In reply to:
Thoughts, opinions, point, counter point? Let me hear it!
I don't think you really want any counterpoints here.
It sounds to me like you enjoyed the sound of the Paradigms and they fall into your price range. There really is little point in asking anyone else what they think since it is completely what you think that matters. However your thoughts on so many speaker brands is admirable. That must have taken some time.
On that note, if you do any more further reviews before you decide to buy, keep in mind that speakers played louder often sound better so during your auditions, even though they are in different locations, with different equipment, if you could at all set the volumes the same while listening to the same music it would help your brain better make a decision on the sound. Do not let the salesman turn up the volume knob on you.
Bringing along a clipboard for taking notes is also useful since the brain has a very short memory for sound detail (for lack of better words).
Good luck with your continued search.
