My system presently has Paradigm 7se as mains (an unexpected thrift find) and Canadian-made Tannoy C-6 above my kitchen cabinets. Outside are Advent all-weather Calypso's. I am very pleased with the Paradigm sound, and have been through Titans and 9 v2's. The 7se's replaced Genesis 1+ and moved aside Rega-Camber 2.5's, the latter to be hooked up shortly as a third pair in the great-room/kitchen. Also, Tannoy PBM-8's were in the 7se slot for a bit as well. The spot the Tannoy C-6 are in has seen Cerwin-Vega SA-140, small StudioLabs, Energy Take 5.1, Koss M65 and M80, and many others, but the C-6 are staying. There is a pair of RTR EXP-8 speakers that are always lurking, looking for their chance to perform. These are going nowhere. I have some ESM 1's that are going to move. In the garage are a pair of EPI M100 with Sound Dynamics spun-aluminum tweeters 'til I find another masonite tweeter at a reasonable price. They are paired with the PBM-8's at this point. I have moved along Camber 2.5, Klipsch Heresey 1, Cerwin-Vega D2, Dalquist GX-8 and many other speakers. In order to stay, a speaker must provide me with excellent low volume performance but rise to the occasion when pushed. (I have also had Advents (The New Large, 1,2,3, Baby II) and enjoyed them immensely.) I am not done yet. Need to try some JBL's, Altecs and Celestions, just to name a few. Speaker appreciation is fluid; there are so many to try and enjoy.
So, a little over a year later and everything has changed. The 7SEs have moved on, as well as both sets of Tannoys and the Rega-Cambers. The RTRs are still here and still going nowhere, and the EPI M100s are going to receive the masonite tweeter I acquired.
The present line-up:
Altec-Lansing Altec Model 1: amazing detail and clear sound. I can't seem to move these out of the system for very long. Keepers. May have found MY perfect speaker.
Mirage 250: smaller bookshelfs that reside above the kitchen cabinets. Perfect in that spot and beautiful sound. Also keepers.
Avid 60: in the master bedroom and wired back to the main unit. Small towers with a 6x9 woofer. Nice sound and good where they are. Makes me want to try more of the Avid line.
Hamblen: a smaller bookshelf speaker made in Cambridge, Ontario. These are really impressive rear-ported speakers, and almost unknown. Just acquired and they will become the rear set-up in the kitchen/great-room.
RTR EXP-8: Yeah, I've had these for a while now and am still impressed with their sound and the beautiful blond walnut cabinetry.
In the garage:
Jensen Model 50: surprisingly good sound from these early 70's speakers. Still have their screw terminals!
SOMA: a speaker manufacturer from Toronto in the 70s-80s. Nice all-around sound.
Avanti V-1203: made in the Hamilton, Ontario area. I re-foamed the 12" woofers (inverted foam roll). Excellent all-around sound and great bass from these larger bookshelf speakers with a smallish rear port. And CTS phenolic tweeters.
Realistic NOVA-500: re-foamed and looking for a home.
Waiting in the wings are a pair of PSB Passif 1 speakers that need re-foam on woofers and passive radiators.
I acquired the Altec Model 1 set in Vancouver, BC last year. At the same time I bought a pair of Celestion Ditton 25 speakers there in near perfect condition. Auditions back here in Ontario found the Dittons on the way to a new home and the Altecs staying for good. Go figure.