PLEASE HELP - 2 audiophile systems!!

[PENG]

Unfortunately what constitutes “bright,” “neutral” or “laid back” is not universal no matter what anyone tells you.

I agree, there are no universal definitions for those descriptions. To me, and only in relative and general terms, bright means the highs are boosted, lack back means lack of dynamics, warm means a boost in mid to low bass and thin means lack of mid to low bass.

From my experience, mid to high end speakers that people may think a little on the bright sounding side (except Klipsch) sound closer to "live" music; and I am referring to live jazz bands and classical philharmonic orchestras. So to me, speakers that some people perceived as slightly on the bright side, may actually be closer to neutral.

 

[PENG]

As a relative newcomer to more premium home audio -

Would like 2 floorstandings, strong center and 2 decent surrounds plus 1 sub
- Ideal budget: $1,500 for the 5 speakers + $500 for the sub, but I can be flexible to upgrade if the benefit is compelling

If you are serious about "premium" quality I hope your budget is flexible enough for you to consider the Paradigm Studio series speakers. For a smaller room you may consider the Studio 20 or 60 if you insist on floor standing speakers. You could also look for good deals for a pair of Energy RC-70, now that they are owned by Klipsch they no longer command "premium" prices. Like Paradigm and PSB, Energy also participated in the psycho-acoustic research study hosted by the Canadian National Research Council (NRC).

Here's a link to a review:
http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/energy_rc70.htm

 

[cschang]

Hey 3db I'm sure he already knows the specs for the Ascends. Aftherall he is Curtis from the Ascend forum.

Right....so I am very familiar, and was wondering if there was something I missed or don't know.

 

[billy p]

Right....so I am very familiar, and was wondering if there was something I missed or don't know.

Nope...you didn't miss anything? Just making sure he knows who you were because he posted a link to a forum where you're the MAN...

Regards, Bill...

 

[popotoys]

Just my opion, but I wish that I had not bought towers, but instead used the savings to purchase dual subs.

 

[the grunt]

From my experience, mid to high end speakers that people may think a little on the bright sounding side (except Klipsch) sound closer to "live" music; and I am referring to live jazz bands and classical philharmonic orchestras. So to me, speakers that some people perceived as slightly on the bright side, may actually be closer to neutral.

I see the same thing. People often calling a speaker “bright” simply because it doesn’t roll off the top end.

Just my opion, but I wish that I had not bought towers, but instead used the savings to purchase dual subs.

Very good point as there are many possible better uses for the savings by choosing bookshelf over towers in some cases. Another good use for that money for some people is room treatments.

Unfortunately it’s easy to convince ourselves we “need” tower speakers even in situations where bookshelf speakers would do as well .

 

[synergy83]

So I am pleased to report that all of your advice has definitely guided me towards a much better outcome that I would have achieved on my own. I was able to audition some Paradigm Studio 20 and CC-490s today at a local retailer. I was thoroughly impressed with the detail, clarity and energy of the speakers. I am leaning towards pairing them up with some Paradigm Atom Monitors for the surrounds and possibly the Velodyne MiniVee 10 (since size is important and I am biased towards Velodyne from previous experience).

That said, the receiver is still up in the air. I am still leaning towards the Marantz 5004 but am open to other suggestions (Denon, Onkyo, Integra, Cambridge, etc). Of course, it would be ideal to get separates, but I am afraid that might kick the cost into the stratosphere. What do you guys think about trying to find a used 2-channel amp somewhere to give the 20s a bit more boost especially for music?

For the bedroom, I think the Behringer 2031s look absolutely perfect. I am going to try them out this weekend. Can anyone please explain the difference between the Active and the Passive versions? Is there anything tricky I should know about these? It seems like they are configured differently from traditional speakers given the internal bi-amplifier. Also, what receiver do you recommend for these (I assume just a stereo receiver will work)...what would be best?

As usual, this will definitely end up exceeding my budget, but like I said, I would rather stretch a bit now for something that I know I will enjoy for years to come.

I can't thank you guys enough for all the truly world-class advice!

Cheers,
Doug

 

[the grunt]

Hey Doug I’m glad you found something you liked locally, I also like the sound of the Paradigms, it’s always best to listen before you buy.

Sorry I can’t offer anything on the receiver (haven’t been shopping for one in a while) or the Behringers (don’t know them) but as you’ve already seen there’s plenty of good feedback around here.

Good luck,
Dean

 

[popotoys]

What's your budget for the reciever? I have Paridigm Reference (v.2's I think, 6 or 7 years old) and purchased a Pioneer SC-07 last winter. Very happy with this reciever.