I've owned and auditioned (in home) Studio 100's, v1, v2, v3, and S8. To my ears in my home the version 2's were my favorite. Compared to some other speaker systems available here they are simply out classed.
Currently there are a pair of Avalon Eclipse in walnut that the seller is asking $5500 for. Typically these speakers sell for $2000-$2300. These are the original Avalon design and despite their age they simply work. They're time and phase correct and despite their driver size they can play loud. They are one of the most imitated brands being produced today. But more important than that is they can play softly and still sound full. This is something the Paradigms, and frankly many other speaker systems, can't do. If you can place these out from the rear wall and take care in there setup you'll be blessed with a sound stage that is one of the best, if not the best, in the industry.
I suggest you make an offer at the prices I mentioned or simply wait for another pair of these to show up. They are that good.
If you can't wait the only other brands I would suggest that also place a great deal of importance on time and phase correctness are Thiel and Vandersteen.
Currently there is a pair of Thiel 2.4's at $1950 and a pair of Vandersteen 3A's at $2000.
If your simply putting together a home theater system I would suggest Triangle Comets and a sub. Their high sensitivity works well with receivers and if set up properly they can produce a decent sound stage.
Your speaker system is the most important piece in the audio chain. The speakers I've suggested can easily keep you off the upgrade merry-go-round.
Currently there are a pair of Avalon Eclipse in walnut that the seller is asking $5500 for. Typically these speakers sell for $2000-$2300. These are the original Avalon design and despite their age they simply work. They're time and phase correct and despite their driver size they can play loud. They are one of the most imitated brands being produced today. But more important than that is they can play softly and still sound full. This is something the Paradigms, and frankly many other speaker systems, can't do. If you can place these out from the rear wall and take care in there setup you'll be blessed with a sound stage that is one of the best, if not the best, in the industry.
I suggest you make an offer at the prices I mentioned or simply wait for another pair of these to show up. They are that good.
If you can't wait the only other brands I would suggest that also place a great deal of importance on time and phase correctness are Thiel and Vandersteen.
Currently there is a pair of Thiel 2.4's at $1950 and a pair of Vandersteen 3A's at $2000.
If your simply putting together a home theater system I would suggest Triangle Comets and a sub. Their high sensitivity works well with receivers and if set up properly they can produce a decent sound stage.
Your speaker system is the most important piece in the audio chain. The speakers I've suggested can easily keep you off the upgrade merry-go-round.