Help Decide: PARADIGM SE7 MK III Towers VS PSB 600 Towers

[ShoemakerT]

Well I finally blew out one of my Scandyna A25 (Denmark version of Dynaco A25) speakers , looking to upgrade for approx. 200$ CAD. I have two very similar options at my price: The Paradigm (SE7 MK 3) or PSB 600 / century 600i Towers --- both for sale locally, both 10/10 shape, about similar vintage and from what I can see, almost identical specs (on the outside) and both are well regarded... TOUGH DECISION.

I know which ones I am leaning towards, but what fun is that?


Which would you choose and why?


Thanks for the input!!! I look forward to hearing your opinions.

Tyler

 

[biscuithead]

I loved my Paradigm SE7s... I had to sell for need of money about 6-7 years ago... Not familiar with PSB 600.

 

[ShoemakerT]

Thanks for the input !! If it matters, will be powered by a vintage amp - Yamaha CA610 from the 70s, and various tube components: I like warm and colourful -- something I don't think either of these speakers are known for, and my amp is also very neutral -- I did read however that the Paradigms play very well with tubes.

 

[mikeybc]

Both nice sounding speakers, I'd go Paradigm just because of rubber surrounds. PSB 600's use foam that may staet rotting soon.

 

[ShoemakerT]

Thanks for your replies . . . I was leaning towards the Paradigms myself , not because of the rubber surrounds but rather I've heard the name Paradigm dropped more often than PSB... although the PSB 600 are very well reviewed. Would love to hear more if anyone has an opinion on either just for my own knowledge. Thanks!

 

[SkyRanger]

I am extremely happy with the 4 different pairs of Paradigms that I own! I have never heard PSBs.

Gordon G

 

[ShoemakerT]

Thanks for all the input -- the Paradigms are clearly the winner here -- and I picked them up, stuck them up about 2 feet off the ground. Well, I can't believe how good they sound. I've always hated the trend towards 'more bass' like the boomy bass found in tricked out cars or Bose products... but the bass coming out of the 7SE IIIs are just right -- tight and defined. Really makes me realize how much sound I've been missing all these years -- in the low end. . . Playing lossless files out of my Mac Pro into my Yamaha, they sound real good. My old tube tuner, however, Dyna FM3 , WOW factor. There's some bottom end here that I never knew existed, and that's coming in over the air. CBC Radio 2 in Canada has always been particularly high quality IMO, these speakers really pull everything out and lay it out nice. Better than the Scandyna's in some ways, definitely way more bottom end, but I'll never forget my first listen with the Scandyna's thinking 'This is what HiFi is' - - - similar experience with the Paradigms, just, not the same as the first time . Thanks again, Cheers.

Tyler