• 09-02-2006, 04:00 AM
    tony340
    what speakers should i buy??
    Hi, this is my first post and i hope you guys can help me out here.
    I listen to only 2 channel audio, and i'm trying to get a pair of speakers.
    My amp is a NAD 3020i and Cd player is a NAD C521, so i'm trying to get the best for this combination.
    I've auditioned the Mission m35i, and they sound very good, but there are also a pair of Mission 753Freedom which is also there with afriend of mine which i've to consider.

    Can anybody advice me? I listen to mainly Dire Straits, Eagles, SRV, Deep Purple etc
  • 09-02-2006, 04:48 AM
    likeitloud
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by tony340
    Hi, this is my first post and i hope you guys can help me out here.
    I listen to only 2 channel audio, and i'm trying to get a pair of speakers.
    My amp is a NAD 3020i and Cd player is a NAD C521, so i'm trying to get the best for this combination.
    I've auditioned the Mission m35i, and they sound very good, but there are also a pair of Mission 753Freedom which is also there with afriend of mine which i've to consider.

    Can anybody advice me? I listen to mainly Dire Straits, Eagles, SRV, Deep Purple etc

    Speakers highly regarded here at AR, Are, Axiom, PSB, B+W, Polk Audio, SVS,
    and Boston Acoustics, just to name a few. Click reviews on top of the page, then
    speakers, and start doing your homework. You did'nt mention budget, but AR's
    reviews cover every price point. Good Luck, let us know what you come up with.
    Later.
  • 09-02-2006, 04:53 AM
    shokhead
    Go to polks website and answer the questions and see what speaker they suggest.
  • 09-02-2006, 06:08 AM
    tony340
    Thanks, my budget is around the USD 650-750 price range.
    The Mission M35i costs around 750USD in Singapore. thats where i live.
    The Mission 753F costs 650USD SECOND HAND.
    As i said earlier i need a speaker for music, not home theatre and the music i listen to most is mentioned in my last post.
    Thanks again
  • 09-02-2006, 06:30 AM
    N. Abstentia
    Paradigm Studio series, hopefully they have a dealer near you.
  • 09-02-2006, 08:35 AM
    tony340
    Hi, thank you for your advice so far. Which model of the Paradigm studio series will be within my budget?
  • 09-02-2006, 11:57 AM
    nyctc7
    What speakers should you buy? The ones YOU like, of course! Singapore has lots of stereo stores...doesn't it? There is no substitute for listening...
  • 09-02-2006, 12:06 PM
    jrhymeammo
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by tony340
    Hi, thank you for your advice so far. Which model of the Paradigm studio series will be within my budget?

    Try searching for reviews on this site. http://audioreview.com/mfr/paradigm/...1_1594CRX.ASPX

    With your $700 budget(assuming it's in US dollar, not Singapore $), you have alot of options in US. Not sure about Singapore. But, I do see alot of hi-end speakers for sale on Audiogon.com. Not sure exactly what that means.
    Studio 20s will be better option for you than 40s. Lower extension on 40s compared to 20s are insignificant. Also, Paradigms are fairly easy to drive so with your 20w integrated, it shouldn't be too diffcult to drive, unless you have a large room.
    Here is a contact info for Paradigm dealer in Singapore.
    dthk33@singnet.com.sg
    65 6259 6120
    Derek Tan from Pan Pacific
  • 09-02-2006, 03:29 PM
    PHiX
    Take a couple of CDs to the store and LISTEN! Don't buy a brand, buy the sound you like! For me it was B&W but you might think those sound less good than others. Sound is just subjective, your ears arent mine.
  • 09-02-2006, 03:47 PM
    bobsticks
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by jrhymeammo
    Try searching for reviews on this site. http://audioreview.com/mfr/paradigm/...1_1594CRX.ASPX

