Paradigm Studio 100 v.3 vs Axiom M80s.

[rajx7]

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

Thanks again dude. This is what I would like to see when I come here for opinions and hear people's experiences, I expect to see that and thanks to you for just doing that. I have found a dealer here who carries LINN speakers. I think I will hear them. Tell me one thing have acoutically treated your room. That is another big research, I have been doing simultaneously. I found a dealer who carry the Knauf compressed fiber glass tubes. I plan to make some Bass traps this holiday season and experiment them.

[drseid]

Tell me one thing have acoutically treated your room.

I confess I have not. My room is medium sized, and it is not too problematic (no tremendous bass or reflection issues). I am sure acoustic treatments would be helpful regardless, but room space to put all the treatments in comes into play.

---Dave