He actually said that he couldn't hear the 6k difference.
I would also vote for the Paradigms. I personally think they sound much better than the B&W's.
I also think that the reason all your "audiophile" reviewers and retailers friends don't own Paradigms is because they have a low snob factor. Of course any poser would rather have the B&W Nautilus...oooh ahhh. Or any other esoteric brand name you can throw out there.
"Have you ever heard the (esoteric brand y) speaker?"
"Why no, I haven't"
"Well you just don't know what you are missing"
"Actually I'd be missing another $5k out of my pocket"
In the end it's all personal preference.
My personal feelings is why buy a Rolex when a Casio will get the job done just as well for a fraction of the price.
But many people buy speakers for reasons other than JUST sound.
Just my opinion.
I heard MANY great speakers but I feel that the Paradigms offer an excellent soundstage, solid build, and excellent transparency for a great price.
Audition whatever you can and buy what sounds best for your budget.
I would also vote for the Paradigms. I personally think they sound much better than the B&W's.
I also think that the reason all your "audiophile" reviewers and retailers friends don't own Paradigms is because they have a low snob factor. Of course any poser would rather have the B&W Nautilus...oooh ahhh. Or any other esoteric brand name you can throw out there.
"Have you ever heard the (esoteric brand y) speaker?"
"Why no, I haven't"
"Well you just don't know what you are missing"
"Actually I'd be missing another $5k out of my pocket"
In the end it's all personal preference.
My personal feelings is why buy a Rolex when a Casio will get the job done just as well for a fraction of the price.
But many people buy speakers for reasons other than JUST sound.
Just my opinion.
I heard MANY great speakers but I feel that the Paradigms offer an excellent soundstage, solid build, and excellent transparency for a great price.
Audition whatever you can and buy what sounds best for your budget.