Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 100
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Hi All, I have been lurking here for about a month and auditioning in the meantime. So, hi everyone Great forum! So far, my favorite speakers have been the B&W 703's and the Paradigm Studio 100v.4. One thing to note, on the B&W audition they were running the 703's on a Mcintosh amp and 100's on a Adcom amp I believe. I know a lot of time we talk about how loud a system can crank, but at the B&W audition my wife was very impressed how crystal clear the sound was at a very low volume. The salesman said it was the amp that made the difference. The reason I have not purchased the B&W or Paradigm is the price. That's what has brought me here, I like the idea of a quality speaker without the middleman to drive up the price. So my question: Has anyone auditioned the 703 or 100's that ended up purchasing the M80 v2? I was very pleased with the extreme clarity and punchy bass of the 703 and 100's. Also, what type of amps are you guys using for the M80's? I have a Yamaha RX-V1800 that I will use for the center and surrounds, but would like a 2 channel to push the 2 towers. Up until I started researching I had no idea the different opinions on amps putting out the same watts Thanks, Dave
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 100
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connoisseur
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connoisseur
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Situation a few weeks ago: -------------------------- I have a friend that has Paradigm Studio 100 and another one who has Paradigm Signature S8, while I have M80s. So far, the 100 guy admits the M80s are great, but prefer his Studio 100. The M80 guy (me) admits the 100 are great, but prefer his M80s. The S8 guy was impressed by the M80 for the price and is since taunting the 100 owner that he paid too much for essentially the same sound quality.
Situation now: -------------- Since then, I am powering my M80s with an Axiom A1400 while the Studio 100 is powered by 7 Outlaws 2200. The 100 owner came to my place 10 days ago and his jaw dropped. He is in line for a A1400 and even considering changing his Studio 100 for the more powerfull M80s. The S8 owner has not yet heard the A1400, but he's dying to now.
I have no idea about the B&W 703. The Paradigm are very, very good. They just get expensive because of all the middle people involved in any sales.
See Mojo's signature
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 100
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Joined: Dec 2007
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veteran
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veteran
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M80s powered by B&K 200.7. Works for me. I'd like to give the A1400-8 a try though.
Don't die with a clean shop!
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 100
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Joined: Apr 2005
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connoisseur
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connoisseur
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My son had 703s. He heard my M80s. He sold his 703s.
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 100
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Joined: Aug 2007
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connoisseur
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connoisseur
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My son had 703s. He heard my M80s. He sold his 703s. Very close to an haiku!
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 100
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axiomite
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My son had 703s. He heard my M80s. He sold his 703s. Very close to an haiku! Dude!! Eric, my man, don't mention haikus around here. . .trust me.
*********** "Nothin' up my sleeve. . ." --Bullwinkle J. Moose
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 100
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shareholder in the making
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Why should he not? It can be a very fun game and quite amusing.
I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 100
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Joined: Mar 2005
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axiomite
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axiomite
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*********** "Nothin' up my sleeve. . ." --Bullwinkle J. Moose
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 100
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Joined: Mar 2005
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axiomite
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axiomite
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Why should he not? It can be a very fun game and quite amusing. Eloquent you are, Yet, Haikus read aloud make You sound like Yoda.
*********** "Nothin' up my sleeve. . ." --Bullwinkle J. Moose
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 100
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Joined: May 2003
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shareholder in the making
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If sound like Yoda I must to enjoy this form sound like him I shall.
I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 100
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Joined: Mar 2005
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axiomite
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axiomite
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Stop! I can't take it. I'm at work and can't spend so much time on haikus.
*********** "Nothin' up my sleeve. . ." --Bullwinkle J. Moose
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 100
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Joined: May 2003
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shareholder in the making
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Or you could simply stop reading the boards and get back to work, you bum!
Of course, this also applies to the writer of this hypocrisy.
I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 100
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Joined: Aug 2007
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connoisseur
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connoisseur
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Oops... My bad!
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 100
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shareholder in the making
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I'm sorry, Eric, You lose. That was not in the form of a haiku.
I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 100
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Joined: Aug 2007
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connoisseur
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connoisseur
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In comes the Haiku, Out goes all of the I.Q. What a sad life...
See Mojo's signature
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 1
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shareholder in the making
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Does the smiley face Count as a syllable? I Do not think it does.
Last edited by kcarlile; 02/14/08 10:23 PM.
