LTS-01 Vs Paradigm Studio (SBS-01 Owners Please Read :))

[BabelFish]

(I understand that this might be difficult to answer since not much is known about the LTS-01 and the MTS-01 but there is a lot known about SVS' reputation and the quality of their other products )

I have been trying to read up on the new systems that are coming out with SVS later on this year.

I am curious what everyone's thoughts were about buying the SVS setup instead of getting Paradigm Studio setup (f:60s; sl/sr:adp-590; c:cc-690 r:20s). (Its hard since they only sell online and I can't demo them).

For the current SBS-01 Owners: Are you finding that your current SBS-01 out performs other systems that can be purchased for the same price/size/etc?

Thanks again for everyones thoughts!

 

[j_garcia]

Well, I've heard them and the SBS-01s are definitely better than the Paradigm Titans in the same price range. I'd say they are better than most anything you'll find in big box stores for the price, but not better than 2X the price IMO. Compared to other internet direct companies, I'd say they are pretty evenly matched in terms of quality/performance. I also think they can take a lot more power than what I listened to them on.

 

[BabelFish]

Well, I've heard them and the SBS-01s are definitely better than the Paradigm Titans in the same price range.

Are the paradigm titans the "equivalent" to the SBS-01?

Would you think that the LTS-01 would be the "equivalent" to the Paradigm studio or the Paradigm Signature line?

 

[j_garcia]

Obviously can't comment on the forth coming speakers, but IMO, the SBS-01s are better than the Titans, and I've owned a few pairs of Titans. I'm sure their new speakers will be solid, but can't say if they will give the Studios a run for their money. Just for the record also, I do think the Studios are fine speakers, but I personally didn't like them for my own system.

 

[BabelFish]

but I personally didn't like them for my own system.

May I ask why?

 

[j_garcia]

They are very dynamic, but I find the highs a bit fatiguing for music listening for long periods. I have a great local dealer who lent me 40s for a week and a half in my system and while they were fine for movies, I wasn't entirely sold on them for music and music is more important to me. Bass is good, but I found on both the 20s and 40s, the midrange is just a bit "recessed", meaning the highs are more forward, which sort of makes the mids seem like they are less prominent, at least to my ears. This was the case with both the v2s and v3s (liked the v3s better), have not heard the v4s. I refer to it as a "dished" sound. I previously owned Monitor 5s, CC370, Minis, Titans and Atoms in various systems so I thought Studios would be my logical next step, so I was actually surprised myself when I had them and decided they weren't quite what I was looking for. It isn't a knock against them, just a personal preference. I like a smoother sounding speaker.

 

[angstadt530]

I'm actually in a similar situation. I'm really looking forward to the MTS-01 system. I've heard so many good things about the SBS-01, and I'm really excited to see what's next! (I check the SVS website almost daily, hoping they've released it!) I expect that the build quality and "bang-for-buck" will be excellent as usual, and I imagine that the LTS-01 will be ultimate bliss for movies and gaming. The good thing about SVS is that you can always return the speakers if they don't fit your expectations (even though you have to pay for shipping both ways).

In comparision to Paradigm, I can't say anything from personal experience, but I'm guessing that a Paradigm speaker system that will equal the LTS-01's performace will cost more (but it will probablly have a better WAF). Either way, it's still several months before the LTS-01 comes out, so there's no rush!

Another company to consider is Aperion Audio. I've been looking at getting a system from them (again, waiting to see what the MTS-01 is like) and their products have received excellent reviews across the audio community. Their customer service is incredible, they'll give you 30 days to audition the speakers, you get free shipping both ways (in other words, if you don't like them, send them back before the 30 days are up and you will have not paid a cent), they have a full-price trade in program up to one year after purchase if you decide to upgrade, PLUS you get a 10 year warranty! I, personally, have my eye on the Intimus 633 Cinema XD system (minus the sub--I'd probably get a SVS or Hsu instead).

 

[MDS]

I am torn between ordering Axioms for an in-home audition or waiting for the MTS-01/LTS-01. Per my emails to SVS, the MTS-01 has been delayed due to them spending more time on their new Ultra subwoofers but are expected 'shortly'. I was told that the LTS-01 will follow very soon after the MTS-01 (hopefully sooner than 'late 2007' as the website says currently).

