I have a pair of large Paradigms for the front channel with one of their cc-370 center channel speakers.

Now have the $$$ for the surrounds. Would the Axiom QS8 be a good match, or should I stick with a Paradigm surround?

You are asking a tough questions. Let me ask you some: Have you listened to the Axioms in your present setup? Have you listened to the Paradigms in your current setup? If so, what was it that got you listening to other manufacturers? If not, why are you looking at other manufacturers?

Let me make 2 points:
1) years ago, I auditioned PSB, Paradigm, Mission, Infinity and Axiom all at the same price range. I found the order or quality in all areas as: Axiom, PSB, Paradigm, Mission, and Infinity. ( I bought the Axioms and have not had ANY reason to believe I made a mistake)
2) Conventional thinking is that if you buy a piece from a manufacturers HT lineup, it may produce tonal imbalance and lead to difficult following of the voices to mix manufacturers.

Regards,

BBIBH

I have the Monitor 11s and the CC-370.

I have auditioned the ADP-370s, but find them a little too diffuse for music...they do sound great for movies though.

I have not had the opportunity to audition the QS8, but know they are a quadpole design, with bipolar electrical chracteristics.

If I don't go with the QS8, I will probably get a pair of Monitor 5s or 7s for the surrounds.

From what I have read, the QS8 can provide the proper surround for both music and movies.

Music is the primary objective, perhaps 90/10 music/movies.

In a home theatre system you want a good timbre matching between the front speakers and the center. This holds true for the surrounds as well but to much less of a degree. Knowing the Paradigm's and their design philosophy I do not see any problem using the QS8s in your system.

Ian Colquhoun
President & Chief Engineer