2000 or less : best choices for mains?


Question 1:
I have Paradigm Studio 40's V2 run by an Onkyo 575x. I was thinking about spending $2000 on new main speakers. What speaker(s) are the best for around that price range? I've heard the Paradigm Studio 100's are up there. Any others? I'll go used if i have to.

Question 2:
I am thinking about buying the Paradigm Servo-15 sub or the Velodyne HGS-18. Any thoughts? Any others to consider? We mostly watch movies/tv but i also listen to all types of music and like excellent bass. We had a Sunfire MKII for a while, nice sub, but i'd like more. Thanks!
weedo
If you intend to do any music listening, I would stay away from the Paradigm Servo 15. It has tons of bass and is tight, but it's not that musical. It's tough for a 15" to be real musical. I would give the 60's a listen before you settle for the 100's. The 60's will image better and may be a little more accurate in the lower midrange because of the decreased woofer. Especially if you are adding a sub, you shouldn't need the 100's, unless you like their size.
If you have the slightest DIY in you look at a Northcreek Kit. The Rhythm speaker is nice. Or go to Madisound Speaker Building forum and do one of the kits you run into there. From Tim Murphy or one of the better builders at Mad. They will blow away Paradigms, IMHO.

Cheers,
Hi Weed,

I had a Sunfire True Sub and upgraded to the HGS-15. It was a great move. I use it with a Gallo Nucleus setup and find it a great sub on both movies and music. If your mains go down to a respectible level (30Hz) than you won't need too much help from the sub for most music. I have my crossover set at 40Hz and the HGS blends with the mains quite well. I guess if you were using the sub for more of a sub-sat configuration then your results might be different.

Good Luck

John
I'm a great partisan of Paradigm, but I have to agree that the North Creek Rhythm will blow it away. HOWEVER, you'll have to add a sub if you want full range response because the North Creek, while it offers wonderful mids and highs, will chop off the bottom octave or octave and a half of the music.

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