I've spent the last month or more looking for the next step in bookshelf speakers for my 2.0 system. I currently own Infinity Primus 150s, and was looking to spend anywhere from 200-800 dollars on an upgrade. After countless hours of listening in various local hi-fi shops, I have narrowed down my search.

I have listened to the following...

JM Labs Cobalt 806s
Rega R1
Triangle Titus ES
Paradigm Atom, Mini Monitor, and Titan
Monitor Audio Silver RS1

From these I have narrowed it down to the following based on their sound and price... (Note: these would be the final prices with whatever shipping and tax I would have to pay.)

Triangle Titus ES.................$580 online, $700 in the store.
Paradigm Mini Monitor.........$350 local stereo shop.
Monitor Audio Silver RS1......$550 local stereo shop.

I compared the Paradigms and RS1s side by side with the same music and equipment and liked the RS1s quite a bit more, and the RS1s hadn't even been burnt in more than 5 hours. I imagine they would only get better. However, they are 200 dollars more.

So then I move the debate, Triangle vs. Monitor Audio. The Triangle's are amazingly sexy in person. Their sound is different, but on the same quality level as the RS1.

Here is how I would break it down:

Mini Monitor- +200 dollars, 6/10 sound, loyal to local store, worse build quality, not as sexy as the other two.

Silver RS1- Great build quality, 8/10 sound, loyal to local store

Triangle Titus ES- Good build quality, 8/10 sound, sexy French design, disloyal to local shops, more money off of retail cost.



Any opinions? I am really stuck on which pair to buy.

You should go with the ones that sound and look best to you. In the long run you will be glad you spent the extra money for what you really liked.

Have you told the local dealer of triangle what you can get them for on-line?

Paradigm makes higher models than the mini monitor... If you're willing to spend $550, compare what you can get from Paradigm at the same price point, then decide which is best. The RS1 may be the best but you won't know unless you listen. With the Triangles, make sure the "different" sound isn't a colouration that may start to bother you over time.