I'm looking to get a 2ch stereo set up and have begun listening. I've listened to Klipsch, Paradigm, Dynaudio, and B & W so far. I really like the sound of the B & W CM1 bookshelves. I was also impressed with the Paradigm mini monitors at a much lower price point, but they lacked the bass response of the cm1s. I'm looking for suggestions for any other brands to start looking into that might have a similar sound to the B & W s. My budget is flexible but I'd like to spend <$1000 for the pair of speakers. Thanks for any suggestions.

Colin

Revel Concerta's
Vienna Acoustic Haydn's
NHT Classic 3's
Era Design5's

The Usual Suspects....

CM1's are nice speakers indeed. Above what you have already listened to, NHT Classic 3s would be a candidate for auditioning.

In addition, if you happen to live near people who own Onix Rocket RS450 (floorstanding), Audio Concepts (ACI) Emerald XL both would be worth auditioning.

Throw in the Monitor Audio Silver series RS1.
http://www.monitoraudio.co.uk/product.php?application=&range=2&product=3&area=2

It's hard to go wrong with the CM1's though, they are getting good reviews for a reason, they really are pretty good speakers (especially for their size). They are pretty inefficient though, and won't work in a large room, but they sure are musical.

Throw in the Monitor Audio Silver series RS1.

Yes, worth a listen as well.

I would second the NHT Classic 3's and add the Polk LSi7 or 9's. I'd also suggest you add a sub to most of what your auditioning, Definitely the CM1's, the Mini Monitors, the CLassic 3's and the Polk LSI'7's or 9's would definitely benefit from a sub. I have not heard the others.

While I agree the B&W CM1's are an excellent speaker, I did not find them to be as fulfulling in the bass department as the Mini Monitors. You could just barely get away with using the Mini Monitors with out a sub, definitely not true of the others. But the other speakers are clearly more refined sounding overall. They are definitely a class above the Mini Monitor. Maybe you should consider a step up in the Paradigm line to the Studio series to compete with CM1's.

Jon

Throw in the Monitor Audio Silver series RS1.
http://www.monitoraudio.co.uk/product.php?application=&range=2&product=3&area=2

It's hard to go wrong with the CM1's though, they are getting good reviews for a reason, they really are pretty good speakers (especially for their size). They are pretty inefficient though, and won't work in a large room, but they sure are musical.

Or if you want to save some money and have a similar sound quality (have to admit that the RS1 looks better though) go for the new Monitor Audio BR2. They were chosen as the best speakers under 200 UK pounds (even 250 pounds) by the magazine HI FI choice ,May edition