Bookshelfs - process of elimination...and why?

[twochordcool]

JMlab Chorus 706 S

B&W DM601 S3

B&W DM602 S3

PSB Image B25

Wharfedale Diamond 9.1

Monitor Audio Bronze B2

Castle Richmond 3i

Quad 11L

Paradigm Mini Monitor

Paradigm Monitor 3

I will more than likely end up with 3 pairs of one of these speakers.

Which ones do you think are definitely better than which other ones?

Why?

Paradigms are pretty darn good.

I'm VERY interested in the Image B25, but it bothers me that I can only find one professional review on that speaker. (but it is the one review that makes me very curious!)

Have read mixed reviews on the B&W's, but they have improved with the S3 version?

I have read mixed reviews on the JMlab Chorus 706 S...but I am also very curious!

The British press have very good things to say about the Wharfedale Diamond 9.1's - they look very cool, do they live up to the hype?

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[Troon]

Within your apparent budget, you could also stretch to the MA Silver S1 and S2 which are on "run-out" pricing at the moment as the RS series replaces them, although this is only a cosmetic change.

This may not apply to you though: I infer from your post that you're in the US...?

To get an informed response, you'll need to find someone who's listened to most of these, and I doubt you'll succeed in that quest. You'll probably get a lot of "I have X and like it" and a couple of "I tried X against Y and preferred X".

The positioning, room size and other external factors are critical, often more critical than the speakers themselves. You say you'll end up with three pairs - is that for a 6.1 system?

Are they all going to be stand-mounted in free space, or on a shelf, or wall-mounted? You should read the manufacturers' recommendations, and take into account whether they are front- or rear-ported. That may eliminate some of them for you.

I hope my ramblings have helped further your decision process...

[Falp]

IMHO an in no special order:

JMlab Chorus 706 S

Monitor Audio Bronze B2

Monitor Audio Silver S1 / RS1

Quad 11L

AE Evo1

AE Elite1

KEF Q1 / iQ3

[cribeiro]

IMO, JMLab is bright... And the Castle are at least at the level of the B&W. Can't comment on others.
Cheers,

Alberto

[MartinImber]

I'd go for the Castles - lovely speakers

[Llanowar]

Originally Posted by cribeiro

IMO, JMLab is bright... And the Castle are at least at the level of the B&W. Can't comment on others.
Cheers,

Alberto

I agree, had the 714s, didn't like the tweeter, it had an irritating brightness to it. The castle's might be nice indeed, though i really like the pmc db1+ a bit too expensive though maybe. Check out the new iQ3 from kef

[Timbo21]

IMO the Quad 11L's are way better than the Monitor Audio B2's, & should be, since they are about £180 more.

[Falp]

Teh best from the bunch: Quad 11L and MA RS1 (brave reviews)