what is the weakest link in my audio chain


Would like to get some advice on the next best upgrade to the following setups. Music playbacks are very important here.

paradigm studio 40 v2 for fronts
paradigm studio center v2
paradigm studio 20 v2 for rears
Hsu VTF3 MKII as sub
Arcam av8
Bryston 9bst
denon dvd-2910
outlaw interconnect
generic digital coax from denon to arcam
HomeDepot extension cord (10AWG) for speaker wires.
benqsun
I don't think I ever remember ANY Paradigm speaker I ever sold, EVER sounding bright, from my recollection. Infact, I think they're a little shy in the treble from what I remember.
And the Bryston should keep the sound mellow.
I like a little more extended amp with those speakers, really. But, experiences vary.
Personally, I think people here some setup somewhere, where they hear some tonal character, and they make assumptions! Can't tell you how many times over the years I've heard bad combo's of gear, only to have people make assumptions about one piece of equipment in the chain - as if the sound was coming from only that specific component!
Um, no, the paradigms were never bright. Infact, I dare anyone to find any reviews that describes a paradigm speaker as having a bright ANYTHING!
What do you mean? - I just posted excerpt from the "Audio Ideas Review" stating that speaker is slightly forward.

Problem with reviews is that every reviewed speaker sounds like the best in the world. Reviewers will never use words like "bright, edgy etc" but instead they hint speaker balance. In "Son Hi-Fi" review of studio 60 v2 it says:

"The overall reproduction of sound was particularly clear, which, under some circumstances, can become less pleasing, e.g., when listening to soprano voice, the high notes could sometimes seem slightly acute"

User in Paradigm Studio review posted on Audioasylum.com stated:

"They are not a forgiving speaker, but not overly bright."

That pretty much what aluminium dome tweeters do. Beryllium tweeters are way to expensive - as well as good soft dome tweeters. In addition dispersion angle of the Vifa tweeter is poor and sweet spot for listening is pretty narrow. Paradigm 60 v2 has in addition a slightly muddy midrange.

Paradigm is a very good deal for the money (since Canadian government is paying for the research) sounding better than speakers few times the cost but there is a difference between $1k, $5k and $25k speakers. Reviewers have certain expectations within given price range and if you find poor review of $25k speaker it doesn't mean that it is worse than Paradigm.

Paradagims $25 Vifa tweeter cannot and doesn't sound as clean as soft dome Morel Supreme 110 that costs 10x more (just replaced them). Sweet spot is much wider as well.
Gears only make up a fraction of the factors behind how the system can sound good. Your room system synergy and acoustic treatment (including speaker placement) is the other, and how much you know about music is the third.
I have listened to hi-end gears with total retail price in $150,0000 range; however, I can't say it sound bad, but doesn't sound what it is worth.

Many audiophiles also overlook the importance of AC polority. With correct AC polarity going into all your gears, it is surprised to see the improvement it gives. Work on the polority first, then speaker placement and finally consider change gears.
You might find reviews describing Paradigm v2 as neutral or crisp but you won't find single one calling them "warm sounding".

Good, because I don't want a warm sounding speaker, I want one that's neutral.
Benqsun: I don't see any weak links in your system. If your really want an upgrade to have a noticeable improvement look to your main speakers. But the Paradigms are nice speakers and if you like their sound you would be hardpressed to do better. I would spend more time defining precisely what it is that you find lacking before I started picking an item to upgrade. The items I would not even consider changing are the last three you listed. "Upgrading" those items is not upgrading.