LSi9 vs Paradigm Studio 40 v.3

[markmarc]

I have narrowed my choice down to either the Polk LSi9 or the Paradigm Studio 40 v.3. Has anybody been able to compare these two models head to head?
I have heard both, the LSi9's at Fry's, and the Paradigm's at a party recently.

[gregure]

I've heard the Paradigms run on B&K and Adcom at some dealers. Nice speakers, but way overpriced for what they do. I didn't notice a huge difference between the Paradigms and other speakers such as Polk, lower end B&W, Definitive Technology, etc.
I did find the LSi line to be very fine indeed, although I've only heard them run off a HK 7300. I really do think the LSi's ring radiator will give you a much better speaker for music, while giving you excellent sound for movies as well.
For a few hundred more, have you looked at the Haydn Grands from Vienna Acoustics? Those are exceptional.

[Joey_V]

Good matchup! It will most likely boil down to preferences. Having said that, I prefer the LSi9's vocals hands down.

However, the Paradigm Refs have such a good dispersion that it makes mincemeat of the LSi9's acoustic dispersion.

[markmarc]

Joey:
Heard the Paradigms on Saturday. Listened to both the 20's and the 40's. Unfortunately, they weren't in the same room. The 40's struggled a bit with the room layout as they had a large entertainment center placed between the speakers. Sound did improve once we moved them out to in front of the unit. but the depth of the soundstage was lacking. Plus the room they were in was abysmal for listening.

I was actually more impressed by the 20's. Dispertion of the instruments was incredible. I am going back later this week, the sales manager will have them put into the same room.

[Joey_V]

marc,

Your impressions mirror mine. Try to see if you can have both the 9s and the Ref20/40s in the same room and do a 1:1 (1xlsi9 and 1xref20/40) hooked up at the same time so you can hear the differences (if you dont have an a/b switcher).

Keep me posted.

Joey