[aamefford]

Thank you all!  I just "found" my post again - I'm still struggling with navigation here on the new site.  Change.  I'm not sure that's good...
 
Anyway, I have demoed the Paradigm studio 10's and the SE-1's along side the ERA D5's.  I found the Paradigms to be great, and have a very revealing sound.  I found them to be a bit dry on top.
 
I found the ERA's to be a nicer, warm, organic sound with acoustic material, but not that great with rock.
 
I will do my best to find the S1's to audition.
 
I am also cruising Audiogon, so recommendations of things outside my price range that might fall into it used are appreciated.
 
I have found and am interested in the Paradigm Studio 20's as well.  In my range used.  I have also found the Monitor Audio RS6's which seem interesting - a small, well reviewed floor stander.

 

[jilgiljongiljing]

Hey Aameford, if you happen to visit the bay area sometime, theres a Paradigm dealer there in San Jose who has the Studio 10, Studio 20 and Signature series speakers all connected and you can A/B all you want. The only thing I found strange was their choice of source which was a Sony Bluray disc player, but otherwise, the setup is pretty good and you can take your own disc and listen all you want.
 
I personally didnt find the Signature series to do anything significantly better than the Studio other than treble, the high end just has a bit more in the Signature series, but this might end up sounding a bit bright for some rock and metal music. But otherwise they are really good. My personaly opinion is that you pay more for the title and finish rather than much improved sound, but thats just my 2 cents.
 
To me, best bang for buck is the Studio 10. If you have the money the Studio 20 definitely sounds fuller, but this in all honesty is only when you directly compare the two. Both of them can definitely use a sub, but this again depends on your musical tastes and how much bass you prefer. They have Paradigm subs there as well. Just look under dealer list in the Paradigm website and you'll find the place.

 

[Tiltman]

I am using the Era D4s with my idecco.  It sounds great!!!!!  My music list is similar to yours so i would definitely recommend the Era D4s.  These speakers were highly recommended to me from a Hi-fi dealer in my local area. I don't regret getting these speakers one bit.

 

[aamefford]

I think I'll just start auditioning things, and keep cruising Auidiogon. I'll just pounce when a good deal comes up. I am hoping to continue to hear recommendations via this thread as well.

 

[Lenni]

PSB Synchrony Two B Cherry

 

[techenvy]

Quote:

aamefford,
 
the new Paradigm S1 v3 (G-PAL gold-plated, pure-aluminum) are just $200 over your budget.
 
Give yourself (and your ears) a favour find a dealer that has a demo, and go listen to them before spending that $1k on anything else

do the paradigm punch hard or are they more geared toward their high end?
 
thanks

 

[techenvy]

Quote:

I'll throw in my 2 cents. After listening to Paradigm Studio 20, PSB Image B, Totem Rainmaker and Rega R1 bookshelf speakers, I ended up with a pair of Totem Rainmakers for my desktop speaker rig. I am using them nearfield and they sound wonderful. I also tried them out in a larger room which they handled very well. Decent bass response, very fluid mids/highs. They are currently placed further apart which really opened up the soundstage and depth.
 
http://www.stereophile.com/budgetcomponents/1104totem/
http://www.totemacoustic.com/products/compact/rainmaker/
 

nice setup
 
 which one of those tested above did you find had the most punch and hopefully didnt compromise the highs?
 
thanks

 

[aamefford]

Well, I've found a number of objects of curiosity lately.  A nice pair of used Canton floor standers, and most recently, NHT Classic 3's.  I haven't heard them yet, but it turns out they are made, or at least headquartered, about 20 miles from me down in Benicia, CA.  I think I will check them out as well.  Highly regarded By Stereophile, for whatever that is worth, and quite affordable.

 

[MuuMuu]

I got a pair of MBS-01 speakers from SVS, 799+65 shipping.  To me they sound a lot like Sennheiser HD650s, except that you don't have to wear them.  I love my HD650s so I couldn't be happier.  Might be worth trying out if their sound signature is your cup of tea.

