I'm trying to choose between two different centers.

Choice #1:
Paradigm CC-290

Size: 8" x 27" x 12"

Choice #2:
Paradigm CC-390

Size: 8.5" x 39" x 15"

I've listened to the 290, but sadly the 390 isn't in stock anywhere around here so I can't compare the two. I like the 290 well enough, but from what I'm told the 390 is a definite step up. It's sales people telling me that, so I take it with a grain of salt. But then again, the price difference is negligible so it's not like they stand to gain that much from the upgrade.

The primary reason I'm hesitating to simply go for the 390 is the sheer size of it. At 39" wide it's simply a monster. I built a cardboard mockup and it kinda overwhelms my room.

I'd probably get used to its presence, but it's making me hesitate and hence this thread.

So... anyone have any input at all? At this point I'd just like to hear people's thoughts on the importance of the center channel, what plays through it other than dialogue, if they think upgrading to the monster is worthwhile... anything really.

Thanks.

KM

Thanks for the input mediadogg. Much appreciated.

I created a cardboard mockup of the CC-390, wrapped it in a black blanket and put it in the center channel's place, and then I spent yesterday in my HT room watching movies and playing videogames.

And while that's a nice way to spend the day, it also allowed me to get a feel for what it'd be like to have the CC-390 in terms of it's sheer size. And while I admit that during the first half of the first movie I kept glancing at it, it wasn't too long before I completely forgot it was there. By the time I turned up the lights again 12 hours later it felt as if it belonged there.

So... I've placed the order. Should be getting everything by Thursday or Friday.

Thanks again.

KM

Well, the center channel is immensely important. But The 290 already looked fine to me. It also depends on your other equipment..

Quoting stephan.klose:

Quote:
oops sorry, I didn't read the one where you said, that you've already place the order..
I too would have gone with the bigger one especially since you say there isn't much price difference.
Although I never heard of anyone making a cutout to see how something would go in his apt..

Thanks for your input.

I find a cardboard mockup is a good way to determine if something is big enough or too big. Since stores are usually so much bigger than your home it's hard to tell how big something really is. I did the same thing when I bought my first widescreen TV. It was rear projection, so it was kinda big and I wanted it in the basement, and there was a pretty narrow 180 degree turn to get there, so I wasn't sure if the size I wanted would even fit down the stairs. Once I'd made the mockup I realized it wouldn't, and had to go down one size. Am I ever glad I decided to do a test.

KM

The CC-390 is insane

Quoting Kulju:

Quote:
Just buy the same speaker  that you have on your L/R channel, or at least as close as possible.

I am. I'm getting the Paradigm Monitor 9s for the fronts, and Paradigm recommends either of these as a good match. As for caring how it sounds, of course I do. I auditioned the 290 and liked it, but am unable to audition the 390. I don't doubt that it's a better speaker though, so that was never something I wanted input on, and hence didn't focus on it in my post.

KM