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Anyone have experience with using Paradigm home theater speakers in a 5.1 / 7.1 setup?

Just acquired an Anthem MRX 540 8K AVR with the goal of acquiring/ setting up a 7.1 system over the next 6 months. To start with I have Clayton Shaw Caladans to use as front L/R channels and Magnepan 1.7's as rear L/R channels. The immediate need is a center channel speaker.  

I'm drawn to the Paradigm Premier 500C because its close to the efficiency of the Caladans (~ 90db) and has good reviews for dispersion and sound quality. Hopefully that will work out for a while but I know the Magnepans want more power than the MRX540 can safely deliver at 4 ohms, plus the Caladans and the Paradigm 500C center channel may clash.

Wondering if anyone has used Paradigm speakers for front and rear surround channels, what the model was and their pros/cons with it? I was considering the B&W 600 series but their efficiency is 86/87 db, wanted more efficient speakers because the MRX 540 is limited to 100 watts.

davide256
3 responses Add your response
snofun3
603 posts
 

I have Paradigm Persona 9H, C, 3f and B. Never fails to amaze

mahler123
3,556 posts
 

I don’t mean to rain on your parade but Focal has really slashed the quality of their speakers in a corporate race to the bottom.  Hopefully it works out for you.

  I am considering the Paradigm Founders to replace my 20 year old B&W 800s in my 2 channel system.  I actually use Paradigm center and surrounds in one of my 5.1 systems with Silverline Panatella fronts (long discontinued).

  It’s easier to boost the output of the centers using the Anthem settings to get a good level for dialog that to achieve this by matching centers to fronts.  A lot of video is deliberately recorded at low volumes and even with the most efficient center will need a boost to be audible.

davide256's avatar
davide256 OP
406 posts
 

Made a decision, will go with the Focal Sib Evo 5.1.2 system. 90 db efficiency, easy to wall mount rear/center speakers, not obtrusive and  I like the Focal products I’ve auditioned. Will need to add a 100 watt stereo class AB amp for the .2 height channels but that shouldn’t be a challenge

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