Comparing PSB, Paradigm and Revel - your thoughts?


I've heard each of these separately but would like to get some comments from members about the overall house sound of each brand. The PSB Synchrony One and Imagine T2, the Paradigm Signature S6 and S8 and the forthcoming Revel F208 -- these are all of a reasonable price, come from very accomplished designers, reflect considerable research and engineering effort over many years, and also reflect manufacturing economies in their pricing. How would you characterize the brands sonically?
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psb synch and paradigm signature sound very similar to me, perhaps a function of their both being canucks who (i believe) share the government-sponsored r&d. i think of the psb as being very transparent, detailed, nuetral and, above all, balanced--driver integration is just about perfect. the psb imagine sound like 90% of a synch; still a very credible speaker. the paradigm are perhaps a little bit more forward and bright/colored; a bit more overall oomph. i don't know the revel f208, but i own or have owned the f50 and f32, which are both great speakers--very airy transparent highs, also well balanced; midrange is less forward than the paradigm and bass is tight, though perhaps not as deep. very "elegant" and refined sounding; not the first choice for reggae or heavy metal. soundstage width is enormous--they sound great from just about anywhere.
I have to agree with loomisjohnson, the Paradigms are a tad to bright for my tastes. Not familiar with the newer PSBs (older models were always designed too much for a budget sound IMO) have always liked the Revels (currently own the F32 as well and their description above is just about perfect) the higher level Ultima line is pure awesome! Have heard both models in several setups and truly great sound from them always. Probably my next upgrade. As with all things speaker related, best to try and get an audition-preferably in your room.
Thanks to both of you. The F208 is announced but not yet shipping, part of a complete revamp of the Performa series.
I recently purchased a pair of PSB Synchrony Ones and they are easily the best speakers I have had in my system and I have not yet heard anything else that would cause me to replace them. Clean, articulate, extended, quick and with warmth. Very musical. They are appreciablly better than my prior PSB Stratus Golds.
Have tou looked into KEF lately? They have also redesigned their line. It may be woth a listen and they cime in a a variety of pricepoints. I happen to like speakers that err, if at all, on the upper midrange, which is why I like JM Focals.
The PSB is a very good speaker for the price and has a more balanced tone to my ears than the others have argued.