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Paradigm studio 20 vs 60? Help please

So, Im currently somewhat locked into paradigm because of my trade up issues at my local audio store, but that's okay because I do like the sound I'm getting out of the v.5 studio series. My initial plan was to upgrade until I got to studio 60's, and then call it good for awhile, and now that I have the chance to do so (for $650), I'm starting to question if I actually want to go through with it. My concern is that I really like my studio 20's and wonder if stepping down from a 6.5 inch driver to a 5.5 inch driver with two extra 5.5 inch "midbass drivers" (crossed over at 500 hz) is going to add much to my listening experience. I've always liked monitor sized speakers, and now that I'm researching it I'm finding out that more drivers isn't always better because of conflicting dispersion from numerous drivers, more reflection off walls, etc. I'm new to this hobby, and know there are some really knowledable folks here to help steer me in the right direction, so thank you to all who respond, and please, this is only between the studio 20 and studio 60, both v.5. I know there are probably better speakers in this same price range but I'm currently somewhat locked into these speakers. Thanks again!
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sthomas12321
408 posts
 
Everyone hears speakers differently. Personally, I would rather have the 20's with 2qty small subs(dual) then the 60's or 100's for the money. I would also consider a all 20 V5 home theater down the road. Put the center and rears on the wall, and the mains on proper height stands. Just a thought.

I think the V5 are the best models, but the 20 V2 can be had for $300 pair($350 real wood). In terms of "value" that is a great buy for small stereo room, or Home Theater setups..
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b_limo OP
2,283 posts
 
So much for sitting tight for awhile, I picked up the studio 60's lastnight. Once I get them broken in and do some listening I'll give my oppinion about them but my initial impressions are that they may be weaker than the 20's in the mids but have more bottom end and they sure are nice looking.
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b_limo OP
2,283 posts
 
Okay, so after listening to the 60's for awhile, they throw a little wider soundstage and definately a taller soundstage. When running them full range they don't play as quite as loud as the 20's but they have gobs more low end. For quite listening, I run them full range, no sub, and when I want to rock the house I cross them over at 80hz and run my sub. Overall, they work slightly better for me. I paid $500 for the "upgrade" from the 20's to the 60's. I justify the cost (because it helps me sleep better) because stands would cost $200, I would have hadto spend $125 on the 20's for longer speaker cable, and the 60's have $400 higher resale value than the 20's (I figure $800 for the 20's, $1300 for the 60's, just guessing here), oh and the 60's look really nice; really nice! So would I do it again? Probably, because now I have 60's and no money, if I did it the other way, I would have a bigger belly from eating out with my girl. 6 and 1/2 dozen, the other really. All in all, I'm happy, she's happy (not about the speakers, but because she got to go to the nutcracker) and all is well!
playpen
161 posts
 
I bought the 60V5's when they first came out.They need about 80 hours breakin.I've been quite happy with them.I made my own stands to get the tweeters at ear level.Yes they do look great don't they?And the low end bass detail is nice.After about a 100 hours they should sound better.I think you will be happy with them as I.
b_limo's avatar
b_limo OP
2,283 posts
 
So I thought that I'd report back now that I lived with the 60's for awhile. I likes the 60's because they threw a wider and taller soundstage and had more bass. The more bass was nulified because they still need a sub so that was a wash. The slightly taller and wider soundstage wasn't enough for me because the mids weren't as strong as the 20's. Like everyone was saying, the 60's do totally fall apart at higher volumes, which I couldn't deal with any longer, so I traded my 60's back for some 20's and a cc490. I got the piano black 20's, which is my favorite finish for these speakers and a cc490. I have no amp yet for my cc490 so I guess I will just have to buy another classe ca-150 and when not using it for center channel duties, run my amps bridged to my 20's; oh darn! So anyways, you live and you learn. Final analysis for me, the 20's do it for me simply because the 7" vs the 5 1/2" mid. Whoever thought an 1 1/2" would make such a difference in overall performance!?! ;-)
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