Paradigm Studio 20 sound alikes?

[STRONGBADF1]

Hi All,

From what I've auditioned in stores I like the sound of the Paradigm Studio 20's. I really like the detail in the midrange. What internet brands sound "the most like" the 20's through out the mids and highs. I pretty much always use a sub so not to worried about bass extension.

I want to save some money if I can.

opinions please...

Thanks,
SBF1

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I heard someone say that the energys sounded like the Digms but in my opinion, if you like the 20's get them or you will always wish you did.

 

[j_garcia]

Then I think you would also like the Ascend CMT-340SE and 170SE; a tiny bit less dynamic, but they actually sound more accurate or even handed to my ears at about half the price.

I personally found the Onix Rockets to sound a lot like the Studios as well.

I'd listen to Montor Audio also, though not an ID company.

 

[ougrad1]

I'm building a house and have been researching this stuff for months now since I'm going to buy the whole shabang...tv, receiver, all speakers. I was also dead set on the studio 20s for a while after listening to them and PSB, KEFs, but then I went to listen to the B&W 635s and I think their soundstage is just as good if not slightly better...to me. Plus, I can get a pair for $540 instead of $900 for the Studio 20s.

I'm thinking of the B&W 635, it's matching center, SVS PD10 nsd, Paradigm ADP and either the onkyo 805, 875, or Denon 2808, 3808.

 

[Bisonman]

I'm building a house and have been researching this stuff for months now since I'm going to buy the whole shabang...tv, receiver, all speakers. I was also dead set on the studio 20s for a while after listening to them and PSB, KEFs, but then I went to listen to the B&W 635s and I think their soundstage is just as good if not slightly better...to me. Plus, I can get a pair for $540 instead of $900 for the Studio 20s.

I'm thinking of the B&W 635, it's matching center, SVS PD10 nsd, Paradigm ADP and either the onkyo 805, 875, or Denon 2808, 3808.

I also was set on Studio 20's for my HT setup, but then I listened to a set of NHT Classic 3 with it's center speaker. I thought that they were even better with a nicer finish. Just my 2 cents.

 

[STRONGBADF1]

Then I think you would also like the Ascend CMT-340SE and 170SE; a tiny bit less dynamic, but they actually sound more accurate or even handed to my ears at about half the price.

I personally found the Onix Rockets to sound a lot like the Studios as well.

I'd listen to Montor Audio also, though not an ID company.

I will probably order a pair of the 340SE's but I'd like to also get another pair of speakers to compair them to. The Sierras look nice and cost the same as the 20's but I'll be running them with my Yamaha rx-v2500 in a 13.5' x 20' x 8' room and i worry about the In-Room Sensitivity of 87dB @ 1 watt / 1 meter when I like to melt the paint off the walls sometimes.

My Ohm model C's from the Thrift store for $8.00 don't cut it any more. The finnish is bad and thier sensitivity is 87 also...although I'm not sure how it's rated.

Anyway I'd like to stay under $2000 for five speakers and why pay more if I don't have to. I'm an audioholic but not an audiophile...

SBF1

 

[KeLLoGsX]

I also was set on Studio 20's for my HT setup, but then I listened to a set of NHT Classic 3 with it's center speaker. I thought that they were even better with a nicer finish. Just my 2 cents.

That's what I'm going for NHT classic 3 as fronts and the NHT centerpiece, along with some Usher S-520 as surrounds. What you think of that setup?
//KeLLoGsX

 

[j_garcia]

87dB does have an effect, but it just means you need to crank it up a bit more What I found with a less sensitive speaker is they often sound better when pushed harder... It isn't as bad as one would think. I heard the SVS SBS-01s which are only 85dB and they did fine with a Sony ES receiver.

I really liked the NHTs also. When I bought my speakers it was between Studio40s, NHT Evolution M6s and what I ended up buying:

 

[speakerman39]

I used to own a set of the Studio 20 v.3's and loved them. Lots of bang for the buck. Many swear the Ascend 170's sound as good if not better. Likewise, many have also claimed the Axiom 22Ti's sound as good minus the lower extension capability of the 20's. Have not gotten a chance to listen to the all new V.4 Studio 20's BUT there seems to be a big improvement in the tweeter. I have heard both some of the Rocket speakers as well as Axiom speakers. Personally, I favored the sound of the Axioms. I am still trying to get an audtion of the Ascend 170's/340's myself as we speak. Hope this helps and good luck with your choice.

 

[bmac]

I'm using six Studio 20 v.4s, and I love the range. I don't think you would be wrong. The range is great, and the bass is good even without the sub running. I was most impressed with the detail. The sound is clean and crisp.

I have nothing bad to say about any of the other choices, but I really am glad I picked them.

 

[Nick250]

I have had the Studio 20s v2 for six years and I do get the upgrade urge once in a while and audition some others, but the fit between me and the 20s seems like a long term relationship. I have not heard any of the ID speakers, but if I were to check out that route, based on everything I have read, the Ascends would be near the top of the list.

Nick

 

[jcPanny]

Onix rockets

Check out the Onix rocket line, many people compare them to the paradim studio series.
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=2.1

The RS-250s show up regularly on the b-stock and clasified pages in the $4-500 price range. Another good option might be used Studio 20's off of audiogon.com

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I loved the Rockets but the wife said no because of the color (which I thought was beautiful)

 

[STRONGBADF1]

Anyone else care to chime in on what speakers have a sound signature like the Studio 20's?

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Nick said it the best.

Studio 20's sound like studio 20s.

 

[STRONGBADF1]

Nick said it the best.

Studio 20's sound like studio 20s.

I know I know but they're not perfect and I am just curious and want to audition some more speakers. This just points me in the direction I think I'd like to go...

SBF1

 

[mazersteven]

I read through this thread, and there are a lot of good suggestions already.

My recommendation would be the Usher S-520's for $400 a pair. When I auditioned the Ushers, the first thing I noticed when taking them out of the box was how nice the finish is on them. The high gloss finish is eye candy.

The Ushers sound is incredible for such a small speaker. Clean crisp highs, Not to bright or fatiguing to the ear. And full detailed mids. For a small speaker they put out a big sounds. You will need a sub with these.

I highly recommend them.

 

[Tex-amp]

The Sierras look nice and cost the same as the 20's but I'll be running them with my Yamaha rx-v2500 in a 13.5' x 20' x 8' room and i worry about the In-Room Sensitivity of 87dB @ 1 watt / 1 meter when I like to melt the paint off the walls sometimes.

Audioholics measured that Yammy as having 135 actual watts. You not going to have any problem driving the Sierras with that.

 

[biffbyun]

I think the MAckie HR824 monitors sound very similar at least to the v.3's I had.

 

[mazersteven]

I think the MAckie HR824 monitors sound very similar at least to the v.3's I had.

IMO the Paradigm Studio's are not even close to the Mackies. And I have auditioned them side by side. Again this is just MY opinion.