I, myself have also heard the Paradigm Studios, Monitors and JBL Studios enough to give an opinion: the JBL Studios are better than the Paradigm Monitors, no doubt. Compared to the Paradigm Studios though, the Paradigm Studios are brighter and cleaner, but the JBL Studios have much better low-end response. I actually prefer the sound of the Paradigm Studios, while a friend of mine (who was with me throughout all auditions) prefers the sound of the JBL Studios.
I own JBL Studios and chose them over Paradigm Studios because of value: the sound-quality that the JBL Studios offer at the price I got them at could not be beat by the Paradigm Studios. In terms of price comparisons, I got the sound quality of JBL Studios at a very minimal extra cost over the price of Paradigm Monitors.
I feel the Paradigm Studios are a bit too bright for my liking also, and after a lengthy audition, I did not go with them. I spent less than the Studios and got better performance (IMO) going internet direct.
The JBL Studios, when they were being closed out, were definitley the best bang for the buck around.
About the only thing I would own from Paradigm these days would be the Signatures or some used Actives.
the JBl's and Klipsch are retailed at a lower price than the paradigms. if i find little difference i mite go for klipsch Floors &HT setup coz i think Klipsch are way better lookin than JBl's.jbl needs improvement in the looks department. klipsch mite go with my taste aswell since ill be using it for movies n Rock music. i guess other traits go well with Jazz kinof music
the new HK 635 is now available, its retailed at $1299 at the HK site
wut upgrades are in the 635 over 630. ive read on previous posts on the forum tat they were to add autoEQ . overall is it a value for the buck over 630 ??
My recommendation is for the Paradigm Studio setup. Currently I have:
Studio(v3) 40's Studio(v3) 20's Studio ADP-470 Pw-2100 Sub
Front Left/Right and bi-amped to 4 of 5 channels from a NAD S250 with the center running off the 5th channel. Rears are powered by a Pioneer 56TXi which also acts as the pre/pro. I find the speakers to very detailed with a large soundstage. Certainly don't think they sound harsh like some do.
As far as receivers go almost any of the big name brands will have no problem with the speakers, as long as you don't drive them hard. You may also want to look into the Pioneer Elite line or even the Pioneer VSX-1014 (similar to 52TX) if they are available.