Most Musical Speakers $200 Can Buy? (1 Viewer)

[Martin Rendall]

The subject says it all. Right now I'm thinking Paradigm Atoms.

Thanks,
Martin.

 

[John Garcia]

$200 (USD) and UNDER or a little more?

For $200, you should be able to get Titans. I paid $189 for my v3 shielded ones brand new, but I got a good deal. Should still be able to get them for a little less, especially with the new models coming out soon. I prefer them to the Atoms, but the Atoms are OK too.

Do they have to be bookshelf speakers?

 

[Martin Rendall]

John,

Thanks for the post. I guess it could be more if it's a floorstander, since there's a $100 (CDN) in a stand right there.

The Atoms have received many accolades as the "gem in the rough" in the performance series. I remeber one person actually preferred them to Studio 20's. I'm intrigued that you like the Titans more. I'll have to demo them!

Thanks!
Martin.

 

[John Garcia]

I just like that the Titans have a bit more extension. The Atoms lack of extension makes them sound cleaner, IMO, which is why many prefer them to the Titans. With a sub, it's basically a draw, but I still prefer the Titans for the ~$30 difference.

The reason I ask if floorstanders are OK is because there are some Mordaunt Short 904s on sale at www.ac4l.com for $229 US. I have the 902s, the bookshelf version, that I got from AC4L, and I am extremely impressed with them. I upgraded my little bedroom system to these from Atoms, and the difference is LITERALLY night and day. I've even put them up against v2 Studio 20s in this same setup, and I felt the 902s, while lacking the extension of the 20s, were still cleaner overall for music. For the price, they are surprisingly good speakers.

 

[Martin Rendall]

John,

Thanks for the Titan vs. Atom insight. As for the Mordaunt Short 904s, I can't find them at a local B&M (in Canada, no less), and I definitely need to audition. Thanks for the suggestion, though. Looks like a heck of a sale price!

Martin.

 

[Martin Rendall]

Listened some performance line speakers in the audio store, and actually left with a pair of Paradigm Esprits. These are small thin floorstanders which actually offer a great deal of bass extension. Tied for the most, on paper, in the Performance line. The difference between two Atoms with two S-30 stands and the Esprits was $100 even.

Compared to the Atoms, the highs were more revealing, and there was obviously more bass. The soundstage was noticably wider, and I didn't notice much difference in imaging. I preferred the Atoms for female voices, however. The Esprit's were a bit rough.

It seemed like a good tradeoff given that they will be used mostly for 2 channel music, and I have no intention of introducing a sub.

Martin.

 

[ChrisWiggles]

 

[frank manrique]

All speakers reproduce music...although some handle it better than others...but they do precisely just that and nothing more 'cuz loudspeakers aren't **musical** instruments to begin with, for crying at loud! :rolleyes

Also...music playback without covering the entire human hearing frequency range (20 Hz to 20,000 Hz) is totally emasculating it--taking testicular, visceral power away from it!--even if most of it doesn't go below 40 Hz (of course, there's cathedral organ and electronically synthesized music to contend with too, but then what do I know!). That's why I've been been using subwoofers from time immemorial (am a bit older than most of you )!

Sorry about the rant...but had to get it out of my chest...

-THTS

"...hi, my name is Frank...and am an SVS bassaholic..."

 

[Craig Chase]

Wouldn't you know it. I get out of reviewing, and Frank introduces a new standard... "Testicular" .... just think, instead of "digital ready" stamps on the sides of speaker boxes... "Testicular Strength" could be the new paradigm ... (sorry - the paradigm one was too good to pass up...)...

Frank, you are a wonder...

 

[Manuel Delaflor]

Infinity Primus, there is a review on Sterophile's site

 

[NickSo]

I did some research awhile back when i got the upgrade bug for a pair of bookshelves for my room (which has since gone into remission, thank goodness for my wallet )

The primus has better high freq detail, but not as much in the midbass compared to the atoms.

You can probbly find the Titans for under $200USD, since i can get them for about $220CAD here.

 

[frank manrique]

quote:
__________________________________________________ ________

Frank, you are a wonder...
__________________________________________________ ________

Craig...is easy to soar high aloft when flying in the company of Eagles, my good friend!... :wink:

-THTS

"...hi, my name is Frank...and am an SVS bassaholic..."

 

[Martin Rendall]

Frank,

I must say, I completely disagree with you about speakers not being musical. My Studio 100's are definitely equivalent to a tamborine travelling 60 miles an hour away from the listener, with a slight 3 mile an hour crosswind from left to right.

Martin.

 

[FeisalK]

this thread is giving me disturbing visions

 

[frank manrique]

quote:
__________________________________________________ ________

Frank,

I must say, I completely disagree with you about speakers not being musical. My Studio 100's are definitely equivalent to a tamborine travelling 60 miles an hour away from the listener, with a slight 3 mile an hour crosswind from left to right.
__________________________________________________ ________

Martin,

I must say I too disagree with you since none of my speakers--and I own several pairs!--are definitely the equivalent to our big 9-piece TAMA drum set traveling at the speed of light...but that still doesn't make 'em musical instruments, so there!... :p)

-THTS

"...hi, my name is Frank...and am an SVS bassaholic..."

 

[Craig Chase]

Do you people have JOBS ?

 

[james_pierce]

check out e-bay I have some used Titans on sale there.

 

[brentl]

"Do you people have JOBS ? "



B

 

[james_pierce]

As the kettle was calling the pot black he also said, " I am at work don't tell anyone!"

 

[cabreau]

I listened to Micros, Atoms, Titans, Esprits and Phantoms. For the money, I preferred the Atoms over the others. When I upgraded to the Studio line, I kept my Atoms because I loved them so much. They are now performing surround duties.