Down to PSB, Paradigm, and KEF

My first choice from within that group would definitely be the PSB speakers.

I have another suggestion though; Try the Gallo Acoustics CL-3 and CL Center, which would run about $2400 direct from Gallo. They will give you a 60-DAY FREE trial in your home. if you return them you pay NOTHING (they pay the return shipping and a full refund). Once you hear them, I do not think Gallo will have to pay the return shipping...rofl.

In any case...free is good...lol.

I have the CL-3 speakers, and they are exceptional in several ways. They have bass that seems impossible for their size (definitely at least equal to the PSB T2) and a unique Gallo tweeter that is quite excellent and has remarkable dispersion characteristics. They make music sound really really nice, and have punch too.

The Absolute Sound did an in-depth article on them last July/August and then expanded it with a 5.1 system review at avguide.com recently.
Edited by commsysman - 12/21/12 at 12:19pm

Of those speakers, I find the Kef to be the most attractive. They look more sleek and intimidating.

I haven't heard any of these speakers yet, but I am eyeing them.

Tough call. Your best bet is always to listen to them and pick what you like best. Listening in your own room is ideal but not always very practical.

The KEFs have the best dispersion (making them more friendly to a variety of rooms), but they have some midrange cone breakup problems not fully addressed by the crossover that can impart a little harshness on some material.

The Paradigms probably have the best bass and can go pretty loud.

The PSBs are probably the smoothest, maybe the most "refined."

I don't think you can really go wrong with any of them, so it's really a personal call you'll have to make, based on sound, looks, price, whatever.

You can get the Kef Q900's for $675 a piece on Accessories4less.com. Not sure if that will help your decision any.

Accessories4less also has the two Q series centers. They do 30 day trials but with a 15% restock fee. I believe though the Q900's have free shipping at the moment. (Return shipping would cost you.)

"Return of FREE SHIPPED ITEMS
ALL items that are shipped for free, either by promotion or default, will be assessed a 10% restocking fee or the cost of the shipping charges (lesser of the two) to cover original shipping and processing charges incurred by Accessories4less. Returned merchandise must be postmarked no later than 7 days after we provide you with a Return Authorization Number."

I would call to get clarification on this, but with their prices they should certainly be a consideration. $1350 for a pair of Q900s is a fantastic price.

If you are really willing to spend up to 4 grand, consider the Kef R700. I think they retail for $3600. I heard them at the same place as the Studio 60s and liked the Kef better. I think the R line has quite a bit better engineering and drivers than the Q line. Check it out.

I second that, I went through R300, Q900 and now have R500. While Q900s have a couple things they do better, the R500 is a definite step up. If R700 with R600C center will get you over the budget I think R500s with R200c still worth the extra $$$ over Q900s.

Is the R500 a step up from the R300 given that they are cheaper than the R300?

The price of the R300 is $1800 while the R500 is about $2600. The R300 is the bookshelf sized pair