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Still pondering Paradigms

The selection of speakers to audition is limited in my area. However, with a budget of $1,600.00, I can't afford the majority of the really good higher-end speakers out there. There is a Paradigm dealer here, and I must say, that I was impressed with the Studio 40's. At least I think I was!!

My dilemma is that I need to replace my ML Sequel II's (wife says there too big) and I've been very happy with their sound. I don't want to give up too much of what the ML's offer - clear, transparent upper and mid-range frequency. At the same time, I would like to find something with some good tight lower end. All this must be accomplished with $1,600.00 and fit into a very small room (12 x 14).

I thought I actually heard some darn good low end coming from the Paradigm Studio 40's (surprising for a bookshelf). And, they were very quick and didn't appear to sound harsh in the uppers. Can this be?

Would this speaker actually be a reasonable replacement for the Sequel II's?? Keep in mind; I wouldn't be getting rid of the Sequels if my wife weren’t making me shrink my sound room (for a kids room).

Okay, here's the bottom line: Is Paradigm the real deal? Are the 40's as good as what I've been reading? Can I find something better for the money? Are there any happy and satisfied Paradigm Studio 40 owners out there? Any persons out there familiar with the ML Sequel II’s and the performance of the Paradigms??

Note: My buddy, who's a B&W dealer, (I can't afford the 704's) says the Paradigms pretty much suck in comparison to the ML Sequel II's (I bought the ML's from him). But, that's not what my ears are telling me.
2chnlben
sdcampbell
2,136 posts
 
For $1600, it's going to be tough to find any speaker that will compete with the ML Sequel II, and this will be particularly true if you are going to replace them with a "bookshelf" sized speaker. In your price range, I would normally recommend the Vandersteen 2Ce Signature, but your listening room is a tad small, particularly since the Vandy 2Ce needs some room between itself and the rear wall to "breath". However, if you can borrow a pair, I think you should audition them before buying something else.

In your general price range, the other choice would be the Magneplanar 1.6's, but they will have the same drawback in a small room as the ML Sequel's.
ed_sawyer
588 posts
 
ML Aerius i's, with a small sub should work in that budget and room.

Studio 40s are nice (I had some 20s for a while) but totally
different speaker.

Generally yes, the ML's are better sounding, indeed.
-Ed
mijknarf
266 posts
 
I owned the Studio 40s for a year, nice speakers, I bought them used for $750. I moved to a pair of B&W N805, which I felt were superior to the 40s in every way (double the cost). I then moved on to a pair of Totem Forest, nice, but not necessarily much better. My last move has been with a pair of GMA Europas, by far the best speaker in my progression. Imaging, bass, soundstage, neutrality all better. Used with nice stands, you are around $8-$900. They work for me, please audition them (I did in my living room vs. the Forests), they may work for you. I have no experience with the MLs. Good luck.
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