Paramounts and Speaker Advice

[thdewitt]

OK,

I just purchased a pair of Paramounts for my "reference system" that I am building in my living room. 

I currently have a Steremour with Orca speakers and sub in my office and I love it.  I was considering buying a second set of orcas for the new setup in the living room but I am now thinking it may make more sense to try something different as well for variety.  My living room space is about 15x15 but is open to other rooms on 3 sides.  The ceilings are 20 Ft high. 

Does anyone have any recommendations on another speaker that is affordable and possibly DIY.  I would like to spend $1000-$1500 for the speakers (including Sub if needed).  I have heard a lot about horn speakers but I have no experience. 

I like Norah Jones, Regina Spektor, Neil Young, Jason Mraz, Jack Johnson, Styx, Keb Mo, etc.

[Paully]

I love my Altecs, Valencia's might fit?  Should be able to find a pair under your budget actually.  I would think Model 19s would be at the top end of you budget and wouldn't make your room particularly comfortable to move around in.  In a 15 x 15, if I am thinking of the dimensions properly, the Orcas might be your best bet just for size.

Also, just a thought I have mentioned before for DIY,  I found some empty Altec cabinets and put in the components myself.  Bought old horns and new drivers and woofers from Great Plains Audio.  Built a Zilch crossover..  Did that with Model 19s but you could see what  you could come up with for Valencias.

[saildoctor]

I agree with Paully that you may want to check out how your Orca Deluxe's work in that space.  The room my system is in is about the same size (but not as tall) and they are more than up to the job - and that's with Paramounts modified for 45's.  In fact yesterday I plunked down a new 45 that I bought on the turntable and had a total 'holy sh#%' experience - loud, clear, so damn good that it put any thoughts of changing my setup to rest. 

Which tube version were you going to build? 

[johnsonad]

I've had 19's in a room that size. You really don't need factory built 19's. The horns and drivers are easy to find and you can find bass bins on Craig's list. The zilch crossover is great and easy to build.

[casanis]

I've had 19's in a room that size. You really don't need factory built 19's. The horns and drivers are easy to find and you can find bass bins on Craig's list. The zilch crossover is great and easy to build.

Agreed. I love my "DIY" Model 19's paired with the Paramounts

(https://forum.bottlehead.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Facasanis.webs.com%2FIMG_2673.jpg&hash=a10391fc2444281f804f24bc8e220bae7bcbf1d0)

[Grainger49]

Since no one has mentioned its location, the Zilch crossover for the model 19s can be found on Audiokarma.org.

[johnsonad]

Those look nice!

[Jim R.]

Just wonder why nobody has mentioned the Bolero?

-- Jim

[InfernoSTi]

The Hawthorne Audio speakers are all very nice with BH gear.  I've recently added the Paramount 300Bs to the mix with my HA Reference K2 speakers as seen here (the Paramount powers the AMT horns and the four 15" mid drivers in the two taller baffles while two plate amps drive the four 15" woofer drivers in the two shorter baffles):

(https://forum.bottlehead.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hawthorneaudio.us%2Fforums%2Fdownload%2Ffile.php%3Fid%3D2659%26amp%3Bmode%3Dview&hash=22ff77e3b97f75cd6c3e9e482c11a384c5719780)

Best,
John

[Paully]

Wow, that is a marvelous setup!  I would love to hear that.  Hmmm, maybe not, I might like them!

[thdewitt]

Those speakers are awesome but unless I get an apartment by myself, I am going to need something a little smaller. 

I have decided to go with the new Blumenstein Mako's.  The floor stander models.  I can't wait.  Clark does great work and I am very excited to get my order started.  As always, Clark is taking great care of his repeat customers.  The service, advice, and love for the work is always a real treat when working with Blumenstein.

Thanks for all the advice Clark and everyone on the forum.

Regards,
Tom