Thinking new speakers, but really torn.

[corysmith01]

Okay, just opinions. I know no one but me can make a final decision, but it's always nice to hear what others might do.

So, I'm in the process (probably in the next week or so) of getting a new L/C/R set up. (currently just L/R by the way). I'm selling my Ref 1's (I believe) and trying out something new. Just because. Love the Ref 1's, but love trying out new stuff even more.

So, these are my final 3 contenders after weeks of contemplation and listening:

• B&W 685/HTM62
• Ascend Sierra-1/Sierra-1 Center
• Paradigm Studio 20 v4 (3 across front)

Why these? Pretty simple, but that's why its hard to choose:

B&W's : I'm a previous owner of 601 s3's. Always liked them. They were my first "nice" pair of speakers. No complaints, just moved on, well, for the same reason as I am now...just to try something new.

Ascends: Word of mouth, reviews. These get such great reviews that they seem like a no brainer.

Paradigm's: Previous owner of Studio 20 v3's. Listened to the v4's. Won't try to compare the two b/c it would all be based on memory, not to mention different environments etc. But, what I heard, I liked very much and I was very pleased with my v3's, so why not.

Okay. Money. Theoretically, I could spend up to about $1500 for my front 3. But I don't want to. I will, but I don't want to. I'm very frugal. All of my speakers have been sub-$1000, either b/c that's their msrp, or b/c I picked them up used. I'm a HUGE fan of spending less. So, with that in mind, here are the prices:

B&W's: $1100 + $92.12 sales tax = $1192.12
Ascends: $1328 + $46 shipping = $1374.00
Paradigms: $1200 (neg. price) + $100.50 = 1300.50

So, in the value category, B&W takes it. And, to be honest, when I heard them, and saw them, they seem to be a pretty nice step up from the old 6 series that I was previously very happy with. But, at the same time, I wonder, with the price only being $200 difference, am I really missing out on some special speakers with the Paradigms/Ascends?

So, really, just thoughts here. Ultimately it's up to me. But I'd love to hear some others weigh in on what they might do.

 

[jcPanny]

New speakers

Your current Refs or in the same (or higher) price and performance range as the speakers you are considering. Not sure if your looking for an upgrade or just something different. To save money, consider getting a matching Ref 100 center for <$500 used. I have this setup with the new ELT525's for the surround channels.

Try to demo the B&W, Paradigms, or Ascends before you make a speaker investment with little or no change in performance. If you don't already have a good sub, that would be another worthwile upgrade.

 

[corysmith01]

Yeah, I guess I should have specified that this isn't an upgrade move...just a change. This isn't a case of the upgrade bug...maybe just the change bug.

Unfortunately, the Ref 100 is too large for my application. That's actually a minor reason for this change...so I can have an L/C/R set up.

I did hear both the Paradigms and the B&W's and was well impressed by both.

I do have a sub, but it currently sits useless. I'm in a tiny apt, so it gets used incredibly infrequently. It might as well be in its box waiting for my next place. It's a Velodyne SPL800II.

 

[enrique]

Hey cory i take i you're no longer thinking about moving form rotel rsx1056 to the marantz? I would think that would be a better move than what your thinking now.

 

[TLS Guy]

Yeah, I guess I should have specified that this isn't an upgrade move...just a change. This isn't a case of the upgrade bug...maybe just the change bug.

Unfortunately, the Ref 100 is too large for my application. That's actually a minor reason for this change...so I can have an L/C/R set up.

I did hear both the Paradigms and the B&W's and was well impressed by both.

I do have a sub, but it currently sits useless. I'm in a tiny apt, so it gets used incredibly infrequently. It might as well be in its box waiting for my next place. It's a Velodyne SPL800II.

Another case of restless speaker syndrome. When someone gets a really good set of speakers, they generally won't part with them!

 

[corysmith01]

Hey cory i take i you're no longer thinking about moving form rotel rsx1056 to the marantz? I would think that would be a better move than what your thinking now.

Oh, no, it's still a consideration...it's still on the radar. This just popped up because of the past two weekends, I checked out the B&W's and the Paradigms and thought to myself "hmmmmmm."

But, the SR8002 is s still a consideration...I just have to find the right deal, like a used one or a refurb at AC4L.