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Help pick next speakers: Have Paradigm, Totem
Help choose my next speakers!
I own a set of Paradigm Studio 60 v2 (tower) and a pair of Totem Rainmakers (monitors). Neither one does everything I need, so I am looking for recommendations on what to try next.
The paradigms are just a bit too edgy and fatiguing for me. I've owned them several years and while I do like them, I find myself turning the volume down frequently. The imaging and crispness of the sound is amazing, but compared to the Rainmakers the Paradigm's presentation is somewhat recessed and hard/glassy.
The Rainmakers are an odd mix. They are easier to listen to for sure. Yet at the same time they are more forward and dry with vocals. They're not harsh at all, but on some music they are too dry and I wish there were more midrange at times. This may be an unfair criticism because room is way too big for the tiny 4" driver in the rainmakers (23'x15' and wide open into a dining room and kitchen). They simply have no punch compared to the Studio 60's, even at moderate volumes.
So: I want the best of both worlds. I want the imaging, precision, and punch/power of the Paradigms towers, with non-fatiguing sound of the Rainmakers. Suggestions???? I'm all over the map. Here's a bunch of random thoughts:
- Although I like the totem sound, I believe they are all single driver and more at home in medium sized rooms. I am leaning toward putting the rainmakers in the bedroom and going a different direction for the living room.
- I'm struggling with towers vs monitors. I'm tempted to try a good monitor, but based on the size of the room I'm thinking a tower is my only choice. Does a kick-ass monitor (like a Totem Mani-2) even have a chance?
- I'm tempted by a Revel M22 or F32 (there's some for sale locally) but I've read they're relatively bright.
Here's my current setup, subject to change:
- AMP: Outlaw 7125 7-channel amp (looking to replace with 2-channel once I pick speakers)
- DAC: CIAudio VDA-2
- Transport: OPPO DVD player, or computer (lossless)
I own a set of Paradigm Studio 60 v2 (tower) and a pair of Totem Rainmakers (monitors). Neither one does everything I need, so I am looking for recommendations on what to try next.
The paradigms are just a bit too edgy and fatiguing for me. I've owned them several years and while I do like them, I find myself turning the volume down frequently. The imaging and crispness of the sound is amazing, but compared to the Rainmakers the Paradigm's presentation is somewhat recessed and hard/glassy.
The Rainmakers are an odd mix. They are easier to listen to for sure. Yet at the same time they are more forward and dry with vocals. They're not harsh at all, but on some music they are too dry and I wish there were more midrange at times. This may be an unfair criticism because room is way too big for the tiny 4" driver in the rainmakers (23'x15' and wide open into a dining room and kitchen). They simply have no punch compared to the Studio 60's, even at moderate volumes.
So: I want the best of both worlds. I want the imaging, precision, and punch/power of the Paradigms towers, with non-fatiguing sound of the Rainmakers. Suggestions???? I'm all over the map. Here's a bunch of random thoughts:
- Although I like the totem sound, I believe they are all single driver and more at home in medium sized rooms. I am leaning toward putting the rainmakers in the bedroom and going a different direction for the living room.
- I'm struggling with towers vs monitors. I'm tempted to try a good monitor, but based on the size of the room I'm thinking a tower is my only choice. Does a kick-ass monitor (like a Totem Mani-2) even have a chance?
- I'm tempted by a Revel M22 or F32 (there's some for sale locally) but I've read they're relatively bright.
Here's my current setup, subject to change:
- AMP: Outlaw 7125 7-channel amp (looking to replace with 2-channel once I pick speakers)
- DAC: CIAudio VDA-2
- Transport: OPPO DVD player, or computer (lossless)
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