high end speakers? ... not sure what brands/model

I apologize for not proofreading my initial post. I meant to say that "Your speakers are definitely ABOVE average in the grand scheme of things, as is your amp." You have a nice system that bests that of most people, and uses high-value components.

I'm not sure what you mean by wanting more "richness" in the bottom end. Do you mean more bass weight? If so, maybe your best option is to add a subwoofer to shore up the low frequencies.

Take your time, and try to audition speakers in your own room, as that will give you a much better sense of how they will perform in the context of your system and room.

Michael

Albireo13 03-20-10
Anyway, I was wondering how far I was from a top-level speaker experience.
Are my speakers pretty good or should I think about upgrades?

To answer your question, imo you are a long way from a top level speaker experience. Your speakers are "entry level decent." Now, you could try matching them with an amp that helps them to sound as good as they were in the "shop.". Obviously the Naim is not a satisfying match for them. Or, if you want to go to a "top-level" speaker then you need to get out and hear some top level speakers at high end dealers and pick what you love. Then after you find speakers (I assume monitors) you love, find an amp that is a great match for them. This is what I've learned from Goners with experience. Now, if you plan to buy speakers used here, of course you can't audition. Then you want to by a well known and popular name brand at a good price so if you don't like them you can sell and recoup most or all of your investment. I think the Dynaudio suggestion is very good.

I hate horns.

I too overlooked the bass. If the Paradigm monitors don't provide the bass you want that you heard at the dealers you may need to move to floorstanding speakers that go lower. Brands to hear (and try to audition) would be Revel, PSB, Dynaudio and there are many more. What sounds great to you may not sound great to others. Trust your ears.

Vintage enclosed speakers are far from good also.
At least horns can be tailored and tweaked as and when
newer better cones become available, and are easy to install.
Horns have stood the test of time, I mean how many boxed speakers from the 80's and before sound good today when compared to the latest speakers?
When one has bought a mega expensive enclosed boxed in speaker, one is stuck with its sound.
A good horn is most certainly musically comparable to any enclosed or panel loudspeaker, and in some instances are musically superior. IMHO.
To say one hates horns, is a bit like saying one hates Toyota's.