[Gopher]

Hey all,

I recently purchased a vintage Marantz 1060B integrated amp, and was wondering what speakers might be nice to match it up with. I've read a few great reviews on the Paradigm Atoms, but couldn't find much about it on Harmonic Discord which leads me to believe whoever it was out there reviewing might not be as critical of sound as some of you message board guys. So far I've been steered in the right direction headphone wise on this board and have a reasonably priced (my definition of reasonable of course was altered the more I frequented the site) sweet system.

As I have a tendency to ramble on in posts here it goes.

I have a 1060b; NS500V; and Sony tape deck I know nothing about but set my dad back 'a stack(1k)' when he bought it. I'm sure he has some descent cables lying around and am primarily concerned with speakers in the =/< $200.

I have no problem with used equipment. Any point in the right direction will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Fred

 

[Ctn]

I have heard the Paradigm Atoms and I advise you listen to it before you buy it.

I think it sounds really really bad. It sounds more like pc speakers than hifi speakers.

 

[rickfri]

I just bought a pair of Sound Dynamics RTS3's from Audioadvisor for $199. I thought they sounded pretty nice for that price. A bit lacking in the bass but I think anything in that price range probably will be. I just looked at Audioadvisors clearance list and they have a pair of Sound Dynamics RTS5's used for that price. They say the bass is better, but I've never heard these speakers.

 

[JMT]

I personally like my PSB Alpha A/Vs. I believe they have been discontinued but you could probably fine a pair (or the PSB Alpha Minis) used somewhere.

 

[dariusf]

Check out Acoustic Research http://www.acoustic-research.com/ used to be one of the biggest speaker manufacturers back in the 60s. I have the Stature S40 towers and I'm amazed how good they sound for the money. With good amp, source and recordings they produce very detailed and clean sound. Frequency Response of 26 Hz-20 kHz but I'm sure the 26Hz is a bit over exaggerated, good sensitivity of 90db You can get unbelievable deals on a set of these speakers online +/- $300. They sound very comparable to Jamo E850 speakers (Danish) which are also very good in the price range of $1000-1200 http://www.jamo.com/consumer/product....php3?id=E+850

My friend just purchased a few deferent sets of speakers from Best Buy and similar stores (didn't listened to me to go to some small stores that sell 'real' speakers) and picked a pair of JBLs I think ND310 II as the best from the bunch. He plaid some Pink Floyd for me couple of weeks back and I could not believe how bad they sounded. I seriously thought there was something wrong with his setup. He insisted that they sounded good. He does have some cheep $500 Sony receiver and some 100/200 Sony disk changer so it sure could be his setup. He is planning on bringing it over to my place to check it out with my setup.

The sound can very allot depending on the rest of the equipment therefore if you can get them home for a test run before you buy. Definitely listen before you buy. Also make sure you bring some CDs you are very familiar with to test them in the store.

 

[MacDEF]

I'm with JMT... I still haven't heard a sub-$300 pair of speakers that provide better overall sound than the PSB Alpha line. I really like my NHT Super Zeros for their soundstage and detail, but they absolutely *require* a sub, whereas the Alphas all have very good bass for a small speaker (except for the Alpha Intros).

 

[Gopher]

Are the Alphas all pretty much a safe bet? I'm seeing on audiogon a listing for an Alpha B, and was wondering if it was somethign I ought to jump on or not.

http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.p...oni&1042568571

 

[Phreon]

Paradigm Atoms are just too small and lack any bass response. They're not really meant to stand alone; they are good as rears or with a sub.

I highly suggest you audition a pair of Paradigm Titans, they've consistantly won awards for the past decade or so and can be had for about $280 or less per pair. Great bang for the buck.


They're smooth, have superb imaging for such cheap speakers and have a nearly flat response. They're good for rock 'n such, but really sing with good jazz and vocal recordings.

I bought my Paradigm Mark I's back in the early 90s after a friend let me listen to his when trying to talk me out of the Best Buy/Circuit City route. Back then the won best of catagory every year. I have several friends I talked into listening to them after cruising the chain stores for a new pair of speakers and every single one of them wound up getting the Paradigms.