    With your $700 budget(assuming it's in US dollar, not Singapore $), you have alot of options in US. Not sure about Singapore. But, I do see alot of hi-end speakers for sale on Audiogon.com. Not sure exactly what that means.
    Studio 20s will be better option for you than 40s. Lower extension on 40s compared to 20s are insignificant. Also, Paradigms are fairly easy to drive so with your 20w integrated, it shouldn't be too diffcult to drive, unless you have a large room.
    Here is a contact info for Paradigm dealer in Singapore.
    dthk33@singnet.com.sg
    65 6259 6120
    Derek Tan from Pan Pacific

    ...Sound advice, as it were...
  • 09-02-2006, 08:27 PM
    tony340
    Thanks guys, this really is putting me on the right track.
    The studio 20 is a standmount right? So then i will also have to buy the right stand,which will cost a fair deal. So isnt it better to get a pair of floorstanders instead? I mean wont the Studio 20's+stands come to the price of a pair of floorstanders?
  • 09-02-2006, 09:17 PM
    emorphien
    I'm using Axiom M3Tis on a NAD C320 BEE with a C542 source (and turntable) and am very happy with the combination. I've had the speakers for quite a while now (even before everyone went overly gaga for Axiom and got everyone else fed up) and I'm still enjoying them. Eventually I'll upgrade but not for a while yet.

    I have them on Wood Technology TMT 30" metal speaker stands which aren't terribly pricy. I suppose you can certainly spend a lot more on stands but I got these for a good price (something like $70 at Parts Express I think). They're sturdy and hefty enough for my needs; although with a grad student budget and mentality I'm not apt to go overkill on any of the components at this point in time.
  • 09-02-2006, 11:39 PM
    tony340
    So guys, none of you have anything to say about the Missions that i asked advice on?
    The M35i's are going for USD750, and they are floorstanders, so are the 753F but i really cant make up my mind by just auditioning them, i need advice from someone who has them in their home and who have used them to their fullest.
    And the other fact is, if i were to buy the Paradigm studio20, i'll also have to buy some decent stands, which will then exceed the price of many floorstanders out there.
  • 09-03-2006, 12:23 AM
    jtgofish
    Tony ,
    The nad amps like the 3020 are great but they have an artificially warm sound with plenty of midrange emphasis.This means that they probably best suit open, neutral sounding speakers.[cold sounding even]
    Also they are not very powerful so benefit from quite efficient speakers.
    Paper coned speakers might work better than heavily damped cones like plastic or even doped paper.
    How about Robertson Audio speakers?.A local company that makes excellent products.
    Also if you can find some ESS speakers [old or new] with the Heil ribbons, these are a superb match with the nad 3020 series amps-they have a understated midrange that compliments the NADs perfectly.
  • 09-03-2006, 01:38 AM
    tony340
    Hey thanks for your very informative input, i'll check these speakers out..
    By the way if anybody can give me more options that will be much appreciated
  • 09-04-2006, 04:14 AM
    accastil
    ive heard your components sound so good with wharfedale diamond 9.1. you could save a lot with this one...but i urge you to audition it with paradigm studio 20 v3. nad sounds quite flat so you might need a bit brigher speaker to lighten up your music.
  • 09-04-2006, 04:24 AM
    tony340
    Thanks, can anybody also advice me on the Paradigm Monitor 7 Floorstander? It is the same price as the Studio 20, dont you think that the Monitor 7 is worth more than the Studio 20? What i mean is you are getting a floorstander instead of a Bookshelf for the same price.
    And also i would have to spend on stands which will cost a fair packet, and i've heard that standmount speakers are never the same as floorstanders, and dont have the bass depth.
  • 09-04-2006, 05:08 PM
    audio_dude
    am i the only one who owns a pair of these? (mission m35i)

    well tony, these are great speakers! i listen to a lot of the stuff you listen to and these have a great sound, deep bass, very soft treble (thanks to the soft dome silk tweeter)

