B&W 7NT vs. Paradigm reference 80 for plinius mkII

I second the vote for Soliloquy 5.3s. I once a/b'd some B&W 7NTs and the Paradigmg 80s. You know what? I went with the Soliloquy 5.3s. They are much more open and musical than either of the other two choices. My tuppence.

Ok how would you compare the Studio 60 or 80 to the B&W CDM 9NT? I a about to replace my 16 year old B&W 220i.

Even though I'm not a B&W owner per se, simply stating as one who's sold both brands side by side over the years on a retail level, there's not one Paradigm speaker(except the subs) that I'd be interested in owning any time soon! I just don't see/hear it really when it comes to the Paradigms(and I'm really into high end, as well as dynamic HT stuff!) I much perfer the B&W 804's and even older Matrix 805/804 series stuff can do potentially! I think they are more accurate sounding kit really. I know of no one in the audio business who ownes em(except the woofers), including the reviewers I'm aware of in HT magazine, Stereophile GHT, or Stereophile! Maybe some of the Canadian or British use these, I don't know. Still, if it were my money, and I was chosing Between B&W and Paradigm, I'd look for an older pair of B&W Matrix 805's and a fast M&K or Paradigm Servo sub and you'd be very happy I bet! Anyway, for $600=750 pr/pair you could find these, and the sound is much better than what a full range Paradigm speaker has to offer in my experience.
Good luck...it's all good though

To say that the Paradigm compares to the NT series is one thing but to say that they compare to the nautilus is all together ludacris!!! In my opinion there is no possible way that the 100's compare to B&W's flagship line!!!

He actually said that he couldn't hear the 6k difference.

I would also vote for the Paradigms. I personally think they sound much better than the B&W's.

I also think that the reason all your "audiophile" reviewers and retailers friends don't own Paradigms is because they have a low snob factor. Of course any poser would rather have the B&W Nautilus...oooh ahhh. Or any other esoteric brand name you can throw out there.

"Have you ever heard the (esoteric brand y) speaker?"
"Why no, I haven't"
"Well you just don't know what you are missing"
"Actually I'd be missing another $5k out of my pocket"

In the end it's all personal preference.

My personal feelings is why buy a Rolex when a Casio will get the job done just as well for a fraction of the price.

But many people buy speakers for reasons other than JUST sound.

Just my opinion.

I heard MANY great speakers but I feel that the Paradigms offer an excellent soundstage, solid build, and excellent transparency for a great price.

Audition whatever you can and buy what sounds best for your budget.