I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 1
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Joined: Aug 2007
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connoisseur
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connoisseur
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See Mojo's signature
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 1
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shareholder in the making
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You are a very Funny fellow. I cannot stop laughing out loud.
I am the Doctor, and THIS... is my SPOON!
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 1
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Joined: Mar 2005
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axiomite
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axiomite
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You guys are crazy. Who started this madness? Eric? Tsk, you knucklehead!
*********** "Nothin' up my sleeve. . ." --Bullwinkle J. Moose
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 1
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Joined: Dec 2002
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aficionado
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aficionado
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What is going on here? missing something am I? , eh? silly fun this is.
The sailor does not pray for wind, he learns to sail. --Lindborg
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 1
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shareholder in the making
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I auditioned m60's years ago against 703's and purchased the 60's. I now have 80's and would say they are better than the 703's and equivelant or better than the 100's. jmo
M80s VP180 4xM22ow 4xM3ic EP600 2xEP350 AnthemAVM60 Outlaw7700 EmoA500 Epson5040UB FluanceRT85
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 1
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Joined: Jun 2003
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axiomite
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axiomite
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Sirquack's response, though not expressed in preferred form has beery merit
bibere usque ad hilaritatem
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 1
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Joined: Feb 2008
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buff
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I appreciate the resposes regarding the 703 and 100 comparisons. As far as the amp goes, I have seen 2 channel amps range from $700 to $4K+ for about the same power. It seems like the Rotel RB-1080 would be a good option for powering the M80's. Any other recommendations for 2 channel amps?
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 1
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Joined: Sep 2002
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connoisseur
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connoisseur
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I think the NAD C270 or 272 would be good, I used to own the C370 which was their integrated amp that had basically the identical amp as the C270 and it drove my M80's nicely. If you are looking to spend more the Rotel is probably very nice. I hate to sound like a fanboy but I really like the Odyssey Stratos if you buy used for an amp under 1k. There are a few forum members here running one form or another of this amplifier and have all been very happy
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 1
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aficionado
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aficionado
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I am most surprised that my good brother Peter has not weighed in yet
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 1
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Joined: Feb 2008
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connoisseur
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connoisseur
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Guys, haikus aside, I just spent the last five minutes reading this forum and LMAO. My wife walked in to ask me what in the heck I was laughing at... (she didn't get it). The post with the smileys in haiku form was hilarious.
Epic 80-800: HG Cherry
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 1
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Joined: Feb 2008
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frequent flier
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frequent flier
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I too enjoyed the Post with the smiley faces It made me giggle
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 1
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Joined: Oct 2006
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axiomite
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axiomite
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I write this randomly because I think haiku is the lowest of all art forms.
Seriously, 5,7,5. The only thing that the inventor of Haikus is brilliant at, is convincing people that because he couldn't write poetry.... that this was a valid and meaningful art form.
Sorry, I don't mean to sound bitter, I actually just get a kick out of it all.
Oh and I love Paradigm gear. I love my Axioms more but really you can't go wrong with either (except maybe their subwoofers). Paradigm doesn't make anything even close to the EP subs, in my opinion.
I have never compared B&W in the same room so I can't comment there.
With great power comes Awesome irresponsibility.
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 1
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shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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Your brother Peter Was in Cleveland this weekend. Returned to dead Tex.
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 1
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axiomite
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axiomite
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Um, what is "dead Tex?" Should I be worried, Peter? Oh, and welcome back ...
Bears, beets, Battlestar Galactica.
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 1
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Joined: Mar 2005
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axiomite
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axiomite
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I'm concerned as well. What does Peter mean, "dead Tex"? Cryptic indeed, hmm.
*********** "Nothin' up my sleeve. . ." --Bullwinkle J. Moose
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 1
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shareholder in the making
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White hair and blue eyes Our dear overweight deaf cat Tex is now a was
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 1
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axiomite
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axiomite
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Tex is in heaven Chasing yellow butterflies Caught one! nom nom nom ...
---
Condolences, Peter. RIP Tex!
Bears, beets, Battlestar Galactica.
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 1
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axiomite
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axiomite
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Yes, sorry Peter. My condolences, too. And, JP, kudos on the apropo haiku. I like it.
Last edited by St_PatGuy; 02/19/08 09:13 PM.
