Paradigm Studio 100 v.3 or B&W 703?

Paradigm

Well I have owned both. For me it is no question, the CDM-NT series was/is superior in all areas except for bass extension. I havent heard the new 700 series but they are based on the same drivers. So I suspect they are very similar.

Dont get me wrong the Studio's are great. However, the extra 30% to 50% cost for the B & W is well worth it. IMO. I would give both a listen, at home in your system if you can, or side by side at the least. Let us know what you think, I am curious what the new 700s sound like myself.

McCormack make great amps, BTW.

I spent two hours yesterday listening to the B&W 703's and they sound great. Compared to the B&W CDM 9NT, I found the 703's highs to be smoother and the bass more pronounced (yet very tight).

For overall clarity and detail I prefered the 703 to the Studio 100. Although the Studio 100 had a bit more bass extension, to my ears, the bass was not as tight as the B&W. I also prefered the B&W CDM 9NT over the Studio 100, but the Studio 100 does cost less and offers a great dollar-for-dollar value.

If you don't mind spending a lot of extra money, buy the B&W's. You will not find a better sounding speaker for under $2000 than the studio 100's, period. Go to www.audioreview.com and read the reviews. I would also recommend going to paradigms web site and reading the science behind these beauties. To find a speaker that sounds better than the studio 100's you will need to up to 3 times what the paradigms sell for just to get a comparable sound. I'm running a 5.1 system powered buy Nakamichi equipment and my Paradigms sound Beautiful. These babies are power hungry so you will need a good amp to drive them.

Well, I do prefer a more forward sounding speaker so B&W's and Paradigms have been on my list. I've heard the studio 60, studio 100, the B&W 704 and the 703. The B&W's are worth the extra cash in every way. If you have the money get the better speaker. If your budget is tight, buy the Paradigms.