you have your fare share of trolls and etc., but I am not in a hurry for any post counts or to post items for sale. My Polk SR6500's and SR12DVC will stay in the car, and the Denon 2808 will stay powering my low end Boston Acoustic DSi495 and 465's in the ceiling downstairs (yes, I know less than ideal for sound quality, but it was decor and space friendly, especially with a 1 yr. old AmStaff with a habit of chewing only the expensive things in a room). Hopefully in two weeks or so the downstairs will be completed and the Paradigms in position and I will more than happy to post pics for review and setup recommendations. I was hoping get some LSi15 for downstairs stereo use later on, but I doubt my entertainment nook is wide enough for proper distance from the walls. Input on this later would be appreciated thou.

[danz1906]

Ordered. woo hoo!!! I think I just pooped my pants. :(

Congrats, great choice of speakers-Enjoy:D

[blueboxer]

I almost went cheap with the CC590, but the audio gods stepped in and made only the CC690 available in rosenut. So CC690 it was. I plan on bi-amping the fronts with the available two surround channels available and then bi-wire the center per your recommendation.

[Hawkeye]

Save the money and don't bother with the biwire/biamping off the AVR. Buy a decent set of front wires and be done with it. You're only going to X amount of watts/power regardless of how many wires your hooking up.

Gordon

[blueboxer]

I currently have a set of the M series monster cables, not sure of the gauge, but they are some seriously thick cables. I am considering the jonbuilt or perhaps signal silver series to replace them and just going with a 14 gauge monster XPHP cable for the rears. I keep hearing so many conflicting opinions on bi-amping and bi-wiring. Looks like the investment to try it isn't too much.

[blueboxer]

Sweetness, the Studio 100s and CC690 arrived today and look absolutely stunning in rosewood. I was able to negogiate a substantial discount and free shipping, with the savings I might be able to get away from the in-ceilings and grab a Def Tech setup for downstairs. I had my contractor swing by and run the wire further down the wall for rears and down the front wall for a center channel. Hopefully, he can finish the patching and texture Monday and I can get some fresh paint up in a week for pictures. Again, thanks for the feedback from those who provided it. :)

[nguyendot]

Pull the boot back a little where the M series monster cables meet the connectors at the end and you'll see they're approximately 16ga wiring (not that thick). They just make the main cable encased in a lot of plastic to give it the appearance of being very thick.

[blueboxer]

Funny thing, I just noticed that last night when I was checking out how the wired the ends (soldered?). I am looking at some JonBuilt cables, audioquest, or signal cables for an upgrade down the line. I ran some Monster XPHP to the rear speakers over about 30 ft, the wire was left over from my previous install, but I am definately willing to invest more for the front three.