Paradigm Se's Vs B&W 683, please help me choose based on my reciever

S

S14Swap240sx

Audiophyte
I have an opportunity to get either a set of Paradigm Se's (2 of the Se 3 and 1 Se Center) or B&W 863 Towers with HTM61B

Both packages fall into the very low 1000 range, between 1100-1200

My amp is not the best, but im on a tight budget (already have it).. Denon Avr E400. which offers 95w at 8 ohm I do plan on adding a powered sub down the road, and making the system a complete 5.1 but for the time being its going to be LCR only.

Usage is movies and sports, not really interested in going the music direction with this.

room size is roughly 12x12 8 ft ceiling

I heard the def tec bp840st, and found the bass to be lacking also the sound was narrow? I donno how to describe it, I thought it would be a more complete sound but it seems like it left out a lot of detail.

Please help!! Se's or 683s?!

going to hear the se's this weekend
 
GranteedEV

GranteedEV

Audioholic Ninja
Your electronics should not decide the speakers.

That said personally i would be looking at Revel, KEF or RBH over Paradigm and B&W. It really though boils down to you going to multiple dealers and making careful auditions, while being aware that you are as susceptible to placebo effect as anyone.
 
AcuDefTechGuy

AcuDefTechGuy

Audioholic Jedi
Yeah, Revel, KEF, RBH is what I would look at also. But if not, just audition. Your listening position will be close to the speakers and as long as you XO @ 80Hz to your subwoofer, you won't need very much power at all.
 
T

TheStalker

Banned
My recommendation would be B&W 683. Although at $1500pr. you might also want to consider the B&W CM5 bookshelf speakers with a subwoofer. They sound incredible. I have yet to hear anything from Revel, KEF, Paradigm, RBH, or any other popular recommendations around here which can compete with the CM line. My second favorite option is the new Sonus Faber Venere line.
 
AcuDefTechGuy

AcuDefTechGuy

Audioholic Jedi
My recommendation would be B&W 683. Although at $1500pr. you might also want to consider the B&W CM5 bookshelf speakers with a subwoofer. They sound incredible. I have yet to hear anything from Revel, KEF, Paradigm, RBH, or any other popular recommendations around here which can compete with the CM line. My second favorite option is the new Sonus Faber Venere line.
So you think B&W CM sounds better than anything from Revel, KEF, & RBH, huh? :D
 
Cos

Cos

Audioholic Samurai
I object, LOL

I was not impressed at all by the CM floorstanding series I demo'd at Barretts Home Audio against the Revels and the Paradigms, possibly they were set up poorly, Though I personally wouldn't recommend the SE Paradigms. It all comes down to personal taste.

If you are talking the $1500.00 Price Range I would look at the newer Golden Ear Triton 7 Series, I have these in my bedroom and they are an excellent speaker for the price point. ($1150 I paid) Even without the subs built in like their bigger brothers, the bass is excellent. I have had mine for a few weeks now and they do well in HT. I really have to come to appreciate the High Velocity Folded Ribbon Driver Tweeters for music as well.

A Friend of mine went with PSB Image T-6 Towers and C5 Centers recently and I have to say I was also very impressed with the sound quality.


I think the take away, is that everyone here will have suggestions as to which brands to try out, its really up to what sounds best to you. I would bring in 1-2 movies that you want to test to each place you demo at. For me it was the Latest 007 Movie during the final fight scene. I also took The Fifth element (The scene in the auditorium where it is a combo of the blue lady singing and the fight going on in the background)

Anyway you get the idea. :)
 
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AcuDefTechGuy

AcuDefTechGuy

Audioholic Jedi
Paradigm Se's Vs B&W 683, please help me choose based on my reciever

In similar price range :)
R ---------- I ---------- G --------- H --------- T. :D

J/K. :)

Everyone's opinion will differ for sure.
 
B

BWguy

Junior Audioholic
I have the 683's and think they sound great. I am also hearing the new CM 10's are awesome, but at a much higher cross point.
 
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