Paradigm Studio 100 v.3 vs Axiom M80s.

[drseid]

So what do you guys think of Von Von Schweikerts VR-2 for fronts, LCR 15 for center and TS 150 for surrounds.

I think VS makes *great* speakers, both for the money and outright. I considered the VR4 SE Gen IIIs before I bought my current mains, and they were impressive.

Keep in mind, if you already auditioned the VR-4jrs and liked what you heard, you may be able to look for a used pair on Audiogon.com. You can get a lot more value for your money with used speakers (IMO), as many go for 50% discounts off list. A speaker you thought was "out of your league" pricewise may now be very affordable.

---Dave

[rajx7]

I think VS makes *great* speakers, both for the money and outright. I considered the VR4 SE Gen IIIs before I bought my current mains, and they were impressive.

Keep in mind, if you already auditioned the VR-4jrs and liked what you heard, you may be able to look for a used pair on Audiogon.com. You can get a lot more value for your money with used speakers (IMO), as many go for 50% discounts off list. A speaker you thought was "out of your league" pricewise may now be very affordable.

---Dave

Hi Dave,
I really appreciate your reply. I think I will consider buying used ones if I decide on going for VR-4s. But wanted to know if VR-2 sound as good as VR-4s. Since I am more interested in watching movies and some music so I was just wondering if VR-2 will produce pretty good sound movies.
Regards,
R

[drseid]

Well, they don't sound *quite* as good as the VR4jrs, but they do sound quite good. The 4jrs offer better bass extension and a bit better resolution in my opinion, but the VR2 is a great speaker in its own right (at least to my ears).

---Dave

[rajx7]

I should say Dave, you are a cautious writer. But thanks for you opinion. When I heard VR-4 jr. I thought it was one of the best speakers I have heard so far, but like I said earlier they are bit beyond my range. But I assume that all their speakers are timber matched as they do not set of center and surround speakers for VR-4 line up. They seem to have only one type center and surround speakers, that is LCR-15 and TS something. So I would assume if I want to create a 5.1 I will have to chose any set of 2 speakers and buy the 3 I mentioned abouve and they should be timber matched. I hope you understand where I am getting at?

[drseid]

Yes, the VS speakers should indeed be timbre matched, so mixing the VS types of speakers would not be a problem.

Just for clarification, I was not trying to push you into buying the VR4jrs, especially as you clearly stated they were out of your price range... I just meant that there were *some* differences between the VR2s and the 4jrs. So hearing one speaker was not a "shoe in" that the other would be what you are looking for.

That said, I think if you went with the VR2s you would not be dissatisfied.

I recommend auditioning a whole bunch of high-end brands... that is half the fun of the purchase (the hunt). :-)

Cautious writer.... Who me? ;-)

---Dave

[rajx7]

Yes, the VS speakers should indeed be timbre matched, so mixing the VS types of speakers would not be a problem.

Just for clarification, I was not trying to push you into buying the VR4jrs, especially as you clearly stated they were out of your price range... I just meant that there were *some* differences between the VR2s and the 4jrs. So hearing one speaker was not a "shoe in" that the other would be what you are looking for.

That said, I think if you went with the VR2s you would not be dissatisfied.

I recommend auditioning a whole bunch of high-end brands... that is half the fun of the purchase (the hunt). :-)

Cautious writer.... Who me? ;-)

---Dave

Hey Dave, I know that you were not pushing anything on me, just expressing you opinion. When I said that you were a cautious writer I was actually refering to the following line you had written earlier : "VR2 is a great speaker in its own right (at least to my ears)." If you had been reading earlier posts in this thread there is lot of hot debate going on and kind of whose speaker and ears are better. So when I read that, it kind of sounded funny. As if you were making it clear even before anyone can say anything, that it sounds great to your ears. Since I also loved Vr-4s I can trust your ears. So it shows that you have Tyle acoutics. Are they great speakers for the price they charge. What made you go for them and what all did you audition before you took them in.

