PSB or stick with vintage ADS

Thanks, Mceljo for the good reply.

My local audio store sends emails with various specials and audio events they hold, so that's how I learned about and started researching the PSBs. I purchased an NAD integrated amp from them 2 years ago. The PSBs are within the cost/size I would like, plus they offer in-wall selections, so that's what got me interested. Then I read where the PSBs had superb sound for the price, a sentiment which seems to be about as unanimous with the PSBs as with my ADS. And apparently they are neutral (like the ADS). I don't know if anyone sells Paradigm in my area for me to audition, but I could check. But my main concern is simply that I enjoy the sound at least equally to the ADS at the most reasonable cost. Since ADS is long gone, nobody ever compares the sound of the two speakers. Maybe I'll be the first, ha. But I thought I would see if anyone might be familiar with both before I took that step.

I did read about the Audioengine A5+ -- but I don't know if I want to give up my NAD for the amps in the Audioengine speakers. Though granted, the space saving would be nice. I pretty much use my Mac & PC as my audio sources now. (My NAD was an upgrade / downsize from my previous chunky A/V, so ... even if you're not crazy about NAD, it's way better than the Sony, plus it had the specific features I wanted).

I did see the Image B5 as well, thanks, and will plan to audition them also. Unfortunately, none of the other brands are available through this store. He did mention something about Totems if I decided to go the in-wall route ... but I'm not sure if I want to go in that direction.

Thanks for all of the good responses. Sorry I haven't been able to check back before now. It's true that I really enjoy these ADS speakers. I bought them off eBay back in 2002 and they are about as good condition as they were then, and had been well cared for previously. It's very likely my ears are degrading more than these speakers, they still sound excellent and the drivers are in good shape.

In college I purchased a pair of L690s. I liked the speakers so much, the audio store allowed me to make $100-$200 installments until I paid the full purchase price, preventing me from spending the money on something else in the meantime.

I'll bet those 1590s are phenomenal.

I guess the only thing I can really do is compare them with some others to see how they stack up. I've read where some speakers (like PSB, Wharfedale and others) claim to have high-end sound at a low cost and that speaker tech has come a long way since the 80s, so that's what got me interested in looking for a more space-saving design. But if they lack the clarity or tight bass of the ADS I would be disappointed, I'm sure (not that the 470s produce as much bass, but are fine in my small listening area).

I will try to check out some of the other brands mentioned as well.

PS to my last response -- I didn't mean to sound as though I ignored the suggestions given by everyone. I just realized I practically repeated my opening post in my last one. I'm going through the responses again to help determine what course I'd really like to take. I suppose I've become curious enough to at least listen to one or two modern speakers for comparison, but I also suspect I might be disappointed.

About the in-wall speaker idea -- I currently have an entertainment center/cutout over my fireplace, which is situated diagonally in the corner of the family room. There is wall space on both sides of the entertainment area in which I could install speakers. Of course, the height isn't ideal (it would be above ear-level), but it's at least a consideration for my small living room.

I do have good floor stands for my speakers but I've just run out of room. It would be a challenge to find space for the stands with smaller speakers as well, but I might be able to make something work. But I like the "idea" of utilizing that unused wall space -- though if the sound tanks as a result I just couldn't do it. If I decide to keep the ADS, they'll probably be stuck *inside* that entertainment center area for awhile. Surprisingly, the actually sound good there, too, as bad as that placement is.

Well, I brought the PSB Alpha B1s home this evening, and I'm playing them now. Without getting into sonic detail, my "bottom-line, first impression" summary is this: They sound like they are a little smaller with similar quality, and, well, that's what they are. Ha. They sound about as good as I would expect smaller, less expensive ADS speakers to sound (different, but as good). So I wouldn't consider it a lateral move, but still a good move for downsizing.

They do sound better than I expected, notwithstanding all of the good reviews and my curiosity. I wasn't expecting quite the presence of the bass that they have (I do run a sub, so perhaps it's not as noticeable). It's not quite as tight (probably for being ported), and they don't seem to push quite the same volume before breaking down. But in this small room they don't sound anemic in the low end.

I generally listen with the tone defeat on (that's just a personal requirement I have for speakers, that they sound good enough on their own). The sound isn't quite as full or bright as the ADS, but they seem to produce more tonal accuracy in the mid-range, with more subtle, yet very clear highs. So they have more of a warm sound with a little less overall presence. An overall very pleasing sound that I could live with, I think. The size is really perfect.

That said, I have 4 days to decide, and the speakers have not been broken in as yet.

Whoa! Ok, I already have to update my last post. I had originally placed the Alphas in my entertainment center area (over the fireplace). That means they were sitting in an enclosed area, as if on a bookshelf. So I broke out my speaker stands and did a little rearranging in order to place them more ideally at ear level, away from the wall a bit, etc. And the sound really popped! I can't believe the difference. I believe I can honestly say I enjoy the sound of these better on the stands than the ADS, but the ADS sound quality wasn't as diminished in the entertainment center. Probably again this is due to the ported design of the cabinet, along with having them directly at ear level now.