[eclein]

I currently run a SONY STR-DH800 7.1 a/v receiver as a 5.1 setup with the following speakers L)JBL E80 + Bose 201, Ctr) Bose VCS10, R)JBL E80 + Bose201, LS + RS) JBL LT20's. The center channel VCS10 is the weakest link, sounds thin and dialogue gets lost sometimes. I want to replace it with either a JBL EC35 or a Paradigm Studio Ctr. I heard yesterday at Hi-Fi house here outside of Philadelphia. I guess conventional wisdom is to try and keep the same sound stage across the front but those Paradigms sure sounded nice...any ideas or input would be greatly appreciated, anyone use Paradigm's?? or the JBL??

[ctviggen]

You are supposed to keep the three fronts similar. I've always done that (Linns, VMPS, Salks).  However, go ahead and try it, if it's not too expensive, and see what you think.  You could always buy matching R/L speakers after trying a center channel. I find that I can't tell for the speakers I've used for surrounds any difference, even though I've combined Mirage surrounds with Linn/VMPS/Salk fronts and VMPS surrounds with Linn rears.  I don't play music, though, in 5 channel.

[honesthoff]

If you are near Philly, it may be worth a trip up to The Stereo Trading Outlet in Jenkintown.  I know he carries Paradigm along with Mission, Wharfedale, and a lot of good-value stuff both new and used.  I've always had good experiences with them.

[eclein]

I actually live in Allentown but my kids are here in Delaware County and I'm down visiting, but your idea about The Stereo Trading Outlet is a great idea, I'll take a road trip this week and check them out, use them as a starting point. Right now I want to concentrate on getting a nice center and then sit back and listen for a few months. The JBL E80's I got used a few weeks back so I'm still working on placement etc. Where do I find links to see what some of these speakers look like?("Mirage surrounds with Linn/VMPS/Salk fronts and VMPS surrounds with Linn rears" etc..) I love checking out everyones system pics on here but I don't know what models I'm looking at, say a Salk as compared to a Van Alstine(sp) or Wharfedale...maybe there is a list of links on here that I just haven't found yet where I can see a bunch of these brands and start my model lust!!! Haha! Thanks guys.

[mcgsxr]

Google images is what I use, once I isolate a model number and manufacturer.