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Finally found a space for the speakers I’ve been storing... and I don’t love them any more

As a younger person, I was excited to get a full surround setup anchored by Paradigm Reference Studio 20 v2’s. During that time I spotted a used pair of the well-regarded Paradigm Reference Studio 100 v2’s on Craigslist for a good price and I snapped them up. I got more power in order to drive those speakers, but soon realized that they were physically too large for my small space and pushing them up against the rear walls didn’t do them any favors. I sadly put them into storage and dreamed of the day that I would get a bigger place that would accommodate them. 

That day finally came and I recently moved into a new home where I have a 16x20x12’ room where I can place the speakers. I was excited to set them up, only to find that I’m disappointed by them.

Here’s what happened: at the same time as I was able to set up the Studio 100’s, I bought a pair of used Revel Performa3 M106’s to put in my small media room and I loved them! The clarity and imaging of the little bookshelf speakers were, to my ears, head and shoulders better than the Studio 100’s I had been saving for so long. And I like the M106’s so much that, when I listen to the Studio 100’s, I find my ears seeking out the details that the M106’s produce. Don’t get me wrong, the Studio 100’s are still nice and they obviously have more effortless and impactful bass, but they don’t produce that sense of transparency and detail that the Revels do, and which I’m finding that I’m really delighted by time after time.

The Studio 100 v2’s are driven by an Adcom GFA 7805 and the M106’s are powered by an Anthem MRX720 receiver. It’s not a fair comparison — the Revel bookshelfs are almost 15 years newer — but I do like them so much more than the Paradigm towers.

I’m sure some of you can relate to finally getting what you’ve always wanted, only to discover that your tastes have evolved. At this point, I’m probably going to part with the Studio 100’s I’ve long wished to enjoy and look for a pair of Revel F208’s (or maybe F228be’s, if I can swing it).

What would you do?
mhsu
clearthinker's avatar
clearthinker
1,582 posts
 
Don't buy Tekton.  That would just be compounding your error.

+1 Douglas      When comparing speakers always use the same partnering components, so you are only listening to the speaker differences.  That's fundamental.

Perhaps also listen to the Paradigm with a top-line big clean watts amp just to make really sure you don't like them.
audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,018 posts
 
Sell them Pronto and buy a pair of Tannoy Eatons...you will forever be happy. 
hendrixinc's avatar
hendrixinc
10 posts
 
I have the Paradigm Tributes and they sound wonderful with my Mc gear. I use all Mirage speakers in my theater and they sound  great also.
motown-l
185 posts
 
I had a pair of Paradigm Titan Monitor v.6 (the last of the line, built in Canada). I had them paired with 1990's Rotel separates and they were a bit too intense. When I upgraded to an Arcam integrated they smoothed out and sounded like different speakers. I upgraded to a pair of Revel Concerta2 m-16's and the Arcam was no lonegr cutting it. Too low-keyed and a bit under powered. I switched to a Cambridge Audio integrated and the Revels opened up and sounded more spacious. I am convinced that there has to synergy between speakers and the electronics driving them.
jnorris2005
185 posts
 
spenav, No I have not heard the Persona line myself.  My friend was suckered by their dynamics and bought a pair and hated them when he got them home.  As others have said, too intense.  He turned them back in for a pair of Wharfedale Elysians.  I have heard some of the other Paradigms and was less than impressed.
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