Revel or Aerial

Zd542,

The M51 is not on it's way, I had the opportunity to cancel the purchase. I plan on comparing the F208s to Studio 2s within the next several days. I like opinions, no matter how diverse they me be. I'm trying to hear opinions no possible was forward based on my current equipment and the fact that I want to limit how much I pay. With the sell of my current speakers the Studio 2s would cost me an additional $5300. The question is what yields the most cost effective results. It's impossible to hear every available option.

Ricred1 .... I "reluctantly" would like to make a suggestion. I am usually reluctant to make equipment recommendations, especially speakers, because opinions about what is good, bad or so-so are very subjective.

But here goes. If you are close to a dealer who sells Paradigm Signature 6 or 8 speakers, I suggest you stop by for a listen. If you like the S6 or S8 speakers, you should know there's a member selling a pair of piano black S8 (v3) speakers for a song - asking $5K. I've never seen the most recent version of S8s offered for such a low price. Even if you change your mind, the price is so low, you could flip them for little cost, maybe even make a buck or two.

I'm sure I'll regret sticking my neck out, but good luck with whatever you do.

Bruce

Bruce,

I respect your opinion and as a matter of fact reached out to a Paradigm dealer in TX but he didn't have the S8s to listen to. I was told that the S8s are more forward than Revel and that troubles me!

Rick

Thanks Rick ... just curious, did the dealer carry both the Revels and the Paradigm S8s? I just checked the Paradigm website for dealers in a few cities in Texas. Seems like there's dealer in pretty much every major city, which is no surprise.

Here's a little exercise. Check a couple of dealers in Texas who carry both the Paradigm S8 and the Revel Studio 2. Be preapred to make some calls. Tell the dealer you are strongly considering both models, which is the truth. Ask the dealer if he has both models set up for audition. If the dealer carries both models, ask for his opinion.

Sorry to be cynical, but I surmise that most dealers will push what they carry, and if they carry both models, then whatever they have on hand. If they have both models on hand, you might get a fair opinion, but even then if the dealer thinks you're choking on the price, he might push you into the less expensibe speaker and then assuage your doubts by telling you that the less expensive speaker is 95% as good as the more expensive speaker.

One of the members suggested that your best bet it to personally audition both speakers if at all possible. I agree with the advice.

Here's my biased (pun) take on the S8 versus Studio 2. Based on what I've read about the Studio 2 and its big brother, the Salon 2, I think the Revels will do a better job hitting the lowest octaves as compared to the S8s. A couple of reviews said the Studios can do bass into the 20+ Hz region. I think the S8s will start to pucker out south of the 30 Hz range. I use a sub, which rounds out the bass just fine, with the cut-off frequency set to 35-40 Hz.

Please report back. I'm really curious how the dealers come back to you. :)

Cheers,

Bruce

Most dealers will have no problem with you bringing your speakers into the store. If you can do that it will make your search much easier.