bookshelf speaker choice

I have planned an Audition for the Usher Audio X-719, the Paradigm Studio 40's, and the Vienna Acoustics Haydn Grand. What's your choice?

Jdfelice I don't think you have a bad choice either way.

Don't forget your stands will cost you $200 to $500.

My two cents...hold out longer for a used pair Usher BE-718.

Enjoy the process and have some fun.
Pierre

I think that you should listen before making a decision . In my experience , the VS , Usher and Paradigm all have a different sound !

I have auditioned the Usher standmount , 520 I believe , and the next in line floorstander , maybe 6311 . Both of these were quite glaring and in your face . Not bright or forward just kind of wow here we are ! I'm not saying that they were bad so no flames please ! Just the polar opposite of VS .

On the same equipment and room , I auditioned the VS VR2 and 4jr. More subdued and laid back .

I have also auditioned several of the Paradigm standmounts , at a different shop , and found them to be sort of in the middle between the Usher's and the VS's .

Good luck .

Hi,

I don't mean to grab hold of the thread but I have a similar requirement. I have similar need for a bookshelf speaker as the original poster, but perhaps even more limited space requirements. Mine will need to fit into our entertainment center shelf, which is only about 13 inches high.

I have Paradigm floor speakers now, and had hoped to move to a used pair of Paradigm Studio Reference 20s, but they are a couple inches too tall (doh).

Any one have suggestions for smaller bookshelf speakers that fit into the same sort of budget mentioned above?

Thanks,
Tim

On the original subject, I listened to a three speakers on Thursday of this week. I ended up buying some Usher Audio X-719's. They are nice. I also listened to the NHT's (didn't compare at all), and some Focal 807V's (they are nice, but it was an easy decision for me). Thanks for everyone's input, but I couldn't possibly listen to every speaker mentioned, although I'd like to, it would probably just make the decision too difficult. I listened to the ones I could get quickly and inside my price range. Unfortunately TSrich, these are large speakers, they will not fit where you want them to.