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The original was posted on /r/hometheater by /u/Adorable-Vehicle-413 on 2024-01-22 00:20:55+00:00.
I would like some opinions on the following options. I am making a 3.1 system and I want the best movie watching experience. I have learned from my research that the center and the sub are the most important things for movie watching experience. Keep in mind that I live in Canada so many brands are much more expensive here compared to the US.
Option 1: Paradigm
| | Model | Cost (CAD) | Comment |
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| LR | Monitor SE Atom | $300 | Amazon |
| C | Monitor SE 2000C | $220 | Amazon |
| Sub | RSL 10s Mk ii | $650 | RSL store ship to Can |
| Total | | $1,170 | |
According to my research Paradigm is the best bang for the buck for Canadians. It is "laid back" and not as detailed as Kef or other alternatives, but still good.
Option 2: Kef
| | Model | Cost (CAD) | Comment |
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| LR | Q150 | $500/$300 | Amazon/Kijiji |
| C | Q650C | $650 | Amazon |
| Sub | RSL 10s Mk ii | $650 | RSL store ship to Can |
| Total | | $1,800 | |
According to my research Kef is neutral and good detail. It can be a bit harsh for some on the high end, but not a major issue. The Q150 could be a problem when matching with the 650C, Q350 may be more suitable but is $200 more.
Option 3: Klipsch
| | Model | Cost (CAD) | Comment |
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| LR | RP-8000f ii (pair) | $1,150 | Getting amazing deal from family friend |
| C | RP 500C i | $250 | Kijiji |
| Sub | RSL 10s Mk ii | $650 | RSL store ship to Can |
| Total | | $2,050 | |
According to my research, they are very good speakers but still bright. Great for listening to music but maybe not the best for watching movies when compared to alternatives like the Kef Q750 and Q950.
I visited a local store and listened to all these speakers. It is hard to tell because the Klipsch being a tower speaker definitely adds to the bass. I compared the Paradigm and Kef with the Klipsch RP-500M thinking that it would help me compare apples with apples. In that comparison, I played movie trailers and honestly found the RP-500M to be the worst of the 3, especially for vocals. Playing the same trailer on the RP-8000f ii was far superior (vocals still on the brighter side).
This is a system that I will likely keep for at least 5 years and only make minor changes if needed. I want to have the best movie watching experience and given that I am going to be adding a good subwoofer, is the RP-8000f ii still going to perform better? Will the better Kef center channel make it a better movie watching experience compared to the Klipsch?