Real sound that goes for days. Does not run out of gas. Looks great with grille on or off.
Cons
It's big and heavy but I have the room :-)
Review
I am used to live sound. Think speech and canned music that has to be heard clearly in all corners of a ball room. Home theater is new to me but I realize that the two are very different.
I have a Sony receiver that I bought a from Best Buy. My 5.1 is primarily Infinity low grade speakers that I bought from a Best Buy or similar ~ 10 years ago. This is my first venture into sound equipment for a more discerning ear.
I find the CC-390 to offer a full sound with energy. The majority of my listening is to summer blockbuster movies. Last night I watched Terminator: Salvation. I wandered the room listening to each speakers nuances. The CC-390 confirmed that it was the place to start with my home theater upgrade. It got quite a workout with the movie and had no sign of running out of steam. I watch most movies with the subtitles on because I'm always missing dialog. 'Oh, so that's what she said'. I purposely did not have the subtitles on during Terminator: Salvation to force me to hear. It was easier for me to experience the movie not having to concentrate anymore on something as simple as dialog. Thumbs up!
I can highly recommend this center speaker and it has confirmed to me that I will be moving forward with the Paradigm Monitor 11 v.6 counterparts. Pre/Pro and Amp separates will also become part of my home theater in the future.
I give it a 4.5 based on my satisfaction. I do not have experience other than show room demos with multi-thousand dollar high-end systems. If I did, I would have considered giving this a 4.0 based solely on comparison to what else is out there if you have no budget :-)
This is a large and heavy unit. Only certain component stands will accomodate this beast
Review
I previously owned a smaller Klipsch center, and everyone was always asking "what did he just say". Now with the paradigm cc 390 this is never an issue. Good clear in your face sound.When paired with Paradigm monitor 7 9 or 11s v6 the front sound stage is seemless. I would rec. this center to anyone.
Efficient- doesn't require lots of power
Three way design
Cons
Large and heavy
Can get harsh when pushed
Review
This center channel was the first three way center that I had ever owned, I found it to be a superior design compared to the standard two way. No more instances of the typical "What did he say?". It can get bright and harsh when pushed hard but at normal listening levels ( -15 from reference for me ) it sounded great. The price has gone up quite a bit since I purchased this center but still remains attractively priced for what you get. It's a high value way to anchor an entry level high performance HT system.
Very Efficient, three way design, asthetics is very pleasing especially the black.
Cons
Heavy but nothing that isn't managable
Review
This is one i previously owned and upgraded to the CC-690.......this is no longer offered on the PAradigm website so get them while you can....awesome center channel never run out of volume......very clear dialog no more muffled speech.....very open sound stage that you can really enjoy...pretty good low end but would still pair with a sub to get the most out of a sound system..highly recommended....
It is outstanding, especially with regard to dialogue.
Cons
It is big and heavy, (but worth every pound).
Review
I upgraded from the CC-290 after just a couple of weeks. The difference is remarkable. I thought there was something wrong with the CC-290. I tried everything I could to improve them. I thought they were wired wrong at eh factory. The CC-390 is just that much better. I was overwhelmed watching the negotiation scene between Mel Gibson and Tom Wilkinson in the Patriot. Wilkinson's diction and the richness of Gibson's voice are translated beautifully by this speaker. Coupled with a subwoofer or two, it meets and exceeds my expectations.
Currently, my home theater is in storage and I am watching movies on a sound system that comes in a box. I know what I am missing, while others think that it is wonderful.
Home theater don right is better than going to the local theater. This center channel speaker will move you in that direction. Highly Recommended!
