Paradigm Monitor or Studio?

I auditioned both the studio 20s and the 40s before I decided on the 40s. In my 2 chanel system the 40s sounded much fuller in soundstage. Don't get me wrong... the 20s were very nice as well, but the 40s fit the bill for me. I found the 40s sounded best at least one foot from the wall, and better at 2 feet, so you have a valid concern for bookshelf mounting (I used mine on stands). Bottom line, your sub will help the 20s and they would be fine, but if the budget allows it, the 40s would be a nice step up. Good luck!

I own the Studio 40 as well, I can tell you from my experience that any speaker if kept on the bookshelf will not sound right, the studio's come on their own if kept away from the wall say 2 feet (as already mentioned in the thread by Mijknarf) AND on a sturdy stand. The studio 40 in my case is a complete speaker as I do not use a subwoofer, the 20's would not be ideal in my case. The bookshelf is not really the answer to either the monitor or the studio, as a matter of fact for any speakers. You must understand it would be a compromise.

The other speaker that I own (and would never part with are the Chartwell LS3/5A's which are sealed design unlike the Studio, even they demand a stand and being kept away from the back wall to really sound right.

I have done the review of the Studio 40 and you can check it out on this site if you like. If you have any questions later, I would be happy to help you out.

Bookshelf speakers DO NOT belong on bookshelves. You'll kill them. Go figure. They belong on the best stands you can afford. If you've got the $$ go for killer stands. You will change your monitors on down the road, but you might not have to change your stands. That is, of course, if you remain with monitor speakers. Stands are a fundemental extension of your speaker. See my system if you want to dabble with the idea of amazing stands. peace, warren

The Studio 40 are defenitely very good (actually, the studio line is very good).

Thanks for the advice. It looks like I am going to lose sound putting the speakers in the bookshelf. If I have to do this, should I save $$ and get the Monitor 3s or 5s? Also, If I mostly listend to bands like Widespread Panic and Grateful Dead which let their fans record the live shows, should I be worried about the Paradigms revealing too much of the shabby recordings? I've heard "garbage in, garbage out" If I listen to mostly audiance recorded cds, should I look at another brand? Thanks for the help.