I recently updated my three front speakers in my home theatre set-up. I had paradigm signature S1(v2), c1(v2) center and adp1's(v2) in piano black. I'm running a Onkyo pro 885 pre and a Parasound HCA 2205AT(220x5) power amp. My sub is a SVS PB13 Ultra in piano black all in a 20x8x14 room.
I was finding for movies I was missing some impact(midbass), dynamics from movies and music. So I upgraded to the Signature S2's(v3) and C1(v3) center and kept the surrounds the same. I wanted to stay away from floor standing speakers as I still have my SVS beast(and I mean"beast").
All I can say is "wow". For the additional price difference of new S2's(v3) and a 2 month old perfect used c3(v3) it was my best investment. The soundstage and frontal impact, dynamics is truly amazing. Im also hearing things i never heard before than i did with my smaller sigs. From bigger, more efficient drivers, and efficiency of 5-6 db and still having bookshelf speakers is for the most part esthetically pleasing.
For music the upgrade was definitely astonishing.
My advice is a seperate power amp is definitly a must. Also find a good subwoofer and eq it will be very substantial to your overall sound. Check out the Paradigm Sig S2's(v3) and the SVS PB13 ultra or the SVS SB13. Exemplary reviews online.
Good luck...
Regards Bacardi