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

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.

Joew made the greatest argument for the 7nt over the Ref. 80 of any contributor when asking why buy a Rolex when a Casio will do? Following that argument, why buy a Paradigm Reference when a Paradigm Monitor will do?! They both emit sound right?

The difference between the 7nt's and the Ref. 80 is all in the details (sonically and technically). I went through the same quandry you are but threw in some Def Techs, Sonus Fabers, and Vandersteens to really mix things up. It came down to the 100's (not the 80's) and the 7nt, both terrific speakers. I've been a musician for 29 years and played everything from jazz to alt rock. I think I know what particular instruments sound like. Bottom line is that the 7nt's transient response proved faster, the mid bass was significantly cleaner and more accurate, and the highs proved nothing short of remarkable in detail and extension. The 100's were more dynamic for sure and very musical. They are not fatiguing in any way. I recommend, however that rap your knuckles on the 7nt and the 80's, check out the cabinetry too. Check for visual as well as sonic details.

For me, the question came down to pure emotion. Pick your favorite track and see which one really excites you. Which gets your adrenaline going and makes you whisper "Wow" to yourself. For me it was the 7nt's. By far. In everything in life, it's the little things that separate the ordinary from the extraordinary.

Good luck and have fun.

The above post gives some excellent advice. I heard the B&W 604's and compared with Paradigm Studio 60's. I chose the Paradigms based on emotion. The way the hair stood up on the back of my neck when I heard Nirvana's cover of Leadbelly's "Where did you sleep last night" sealed the deal. This is how you should choose speakers in my opinion. Hope you get something that makes your heart beat a little faster. Peace.

Funny how no one on the internet would buy B&W yet they are one of the best selling speakers in the world. Including pro use in recording studios.

B&W speakers are in at least two or three major electronics stores in every major city.

I had to go to a small independent shop to find Paradigms.

It's all about what the public sees. The average Joe is gonna buy what it is in front of him.