    if you have any questions about them ask away!
  • 09-04-2006, 05:51 PM
    dean_martin
    couple of years ago Mission was on a roll winning all kinds of awards from the British hi-fi press with each new model that came out. I haven't heard much from them lately, but I haven't picked up a British hi-fi mag lately either. what's the story on their current lineup?
  • 09-04-2006, 07:58 PM
    tony340
    Hey thanks mate for your input on the M35i, what amp do you use? Do you think my NAD 3020i will go well with them? The price in Singapore is USD780 for the M35i, but there are a lot of options, for example the KEF IQ5, PARADIGM Monitor 7etc..
    And there are some JAMO Floorstanders as well for the price. Any input anyone?
  • 09-04-2006, 11:47 PM
    tony340
    Does anyone know who the KEF dealer in Singapore is? I checked the Kef site and sent a mail to the address they have given in Sin but i havent got a reply at all.
    Can anybody help?
  • 09-05-2006, 02:23 PM
    audio_dude
    no idea on the kef dealer, but: i'm using a yamaha HTR-5980 i think, it is soon to be replaced by a genuine amp and this moved to the family room to be used for the 7.1 it was intended to do, lol

    i've heard the bookshelf model and the 2-way floor stander model, they both have a soft smooth sound, but can rock out too, perfect for your music.

    listen to them again, but also listen to the paradigm, they have a nice sound too, what ever one you like better, get it!
  • 09-10-2006, 03:35 AM
    tony340
    Hi, can anybody also advice me on the highly acclaimed KEF IQ5 Floorstander? Its won the best speaker award and everyone is mad about it! Does anyone also know about the Paradigm Monitor 7?
  • 09-10-2006, 06:13 AM
    N. Abstentia
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by tony340
    Thanks guys, this really is putting me on the right track.
    The studio 20 is a standmount right? So then i will also have to buy the right stand,which will cost a fair deal. So isnt it better to get a pair of floorstanders instead? I mean wont the Studio 20's+stands come to the price of a pair of floorstanders?

    Yes you'll need stands, but generally I find that stand mounted speakers sound much better than floorstanders.
  • 09-10-2006, 08:07 AM
    tony340
    Thank you for your expert advice, but since the Paradigm Monitor 7 and the KEF IQ5 are cheaper, will it be a good choice to go for one of them?
  • 09-11-2006, 03:38 AM
    tony340
    Just deviating from the subject of speakers, there is this NAD C540 CD Player going for USD250, its in Pristine condition. Does anyone think that its better than my C521?? Is it worth the price??
  • 09-11-2006, 04:28 PM
    jrhymeammo
    Sounds like you have strong desire to purchase floorstanders. I'm not so sure if your receiver is powerful enough. Monitor 7s require at minimum of 15 watts. If you choose to go that route, make sure your floorstanding speakers doesnt require alot of power. Again, I've never audiotioned your NAD so if you can find a dealer near you, make sure to bring it with you and hear how they sound. If they wont let you hookup their speakers to your amp, I would kick them in their nuts and look else where.


    -JRA
  • 09-27-2006, 04:44 AM
    tony340
    Somebody help!!!!!!!!!
    Yeah guys been busy with the usual stuff, and just got back to my hifi craze
    Any body got any info for me?? What speakers should i buy? By the way i did get a NAD C320BEE from a friend but i dont have decent speakers to hook it onto
    So fellows any advice?? I'm looking at KEF IQ5, Mission M35i and Paradigm Monitor 7 or Studio 20
  • 09-27-2006, 02:59 PM
    jrhymeammo
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by tony340
    Somebody help!!!!!!!!!

    I'm looking at KEF IQ5, Mission M35i and Paradigm Monitor 7 or Studio 20

    By someone, I'm assuming everyone but me, since you seem to ignore my previous post. I dont care, I'll still try to help.

    Your receiver is rated at 15 watts. As I mentioned above, I have no experience with your NAD, but all of your speaker options are out. The receiver's power output is not capable of playing your speakers. Of course you can choose to do what you want. They are certain guidelines that may want to be strongly considered, but you may choose to ignore them. Alot of members here do including myself. Alot of speaker companies recommend placing tweeters at your ear-level. I prefer mine about 4-8" higher.

    Go get a pair of Paradigm Atoms. I'm not too fond of them, but they are considered great pair of budget speakers by many.
    If you must get a pair from your list. Get a pair of Studio 20. They require least amount of wattages amoung the list. I think 20s require at MINIMUM of 15-20 watts. Bring your new receiver to a dealer near you and see if they allow you to hook it up.
    I even gave you a phone number of Paradigm dealer in Hong Kong. For that you MUST reply this back to me.

