for speakers, consider Paradigm. Great stuff.
It could just be the particular ones I listened to, but to me they seemed to get in the way of the music, somewhat closed in.
OK, the Paradigm's that I was referring to were the Studio 40's, I gave them another listen today, it didn't have much of an affect on my opinion. Detailed, whatever, the presentation was just plain boring.
What I didn't hear last time was the Signature Series S2's, HUGE difference! The S2's had a much more spacious soundstage without compromising focus. The highs we smooth yet crisp, but not in any way fatiguing. The best for last, the mids... I was in love after only 2 minutes of Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Live Pulse version), smooth, full and warm. Next I threw in Tools's Ænima for some more aggressive abuse, unlike the Studio 40's, the S2's ketp up with every changing guitar chord, kick of the drum seemingly without any effect to detail. I threw in some Mule (You've Got To Hide Your Love Away - Beatles cover live 4022>671 outdoors), I was sold, I had to run out before I broke out the plastic, I want to give some others a try before I dropped the
cash plastic. ($950ea for Cherry, $1100 for maple, glad I prefer Cherry) ouch.
Thanks vwmule for the suggestion!
Also listened to Phase Tech PC-33.1's and PC-9.1's, well built, but I'd rather have nice sounding bookshelf speakers for half the cost.