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Speakers to compare to Paradigm Studio 100 V.3

I am getting ready to build a stereo/surround system and I really like the sound of the Paradigm studio 100's. I would be getting the full set (5 speakers + 15" servo sub... the recommended system on the paradigm website). Are there some other brands i should consider at this same price point ($5500 - for the set of 5 and the sub)? The speakers will be used as 2 channel stereo the majority of the time, with surround being not as important. Power comes from a Denon 3803 for now until i can add an adcom or rotel 2 channel for the 100's.
jamesboutcher3c71
vaystrem
80 posts
 
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.
hammergjh
157 posts
 
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.
tombowlus
416 posts
 
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.
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