paradigm speakers

[michderek]

I listened to a set-up from Paradigm that I really liked

it consisted of the
espirits
cc-270
10" sub
atom rears

It was around 2000
anyone have any ideas for a system that would sound comprable that I can build. I really like wood working and thought this might be a fun and educational process.

The receivers I have looked into run at 6 and 8 ohms and cost between $550 and $800.
For rears I plan on using the PE vifa design so those are taken care of. And plan on using the titanic 10 for a sub. So basically im looking for someone that has something comprable to the espirits for the fronts and the cc-270 for the center. Anyone be willing to share their designs that they feel were comprable. I don't really want to invest in expensive software and testing equipment as this may be the only project I do and might not like it. I just don't know. I would like to use higher end drivers than the Daytons probably trying to stay with the Vifas. As I feel they would match up to the rears better. I know I shouldn't be basing my system on the rears but the deign from pe has gotten many reviews so I would like to build those first to get my hands wet so to say.

Thanks in advance
Derek

[454Casull]

www.speakerbuilder.com

[coolkhoa]

Do you mean:

speakerbuilding.com

or

speakerbuilder.net

[454Casull]

Whichever one you like.

[Nanook]

well for $2000 USD you could build yourself quite a good setup. But why? Do you have the skills to make good enclosures? If so the limit is your imagination. But Esprits (v3) are only $400 USD. The rears are less, ($190 or so per pair)., the centre is around $300. so for less than $1000 you have 5 pieces. Not sure what sub they quoted, but $1k is a little bit o money and certainly would be better quality than the rest.


Audax HT kit from Solen (in USD) is $1265 +shipping for everything. I am sure Madisound or someone similar would have kits thereabouts . ( Actually their Audax HT kit is $1105). both include an amplifier module for the sub, no cabinets.

Good luck

[Figo]

i'd go with proac 2.5 clones

if you go with the 8513 tweeter they can be built for something like $400-450/pr

proacs for the front, and the vifas for the back..... will absolutely 100% dominate the paradigm setup. it wont even be close

[michderek]

As far as the actual construction of the cabinets I am an excellent woodworker with a full wood working shop. Not all top of the line but sufficient enough to build both a home entertainment center and kitchen cabinets that everyone who has seen them has been amazed especially since the kitchen cabinets were my first wood working project of that magnitude. Not too pat myself on the back but they did come out pretty good. My problem is with the construction of the crossover. I don't want to invest into super expensive equipment and software as this might honestly be my only project. As far as the proac clones go they seem to look like what I am looking for and I hope to scrape the money together soon and build them.
Thnaks for the reference.
Derek

[jjdche]

I haven't built them myself, but the GR Research AV series of kits are very highly thought of. You can find alot of discussion about them on the Home Theater Forum in the DIY section.

Maybe a pair of AV-3's for the mains, AV-1's for surrounds and an AV-2 as a center (though I think they are going to be introducing a separate center channel). That would run you $720 + shipping (not including cabinets), and all indications are that that setup up would blow the Paradigms away.

As far as subs go there are lots of great designs out there that will positively destroy the mass market offerings at the same price point and they are relatively easy to build.

Parts Express and Adire Audio are a good place to start for raw subwoofer drivers (they both carry some decent speaker kits as well). At PE the Dayton Titanic and DVC series are well regarded and Adire Shiva and Tempest are nice.

Since you have all the tools and woodworking know how the cabinets should be no problem. I have limited tools and know-how and mine came out great.

When all is said and done, for about $1500 in materials (kits, sub, sub amp, wood, etc.) you could put togther a system that would far surpass the Paradigm setup.

[wharfrat]

I'm pretty much in the same boat as michderek - good workshop, trying to decide on my first project. Regarding the proac clones, how difficult would it be to integrate them into HT? Some folks assert that you need matching drivers in the center and surround speakers for "timbre matching." How big a concern should that be?

Also, any opinions on the Besl twin ten inch driver sub for HT use? Larry M

[Timn8ter]

Those are great suggestions. I'd just like to stick my nose in here and attempt to offer some tips. Go with a proven design and stay as close as you can to the design. I've seen woodworker types want to "dress-up" the cabinet but end up doing damage to the acoustics with such things as a recessed baffle or decorative trim both of which end up causing HF diffraction. If you select a joint type that differs from the plan try to avoid changing the total interior volume too much. A little bit won't hurt though. I've no doubt, based on the suggestions so far, that you'll have no problem exceeding the performance of the Paradigms.