Paradigm S2 vs Studio 20

[Bisonman]

Does anyone have an opinion on the S2 for HT over Studio 20's? Is it worth the extra cost? Thanks

 

[Warpdrv]

To reiterate, you are looking for a bookshelf sized speaker to fit into your entertainment console, and the size of the studio 20's or S2's will fit that location best for you... Also you were looking to get the CC-690 as upon hearing it at your friends house, you Cr@pped your pants... Am I correct here...?
Seems you like the Studio's here... as do I.
Now as I have the 100's @ 690, I couldn't really answer your question you pm'd me whether or not the 20's would be enough for your Mains...

Anyone here that can add something for Bisonman.

I had suggested that he think towards the 40's, but Im guessing they wouldn't fit the space...
upon which I suggested maybe get a used set of Sig's for a bit more punch.

The more info you give us, the more everyone can help you out...

Good Luck Bisonman

 

[ParadigmDawg]

In my opinion if you are mainly using this for movies then the 20's are plenty as long as you use a good sub. Music seems a little more difficult and is really dependant on the size of your room and listening area.

 

[bitperfect101]

i auditioned the 20's and 60's at my local dealer. The room was pretty big, 20x20? living room size with vaulted ceilings. To me the bass seemed a little lean on the 20s and on the 60s, the bass was too overpowering. I decided on getting the 40s from audiogon . They had arcam electionics if that matters to you.

 

[j_garcia]

I heard them both back to back. There is no question in my mind that the S2 is far superior to the 20s; not sure it is worth the price though. There are other speakers that cost less that are as good or better.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I also considered the sig4 but decided it wasnt worth the extra money vs. the Studio 40.

JG, did you listen to the V4's? I believe they have the same tweeter as the sigs now.

I heard them both back to back. There is no question in my mind that the S2 is far superior to the 20s; not sure it is worth the price though. There are other speakers that cost less that are as good or better.

 

[Warpdrv]

I also considered the sig4 but decided it wasnt worth the extra money vs. the Studio 40.
JG, did you listen to the V4's? I believe they have the same tweeter as the sigs now.

That is not correct.... they do not use the same tweeter, they just use the same G-PAL dome that the Sig was using... The whole tweeter is different/better in the Sig... much heavier duty and smoother....

Only you can determine if the larger pricetag is worth it..
I think with falling for the 690 is where he was trying to get his front sound stage to match... and the WAF is likely opposed to large speakers...

Sometimes Im glad I never got married...

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Maybe you're correct Warp; they look the same and are named the same so I figured if it walks like a duck...

Plus that is what the dealer told me (if I remember correctly)

That is not correct.... they do not use the same tweeter, they just use the same G-PAL dome that the Sig was using... The whole tweeter is different/better in the Sig... much heavier duty and smoother....

Only you can determine if the larger pricetag is worth it..
I think with falling for the 690 is where he was trying to get his front sound stage to match... and the WAF is likely opposed to large speakers...

Sometimes Im glad I never got married...

 

[j_garcia]

The tweeters share a similar design, but the are not the same, nor is the x-over and I think the X-over makes a bigger difference. Cabinet construction will make a difference as well - the cabinets are less resonant on the Sigs. The highs do sound similar, but the Sigs were noticeably more refined. I liked them, however I also listened to the Joseph Audio RM7SI Signature at the same audition and they were even better than the S2 and cost $300 less... If I were to upgrade, it would be to those.

www.josephaudio.com

 

[indcrimdefense]

i read in stereophile awhile back that the reference line version 4 was getting the same tweeter as is in the current signature line, as the new signature line will have an all new tweeter once it is released (at least it's not out in indy yet). i'm thinking about buying a pair of 100's to use as centers, but when i tried out the version 3 last year at home there was a significant difference between the tweeters. i have spent some time at the dealer listening to the new 100 v4 & could not tell the difference between it's tweeter and the sig 8, but the 2 are hooked to different systems in the same room so it may be a useless observation. both are run by all mcintosh, but the sig 8 is using the home theater pre-pro, universal player & the 7 channel amp, where the 100's are on a stereo pre-pro, 2 channel cd/sacd player & a stereo amp. if the reference version 4 tweeters are in fact different than what is in the current signature line then at least some in the industry are giving out bad info.

 

[PatrickBateman]

i read in stereophile awhile back that the reference line version 4 was getting the same tweeter as is in the current signature line, as the new signature line will have an all new tweeter once it is released (at least it's not out in indy yet). i'm thinking about buying a pair of 100's to use as centers, but when i tried out the version 3 last year at home there was a significant difference between the tweeters. i have spent some time at the dealer listening to the new 100 v4 & could not tell the difference between it's tweeter and the sig 8, but the 2 are hooked to different systems in the same room so it may be a useless observation. both are run by all mcintosh, but the sig 8 is using the home theater pre-pro, universal player & the 7 channel amp, where the 100's are on a stereo pre-pro, 2 channel cd/sacd player & a stereo amp. if the reference version 4 tweeters are in fact different than what is in the current signature line then at least some in the industry are giving out bad info.

Like Warpdrv said, the Studio v4 and the Sig v1 do NOT use the same tweeter, basically just the same dome.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I stand corrected; they have a different tweeter. Like I said earlier; I considered the Sig but could not justify the price difference between it and the Studio.