On vacation, Going shopping

[JohnMichael]

I traveled to Genesis Audio to hear the Studio 20's and to Magnolia's to hear the B&W CM150. I have to say neither one is for me.

Genesis Audio was only interested in showing me the Studio 20's. When asked my budget I mentioned $2,000. I had never met a salesman who did not try to bump up my budget. I even asked about the Paradigms with Beryllium tweeters. He said they were nice but never offered to demo them. The budget can always be stretched but he must have made a judgement and did not want to spend time on me. No I did not take a stack of show tunes.

Then I went to Magnolia/Best Buy to hear the B&W CM150. The salesman was nice and tried to be helpful. He told me if they did not work in my system I could return them without a restocking fee. He tried to sound like an audiophile.

The sound of the Studio 20's was interesting. The lower frequencies were warm and detailed. Then when the higher notes were being handled by the tweeter they lightened and brightened. I had not heard a speaker that changed character to my ears as much as the Paradigm Studio 20's did. That is not a problem with my other three pairs of speakers. I am not saying they are better they just do not change character like the Studio 20's.

The B&W CM150's were a little thin and bright. Judging by how they were hooked up I doubt if I heard them at their best. I was surprised how small they were but I thought they looked bigger in pictures. The 150's build quality did not seem in the same league as the Paradigm's. I doubt if I return to hear any of them again.