2. speakers
  3. 1295577729

1st time buyer: Paradigm vs Revel vs B&W vs ?

I am looking for a pair of speakers. I have a bonus room that is 20x15x10. I currently have an Onkyo HTIB The receiver is an Onkyo SR-607. The "CD player" is a PS3. roughly 50% TV, 20% Movies, 30% Music.

Most/all of you likely think my electronics are poor - i am planning to start with the speakers and then upgrade electronics later.

I have come to think i need a pair of floorstanding speakers (don't want stands) and have been reading about the revel F12, Paradigm studio 60 and 100s. I am hoping to buy used. I am hoping to spend 500-2K. Where do you think the best value lies between the various versions of paradigm 60s and 100s? Any other recommendation?
mdmarchand
chrisr's avatar
chrisr
543 posts
 
All fine speakers - Paradigm wear the "studio" name very well as they are very transparent, ruler flat and detailed.
I second PSB - full range speakers in a small package and they are very descent for the money. Another one to consider is Vandersteen 1c or 2ce, a bit ugly and big but good sounding.
telescope_trade
555 posts
 
You really need to check out the value leader speaker, (IMO)the Cerwin Vega XLS-215. I'll just state, outstanding
bang for the buck. Can be had @ $1200 with free shipping.
Don't let the name scare you! I just recently had and sold
a pair of B&W 802 Diamonds, and have owned hundreds of high end speakers from single driver to electrostats so I have
been around the block a few times. And they are very amp flexible, as they are at home with my Peachtree Decco, and my Emotiva XPA-2. 40 & 300 W/PC

For your price range, I hardly think you can do better for a "all around" speaker. Check em out on CV's website and read the reviews.
csmgolf
892 posts
 
If you are considering used Revel speakers, also consider the F-30 in your price range. I haven't heard the F-12's, but thought the F-30's bettered the similar vintage Paradigm Studio 100's (V2?). The other choices mentioned are worthy of consideration.
hifisoundguy
630 posts
 
Go listen to some new and improved BOSE 901 series 6 version 2's. I think they are among the best on the market "at any price" !..
mdmarchand OP
5 posts
 
thanks for the matrix rec - wife came down with a hard veto due to the exposed tweeter , however. buying those used would be appealing to me, oh well.

the salesman who disparaged the revels is a revel dealer and the only location within 100 miles i could hear them. he sells them, but does not carry them as he much prefers the b&w 683s.

my current plan is to try to listen to some psb's, vandersteens, and paradigms and get a sense of the general sonic differences. i will try to read about the cv's.

thanks for the input
More to discover