You might want to compare the B&W CDM 9NT to the Paradigm Studio 100s. The 9NT uses the same driver compliment as the N804 in a less costly but very elegant cabinet and is said to have more apparent bass than the N804, which is especially relevant for HT applications. And, the 9NT is much closer to the price of the Studio 100 than the N804 ($2,600/pr, I believe).
I compared the 9NT directly to the Studio 100s with familiar recordings in the same room with all the same ancillary gear and the 9NT was the more natural sounding speaker, without any doubt. Vocals and instruments sounded smoother and more authentic, and the high frequencies were not as spitty/tizzy as they seemed on the Studio 100s.
The Paradigm Studio 100 may have a more extended bass response, which didn't come into play with the music recordings I heard, but may offer an advantage for HT in that regard -- if you're not planning to use a dedicated subwoofer. If you expect to use a subwoofer in the system then I would say that going with the B&Ws would doubtless provide more satisfactory results. I bought the B&Ws and am very pleased with them.
I compared the 9NT directly to the Studio 100s with familiar recordings in the same room with all the same ancillary gear and the 9NT was the more natural sounding speaker, without any doubt. Vocals and instruments sounded smoother and more authentic, and the high frequencies were not as spitty/tizzy as they seemed on the Studio 100s.
The Paradigm Studio 100 may have a more extended bass response, which didn't come into play with the music recordings I heard, but may offer an advantage for HT in that regard -- if you're not planning to use a dedicated subwoofer. If you expect to use a subwoofer in the system then I would say that going with the B&Ws would doubtless provide more satisfactory results. I bought the B&Ws and am very pleased with them.