Well I've been using the same speakers since 1992 (!!) and finally decided it was time to try something new. It's not that I don't still like my trusty Mirage M5si's. I do. But I'm ready for a change.
I found a place not far from me that carries 8 brands of speakers and were willing to demo everything.
I listened to the Revel F14, F32, Gallo Reference 3.1, Paradigm 60 and 100, and the Def Tech ST.
Here are my impressions.
The F14 brings quite a bit of bang for the buck to the table. Solid bass but not quite as tight as I prefer. Same for the lower midrange. Soundstaging was not great in my opinion as they sounded a little closed in.
The F32 sounded to me much tighter than the F14 but with slightly less bass and lower midrange warmth. Wider soundstage. A more clinical sound in my opinion.
The Paradigms seemed to split the difference between the Revels with a little more bass and bloom than the F32 but tighter and with a wider soundstage than the F14. I really liked both of these speakers and could easily live with either one.
In another room I got a good listen to the Def Tech ST. Very impressive midrange and bass. I'm not totally sold on the treble though as it was a touch forward, not as sweet perhaps as it should be but I could be wrong.
I also heard the Gallo Ref 3.1. Very smooth sound but seems to lack some high frequency air. Sometimes I felt like I had to clear my ears when listening to these.
I'm going to go back and set up the Gallo's, ST's, and Paradigm 100's for a final showdown although I think I'll be buying the ST's.
On the way out of the store I had a listen to the Paradigm Signature S1 v2's for kicks since they've received so much good press. They impressed the hell out of me and I bought a pair on the spot! This is from the guy who's had the same speakers for the last 16 years! I love the tonal balance on the S1 and the top end is just so sweet and extended. I may use them on my desktop or in the living room with a good sub. Not sure but I know I'll enjoy them. Maybe it was an impulse buy but I just wanted them!
Can anyone recommend a good $1500 integrated amp to drive the S1's?
Just thought I'd share my thoughts for whatever their worth. As you all know every room and person's taste is different and ALL of the speakers I mentioned above were really great. It's just that I'm only mentioning what I didn't like about them so it seems like I'm giving negative reviews. I'm not at all as they all really were fantastic. If I were 25 years old and not 43 I most likely would have walked out of the store with the F14's and would be blasing "Who Are You" right now.
- Mark
