Looking for a certain type of speaker

[nahmed]

First off, I prefer bookshelf speakers over floorstanding models. They are not as intrusive because the rooms in my house I use for audio are relatively small, and I am not worried to much about bass.

I have listened to Paradigm Atom's, Titan's, and the Studio 20's. Obviously I think the Studio 20's had the best overall sound, but for me they were too laid back.

What are some recommendations for bookshelf speakers on par with the Studio 20's as far as sound quality (I know that is subjective) but are more forward sounding.

I am interested in any model, including kits that can be bought online, and am not worried about price as I won't be buying new speakers anytime soon, just want to know what is out there that would meet this criteria.

thanks
Nadeem

[topspeed]

B&W 603s3, JM Lab Chorus S, Green Mountain Europa, Von Schweikert VR1, Monitor Audio Silver, Energy Veritas 2.1, and that's just for starters. All of these are very good and worth an audition IMO.

Hope this helps

[RGA]

I will post a review next week of several speakers - Two cheaper speakers I ran across the Dynaudio Audience 42 and the $549.00US Audio Note AX Two. The Latter is a steal IMO. Don't waste your time with the Paradigm's not even close and double the price. From the first half of track 11 on Dianna Krall's latest album I knew I was going to be in for something rather very exciting. At $700.00 Cdn it's ridiculously good with a very ful bodied sounding piano excellent and treble definition and extention and the vocals crisp and clear.

Apparantely AN speakers reflected in room sound follows the direct firing sound by .5miliseconds - clear and clean vocals - which project forward without getting smudged.

Go listen and compare them to any 1kUS Standmount - they don't look like much - non descript - but put the speaker of this size (small) on and many will be asking where the sub is. The Dane has a bit of this and was rather quite excellent on all counts but it's about double the price - and it's no better.

The new series of Paradigm 100V3 is worse than the previous one - I kept wanting to turn the volume up to get them to sound good - they never did. For $2700.00 and for the thuddy bass these types of designs offer the AX Two is easily a superior speaker - you can hear cymbals better and make out voices a LOT better - and the 100 while it has MORE bass sounds like dreck. Don't be conned by the reviews --- You simply need to listen to these things directly against high end makers and you'll soon see errrr hear what can be done by people who care about music first and are not run by accountants.

[Woochifer]

I will post a review next week of several speakers - Two cheaper speakers I ran across the Dynaudio Audience 42 and the $549.00US Audio Note AX Two. The Latter is a steal IMO. Don't waste your time with the Paradigm's not even close and double the price. From the first half of track 11 on Dianna Krall's latest album I knew I was going to be in for something rather very exciting. At $700.00 Cdn it's ridiculously good with a very ful bodied sounding piano excellent and treble definition and extention and the vocals crisp and clear.

Well, all I can say is give the Studio 20 v.3 a listen for yourself. I don't remember the Dynaudios giving anywhere near the type of imaging that any of the Studio series models that I've heard do.

And keep in mind that the original poster was looking for something that was MORE forward sounding, and in my listenings, the Danes definitely are not more forward sounding than any of the Studios. If the ANs are indeed more forward sounding than the 20s, then they are obviously worth trying out.

Maybe for you, the Paradigms are a waste of time, but for me and probably for others, they very well might be the first choice.

Don't be conned by the reviews

Okay, I'll remember not to be conned when you post YOUR reviews of the ANs.

You simply need to listen to these things directly against high end makers and you'll soon see errrr hear what can be done by people who care about music first and are not run by accountants.

Last time I checked, none of the guys who run Paradigm were accountants. I care about music and I'm not an accountant, but that doesn't mean that I know how to design a better speaker than the ones that I currently own.

[RGA]

Dynaudio is a difficult to drive loiudspeaker and sounded distant and vague with a $2500.00 Denon - so we switch over to a Linn in a fairly large room the sopund was forward not laid back with a top end that bordred on excessive - it is a forward speaker - the Studio V3 100 is rolled off in the treble and IS 100% a laid back speaker - in fact it is a lifeless lousy speaker IMO considering the $2700.00 price point - a smoother treble but the V2 stomps it. No doubt some may not think it's much different but with good equipment in a good well treated room it was to me.

The 20V3 was in another location and it was ok still thin and undefined seemingly less bass but a laid back top end - just sounds wrong to me.

I should have mentioned the weajness about the Dane 42 was the difficult impedence and low sensitivity - the AX Two is 90db 8ohm nominal not sure of the minimum impedence. At $700.00Cdn I would ask anyone in the Victoria area to swing by and A/B them Against the Studio 20V3 or the 40V3 or the B&W 705(I would even attempt the N805). All of which are significantly more expensive loudspeakers.

No harm in at leat trying the cheaper speaker - IMO the only harm is to the competition which will be in for a rude awakening. And to the average Joe they get a vivid presentation in the musical event at a higher level and save anywhere from $500.00 - $2300.00.

By all means I should not have said don't waste your time with the 20's you are right - Please DO spend your time and compare them directly with the cheaper AX Two - then after you listen to them you won't need to waste your time with audio magazines or the likes of Paradigm. If that sounds like a snob statement well it won't to people have heard them - it will to those who have not.

[NickWH]

I don't remember the Dynaudios giving anywhere near the type of imaging that any of the Studio series models that I've heard do.

HAHAHAHAHAHA!

The Dane has a bit of this and was rather quite excellent on all counts but it's about double the price - and it's no better.

The Audience 42's are $699 US. That is not even close to double the price of the AN's. And low-sensivity is not a "weakness" when you have an amp with balls.

[Woochifer]

If the Studio 20 is too laid back, then you should actually give the Mini Monitor an audition. Much more forward sounding, but you sacrifice the pinpoint imaging and the top to bottom balance that the Studio series gives you. But, they are a lot more refined in the midrange than the Atom and Titans, so it might be a good balance for your preferences. You should also give the Klipsch RB-35 and RB-25 a tryout. If forward sound is what you're looking for, then that's a good starting point.