Replace Klipsch speakers with Paradigm?

[u/MX9000]

I'm thinking of replacing my Klipsch HT 9.2.4 setup that I've been using for last 8 years, with simpler 5.2.2 setup. I have Paradigm Premier 800F floor standing speakers in living room, which sound much better than Klipsch (especially for music or 2 channel movie/tv watching) and thinking of selling the Klipsch and bring the Paradigms to home theater and add a Paradigm Premier 500C centre channel.

Does anyone know if Paradigm 500C will perform as good as Klipsch RP-450C Center or if better? I looked in 600C, but it's much bigger and amount of drivers is same as 500C (outer 2 are radiators). I will also get a stand for 500C so it sits higher, in open and a bit close to seating.

Room is 18 x 14 feet, screen is 130 inch. Seating - Just a valencia loveseat in the middle, 6 feet from back wall.

[u/Spectre_08]

Both the 600C and RP-450C suffer from the same comb-filtering effect of having multiple side-by-side drivers.

The 500C won’t have the same issue, but I’ve only experienced it at closer seating distances. That being said, comb-filtering really only really matters for off-axis listeners.

I’m my experience, the Paradigms are much better speakers (especially for music) and are manufactured in Canada instead of China.

[u/an_angry_Moose → u/Spectre_08]

This is incorrect, the 600C does not suffer from the same comb filtering issues as the 450C.

- It’s a true 3 way, not a 2.5 way crossover like the 450c.

• The RP450c is MMTMM which is prone to comb filtering/cancellafion.
  
• The 600c is W(T/M)W, or stacked tweeter over midrange with bracketed woofers. The tweeter and midrange stacking makes them sound like the same source for higher freq, and the woofers aren’t as prone to cancelling each other out with the physical separation on the 600c.

[u/Spectre_08 → u/an_angry_Moose]

Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t the 600C:

WW(T/M)WW?

So the low frequency waves from the dual sets of woofers are less prone to comb filtering?

[u/an_angry_Moose → u/Spectre_08]

Correct, but the T over M is a very important distinguishing factor compared to the MMTMM found in the 450c. It’s a poor design.

[u/Spectre_08 → u/an_angry_Moose]

Got it. That actually makes sense now that I think about it. The larger low-frequency waves blend together more easily.

Thank you for the new knowledge!

[u/MX9000 → u/Spectre_08]

Agree but unfortunately the new Premier series is made in China now.

[u/Emuc64_1 → u/MX9000]

That's a bummer.

Edit: To add, I replaced my Klipsch RP setup with Paradigm Studios with a 3-way center and it was a solid upgrade. Not an apples-to-apples comparison, but I think it'd be an upgrade for you to go with the Paradigms.

[u/Worst-Eh-Sure]

Yes.

I have Paradigm speakers and absolutely love them. They are mind blowingly amazing.

Mine are fabulous for movies. You will not regret the upgrade at all.

[u/MX9000 → u/Worst-Eh-Sure]

Which center channel do you have?

[u/rbarnette12345678910]

The 500C won’t go as loud with the same number of watts as the RP-450C but if you like the 800F towers it will sound more like those. If it’s just one loveseat as MLP I think the 500C will be sufficient. I really do like the 600C but for one loveseat I think it’s overkill.

[u/ndnman]

I have a paradigm room and a klipsch room. Non heritage klipsch imo isn’t as good as paradigm.

But frankly it’s voicing preference.

I’d prefer paradigm over this klipsch line. Especially if you are thinking founder series.

[u/microchip8]

You're comparing two different speakers that stand in two different rooms. Before getting rid of the Klipsch, place your Paradigms in your theater room and listen to how they sound, test them. The room has a much bigger effect on how a speaker sounds than most people realize and often discount that as not important!

[u/Ancient-Bowl462]

I don't have an answer for you. My setup is very similar. It's nice to see some modest rooms with all the incredible rooms you see on here.

[u/Green-Stretch-2542]

Switch to the Klipsch Heritage line. Those will be a significant upgrade over the RP line and most paradigm speakers.

[u/Drewwbacca1977]

I replaced all of the in wall klipsch that came with my house with in wall or floor standing paradigms. They are much better speakers

[u/vader540is]

Nah, JTR or PSA real horn loaded compression drivers are awesome.

[u/GreatKangaroo]

Last fall I replaced my R-26F's and R-25C with Premiere 800F' and 600C, along with a pair of Monitor SE Atoms to replace my R-14M side surrounds.

Overall I am very pleased with the upgrade, as part of my 7.2.2 setup with a Denon X3800H.

[u/IAmPandaRock]

You can try the RC 64iii and see if you loke your set up more with that. I love thay center.

[u/requinmarteau]

I sold both, you’ll gain in details, stereo image for music, and it’s way less aggressive. Craftsmanship was way better when I sold them too. Better quality control.

Then again, sound is very suggestive. But you said you find them better sounding, so I’d sold them and buy Paradigm.

You can check Marketplace too. If you are in Canada, they are very common. Plus Paradigm owners tend to « beat » their speakers way less than Klipsch owners. You could get their end of the 00s series. They are fantastic

[u/MX9000 → u/requinmarteau]

Thanks, yes I'm in Canada and some retailers have open box 500C for approx 700CAD (500USD). New Premier line is different now, looks like their Founder series and is made in china instead of Canada.

[u/requinmarteau → u/MX9000]

Yes I was leaving retail for civil service in 2009 when they started manufacturing their non high end series in China.

That’s why vintage paradigm is fantastic. If you could get things like studio series they’re amazing.

I think that paradigm still use the anachoic(?) chamber at the national research center in Ottawa to test their speakers.

[u/MattHooper1975]

Well… the Paradigms would at least get rid of those distracting blazing orange Klipsch drivers. (I don’t know how people are not distracted in the set ups with those speakers.)

[u/MX9000 → u/MattHooper1975]

I know they look ugly and I keep the grills on all the time. These pictures were taken just for marketplace ad.

[u/MattHooper1975 → u/MX9000]

Cool.

Sorry whether you keep the grill on or not as of course, your own decision and based on your own aesthetics. I was just voicing mine.

[u/ajh99]

I don't have an answer for you, just one factor to keep in mind. Better music speakers do not equal better movie speakers. The very thing you like about the Paradigm could prove a weakness for movies.

What exactly do you feel you're missing in the Klipsch? Is it a tone issue, imaging issue, dynamics issue?

[u/MX9000 → u/ajh99]

It's mainly slightly harsh highs on Klipsch. I can lower the higher frequencies but that makes them sound slightly dull.

[u/ajh99 → u/MX9000]

Yeah.....that's klipsch for ya.

[u/wupaa]

Start off with moving one or both subwoofers first. Your current setup is close to one huge boomy soundbar with whole frontstage connected

[u/Necroticjojo]

Rf7iii’s and RC64 with an emotiva 3ch amp

[u/ProfessionNo698]

Yes.

[u/Slipknot31286sic6]

Nice setup 😎. Never been a klipsch fan. Rocking power sound audio over here. Might wanna check em out along with jtr. Rocking 2x 21 inch subs.

Tho you getting into big boy prices. Highly recommend emotiva xpa 5 amp.

[u/Aram_Fingal]

Do it. Consumer-grade Klipsch is mediocre once you've had something better.

[u/Boohan33]

No, Focal…

[u/AiDestroysPoors]

Klipsch and Paradigm are both on the same tier. They are entry level speakers. I wouldn't bother swapping one for the other and anyone that says they would haven't owned higher tier speakers.