    -Did you call them?
    -Is there a dealer near you?
    -Did you pay them a visit?

    Of course you may choose not to. I have a feeling that if you dont, alot of members here may feel that you are impossible to help.
    I understand that every culture has different standard. For that, they may not allow you to bring in your gear to hookup to items that are not yours. I know in Japan, test drive of automobiles do no exist. Kinda like how Harley D do business in US. Once someone test drives speakers with your equipment, they may consider that item to be unsellable item. Another question for you.

    -"Have you listened to any of those speakers with or without your NAD?".
    -"Have you had a chance to listen to them at all?
    -If Yes, :What did you think of them?"

    If you like what you heard then go for it. I want to make sure for YOUR sake that your receivers are capable of driving most speakers. Let's go from there, and maybe we can help you.

    I dont think your budget can exceed more than $600. I'm not going back and forth to your original post, but I dont think I'm way off. Consider increasing your budget and look for a pair of high efficent speakers above 95dbs that require no less than 15 watts. They tend to be more expensive.
    You may also want consider Klipsch RB61 or something. They have higher sensitivity in general than other speaker companys. I think their sensitivity really flucturates though.

    I think you are in search for the ultimate answer to which speakek is the absolute best. Nobody here can answer you that, except for some irrational fools.

    If you ended up getting a different receiver, I bet we can give you more help and other options. But I think you had your heart set on that receiver so we can work with that.


    I hope you did find my post offensive. I just wanted to make certain things clear with you so we can help in very effective and efficent manner.

    We are here to help, so give us detailed info on what you have done so far based on all of our help.

    Good luck and we'll be waiting to hear what you've done with our help.

    -JRA
  • 09-27-2006, 03:23 PM
    jrhymeammo
    Edit: I said Hong Kong. You live in Singapore.
  • 09-27-2006, 03:25 PM
    jrhymeammo
    Here is another info. You were looking for KEF dealer in your country. Try this. I can't and will not help you more at this stage, but others maybe able to.

    http://www.kef.com/dealers/world_det...1&itemNumber=0

    DISTRIBUTOR GP ACOUSTICS (SG) LIMITED
    ADDRESS 1 COLEMAN STREET
    #01-01A THE ADELPHI

    CITY 179803
    COUNTRY SINGAPORE
    TELEPHONE
    FAX
    URL
    EMAIL kchew@gpacoustics.com.sg

    -JRA
  • 09-27-2006, 08:59 PM
    tony340
    Thanks sooooo much JRA, i know i'm a pain in the ASS!! The thing is you guys are experts in this subject of hifi and i'm not! All i'm trying to do is get something good for a reasonable price.

    I need to also emphasise that i got a Brand new NAD C320BEE 2x50w RMS, Amplifier, which now is my main amp and not the 3020, so i hooked it up with the Mission M35i at the agents and it sounded damn good. But my home is not carpeted and soundproofed like that at Mission, so i cant judge by that. I've not tried the KEF IQ5 with it.

    To answwer your question about the Paradigm agent, Yes i did checkout the Paradigm dealer in Singapore, but i coudnt hook up my NAD with it bcos i wasnt able to take it, so yes i did call them up and i paid them a visit.

    So to conclude my post, I have got a brand new NAD 50w C320BEE Amp and i need speakers that are best to match it.

    Thanks also for the contact details of the KEF dealer, appreciate that.
  • 09-27-2006, 09:20 PM
    jrhymeammo
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by tony340
    TBrand new NAD C320BEE 2x50w RMS


    Thank you tony340. I think that will help alot of us trying to help. I have no experience with mentioned speakers. I'll say all of the makers are solid choice. I would go with KEF myself, but others may say other wise. I came real close to buying KEF Reference 201s. I thought they sounded excellent. If I were you, I would go audition IQ5s so see if I would like it as much as 201s. We might've been under the impression that you have a 15-20w receiver. 50w receiver will give you alot of speakers to consider.

