I'm looking for an excellent sounding compact 5.1 system that delivers BIG sound and have been looking at 2 Canadian speaker companies (Energy & Paradigm)

I've listened to the Energy RC- Mini's (sound great!) but not the Paradigm Cinema 110's as yet.
Hopefully I can audition the Paradigms in the week.

If I was to go for the Paradigm Cinema 110's I would buy separates as I don't want the ADP surrounds. Instead I want Cinema 90's for the rear/sides and the 110's up front. As far as the subwoofer goes, I'm prepared to look at all my options, including other manufacturers. (Aesthetically I prefer the Paradigm Cinema 110's)

Which of these 2 satellite systems in your opinion would give me the best sound for both music and video? (30% music - 70% video)
The volume levels at which I listen is more on the lower end. (I tend not to want to strip the paint from my walls from the sound waves ;)

If you have any experience with any of these 2 systems, your input would be greatly appreciated. Or perhaps you have other suggestions I have not thought about.

I forgot to mention, I will probably be using a Pioneer VSX-820 k a/v receiver (currently on my short list)

Thanks!

I can't comment on the Paradigms as I haven't auditioned them myself, but I do have two surround setups featuring RC-Mini's.

The set that we just purchased consists of 4 RC-Mini's for front and surrounds and the RC-Mini Center. I was able to get this set of 5 speakers for $859 at Futureshop and we paired it with an 8" Energy sub for $229.

So far we're really happy with the purchase - the speakers sound great and they are a huge improvement over our old HTIB. We have two more RC-Mini's used as surrounds in our basement and we were pleased enough with those to go out and buy a complete set for upstairs.

We also purchased the VSX-820k receiver for the setup and I'm really happy with the receiver for the price (With the speakers I was able to get the receiver for only $300).

If I have any regrets it would be that I didn't opt for the 920 or 1020k - one of which adds the upconversion of all inputs to HDMI - its not necessary when you're watching HD sources but its nice when you want to use the ipod connection. If you can live without a fancier ipod interface then the 820 is the one for you.

If you have any questions about the speakers or the receiver feel free to PM me.

I've auditioned the smaller Paradigm speakers and have never really been impressed by them. Which is why I bought B&Ws. The cheapest B&Ws sounded better to me than the Paradigms at almost twice the price. The higher end Paradigms though are a different matter.

It may be worth your while to look at internet-only companies based in the US.

Unless your Paradigm dealer offers you an upgrade program which they do but don't advertise. Just ask them if you can trade in your speakers and upgrade to the next one. This is what I did with my B&Ws. Of course, the only dealer in town went bankrupt after only one upgrade for me so now I'm sort of stuck with a set that was supposed to be temporary.

Thanks guys for your input.
I had seen the minis on sale at Future Shop however I was still set on the Paradigms. I got to audition them and found them great and prefer the styling which IMHO fits better with a flat screen TV.

Luck has really been on my side this past week. I have been running a wanted ad looking for Paradigm cinemas in black, and found an incredible deal.
I picked up 2 x C110's for the L & R fronts.
1 x C220 for the center
2 x Cinema ADP surrounds
1 x Pair for LS-20 stands
All brand new for only $500. (private sale)
No Sub with these speakers so put an ad looking for a sub.
As luck would have it, one came up, Klipsch RPW-10, however when I went to pick it up, upon testing it wasn't working.
The seller was perplexed and apologized, he didn't know what the issue was as it was working when last used. Anyway he took it back to Future shop and they exchanged it for a NEW one. We got in touch again and I picked up a brand spanking new sub for his original asking price of $250 (1/2 the new price at Future shop)

So everything I landed up with, was brand new and all for only $750.

As for the amp, that has been more of a dilemma for me.
After doing lots of online research and reading as many reviews as there are out there, I decided on a "dark horse" instead and took my chances and I'm pleased to report, so far I'm very happy that I did.
I purchased a Insignia (Best Buy Brand Model)NS-R5101HD 5.1 A/V receiver.

Some may think " What the hell were you thinking?" .... trust me I was having those thoughts too.
Apparently the Insignia A/V Receivers are made in the same factory that makes the entry level Denon receivers, so that was somewhat comforting.

Anyway, once I set everything up and tweaked everything, I was more than impressed with both the speakers and the receiver. I couldn't be happier.
I wasn't expecting much from the receiver but the sound quality blew me away for a budget receiver.
The receiver has been running for over 36 hours without been switched off and it runs as cool as a cucumber. :)