2000 or less : best choices for mains?


Question 1:
I have Paradigm Studio 40's V2 run by an Onkyo 575x. I was thinking about spending $2000 on new main speakers. What speaker(s) are the best for around that price range? I've heard the Paradigm Studio 100's are up there. Any others? I'll go used if i have to.

Question 2:
I am thinking about buying the Paradigm Servo-15 sub or the Velodyne HGS-18. Any thoughts? Any others to consider? We mostly watch movies/tv but i also listen to all types of music and like excellent bass. We had a Sunfire MKII for a while, nice sub, but i'd like more. Thanks!
weedo
Hi Weed,

I had a Sunfire True Sub and upgraded to the HGS-15. It was a great move. I use it with a Gallo Nucleus setup and find it a great sub on both movies and music. If your mains go down to a respectible level (30Hz) than you won't need too much help from the sub for most music. I have my crossover set at 40Hz and the HGS blends with the mains quite well. I guess if you were using the sub for more of a sub-sat configuration then your results might be different.

Good Luck

John
I'm a great partisan of Paradigm, but I have to agree that the North Creek Rhythm will blow it away. HOWEVER, you'll have to add a sub if you want full range response because the North Creek, while it offers wonderful mids and highs, will chop off the bottom octave or octave and a half of the music.

will
Yes, you definitely DO need a sub with the Studio 100's. I've sampled them many times with and without a Servo-15. Night and day...
It sounds like you have a H/T setup, so you will need to stay with paradigm or consider replacing all 5 speakers. However I don't think the problem is the speakers, it's your reciever. 70 watts is not enough for the studio 40's. You will find they are capable of quite a bit more bass when you improve your amp. Try going to B&K or outlaw audio for their pre/power amp combo. If you go used you can easily stay under 2k. If money's tight, the H/K 2.0,2.1 combo can be had for about $800, which will blow away any reciever except maybe the B&K. Then you will have enough left over for a used servo 15 or hsu's new VTF-3. This will have a far greater impact then upgrading to the studio 100's. let us know how it all turns out-