    Just go with what you like. If you have some questions about history of spekaer companies, many of older members can help you with that.

    Best Wishes.

    -JRA
  • 09-28-2006, 04:23 AM
    emorphien
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by tony340
    So to conclude my post, I have got a brand new NAD 50w C320BEE Amp and i need speakers that are best to match it.

    Good luck with that amp, I'm very happy with mine.
  • 09-28-2006, 06:00 AM
    musiclover60
    First, like a few others have said, listen, listen, listen. Your speakers influence the sound of your system morre than any other component, so live auditioning is the best way to get ones YOU like.

    As for the Paradigm 7's, I wouldn't recommend them for the type of music you listen to. I auditioned a pair when I was shopping for speakers a few months ago and they sounded great. Accurate, good balance, tight and accurate mids, good imaging (for me the most important thing in a speaker). So why didn't I get them? Simply put, the bass wasn't there for a lot of the rock I auditioned. When paired with a subwoofer they sounded great on rock, but that pushed the price from seven hundred something to about thirteen hundred something. Too steep for me!

    By the way, audition speakers using your amp, but also audition them with the best amps they have in house. This will give you an idea of how they'll perform when you make electronics upgrades.

    Happy hunting!
  • 09-28-2006, 06:14 AM
    daviethek
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by tony340
    Thanks, can anybody also advice me on the Paradigm Monitor 7 Floorstander? It is the same price as the Studio 20, dont you think that the Monitor 7 is worth more than the Studio 20? What i mean is you are getting a floorstander instead of a Bookshelf for the same price.
    And also i would have to spend on stands which will cost a fair packet, and i've heard that standmount speakers are never the same as floorstanders, and dont have the bass depth.

    I auditioned studio 20's and they were nearly a complete speaker. incredible bang for the buck in a monitor. Don't compare floorstanders to monitors just on price. The floorstanders have the potential to sound boxy in this price range. The monitor's are a mudh smaller source and sound more open. You can add a sub later if bass performance is not up to your standards. If you're stuck on getting a floor stander in your price range then check out Athena 2.2 or Axiom 60's. Both of these got positive reviews for sound and are considered over-performers. I have only heard Mission bookshelf speakers and they were fantastic.
  • 09-28-2006, 08:09 AM
    tony340
    Thanks Everybody for all your help. i really do appreciate it.
    I want to ask you Musiclover60, which speakers do you recommend? And also Daviethek, which mission bookshelf models do you recommend?
  • 09-28-2006, 08:19 AM
    tony340
    And also Daviethek, can you please tell me the exact model of the Athena and Axiom?
    Thanks
  • 09-29-2006, 11:48 AM
    musiclover60
    Hard call on speakers in that price range. As I said in my earlier post, I was shopping for speakers just a few months ago. I was armed with a budget of $600 - $700 and most of what I heard sounded like crap! Jacked the budget up to $1000, went to some good hi-fi stores, and then my $1000 looked puny! Don't dispair though! There are some very good speakers to be had in that price range (especially if you're willing to get 1 or 2 yr old used speakers).

    Here are 4 in that general price range

    Definitive Technology BP88b - These are the ones I ended up getting (1 1/2 yrs old used, $ 325). Great imaging, efficient, open sound (should pair nicely with NAD). They also have strong, tight, and surprisingly deep bass. The downside is placement is fairly critical, and midrange is slightly recessed. See my review in floor standing speaker review section. $798 new

    Vandersteen 1C - These are the ones I would have bought if the deal on the def techs hadn't come along. Great imaging, keep getting better with electronic upgrades, good bass, treble is adjustable at speakers. The downside is placement is very critical to the sound. $800 or so with stands (which is a must with these speakers!)

    Paradigm 7 - Not quite as good as the previous 2, but with a used subwoofer???

    Polks - Don't have any great points, but don't have any glaring weaknesses either, and a few of them will surprise you!
  • 09-29-2006, 08:23 PM
    tony340
    Thanks Musiclover60, which ones can i buy now? the model you have is not there on the site anymore? ANd also can you tell me the agent in Singapore?
    Thanks