Buy what your ears like, but give the Titans a listen.

Phreon

 

[Gopher]

I plan on demoing as many paradigm speakers as possible this break. I luckily found a dealer about 4 miles from my home so I'm looking forward to getting home this x-mas break. So far, the major names I'm looking into are nOHR, Paradigm, & PSB, and I'm going to be doing as much reading on these/attempting to demo as possible.

One side note. Though I didn't mention it yet, I do have a sub I'll probably end up using with this system. My father has an M&K subwoffer he is not using. I am not sure off hand what model it is, but I'll be looking into it soon--reguardless I'm sure it outclasses anything in my budget anyway.

Oh yea, and one more notable fact. The listening room these speakers will find a home in is approximatly 12x10 with baseboard heating (I mention this because my promedia sounded horrible due to the ****ty heating units rattling).

All input welcome,

Thanks alot guys,

Fred

 

[Gopher]

My impulsive nature is taking over, and in the next couple of hours I may be going into negotiations for a pair of Michaura M55s. I haven't found an overwhelming bundle of information on these speakers, however what I have been able to read has been good. Asthetically they will be perfect for the room they are going into, and I am figuring I can probably always resell them for my money back if I decide they aren't for me. Does anyone here have anything they could tell me about these bookshelfs before I try and close a deal on them?

At < $100 USD they are looking extreemly attractive, any reason to hold off?

 

[mkyy]

Gopher,

Some specs for the Michauras M55s:

Max Amp Power 125 Watts
Min Amp Power 10 Watts
Frequency Response 60Hz - 22kHz
Impedance 8 Ohms
Room Sensitivity 90dB
Wooder 2 x 5 1/4"
Tweeter 3/4" Titanium
Dimension 15" x 7 1/2" x 6"
Weight 15 lb each

And there are tons of feedback and review in audioasylum.

Good Luck and welcome to Team Michauras

 

[GlowWorm]

If I was going to buy a new pair of budget speakers, I would get the B&W DM302s. They have a crystal clear midrange, very transparent, and sparkling highs. A unreal bargain at $250. Like most small bookshelf speakers their a bit bass light, so you might want to add a subwoofer (I wouldnt, because I'm not a bass freak) I heard the PSB Alpha's (ok), and the Paradigm Titans (good bass, no air)

 

[Phreon]

Quote:

Originally posted by GlowWorm ...and the Paradigm Titans (good bass, no air)

I object. Titans have GREAT air for sub $300 speakers. If you get them off of the self and put em on stands, the disappear into the soundstage. My reference CD for them is George Michael's "Listen Without Prejudice" (DDD) and they're simply amazing.


They have tight clean, realistic bass for most music (jazz, vocal, symphonic, etc.) but you'd probably dissapointed with them if you're into Miami Bass or pounding techno. A sub would be a must.

I stand by my assertion that Titans crush other speakers for the price.

Phreon

 

[Nick Dangerous]

www.axiomaudio.com

Look great, sound great.

Reviews available:

www.enjoythemusic.com

 

[Gopher]

Well, I got to a local hi fi shop today and began demoing speakers. I was a bit dissapointed in the sound of the atom, but it wasn't bad. What I found myself really liking and thinking I'd be satisfied with is the sound of the Paradigm Mini Monitors V.3. The sound of these speakers made me want to stretch my budget to beyond $200.

Basically at this point I have two quesions. As I don't think I'll be able to demo PSBs or nORHs (which to me look attrocious), and prefered the Paradigms to the B&Ws at and around it's price point, are there any other speakers I ought to consider?

My other question is, whats the real price of these puppies? I've come to realize specialty shop prices can easily be beaten if you look into it. I was quoted a price of $329, but don't know if I can stretch to this point. Does anyone here know of an online Paradigm dealer that might have 'em cheaper, or has anyone seen a pair used anywhere?

Thanks for your input so far guys,

Fred