Speakers to compare to Paradigm Studio 100 V.3

I agree with the idea of Vandersteen 3a Sigs. I have the Vandy's at home, but have spent a substantial amount of time listening to the Paradigms at the store while auditioning CD players recently. I'm not going to beat around the bush: the Vandys are clearly better.

Quad 21L or 22L both will easily better the Paradigm in imaging, clarity, neutrality, detail, and has one of the sexiest midranges around. Both dig deep, the 22L deeper.

I'll second what Timo suggested. The PSB's sound phenomenal. I didn't buy these only because of the low WAF regarding their looks. Big, black boxes. They sounded better than the CDM9's I ended up with for the same money. The Paradigm's are nice too. I liked the B&W's a little better. I haven't heard any of the others mentioned. Spend far more for the fronts than for the rest. These guys' ideas are right on regarding that.

The PSB's are a natural comparison to the Paradigms, and if you must buy new, both are excellent brands for the money. I have helped several friends put together systems using both Paradigm and PSB, and they are all quite happy. The Studio 100 v.3's are a standout speaker at their price, IMHO. However, if you might consider going used, I myself would prefer a Thiel system. Much better imaging, soundstage, etc., but still dynamic and full-range. If it were me, I'd budget $1,000 (maybe more) for a decent sub, pick up a pair of used CS3.6's or maybe 2.3's for the L/R, and that should leave enough for three SCS2's or maybe even SCS3's for center and surrounds. Presuming that you have amps able to drive them, I would suspect that a Thiel system like I have outlined would be a noticable improvement over Paradigm or PSB. B&K and Martin Logan are also very good suggestions, but of course it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Tom.