Paradigm monitor 5 or 7

My vote's for the 7's. I listened to both, chose the 7's and still love em 15 months later. Since the arrival Friday of my Studio 60's, they're now my surrounds.....

I'll second John's recommendations for the Ascend 340SEs. I can point to a number of places where after comparing speakers in listening tests, people much preferred the Ascends over the Paradigms (170s over Studio 20s and 340s over Studio 40s) -- let me know and I'll dig up the link to the threads for you.

I'd listen to John - he knows his $#!%. Taste is always part of the equation, but I think he could tell a lot about speakers and knows what to use and what to listen for. He was just at my place yesterday listening to the 340SEs too, comparing them with his own speakers.

The Ascend 340SEs are about $550 a pair, plus $100 for the matching stands. You literally will have to go 2x that or more MSRP to get anything that near matches its performance. At least if you are looking for flat, accurate, musical and tight.


Heck, here are reviews of the old 170s (about $330 a pair), before the upgrade recent to the SEAS tweeters with the "SE" versions:
http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/ascendacoustics_cbm170.htm
http://www.goodsound.com/equipment/ascend_cbm170.htm

cyberbri said:

I'd listen to John - he knows his $#!%. Taste is always part of the equation, but I think he could tell a lot about speakers and knows what to use and what to listen for. He was just at my place yesterday listening to the 340SEs too, comparing them with his own speakers.

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I hope John posts some thoughts somewhere.

No one asked, but here goes anyway...

Comparisons done by other people involving Ascend and/or Paradigm Studio 20s/40s:

Probably the best, this one is very exhaustive and covers Ascend, Paradigm Studios, and more:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=647862

Someone's experience in quest for speakers, comparing Ascend 340s, Studio 40s, and some Boston Acoustic speakers:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=591331
(you have to keep reading the thread to see the progress)

Ascend and Aperion in-home comparison:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=596837

Someone obviously impressed with his Ascends:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=642859

Yes, I'm in the process of writing up a review. Thanks for the seat time with the Ascends Brian!! I can reiterate the recommendation for the 340s

Great John!

Since you and I seem to have heard some of the same speakers, and although we differ on some perceptions, it gives a much better frame of reference.

Looking forward to it! What is taking you so long?

eirepaul said:

You are an upgrade or two ahead of me with your fronts and rears. Otherwise our systems are pretty similar. I'm leaning towards the 7s, unless the auditions convince me otherwise. They are the perfect height and width for my locations. If the 5s sound about the same, I'm buying the 7s.

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Thanks, I'm real pleased with my setup Music or Movies Rock, which is a good thing as the Wife would freak if I upgraded again