Well people went to Tyler Acoustics today and got to meet Ty. I must say he is one heck of a nice guy. One thing is for sure Ty knows how to build top-notch speakers. All I can say is WOW!!!!!!!!!!! For the very first time I got to listen to a Vifa tweeter. The Freedom F-2's use a 7" aluminum Seas driver with a Vifa tweeter. Talk about clarity and wide dispersion capabilities. The Vifa delivers. One thing that really stood out about the F-2's is the very controlled low frequency extension that characterizes this speaker. I asked Ty what size sub he was using and he informed me that only the F-2's were playing. Depening on your room size I would say for most 2-channel listening a sub will not be required. The tweeter had great extension as well but NEVER seemed to be too forward. Just simply played whatever it was ask to do without adding anything. Ty had a Jolida CD player and a Jolida amp set up in his demo room. It was so kool watching Ty build the X-overs WHILE he was talking to me. I asked him if he could do it in his sleep and not suprisingly he replied "Yes". Ty also answered any question I had not only about his products but "audio" in general. Ty's brother, wife, and of course, his daughter help him with his business. They were all very nice people and I really appreciated the way Ty made me feel welcome. I can not say that the Freedom F-2's are better than the Paradigm Studio 20's because of not being able to do an A/B test. But, I can say the F-2 cabinet is far superior to the Studio series cabinets. Ty is the real deal people. His cabinetry is second to none. Ty also brought is some Linbrook Signature speakers for me to listen to. At 55 lbs. each these are not for the faint at heart. The sound from these speakers is the ABSOLUTE best speakers I have ever heard period. Wow does not even begin to describe the sound of these speakers. The Seas magnesium drivers are a big step up from their aluminum drivers. The Millenium tweeter by far exceeds the Vifa. The Linbrooks were just breath taking. The details I heard were so clear and pure that they honestly did disappear. Lastly, I got to listen to the Taylo Mini Reference as well. The soundstage this little speaker produced was incredible. Definately lacking in the low end but after all it is a 5" Seas Magnesium driver. The Scan Speak tweeter was just as impressive. One thing that stood out immediately was how the Mini presented the soundstage. It was a little bit forward but nothing harsh or bright but kinda cocky like if you know what I mean. Very clear but definatley not laid back so to speak. Once again, the clarity was off the charts and I liked the tweeter better than the Vifa. I listened to my various cd collection--most store bought but a few were recorded in to mp3's. Even the mp3's sounded great on all three speakers I got to demo. My choice of the day was without a doubt the Linbrooks followed my the Mini's. Then, the Freedom F-2's. IMHO, I would say that the F-2's sounded a bit better than from what I remember of the Studio 20's. The F-2's are more refined and extended on the top end as well as more defined and controlled on the low end. I do believe the studio 20's may be a bit more punchier in the upper midbass region but that is about all. But, keep in mind this is basically going from memmory and not an A/B test. However, I do know the Paradigm products very well especially the Studio 20's. Congradulations to Ty, his wife, and his brother for producing top notch products. And the fact he is a very nice guy makes it all the better. Have a good day people.
Phil