Paradigm 20's vs B&W CM5's vs KEF IQ3's

[Npeart]

Greeting all. . .

This past Saturday I demo'd the Paradigm 20's and B&W CM5's. I was really impressed with both, although I did think the B&W was superior, but not by much.

The asking price for the 20's is $1,200 and $1,500 for the CM5's. One Call has the IQ30's listed at $600. Everything I read about the IQ30's is favorable, but I haven't heard them yet. I'm just wondering if the Paradigms or B&W's are worth double the price? Are they twice as good a speaker as KEF?

I love the CM5's, but $1,500 for the pair vs. $600 for the KEF's? Can the B&W really be $900 better? $450 per speaker better?

I live in a one-bedroom apartment with an open floor plan and I have a $3,500 budget to spend for speakers, BD, CD, receiver and sub. I guess I'd marry the 3's with 1's if I went KEF. That's $1050 for mains and surrounds. I'm kinda liking that considering I'll still need to sub and a center. I also really like the look of the KEF's.

I don't want to start a debate here. I realize I need to hear the KEF's before making a decision. I'm just wondering what you experienced speaker people think of these particular models and their price points. I planned on negotiating for 15% off either the Paradigms or B&W's, but the KEF's are alluring at that price.

Advice? Thoughts?

 

[mike c]

you should really listen to the KEF's. if they sound fine to you ... and you don't miss anything from the other two brands, then you can use the saved money on other parts of your system.

from the sound of your setup ... it would seem like you're more on the home theater / movie experience rather than the audiophile music experience.

the KEF's don't have much bass though, so a subwoofer is a requisite.

 

[Npeart]

you should really listen to the KEF's. if they sound fine to you ... and you don't miss anything from the other two brands, then you can use the saved money on other parts of your system.

from the sound of your setup ... it would seem like you're more on the home theater / movie experience rather than the audiophile music experience.

the KEF's don't have much bass though, so a subwoofer is a requisite.

Hi, Mike.

Thanks for your quick reply. Actually, audiophile and HT are equally important as I devise the system, as the system will be used for both. I plan on listening to the KEF's for certain. I guess I'm looking for someone to tell me what would make Paradigm and B&W worth $400-450 more per speaker?

Any other advice on putting together a 5.1 system in a small apartment would be greatly appreciated, i.e., manufacturers, specific models, etc. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed.

 

[mike c]

General Maximus,

although i have the Studio 100 and KEF Q1 ... i have tin ears ... unless i listen to them in succession i cannot tell what one has over the other. (both crossedover at 80-100hz)

knowing that, i still bought the studio 100 because of the "what if" buyer's remorse we normally get when we don't buy the more expensive choice.

 

[Npeart]

General Maximus,

although i have the Studio 100 and KEF Q1 ... i have tin ears ... unless i listen to them in succession i cannot tell what one has over the other. (both crossedover at 80-100hz)

knowing that, i still bought the studio 100 because of the "what if" buyer's remorse we normally get when we don't buy the more expensive choice.

Well, that is exactly what I am trying to avoid. I'm not convinced more expensive = better speaker, which is why I'd like some guidance from the epxerienced speaker people here, who are familiar with these makers and models.

I only want to buy speakers once, which means getting it right on the first try.

 

[CraigV]

What’s nice about the KEF’s is the solid soundstage they throw from the co-incidental drivers. With any of the speakers you should count on getting a god sub for bass, so don’t fret too much about it with the speakers themselves. Of course only you can decide which speaker you like best, and all 3 models are very good in their own right.

 

[GO-NAD!]

I have to second Mike C on that one. That is the single biggest dilemma in comparing speakers - if you can't listen to them side-by-side, in the same venue, it is extremely difficult to make a fair judgement. Unless, of course, you're trying to decide between the speakers you've listed and a set of BOSE....

 

[fast1]

hmm its tough getting it right the first time... but go with the suggestions here and narrow down the list. that will help to save some time.

 

[lsiberian]

Greeting all. . .

