Paradigm Monitor or Studio?

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.

Everyone on this thread seems to agree that Paradigm are excellent value so there is no need to look elsewhere. The studio line is certainly more revealing and also better in terms of overall sound spectrum. If you can afford it go for it, you certainly will not regret it. If by any chance you have the facility of home audition get both and compare them and listen to them with your own ears, if not give it a listen at the store you are buying from. take with you the music you like.

One thing I must add, I am not too sure of the speaker having rear ports put on the bookshelf (never tried them) therefore you may be better off with front ported type. But this is just based on my own understanding on how the rear ported ones behave. I have tried sealed design as well as front ported design on a bookshelf.

Good Luck

Given that you have a sub, the rear port may be less of an issue on the bookshelf. But as far as I know, Paradigm makes no bookshelf speakers with a front port. Are you sure about the Monitor 3s? (Maybe I'm just looking at an old catalogue, but I don't see a port in front.)

For a front port, you might try the PSB Image 2B or, if you can stretch your budget, the PSB Stratus Mini. Both are front-ported, and PSB tends to be a little more wall-friendly. PSB is generally as fine a manufacturer as Paradigm, so they're definitely worth a listen.

You didn't ask if the Paradigms are the best value. I believe you wanted to know between the two; which was better. There are oodles of speakers that are better than those babies. Redirect your post if you are interested in entertaining the idea of other speakers. Specify $$, as well. peace, warren

I was debating between the Monitor 5's and the Studio 40 v.2's. I was able to listen to both speakers with the same amp driving them. (I think this is important!) The 40's, without question sound better. I went with the 40's. If you have the money get the Studio's.