Nola Boxer 2 vs. Paradigm Studio20 V5?

Hi Rob!  I have owned the Studio 20's V5's and they actually play pretty dang loud.  I think sometimes people don't realize how loud bookshelf speakers play because they lack the bass that towers have.  Get a pair of subs and pair them to the Studio 20.s and you'll understand.

I think the Studio 20's are a bit bright sounding and can get harsh, especially at higher volumes.  I think the Boxers sound a little more laid back and less in your face but they will still play loud; louder than the Studio 20's?  Probably not much if any.  They do sound a tad more refined and image really well.  I heard them paired with a pair of rel t5's and they sounded really, really good.

What speakers are you looking at?  Whats your amp?  For some reason I thought you did a Decco 65se with some Vandys already...

Now I remember!  I just bought a Peachtree 220se; am loving it!  I was considering a Nuprime IDA8 as well and in all honesty, I think I will eventually still buy an IDA8 for a second system.  Looks like a great little piece but some reviewers said it runs out of steam at high volumes.  I say just pair it with some subs and your good!  

I prefer running monitors and subs over floorstanding speakers because you can dial the system in more that way.  Hopefully this doesn't start a huge disagreement but oh well!

I havent found a pair of bookshelf speakers that play really deep bass so you might want to consider filling in the bottom end with 2 subs, 1 to start and a matching 1 later.  

If I were in your shoes, I would try to swing those DeCapo Reference 3A Dulcets here on Agon right now.  You will need a sub but I think these will provide the best mids and highs and if you're going to use a sub later anyhow...

I would also look at Dynaudio Focus 140,  Tyler Acoustics Taylo Reference, Kef LS50.

I would say that the Nola's are better than the Studio 20's but not better than the Signature 2's.  I really like beryllium tweeters so I loved my Signature 2's and would also probably like the DeCapos also.

Check out the DeCapos and the Tylers!  IF

Albireo, I had the 10's,20's,60's, and sig 2's.  I thought they were all bright sounding apart from the Sig 2.  They studios were all version 5.  They are bright speakers!  Sell them, buy the DeCapos and get a sub later on!  

I agree with the last posts as well.  Never heard the Ascends but I am a fan of ribbon tweeters and Raal especially.  I have heard the Boxers with a pair of Rel T5's at Synergistic Researches room at RMAF and it is still in my top 10 best systems ever.  Synergistic Research sets their rooms up well from my experience and the Nola Boxers sounded great there.   Fritz Carbon 7's are nice as well.  Don't disregard them just because they are more square. The veneer finishes are nice and they are well built speakers.  I really liked the Fritz speakers I have heard.

You might want to consider the sound characteristics of your amp and pair them with speakers that will please you and your tastes most...  What are you going after?  I'm thinking that the IDA is very detailed and maybe a little light on the bass; could be wrong about the bass part but I do think its detailed which can come across as bright on some speakers.  Studio 20's are bright on everything though.

If you are going for a more relaxed sound with fuller bass we might change up our suggestions: more efficient floor standing speakers with more bass and possibly highs that are little more laid back..

What are your thoughts on the DeCapos or the Tyler Acoustic Taylo's?  You can get the Tylers for $1k and a nice sub for $500 and you'd have some nice full sound.