Need some speaker advice!

[]V[ANTIS]

Hi all. i just started upgrading some of my a/v equiptment and need some advice. I in no way have a killer system or anything like that, but its decent enough for me. I have a Marantz SR5300 AV receiver and am looking to upgrade my old psb speakers. I have a chance to pick up a pair of used paradigm studio 20's (V3 i beleive) for about 650 CAD$

My question is would this be worthwhile with my receiver?? Will i be able to use the paradigms to their abilities?? Its just a start for me, but i use my system mainly for music

Thanks

[kexodusc]

The receiver will have no problem running the Studio 20's. Nice speakers. Try to listen to them (and as many others as you can) before handing money over. You don't want to get stuck with something you just don't quite like, only to second guess yourself until you upgrade again.

Not a bad price on the V3's, though.

Curious, if your system is decent enough for you, why the upgrade?

[BillB]

Your receiver's fine for a pair of 20's. As kexodusc said, check out as many other brands in your price-range that are available in your area. Also weigh the cost of whether the upgrade is worth it to you. $650CDN buys a lot od CDs and DVDs!

Bill

[]V[ANTIS]

The receiver will have no problem running the Studio 20's. Nice speakers. Try to listen to them (and as many others as you can) before handing money over. You don't want to get stuck with something you just don't quite like, only to second guess yourself until you upgrade again.

Not a bad price on the V3's, though.

Curious, if your system is decent enough for you, why the upgrade?

Im just not happy with the sound quality im getting from it. Sounds nothing like the demo i got in the store. They were running paradigms!

Plus, i have a buyer for my psb alpha towers...i will only have to spend 350 on the 20's in this deal

[kexodusc]

Hmmm, you'll need some stands.
I don't doubt you'd enjoy the Paradigm's (I have the 20's and 40's) and if this deal is a limited time thing, then you'll have to decide rather soon. It's always nice to shop around though, the more you hear, the more you'll be able to make the determination yourself.

The Paradigm's are very efficient speakers and will play very loud with only 1 watt of power driving them. Your receiver won't have any issues at all driving a pair of Studio 20's.

[]V[ANTIS]

do stands actually make a difference in sound...i mean different brands of stands??

[BillB]

The biggest difference good stands make is getting your speakers to proper height for you listening position. They'll have to be sturdy to hold the 20's.

Sand-fillable stands may make a difference to you if you can hear one, same with spikes. Whether that difference is good or bad is up to you.

Bill

[kfalls]

The Studio 20's are a very nice speaker and should sound fine with your receiver. If your ears (not a bad price either) led you to initially choose the Paradigms, don't let one posting change your mind. There's nothing wrong with researching your purchase, but I find with speakers I'll listen first and ask questions later. I would rather form my own first impressions, create a short list of speakers I'm interested in, then research, compare and contrast my selections, followed by final listening sessions.

You may not have an impressive rig, but the fact you're on this web-site says you're looking for quality sound and value and Canadian speakers are some of the best in these categories. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend either the PSBs or the Paradigms for sound or value. Also try to buy the best speakers (to your ears) you can afford. Receivers, and sources change frequently to accomodate current formats and marketing trends, but a great sounding speaker will be a joy for many years. Hey, anyone want to buy a Lexicon CP1+? It's a great piece of gear, but outlived its usefulness long before its time.

[3db]

The Alpha T's are PSB's entry level speakers and are a good speaker for the money. The Paradigms you refer too are in a totally different price class then the Alpha's. For that money, see if you cannot snag a pair of new PSB Image4Ts. I had a quick listen to them ( 15 minutes ) and without my reference CDs . The salesman was playing Dianna Krall through a NAD T773 and NAD cdplayer and the vocals that were put out were simply incredable.. I could even hear her breathing through the song.. So life like
Good luck and have fun

[]V[ANTIS]

The Alpha T's are PSB's entry level speakers and are a good speaker for the money. The Paradigms you refer too are in a totally different price class then the Alpha's. For that money, see if you cannot snag a pair of new PSB Image4Ts. I had a quick listen to them ( 15 minutes ) and without my reference CDs . The salesman was playing Dianna Krall through a NAD T773 and NAD cdplayer and the vocals that were put out were simply incredable.. I could even hear her breathing through the song.. So life like
Good luck and have fun

I actually have the alpha T's and thats what i am trying to upgrade. I was using the old aplha av's as rears, and switched them to my mains, and the sound quality for music greatly improved. Anyone want to buy a pair of alpha t's!!!

[3db]

I actually have the alpha T's and thats what i am trying to upgrade. I was using the old aplha av's as rears, and switched them to my mains, and the sound quality for music greatly improved. Anyone want to buy a pair of alpha t's!!!

Maybe I wasn't clear. I suggested trying PSB's new Image series; T45 (new replacement for Image 4Ts)

Give em a try . You'll be amazed

[]V[ANTIS]

you were clear...i got it!. thanks for the suggestion...im going speaker shoppign this afternoon.

[RGA]

I assume you have a high end store or several in your area? Attempt to listen to stuff you may not have heard of before. There are reasons some stores carry lesser known speakers over "big name" speakers. Obviously they carry the line not for the big sales they will generate with the masses because if that's all they cared about the store would carry something else instead. Chances are they carry it because it's the best sounding spekaer the store has and a few customers actually bother to listen extensively. Look for such speakers and try them - you still may like the 20 best but the more you DIRECTLY compare it against the more sure you will be of your decision.

Try the JM Labs Chorus line, The Audio Note AX Two I reviewed a couple of threads down, some of the standmounts from Linn - the Kan or Kataan(hate their names but the speakers sound nice), and PMC.