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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
hshifi
572 posts
 
Hello,
All of the speaker suggestions are good. I have had the privilege of demoing the Revel line in my home. The interesting fact is I found they are very forgiving to untreated rooms especially the BE line. I started with the bookshelf speakers M126be and was blown away how good they sound. I do have two REL subs to help with the bass. That being said even the 228be speakers disappeared in my room. My room is 24’ x 14’ and they did create a lot of bass with a good 100w amp. I agree with the remark above to try the 226be or the 6 1/2” driver version to still get a true three way speaker. If $7k is out of the budget go with the M126be at $4k with subs. The Revel stands are $500. Since you have the Revel 106s you might have the correct stands to mount the bookshelf speakers too. You get 90% of the sound of the 226be at $3k less. The store in the Chicagoland area that let me demo them in my house is https://holmaudio.com/
they let you try before I buy. They also take trade ins so you can offset some of the cost. 
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
mhsu, superb outcome shaping up for you! You were wise to reproach mixing up the gear in order to learn that every system is discrete, and that amps, cables - all of it influences outcome, and speakers are not as determinative to the outcome as one might think. 

I recommend trying all practical combinations of gear because of the potential for an unexpected outcome. One simply does not know precisely how the system will shape up, and the only way to know is to build it. Assuming to know can cause you to miss a great outcome. Remember, all systems, regardless of the speakers, can be elevated many times. There is no practical limit to performance improvements. 

Another recommendation; prior to making a big move with speakers, consider not only which of the two you will keep, but consider whether an entirely different genre of speaker may be more exciting as a next adventure. i.e. Horn, Horn Hybrid, Panel, Panel Hybrid, Dynamic Hybrid, Line Array, Omnidirectional, Full Range, etc. All of these present an entirely different experience that none of the others can copy entirely. If you wish, there are vast differences from the prototypical dynamic speakers. 

I am reviewing now a speaker that has characteristics that I have not encountered previously, imo a new genre of speaker. The exploration of a new experience can be perceptually different/better. 
mschott's avatar
mschott
132 posts
 
I own the Studio 100 v5 and am very happy with their performance with my Jolida tube separates. I can’t comment on the v2’s but the v5’s are what I’d call a very smooth speaker. They don’t go real deep but then again my room is not well treated. The mids are lovely with great presence. They also work well with music from classical to small jazz ensembles. 
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,974 posts
 
Clearly you need Tekton speakers and please call Dave at Raven audio. A lot of people will tell you something else, but these are your only options if you're not an idiot.

Oh wait-- I just came back to my body. Please disregard previous advice.

All I can really add to this thread is that I had Adcom gear and while it was decent, the improvement when I switched to Atoll and, in tube stuff, Quicksilver, showed me some limitations with my Adcom. There are a couple Adcom pieces from the old days (that Pass designed) but I don't think you mentioned those models. 
speakermaster
738 posts
 
Does not surprise me at all the paradigm studio 100 is a very flawed speaker in terms of transparency and micro detail.
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