I think I have it down to 2 choices.... B&W DM604 $1300 and Paradigm Studio 80 $1250. I have listened to the B&W's and will hear the Paradigm's later today. Problem is the store doesn't have the 80's, just the studio 100 to listen to. Plus, if I like the Paradigms, I have to pay upfront for him to special order them and I can't return them if I don't like them after I get them home. I also can't do a side by side test since the B&W's and Paradigm's are at different stores. Any thoughts?

Also, are the prices I have been quoted any good?

Thanks...

[Edited by cpgator on 06-19-01 at 11:58 AM]

I just bought a pair of B&W CDM7 NT and I like them very much. They are a little more expensive than the ones you are considering, but I think they are worthwhile. You can get them for $ 1700 (they are $ 2000 MSRP). Before buying them I was considering the 603 S2 which are still very nice speakers, but definetly not as good as the CDM7 NT (they also cost much less). I compared them with the Paradigm Reference Studio 60 (side by side). The Paradigm sounded good, but I thought that the B&W (even the 603) were far superior in clarity and sound separation. I listen mostly to classical music and for that I think that the B&W are better than the Paradigm, but that's just my opinion. Speakers are a very personal choice.
You might also want to consider the new B&W CM series (CM4) which is priced between the 603 and the CDM7 NT (the CM4 is 1500 MSRP). I didn't consider those because they don't come in black (my wife wanted them black...). I read good reviews on the CM4.
Unfortunately B&W speakers are only sold at authorized dealers so the price is generally pretty close to MSRP. A 10% discount is typical, 15% is good (that's what I got). Occasionally you might find dealers selling at 15-20% lower than list price, although it's pretty rare. With a 10-15% discount the CM4 would come close to the budget you are considering.

Another vote for B&W

You should also look on ebay. B&W buyers tend to take good acre of their speakers. I own the older Matrix series and would not trade them for the world, even though I got to buy them new at dealer cost I would pay full price for them.

Both are excellent lines of speakers. Personally, I would not give business to a dealer that won't take something back that just won't work for you. Have you checked with other dealers in your area?

I vote for the Paradigms. Both are great speakers, but with Paradigm you're always getting more for your money.

Just a follow up....listened to the Paradigms and they sounded great. He also said that I would be able to return them if I didn't like them. There is only one other place that sells paradigms and they don't have the studio 80's in stock either.

Thanks for all the help. Looks like B&W is up by 1 so far. I wish I could listen to them both at the same place...

IMO Paradigm Reference is better then B&W DM. But the new CM is very close to the Reference if not slightly better in the mid and hi range. The CDM IMHO is better then the Reference. This is base upon my experience at home, I have the Studio 40's and my audition of the B&W and Reference at two local shops. I listen to the B&W first and the store right down the road have Paradigm so even though it is not side by side it's pretty close. I think PoorBoy is right that Reference is better bang for the bucks especailly comparing against B&W DM.

Good luck with your purchase.

You really can't go wrong with either of those choices. I don't know any owners of Paradigm Reference who were dissatisfied with their speakers. I've only got Paradigm Monitors and I love them to death!!

I will agree that the Paradigm gives you a bit more bang for the buck.

If I had the $1300 and were choosing between the two, I'd pick the Paradigms. But let your ears be the final judge. It's a large investment.

Thanks for all the help. The guy ended up giving me a deal on the Studio 100's so I went ahead and got them. Hooked them up last night and was very happy.

Studio 100s....Very nice!!