Paradigm or Energy?????

I auditioned the Paradigm Reference 100.2 and the Energy Veritas 2.3 at length and left with the Paradigms. The Energys did not have the ultimate smoothness the Paradigms have - they were a little "hard" sounding. Don't get me wrong, they were very nice and the cabinet was better quality but the paradigms have superb sound. I have not listened to the exact models you are looking at but I am sure the same sound philosophy applies.

Just an Idea, For $850 (or less) you can get into some used Paradigm Studio Reference series (20,40,60,80, possibly the 100's ver1). These speakers in my mind will sound much better than any described. I have owned the Mini-monitors, Phantoms, heard the full monitor series and I would just get into their "flasgship" line as it offered much better transparency and soundstaging. Not saying the other models dont, there are much improvments over the rest of the series.

Unless your going to buy a set of speakers new. I would find someone in your area that have a set of used speakers that have already been "broken in" and save any shipping costs.

If you have any questions please let me know.

BTW, I let me father try my 2nd set of speakers (Studio 80's Ver1) and hooked them up to a older pioneer receiver.

His jaw hit the floor. They made the music so transparent. His existing speakers (junk Technics) sounding so muffled compared.

Now I cant get him out of the living room.

Thanks!

Energy and Paradigm use research data from some big Canadian audio research lab (can't remember the name). The two are very similiar, just voiced a little differently. Paradigm manufactures their own drivers; not sure about Energy. Just auditioned the Paradigm Atom, Titan, and Energy e:XL 16 bookshelf speakers. I think the Energy was a little better built, but the Paradigm Titan sounded better. It has smoother and had more of an and had more of a sense of ease. I purchased the Paradigm Titans.

Try the new Paradigm Swifts (not the Meadowlark) they are $800/pair. Less bright and smoother than Energy's, especially on the Sony receiver. Pretty nice, although not the last word in resolution and tight sound.

thank you all---this was alot of help...i just recently started looking in to used gear and found this wonderful site.. i think i'll take your advice and buy used.
for those wondering..i want to use them for mostly music (rock) with some use in HT.--i am (will be) powering them with a sony str-de845 receiver.

thanx again,
gfm