[zzzzzxx]

Moving out soon.. Looking for new speakers. My setup at home now includes:


Front: Paradigm studio 20s

Rear: Paradigm Titans

Center: Klipsch kV2


Sub: Velo SPL II 1200


I am bringing the sub w/ me since I recently bought it. Everything else stays with the parents. Actually my mom said she might by me out so I can get new gear.


Looking for front speakers that are similar to the paradigms..but I want to try something different.


I have been thinking of the magnepan MMG.. or even the MMG W's (not sure if these can compare to the paradigms..they are so inexpensive!!)


Not real picky about rear speakers.


I would like the center to match the fronts if possible.

 

[zzzzzxx]

Right now I am liking the MMGs, but they are not exactly small..

 

[RHMMMM]

I'm in your same boat, I have a system that consists of:


Fronts: Paradigm Studio 40v2's

Rears: Paradigm Studio 20v2's

Centeraradigm Studio CC470

Sub: Yamaha YST-320


I love the Paradigms for HT and fairly casual listening. I'm going to keep them for HT use, but I'm building a 2 channel system in my bedroom and have an Accuphase E-211 integrated amp coming my way soon.


I'd like to get a pair of speakers that have a fairly close sonic signature to the Paradigms (same basic sound characteristics) but I'd like to drop around $2k tops on a really nice pair. I have been looking at the JM Lab Electra 906, Dynaudio Audience 52SE, B&W Nautilus 805.


So far I like the Electra 906 the best, but the looks of the Nautilus 805 the best (I know its not all about looks). I hear that B&W is going to refresh their Nautilus 800 line in a few months, so I might just take my P Studio 20's and use them with the Accuphase and wait a few months until I can demo whatever B&W releases next.

 

[jhferry]

You might want to check out Swan 2.1's.

 

[posst]

energy or PSB seem to be fairly similar to paradigm by my ear

 

[Tex-amp]

Ascend Acoustics.

 

[Gretsch]

the speakers you mentioned are top-notch. you just have to choose what you prefer.


b&w is a safe bet if you're hell bent on spending $2k. IMHO b&w will have the closest signature to the paradigms among the three brands you listed. also, the paradigms will sell well on ebay.


first and foremost...you really need to string together a matching soundstage for acceptable HT performance. IMHO there's nothing worse than a poorly panning soundstage and non-matched speakers will (unfortunately) deliver such a thing.


i replaced my studio 20v.3s for HT with ascend acoustic cbm-170s and haven't looked back. i prefer the response and tonal characteristics of the ascends over the paradigms, but that's just me. the matching 340s deliver a fluid HT soundstage. moreso than many other offerings i've tried.


it's what i prefer and consequently what i chose.


good luck

 

[zzzzzxx]

Thanks for all the info..


What about the Rocket RS150's..they look amazing!

 

[Babs]

I agree with the 805's. I was able to A/B them with the Studio 20's (infact the very demo's I own now).. The 805's were sort of similar as a two way but are definitely more speaker than the Studio 20 v.3 and I'd have to guess MUCH more than the v.2 Paradigms. I'd expect so for over twice the money. The 705's I would think would be a more direct price point competitor, though I'd think they fall somewhere between the 20's and the 40's in price range. The 705's replaced the CDM-1NT's.. Nice little standmounted B&W's. CDM-7NT's or even 9NT's would be a vast upgrade from the little 20's up into floorstanders. These NT's I've heard and they are great. However, you'll need more power to drive them effectively.. As is for the 805's. They took a lot more volume knob to pull up to the levels when I switched over from the studio 20's. Don't know about the 705's though. All great speakers.. Not a bad problem to have to choose among them. Can't wait till my studio 40's get here!

 

[DavidY]

How about the Paradigm Reference Signature S2? I had a brief listen last weekend and they were like the Studio/20 but noticeably more refined. Treble appeared a bit forward with a Bryston setup, but in a less than ideal room (large gymnasium).


Dave

 

[Tex-amp]

Quote:

Originally posted by zzzzzxx Thanks for all the info.. What about the Rocket RS150's..they look amazing!

They are going to be a more laid back presentation than the Paradigm sound. I heard the 250.2 this weekend and it has great low end for a monitor of it's size.