I think the MTS-01 will be large bookshelves, not necessarily 'mid-tower' speakers. I guess it depends on your definition of mid-tower.

 

[angstadt530]

I think the MTS-01 will be large bookshelves, not necessarily 'mid-tower' speakers. I guess it depends on your definition of mid-tower.

...I was afraid of that. I'm personally not a big fan of the "large bookshelf" style seen on models like the Axiom M22 and Paradigm Studio 40. Hopefully, though, they will be more like the M50 and Studio 60.

 

[billy p]

Yep

I did heard that the new svs line of floors will likely try to cut into the axiom marketplace, as well as some others. I hope I'll be able to audition them in store after their release? I did hear the sbs-01 and they were quite good. One last thing I hope they will have some different colour choices, then what were offered in the sbs-01 line. The look of real wood veneer will be a big plus in my decision and planning of purchase.

 

[BabelFish]

One last thing I hope they will have some different colour choices, then what were offered in the sbs-01 line. The look of real wood veneer will be a big plus in my decision and planning of purchase.

Yeah, that would be really nice. The black is not quite as nice as wood. The one thing that turns me from the sbs-01 is how they look. I just don't think they look all that nice. But that is only my opinion and looks aren't everything.

 

[jcPanny]

Onix Rockets

AV123 has several floorstander speakers systems on sale that would be comparable to the paradigm studio series. They also look a lot better than anything from paradigm or SVS.

Check it out:
http://www.av123.com/specials.php

 

[angstadt530]

The one thing that turns me from the sbs-01 is how they look. I just don't think they look all that nice. But that is only my opinion and looks aren't everything.

I think it will be a lot like their subs: The lower-end models just have the basic black finish, and as you go up in price/preformance, so do the number of finish options. Myself, I'm a huge fan of piano gloss black. I have hardwood floors and off-white walls where my speakers are, and the piano gloss black would look beautiful there! But I agree, I'd rather have sweet sound from a plain loooking speaker than a beautiful speaker that isn't as good.

 

[BabelFish]

My only other concern about buying a 7.1 speaker set from SVS is that this is their first time making anything other than Subs (if I am incorrect on this please accept my apologies).. While Paradigm is on their v4 of their studio line...

Paradigm has had longer to get all the kinks out and perfect their product line.

the '-01' just scares me.. I don't want to buy something and then find out later that they found complications with their setup...

It would be like buying Vista when it first came out (or even now! )

 

[BabelFish]

AV123 has several floorstander speakers systems on sale that would be comparable to the paradigm studio series. They also look a lot better than anything from paradigm or SVS.

Check it out:
http://www.av123.com/specials.php

Wow.. those do look nice!

 

[billy p]

AV123 has several floorstander speakers systems on sale that would be comparable to the paradigm studio series. They also look a lot better than anything from paradigm or SVS.

I think the digm's studio or signiture series don't hold a back seat to anyone looks wise! I myself don't like rose or a cherry finish. Lighter or natural tones look more appealing to me. Sound wise though their owners have nothing but praise for either. http://signature.paradigm.com/HTML_Site/SigProduct/S8/S8.html enjoy!!

 

[j_garcia]

IMO, the Rockets sound very much like, look better than, and cost less than the Studios. Period. The Studios and Signatures are two different things and don't look anything alike, and to be honest, the Sigs look like the Rockets...

 

[billy p]

Well

JG your right maybe I should have attached a link to the studio series. The only point I was making is people have choices and tastes. Panny has his, you have yours and they both differ from mine. That said, the problem which has occured lately and the point AH (ADINISTRATION) was trying to make, is stick to the point of the topic and av123 wasn't part of it.
With that said, to each his own and that's why we have chocolate and vanilla.

 

[MDS]

re: Finish Options

I was told there will be multiple finishes available although it's too soon to say which ones as they may phase out some of the slower selling finishes. I specifically inquired about Rosenut and was told that should be an option.

 

[j_garcia]

The reason why the SBS-01s come in only those flavors is cost IMO. They want to keep the cost down and those vinyls are cost effective and sturdy. The cabinets feel very solid.