This past Saturday I demo'd the Paradigm 20's and B&W CM5's. I was really impressed with both, although I did think the B&W was superior, but not by much.

The asking price for the 20's is $1,200 and $1,500 for the CM5's. One Call has the IQ30's listed at $600. Everything I read about the IQ30's is favorable, but I haven't heard them yet. I'm just wondering if the Paradigms or B&W's are worth double the price? Are they twice as good a speaker as KEF?

I love the CM5's, but $1,500 for the pair vs. $600 for the KEF's? Can the B&W really be $900 better? $450 per speaker better?

I live in a one-bedroom apartment with an open floor plan and I have a $3,500 budget to spend for speakers, BD, CD, receiver and sub. I guess I'd marry the 3's with 1's if I went KEF. That's $1050 for mains and surrounds. I'm kinda liking that considering I'll still need to sub and a center. I also really like the look of the KEF's.

I don't want to start a debate here. I realize I need to hear the KEF's before making a decision. I'm just wondering what you experienced speaker people think of these particular models and their price points. I planned on negotiating for 15% off either the Paradigms or B&W's, but the KEF's are alluring at that price.

Advice? Thoughts?

The difference here is in the quality of the enclosures. KEF iQ drivers are high quality IMO, but limited by the enclosure. That's not to say they suck, but that's really where the cost difference comes in. That being said the iQ3s are on closeout and no longer are a current KEF model. so you will get them for much closer to cost.

If you have the funds I would go with the B&Ws, but if you really don't then you will need to settle on something reasonable. Everyone wants a Ferrari, but sometimes a stang will do just fine.

The iQ5 I think is the best iQ speaker in the series. I also think the iQ1 is a better speaker than the iQ3. Better midrange IMO.

 

[griffinconst]

The iq30 is the replacement for the iq3. I think it has a better crossover and a new wave guide over the tweeter. They are decent speakers.
You really need to go listen to them to decide if they please your ear.
If you like them, check Accessories4less.com. They have killer prices on Kef right now.
Keep us posted.

 

[griffinconst]

The iq30 is the replacement for the iq3. I think it has a better crossover and a new wave guide over the tweeter. They are decent speakers.
You really need to go listen to them to decide if they please your ear.
If you like them, check Accessories4less.com. They have killer prices on Kef right now.
Keep us posted.

They got iq30 like new in open box for $400 pair. They also have the iq5 that Isiberian likes for $450 pair. That is a killer price but iq5 is a floorstander I think.
Good luck

 

[griffinconst]

If you'd consider an ebay purchase, I see Paradigm studio 20's on there all the time for good prices.

 

[Npeart]

If you'd consider an ebay purchase, I see Paradigm studio 20's on there all the time for good prices.

I would never buy from an individual, but an out-of-state reputable dealer perhaps. This is my first venture into higher end gear, so I really want to do it right.

I'm going to head over to Natural Sound in Framingham, MA this weekend and do a comparison between the B&W CM5's, Energy and PSB bookshelfs in a comparable price point.

I really want to hear the KEF IQ30's, but I can't find a dealer near me. May have to go to New Hampshire.

 

[lsiberian]

I would never buy from an individual, but an out-of-state reputable dealer perhaps. This is my first venture into higher end gear, so I really want to do it right.

I'm going to head over to Natural Sound in Framingham, MA this weekend and do a comparison between the B&W CM5's, Energy and PSB bookshelfs in a comparable price point.

I really want to hear the KEF IQ30's, but I can't find a dealer near me. May have to go to New Hampshire.