*********** "Nothin' up my sleeve. . ." --Bullwinkle J. Moose
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 1
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Joined: Jan 2004
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shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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M80s VP180 4xM22ow 4xM3ic EP600 2xEP350 AnthemAVM60 Outlaw7700 EmoA500 Epson5040UB FluanceRT85
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 1
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Joined: Aug 2003
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aficionado
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aficionado
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Tex was one of the few cats I could tolerate for more than a day. RIP, Fatso! (meant in the most endearing way possible. besides, he was deaf!)
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 1
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Joined: Jun 2003
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axiomite
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axiomite
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Condolences, Peter. BURN him!!
bibere usque ad hilaritatem
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 1
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Joined: Jan 2004
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shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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oh come on man, not that just not right.
M80s VP180 4xM22ow 4xM3ic EP600 2xEP350 AnthemAVM60 Outlaw7700 EmoA500 Epson5040UB FluanceRT85
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 1
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shareholder in the making
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Tom, I delivered his remains to our vet this morning. And he will be burned in a group event since I specified I do not need his ashes. $79 for the service. I was about to ask if they had a dumpster out back....
I joke only to help the healing.
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 1
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shareholder in the making
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shareholder in the making
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When the sad day comes that Dylan or dog passes on, we will bury him in our own yard. It helps to live on an acreage with almost 3 acres. At least I know he won't be disturbed. I'm thinking of building a nice little wood box or something for him.
M80s VP180 4xM22ow 4xM3ic EP600 2xEP350 AnthemAVM60 Outlaw7700 EmoA500 Epson5040UB FluanceRT85
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 1
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aficionado
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Dave
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 1
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devotee
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devotee
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 1
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ZZyzx, I think that the sales man was secretly trying to sell you a very pricy McIntosh amp. I would be very surprised if it was the amp that made the difference between speakers clarity at low volumes. Usually the reason for higher priced amps is how they behave at higher volumes relating to available headroom and quality of components inside..
I have nothing against McIntosh or Adcom or most other amplifier manufactures. Many people on this forum believe that all amps sound the same and the only reason to spend more on one than the other is aesthetics and build quality. I tend do be one of those people. Although I have never done an A B test between a $500 and $4000 2 channel amp, I have done many tests of amps all under the $2000 mark, and to my ears, they all sounded the same.
I have owned Rotel amps and have been very happy with them and would recommend them to anyone. Not because they sound better, but because they are built very well and pay a lot of attention to the power supply.
When shopping for an amp, keep asking the questions about power supply. This is the engine of the amplifier. If the sales person doesn’t want to talk about a company’s power supply, that should be a red flag.
paul
paul
Axiom M80, VP180, Qs8, EP500 Epson 3020 Rotel RB-880 Denon AVR-990
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 1
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Paul, Thanks for that information. I was thinking why would one amp with the same power rating cost hundreds if not thousands more. On a side note, I did call Axiom regarding an amp matched with the M80's. I mentioned to him what the salesman told me at the B&W dealership about good amp making the speakers sound better at low volumes, he concurred.
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 1
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shareholder in the making
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How dare you interrupt the dead cat condolences!
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 1
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-----------------------------------
Enjoy the music, not the equipment.
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 1
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"Dead Cat Condolences" would be a good name for a band.
::::::: No disrespect to Axiom, but my favorite woofer is my yellow lab :::::::
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 1
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axiomite
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axiomite
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I just trademarked and copyrighted it. You can't have it!
Bears, beets, Battlestar Galactica.
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 1
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"Give it up for Dead Cat Condolences!" "Were you at the DCC concert last night?" You're right. It would make a great band name.
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 1
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axiomite
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axiomite
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Somewhere in Seattle, or Athens, maybe Chapel Hill, or Austin, some kid in a garage band has dreams of owning quality Canadian loudspeakers and is surfing some message boards. Lo and behold, he is hit with a revelation. Tonight, when he meets up with his mates for band practice, he will share with them his new inspiration:
"Dudes, henceforth and forever more we will known as 'Dead Cat Condolences.'"
Bears, beets, Battlestar Galactica.
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 1
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axiomite
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axiomite
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Except anybody who calls their buddies "mates" in Canada is assumed to be Australian.
With great power comes Awesome irresponsibility.
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Re: Comparing M80 V2 to B&W 703, Paradigm Studio 100
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James Savard Axiom Audio
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