Studio 20 vs B&W 602, any thoughts... ?

Here goes...
I did an A/B comparison between the two. I ended up getting the Studio 40s (although I was using the 20s in the comparison with the 602s).
But here's what I thought... when I went into the store I was expecting to fall in love with the B&Ws because friends of mine own them and highly recommend them. But when I listened to the 602s I didn't care for their laid back sound. The 20s were very forward sounding compared to the 602s. I guess I like that.
The salesman I was dealing with was also pushing the 602s more then the 20s but in the end I decided that I liked the forward sound more. Sure the 602s filled the room, were very clean, sounded great, but they just had a different feel from the 20s. It's really a matter of taste I think. If you're used to the sound of Paradigm reference I think it might take a while to get used to the B&W sound. I'm sure the opposite is also true.
From what I can tell they are both very well made. One advantage of the 602 bookshelves is that they are front ported.
However, if you can afford it, the 40s are a wicked speaker and noticeably better then the 20s (imho). If you want something other then Paradigms but a similar sound, check out the Boston Acoustics reference series (I believe that's the VR-M series). They make a really nice bookshelve that I was also seriously considering. BA's are very underrated on these forums, but I feel they make a great speaker. Worth checking out!
and of course I should also point out that the only real way to know for sure is if you go and listen to them! In-fact, that's the fun part about speaker shopping - no features to worry about just sound!
- Mike

 

i went and auditioned both the 20s and 40s, and for some reason i liked the sound of the 20s more. but perhaps that was due to the fact that the 40s might not have been broken in yet. but the 20s are quite a respectable speaker. i might upgrade to 40s if i decide i like them. i'd have to audition them again though.

 

The B&W 602s are my favorite speaker in the line-up considering price/performance. I started with a pair of them 3 years ago and wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone.

Compared to the Paradigms, tough to say. They are totally and tonally different speakers. If you like the sound of B&W, it will grow into love once you add them to your system. If you don't care much for the B&W sound, forget them....you'll never be happy.



Jeremy

 

Mike,
You say you are looking for a different sound in your 2-ch rig. Can you elaborate on that? And the kind of music to which you listen? Maybe what you would want is something a little more striking than moving from one dynamic speaker to another, but rather to a planar, horn, or electrostatic. You've got plenty of power for anything.

 

For $1100 I would try the Sonus Faber Conertino Home or the Vienna Acoustics Haydn($995). Both VERY different from the Paradigm.

 

B&W owners vs Paradigm Studio owners are two different camps. I like them both, but I prefer the CDM 1NT to the 602, though that is also a significant price jump. If you like the Studios, stick with them.
I agree with the Sonus Fabers, and also Thiel PCS & Aerial Model 5. Not inexpensive stuff though...

 

I agree with Mark on the Vienna Acoustics Haydn. I think that they would be great for 2 channel stereo. However, somewhat more expensive than the 602s or 20s. I prefer the 40s to the 20s but once again, the 40s are somewhat more expensive. Both the 602s or 20s would be great for 2 channel stereo. It boils down to personal preference.

 

Mike,
I get the impression that it is almost, if not already, time for you to jump into a dedicated music system
You have a decent budget there ($1000) and a hell of an HT set-up. Maybe you should do a bit more saving and step into a "true" audiophile, critical listening set-up that would work well for entertainment purposes too. If you are looking for monitor speakers for the listening room, and you don't mind used purchases...you would be able to pick up a pair of Nautilus 805s on audiogon for $1400-1600. I know you have a budget now, but if it is critical music listening, glass of wine and a cigar that you're after, you will quickly want to upgrade your speakers if you limit yourself to 602s or Studio 20s.
I'm not sure what kind of brain power you have in the HT, but if multiple zone output is one of the capabilites, a good 2 channel amplifier and transport is all that is left
It can get up there in price, but if you have a good plan and don't mind buying second hand audiophile gear, there are some smokin' deals to be had every day at audiogon. Not to mention, if you aren't satisfied with the sound or need money quickly, you should always be able to turn the gear around for at least 85-90% of your investment.
Jeremy

 

Mike,

I fully agree with Jeremy about the used market. Speakers easily can be had for 60% of list and below. If you exercise good judgement wrt the seller and transaction, you are unlikely to get burned.

You've received some good suggestions. It seems your tastes may require something almost full-range, so a few more specific models I'd suggest are Vandersteen 2Ce and 3A (a little under and over your target range), NHT 2.5 and 2.9 (ditto), and Magnepan 1.6. Other well-regarded mfr to consider and watch for might include Soliloquoy, Spendor, Audio Physic, VMPS, Hales, Totem, Final, Linn. They've all got "strengths and weaknesses" or more appropriately varying degrees of "character".

Have fun!

 

Mike,
Originally you mentioned 2 monitor style models. Are you really looking at monitors or considering floorstanders as well? As we speak, there is a pair of Apogee Centaurus Minors and VMPS Towers on Agon for 675 and 650 respectively. Both use ribbons and will be a bit different than your Paradigms.

 

I believe you can't even compare the Paradigm Reference to the B&W 600s. The Reference, I believe, is in the same class as the B&W CDM series. I recommend listening to the B&W CDM1NTs bookshelf. You might be surprised. New list on them is $1,200.

Going the used route, the B&W CDM1SEs, the predecessor to the NT line, sell used on audiogon and ebay for $600-$700. I use these speakers in my HT with Rotel gear and highly recommend them.

 

I think B&W is a good change of pace. I prefer Paradigm sound for HT, and B&W sound for music listening.