Advanced Communication Technologies
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62 Ledgewood Place, Rockland, MA, 02370
Telephone 781-741-5959
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Web http://www.actces.com
Email paul@actces.com

Audio & Video Systems
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1606 Hyannis Road, Barnstable, MA, 2630
Telephone 508-362-5235
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Audio Video Intelligence
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60 Bristol Drive, Easton, MA, 2375
Telephone 508-238-1930
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Elite Media Solutions
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9 Forest Street, Wellesley Hills, MA, 02481
Telephone 781-237-2929
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Mcmahon Media Services
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257 Speen Street, Natick, MA, 1760
Telephone 508-651-3754
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Rosati Acoustics
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123 South Street, Boston, MA, 2111
Telephone 617-423-5546
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Web
Email

Sound Solutions
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21 Towne House Road, Attleboro, MA, 2703
Telephone 508-226-7600
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Web
Email

The High Fidelity House
Address View
268 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA, 1545
Telephone 508-799-9737

All the above our KEF dealers in MA I bolded the one in boston.

www.kef.com/retailers is the source.

 

[walter duque]

I would never buy from an individual, but an out-of-state reputable dealer perhaps. This is my first venture into higher end gear, so I really want to do it right.
I have bought and sold used equipment over the years in new condition for a fraction of the cost. I just purchased a B&K Ref S2 with rack mount faceplatte like brand new for $700.00. I have also sold speakers that I paid $5000.00 for for $1750.00 and you could not tell if they where used. I would'nt even consider buying new anymore. My present system retails for $34.350.00 and it cost me $12.850.00 I think thats some nice savings.

 

[griffinconst]

I would never buy from an individual, but an out-of-state reputable dealer perhaps. This is my first venture into higher end gear, so I really want to do it right.

I'm going to head over to Natural Sound in Framingham, MA this weekend and do a comparison between the B&W CM5's, Energy and PSB bookshelfs in a comparable price point.

I really want to hear the KEF IQ30's, but I can't find a dealer near me. May have to go to New Hampshire.

Have you had a bad buying used experience?

Wow.... thanks for that sizable list Isi.

 

[griffinconst]

Are you looking for 3's or 30's in the Kefs? Your post title says 3 but you refer to 30's elsewhere. Just so I don't talk out of place.

 

[Npeart]

Are you looking for 3's or 30's in the Kefs? Your post title says 3 but you refer to 30's elsewhere. Just so I don't talk out of place.

Sorry, Griff. 30's.

thanks for the list Isi! I did go to the KEF and did see all those dealers, BUT they are very far away from me except Rosati and after seeing their site, I think they only carry the higher-end models, but I'm gonna call them and find out. Thanks.

No, not a bad buying experience, but you justnever know how much use they got, whether they were abused. I mean, if I knew it was some responsible person who only listened to Mozart on them and never cranked them beyond 4 on the volume dial, I'd probably be inclined. Buying on the blind like that just scares me first time out. Lots of scammers, etc.

 

[Npeart]

Some very good people pleaded with me to check out AudiogoN before buying new speakers. I was hesitant, but I did come here looking for advice from knowledgable people, right? So I checked out AudiogoN and what did my eyes behold? Someone selling a pair of Paradigm 20's v.4 for $660, including shipping.

Since I heard the 20's last Saturday at a dealer, I was immediately struck. I did have my heart set on the B&W CM5's, but for $850 less, I thought the v.4Paradigm's were a wise choice (only a year old.) The seller posted pics of the speakers from every angle, rated them a 10/10 and has a seller rating of 42. I was very pleased with all that and felt secure in making an offer, which was accepted.

Now I have to start researching receivers and hope that down the road, I can find a pair of 10's for surrounds.

 

[lsiberian]

Sorry, Griff. 30's.

thanks for the list Isi! I did go to the KEF and did see all those dealers, BUT they are very far away from me except Rosati and after seeing their site, I think they only carry the higher-end models, but I'm gonna call them and find out. Thanks.

No, not a bad buying experience, but you justnever know how much use they got, whether they were abused. I mean, if I knew it was some responsible person who only listened to Mozart on them and never cranked them beyond 4 on the volume dial, I'd probably be inclined. Buying on the blind like that just scares me first time out. Lots of scammers, etc.

Even listening to the higher end speakers will give you an idea for the sound of KEFs.

Besides you won't suffer from demoing nice speakers. Of course you may be like me and scare off salesman with my laptop and SPL meter handy.