 

[wgb113]

I used to love my NHT SuperOne speakers but they've been bought and sold a few times and I'm not sure how the current line sounds in comparison.  I also had a pair of B&W 601's that were enjoyable as well as monitor speakers by Vienna Acoustics and Paradigm (20v4).  
 
When putting together my latest system I wanted to go back to that detailed, balanced NHT sound.  I read several reviews of the Quad 12L and 11L and it seemed they might combine what I liked about the Paradigms, NHTs, and B&Ws.  I went with the 12L Active and have been delighted.  The non-active versions can be had on AudioGon for @ $500.
 
Bill

 

[ddoingwell]

I have the Quad 12L passive speakers and love them so much I bought two sets. Speakers, probably even a bit more than headphones are a completely subjective choice. So many more things affect the sound and your reaction to the music. Your room, speaker placement, components, source, bit-rate on files ect., but everyone knows all this: yes? No? Front ported speakers are better for corner/wall placement (look at B&W 685s) but rear ports are best when stand mounted away from walls. My opinion ONLY. It's all subjective. Are you concerned about the look? I LOVE that desktop rig pictured above cuz as an old studio hack from way back, I like that open face clean look however my wife wants covers on the cabinets. How about climate? I live in the Tropics so buying a Kevlar cone speaker was a consideration over light-weight esoteric paper cones. Speaker sensitivity is important to consider when matching with an amp. My Quads are piggies and need lots of amperage; the bloke above who has the Axiom M22s wouldn't have that problem and those speakers can be happily driven by a T-amp or low powered tube amp. This is a study fools like me have invested lives, fortunes, marriages in and still want to try the next thing. Here however are some more choices to confuse you:
 
http://reviews.audioreview.com/blog/editor%E2%80%99s-choice-best-bookshelf-speakers-under-1000/
 
And read up on AudioReview.com. Those bits are written by other hi-fi tragics. Enjoy the ride.

 

[VALIENTE]

For $1000, I recommend the ff. bookshelves best bang for money earned:
1. PSB Imagine B = $1000
2. Renaissance Audio MLP-403.5 = $1090
3. Eminent Technology LFT-16 = $950
4. Triangle Esprit Comete Ex = $1295
5. Focal Chorus 807V = $1095
 
P.S. This is based on Stereophile April 2010 issue. Recommended Components.
Any speaker you chose above may give you audiophile nirvana at a budget price.
 
If you want more, I highly recommend Revel Concerta F12 = $1498. Simply the best. However, these are floorstanding speakers at the best audiophile level.

 

[anetode]

X2 on the PSB Imagines. Paul Barton & Paradigm designs both come from Canada's NRC work on speakers, they're some of the best bang-for-the-buck speakers.

 

[techenvy]

i really am considering the image b6--
http://www.psbspeakers.com/products/Image-Series/Image-B6-Bookshelf
 
but i also like the nht----
http://www.nhthifi.com/Three?sc=12&category=3772
but although the design looks cool,, it just looks like it may be a bit too  bright?
 
am also considering the definitive technology studio monitor 450---
http://www.definitivetech.com/products/products.aspx?path=Speakers%20By%20Series|Studio%20Monitor%20Series&productid=StudioMonitor%20450
 
and the b&w 685
http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/display.aspx?infid=2301&sc=hf
 
and aperion intimus 6b---
http://www.aperionaudio.com/product/Intimus-6B-Bookshelf-Speaker,111,19,257.aspx
 
but it may come down to the sierra 1---
http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/SRM1/srm1specs.html
 
vs the PSB image b6 which im favoring at the moment, just hope they have enough punch.
 
anyone have any experience with any of these fine speakers? your knowledge is valuable,  thanks.

 

[Shike]

The newer NHT and 6 series from B&W were both a little too bright for my liking.
 
I like the Focal suggestion made earlier by VALIENTE, would also consider adding Epos or vintage NHT (non-metal dome) to the list.  Maybe Wharfedale or Usher would be worth considering too.
 
Don't mind the sound of Definitive, but they don't seem to provide as good a bang for the buck IMO.
 
Don't have experience with PSB, Aperion, or Ascend though.