Focal 706v vs. Paradigm Studio20v5 ?

[Drag0n]

Im looking at the FOCAL JM LABS - 706V BOOKSHELF SPEAKER
MUSICDIRECT - FOCAL JM LABS - 706V BOOKSHELF SPEAKER in Amati (Pr)


And the matching sub FOCAL JM LABS
SW700V SUBWOOFER
MUSICDIRECT - FOCAL JM LABS - SW700V SUBWOOFER in Amati (Ea)


VS

Paradigm Reference Studio 20v5
Reference Models:Studio 20


And the sub Paradigm DSP3200
Paradigm : Models DSP-3200



So has anyone heard both of these systems?
I know theyre both good, and i know the Paradigm is slightly more money for the Studio 20v5.
I know the specs.
Im not interested in theories etc.
What i want is someone who has actually compared both.
I can look at pictures online and make decisions also, so i dont need someone to "online shop" for me.

Thanks for any help.

 

[endless402]

i've heard both but not back to back. you should compare the 800 series focal to the paradigm

i didnt like the 700 series that much, mids were a little bit muddy and the highs were kind of annoying. this was on a CA 640. i would rather listen to a wharferdale 9.1.

800 series is much better. more detailed and refined but still a bit bright so be careful with system matching with the amp. sounded a lot better on a nad than on a cambridge audio

paradigm is more upfront in terms of imaging. i found the highs to be bright as well. this was only connected on a CA 640

my opinion was that if you listen to more music, go with the focal as the mids were warmer and detailed. the paradigm had more low end and was punchier. both have a bright tweeter so u have to be careful with system matching
i was quite close to purchasing the 800 series focal

in the end, i went to a dynaudio / simaudio setup

 

[Drag0n]

I heard the paradigm, and i liked it. I havent heard that model focal. I heard another model though, and the highs were annoying. The v5 version of the studio 20 isnt as forward in the highs as some previous models.
Its just seemed like a good deal on the focal so i was curious. Only $650 a pair.

Thanks for the info.

 

[endless402]

650 a pair? i thought it would be less in the states. theyre 695 here in canada at msrp

cost is about 400 here.


take a look at the 806v and 807v. invoice pricing is almost 600 for the 806 and mid 700 for the 807. i'd expect at least 10% less in the states.

 

[Drag0n]

Quote:

Originally Posted by endless402 /img/forum/go_quote.gif 650 a pair? i thought it would be less in the states. theyre 695 here in canada at msrp cost is about 400 here. take a look at the 806v and 807v. invoice pricing is almost 600 for the 806 and mid 700 for the 807. i'd expect at least 10% less in the states.

I have to listen to them somewhere. There must be a dealer i can get to locally.
Not everything is cheaper in the states.