Time Capsule or ISPs modem/router as primary

Hello!

I recently switched ISPs and since I often work from home and also receive TV via streaming, I decided to go with a 1GB (down) internet plan from the ISP. The ISP sent me a cable modem/router (Arris TG3452) and this is my first experience with the cable modem having WiFi capability.

My question is, should I just put the modem/router in bridge mode and let the Time Capsule serve as the main router? Keeping in mind that I have a few other Airport extremes throughout the house in an effort to cover the whole house.

Or am I better off using the cable modem/router as the main WiFi router and then setting the TC (and other devices) to work in bridge mode?

I'm not a networking guru, and while I understand that real-world use likely won't yield 1GB down (particularly over WiFi), I still want to get the most out of my internet speed (from the ISP) since I am paying a premium for it.

Also, if I do use the cable modem/router in bridge mode is there any other setting I need to change. I didn't see any options for NAT or DHCP. What about the MAC address--anything to edit there?

Hope that makes sense.