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Jackula
1743
Dec 16, 2018
My first serious setup with a pair of Paradigm Studio 100's with an Onkyo receiver (before that the Logitech Z5500 which I wouldn't call "serious") - I haven't got the heart to sell these so they're being used by my folks. I now run a pair of PMC Twenty.21 speakers which I enjoy far more, they are much more agile, bass like a floorstander with zero bloat - I like them than much more expensive B&W Diamonds and Focal Sopras. Soundstage is decent once your room has been calibrated, tonality also a bit bright without adequate treatment. Running with a Lampizator tube DAC, Audio-GD pre-amp and PrimaLuna power amp. While I think the PMC's are great, they are a pain to "reset" for home threatre use, and sometimes I do wish the sound was more neutral and with better imaging. Best in that regard I've ever listened to was a pair of MBL 101E speakers, with MBL monoblocks and transports, costing over $500K, something which I can never realistically justify unless I won first prize on Powerball. Going to the Munich High-End Show made me realize you don't have to donate your kidneys for good sound. Some great value stuff comes from newer companies trying to make a name of themselves. There was the Osborn (an Australian company), their flagship speaker costing only $20K which was apparently sold to the Sultan of Brunei to replace his $300K setup when his servants scoured the globe to find the "best" speaker with an unlimited budget. And oh boy they do sound good and I can afford it! I'm now saving up for the Osborn speakers, also in the process of replacing my entire setup with Audio-GD, they are no brainers for anyone wanting to break into high-end.
A community member
Dec 16, 2018
JackulaI have to admit I had a time when I was looking at a pair of PMC speakers I was looking at the Twenty 21s I may have a look at some point would like a nice pair of book shelf speakers for a smaller room. I think I had it down to them and the ATC SCM 11 but never did pull the trigger as I had never heard any of them personally but both are highly regarded. I tend to buy then hope for the best it works out most the time as on the used market you barely lose out so it's a nice way to try things out then sell if not what I am looking for.
(Edited)
Jackula
1743
Dec 16, 2018
I did compare against the ATC at the time of purchase. The ATC's problem is inadequate bass response and hella difficult to make them sing with a tube amp. When driven correctly and with a good sub, the ATC's are better, but that would cost thousands more making them a poor value proposition. For ATC, they start getting better at SCM40a.
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