By the way I totally agree the fun in the "hunt" part you had mentioned. It's the "process of achieving" is more entertaining than "achieving". That's the reason even when we have stuff which we like we are out here looking for more...isn't it wonder.. sadly but truly it never ends even if you think you have the best. I would love to go out and audition as much as possible but don't seem to have to many variety in my area. Recently came across another brand, LINN speakers. Heard of them?

Regards,
Raj

[drseid]

Hey Dave, I know that you were not pushing anything on me, just expressing you opinion. When I said that you were a cautious writer I was actually refering to the following line you had written earlier : "VR2 is a great speaker in its own right (at least to my ears)." If you had been reading earlier posts in this thread there is lot of hot debate going on and kind of whose speaker and ears are better. So when I read that, it kind of sounded funny. As if you were making it clear even before anyone can say anything, that it sounds great to your ears. Since I also loved Vr-4s I can trust your ears. So it shows that you have Tyle acoutics. Are they great speakers for the price they charge. What made you go for them and what all did you audition before you took them in.

By the way I totally agree the fun in the "hunt" part you had mentioned. It's the "process of achieving" is more entertaining than "achieving". That's the reason even when we have stuff which we like we are out here looking for more...isn't it wonder.. sadly but truly it never ends even if you think you have the best. I would love to go out and audition as much as possible but don't seem to have to many variety in my area. Recently came across another brand, LINN speakers. Heard of them?

Regards,
Raj

Well, obviously I am biased as I am an owner.... But I would argue that Tyler Acoustics offers some of the largest bang for the buck available in High-end audio.

My Linbrook Signature System speakers use Seas Excel drivers (very expensive) and Ty Lashbrook built them to order (as he does all of the Tyler speakers)... Mine came in a fabulous Rosewood finish. I picked them for their superior soundstaging, acuracy, overall slightly laid back tonal qualities (not to mention fabulous bass extension and resolution) and looks/build quality. Also, I had tried out the Tyler Taylo Reference monitors that are more in your price range first (so I had a good idea what the Tyler "sound" was like, before investing $4,500+ on a pair of built to order speakers). I loved the Taylos (that I bought used on Audiogon.com) so much that they now occupy the rear 3 channels in my sound system... I just could not part with them. Finally, I liked the fact that I was buying from a great guy who builds all of his speakers himself, and he is *very* down to earth. Just a little guy trying to make an honest living without being full of himself.

I did not mention Tyler previously because 1) they were not on your audition list, and 2) they are Internet direct, and it did not sound like that was a direction you would like to head in. I will say that now that Ty has a new addition to his web site where you can get the email of a local owner who has volunteered to let people listen to their various Tyler speakers, they might be worth a look if you are interested (I would argue they definitely are, of course). Ty Lashbrook's (Tyler's) web page is http://www.tyleracoustics.com just for reference.

Other speakers I listened to were the Legacy Audio Focus 20/20 (nice top to bottom sound, but a *bit* too bright for my taste), McIntosh XRT-28s (I *loved* these, but they are $18,200/pr. (too much for *my* price range ;-)) -- still I am glad I got a chance to hear them..., the Dali Helicon800s (which were unbelieveable performers in the just under $6000 price range (and they look *fabulous*), but not *quite* as good as the Tylers (for less money)), the Dali MS5s (I did not care for the sound or price ($12,400/pr. -- note: I listened to these right after the XRT-28s, so that may have had something to do with my displeasure)), and the Von Schweikert VR-4 Sig. Gen IIIs (very impressive, but again to not quite up to the Tylers).

I did hear the Linn Katans ($1000/pr.) just for kicks at one of the dealers, and I *loved* them. Quite frankly, for $1000/pr. new, I can't think of a speaker I would buy instead of them at that price. I did not get to hear any of Linn's larger speakers, as the dealer did not carry them. Sorry I can't be of more help there.

All of my auditions with the exception of the Tylers and the Linns were on all top-of-the-line McIntosh electronics. The Linns were on mid-level Linn electronics, and the Tylers were home demos on my own modest equipment listed below.

Hope that helps...

---Dave