What is the reason for going with a CC-490 center with Monitor 7's? I don't get it. The front three speakers should be matched up from the same line, so they have the same sound. Unless you plan to upgrade the Monitor 7's to Studio 60/100's soon.

I went with Monitor 9's and CC-290 myself. Whenever I decide to go Studio line, all three of the Monitor's will be replaced at once. Doesn't make sense to mix the lines up. If you can't afford to go all Studio, then get all Monitor right away.

I just bought these speakers, plus the CC-290 center channel. Running them with an Onkyo TX-SR607. They sound surprisingly good for this price point. Very smooth, yet detailed sounding. Very good for jazz, light rock, etc.

But these are not "rock" speakers. Even though there are (2) 6-1/2" bass drivers, there is little bass response coming out of these speakers. The specs say they go down to only 51Hz. So you will need a subwoofer, if you listen to rock, heavy metal, etc.

I didn't like the Monitor 11's. The bass didn't sound very good to me, and was very muddy sounding. They didn't sound as "tight" as with the Monitor 9's.

Since Paradigm knew, most people would have a subwoofer, they tweaked these speakers that way. They have a 96db Sensitivity Rating, so they are easy to drive, and can be driven VERY LOUD! Yes, they do get ear piercing loud, yet stay very detailed, even with my "mid-range" Onkyo TX-SR607 Receiver. They will easily fill up a large 3000sq/ft+ room. Just pair them up with a good subwoofer and you are ready to rock.