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Upgrade Paradigm Studio 20s for music & movies

I am, for the first time in my life, not *bothered* by my home stereo system. My system sounds good, and I can sit down and listen without glaring flaws ruining the experience.

However, I expect that I'll want to upgrade sometime. A friend of mine is willing to buy my current speakers (Paradigm Studio 20 V2s and Monitor CC350) for $650 (is that a fair price for both of us?), so it's got me wondering.

My Current System:

Denon 3600 Reciever (120W x 5)
Paradigm Studio 20s
Paradigm Monitor CC350
Advent Rears
Cambridge Soundworks PSW1 Sealed Subwoofer (12" x 140W)
Low to mid-range Audioquest cables

HOWEVER, the Denon and Advents are not mine (my room-mate requires surround sound in the living room). Sooner or later I'll be using my Rotel pre and Bryston 2B-LP amplifier.

I listen to a wide range of music (from hard rock and electronic to classic rock and easy listening). I'm primarily interested in accuracity, resolution, and impact. I want to hear the recording in all of it's flaw and glory, nothing more, nothing less.

So, what will it cost to make substantial gains over the Studio 20s (for stereo and to a much lesser degree HT)? I plan to continue using the PSW1 subwoofer for some time (I've never been unhappy with it). What would you recomend listening to?

I'd like to buy a pair of speakers for less than $1500 now. If they aren't good enough, I'd want to move them to the rears and spend upwards of $4-$5k when I have more money in the future. What can I get in those price ranges? Is the price range too low for my purposes?

I know that this is a lot to swallow, but I appreciate any advice.

Thanks,

Nick
ardemus
4 responses Add your response
ardemus OP
5 posts
 
Thanks,

I've heard about Coincidents. They're good looking speakers and I was very impressed with the company line (except for their extra special power cord, which sounds like snake oil to me). They're on my list to hear, particularly with the recomendation.

S7horton, thanks for the tip on the Revels! There was a dealer less then 110 miles from me (Everything else is more than 200). I went down there today. Although they sounded good I wasn't too impressed at first. They were running off of a pioneer elite dvd player using the Anthem pre's DACs. However, when they threw on a Cal Audio CD player I really started to get excited.

They definately trounce the Paradigms, which I thought had great highs, but a hollow, thin lower range. They extend low enough to do pretty well for music without a sub, and wow did they sing with the Cal Audio CD player.

Although I'd want to do alot more listening to be sure, I'm currently very impressed with the Revels.

I'm going down to LA for E3 in a few weeks, and I plan to check out some PMC loudspeakers while I'm there (since I'm a Bryston guy). My local dealer had me listen to some Vandersteens, which were pretty good with a particularly sharp sound stage.

Thanks for the advice, and I welcome any further suggestions.

Nick
s7horton
1,077 posts
 
You have tons of options at the 1500 dollar price point. The first speaker that comes to mind is the Revel M20 In the used department, you can find them in your range almost always with stands. Huge increase in performance over the Paradigm studio 20. The paradigm is a great speaker. So much, that I've owned it three times. (Long story). But, I've also owned the revels and they are leaps and bounds better. Personally I would stick with monitors because of the value. You will get much better resolution at that price point with a monitor than with floor standers.
kr4ef94
208 posts
 
Keep the Studio 20s for rear channels and get new fronts.
aboldor
49 posts
 
If I had to do this, I'd try a pair of Coincident Triumph Signatures. If you like how they sound you could add a pair of Eclipses later, plus you'd have the choice of going with tubes, should you feel like it.
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