Hi,
I've decided to finally buy myself a good sound/home theater system but not go crazy on 65% music, 35% movies. In terms of speakers, I'm set to get good quality/value floorstanding L/R speakers but not spend more than $2k/pair. I plan to build my surround system from there.
The L/R speakers on my shortlist are:
1. Energy RC-70 ($1400/pair)
2. Paradigm Studio 60 ($2k/ pair)
3. Paradigm monitor 7,9,11 (<$1100/pair) (not sure which of them is best value)
4. Dali Ikon 6 ($1700/pair)
5. PSB Image T65 or t55
My conclusions so far:
1. Energy RC-70 : Classic look, crisp sound, amazing soundstaging/3D for the price, natural sound, but a light on the High frequencies and a bit bass-heavy. Great value add-ons (s12, center channel and surrounds). But the demo room was of poor quality, small, and no port plug to attenuate one of the woofers. I demoed these against Klispsh RF-63 (better detail but harsher and frontstaging. poor 3d) I want to like the RC-70 but in doubt. Any dealer with solid demo room in sf bay area? Raise your arm!
2. Studio 60: great sound, very crisp and clear (demoed in perfect conditions). Warm and musical. but very big (deep floorstander, giant center channel, price add-ons for surround set-up. would build surround system with studio 20.
3. Monitor 7 V6 (I didnt try the 9 or 11): good sound, solid bass but not overpowering, bit harsh on the high freq. good price. Solid contender, but a step down from the studio 60s. are 9 and 11 way better?
4. Dali Ikon 6. I tried them against the Quad 22L2. The Quad22l2 were very warm on the bass. Too warm. The Ikon 6 were very delicate on the high end, light in the bass. Didn;t get the 3d/ staging I was hoping for. the speaker I should have liked (according to all the audiophiles I spoke with) yet it didn't win me over...yet. Needs bass support.
5. I haven't tried the PSB Imagines yet. Not easy to find a dealer near SF with a good demo room and with t65 or t55.
Any advice? More specifically:
1. Any input on the quality/ value of the RC-70 under good listening conditions? (please indicate your amp/ receiver)?
2. What is the best (value) monitor model?
3. How would you rate the speakers above and where would the PSB Images fit in?
4. Am i missing a winner?
Thanks !!!
JF