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Paradigm 100 vs BW CM9 vs Aperion Verus vs KEFQ900

I am building a dedicated HT in basement (12 x 16). The more research I do, the more confused I get. I need some advice here. Movie/TV/Music % will be 60/20/20 approx. I have short listed Hsu VTF-15H Subwoofer ($ 1000). I am still on fence with the front three. I have shortlisted these.

Paradigm Studio 100 and CC690 - $4600
B&W CM9GB and BW CMC2 - $4250
Aperion Grand Verus trio - $2800
KEF Q900 and Q600c - Priced very similar to aperions

I have auditioned Paradigms and B&W but not at the same place/time. I liked them both. I have never heard Aperions but they have received glowing reviews. KEF dealer is atleast 200 miles away from where I live. Paradigms 100 on the other hand, despite mixed reviews, have a large and loyal following. I am ready to spend more if its worth it.

Thoughts?? Recommendations?? Especially from people who actually listened to these in a HT setup.
nonstopdoc1
oldcar63
145 posts
 
I have listened to paradigm and kefs at same dealer and the b&ws at a different dealer. I found the kefs to be the better sound of those three. I have never heard the aperion line. I found the kefs to be the most dynamic with wide open stage good detail with out being analytical. The paradigms had good specific imaging but a bit cold in midrange and less extension in bass. The b&ws sounded a bit veiled somewhat dry and highs not so natural. Maybe this can help some. Good luck
james63
534 posts
 
I have heard the paradigm and b&w cm9 (owned the 703) in casual demos and liked the paradigms better. They had more bass punch and felt more open (less contested and restrained). The highs were a hair harsh but the B&Ws were nothing to write home about either. You can do better than B&W lower end line for the same money.

You could try thiel and PSB off of Crutchfield. They have a 30 return policy. Read the fine print, not sure if it is for large speakers.

I would add Ushers to your list too.
jedinite24's avatar
jedinite24
1,503 posts
 
Hi Oldcar63

When you were at your dealer and noted your findings what amplification did they use on the KEF Q900s? I keep thinking the Q900s need some quality power to really get the most out of them.
vicdamone
850 posts
 
To be honest, at the time I didn't know what a speaker was supposed to do so when I compared my Paradigm 100's v1 and v2 in the store they seemed to put out more of everything.

In hindsight the more of everything was actually horrible cohesiveness. As soon as I replaced them their shortcomings became very apparent. This may sound snobbish but it's actually a plea to suggest saving up for some quality used speakers. There aren't many budget speakers that sound right because it simply takes higher quality parts to do the job.

Ask around about PSB Synchrony's. I've only heard them once in a bad environment.
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