VagabondJ

Hi UL, I have very limited experience with subwoofers (other than the Paradigm, I use one with my home theater system and that's it) so all my feedback here is probably of little value, but nonetheless: 1. 80hz 2. I am running full range, using the preamp output of the iDecco to connect to the sub. I've heard you get a better sub response using a speaker wire connection but have never tried. 3. I have used the JB3s with the iDecco and the KingRex T20. It sounds great with both (prefer the iDecco myself). I also own the Onix SP3 tube amp, Musical Fidelity 3.5 SS amp, NAD C320BEE amp, Trends Audio 10.1 amp, and an Onkyo Home Theater amp (I tend to collect gear) but have not used the JB3s with those yet (I have only owned the JB3s for 4 months now). For best value combination in a computer set-up, the KingRex is probably the better choice, especially if you get the "U" version that adds a USB input. Hope that helps, VagabondJ

Hi UL, I am not exactly saying that the JB3s sound better than the Omegas. I think the JB3s sound slightly better when using the iDecco, probably due to the difference in sensitivity (the Jb3s are 88.5 db and the Omegas 92 db if memory serves). I found something similar when comparing the performance of the Omegas using an Onix SP-3 push pull amp versus the Omegas with an Eastern Electric pre-amp and a lower power Trends Audio 10.1 amp or a KingRex amp. The Onix SP3 seemed to have more power than the Omegas needed (especially at low volumes) and I prefered the two digital T amps as the power source. In short, the Omegas tend to favor lower watt amps, ideal for SET tube amps or the T amps. Both speakers do share certain characteristics typical of single drivers (vocals and acoustic music sound amazing, Sam Cooke on "Night Beat" sounds like he's in the room with you for example) but I would not classify the Omegas as ideal speakers for hard rock or hip-hop. Curiously I think the JB3s with a sub (I have to admit that I have never run the Omegas with a sub, I bought the Paradigm sub specifically to use with the JB3s once they were moved into my living room) are satisfying with such music (I was listening to Kyuss "Welcome to Sky Valley" the other day and there was a nice combination of detail and slam to the stoner hard rock). I also felt that the an iPod playing lower quality MP3s using the iDecco sounded better through the JB3s as opposed to the Omegas, which seemed to reveal the limits of the compression a little more. Both do sound better than the Paradigms in my opinion, but I am a big fan of Paradigm speakers as well. I've owned two pairs of Titans over the years and they have a nice, even, solid presentation (perfect for solid state amps). I recommend Paradigm speakers to my non-audiofreak friends - find a pair you like in your price range and chances are you'll be happy. I do find the sub integrates well with the JB3s, though it does take some tweaking and listening. The nice thing about the Paradigm sub is that it has a front volume control for tweaking on the fly. I think the speakers do have a nice weight at low volumes even without a sub but I have enjoyed the addition of a sub. For a nearfield computer system, the Paradigm 5i is probably overkill, but a small sub like the Glow sub might be the perfect complement. They are not fatiguing to listen to at all. I also find them very engaging with radio and tv broadcasts, given the detail such speakers give to vocals. I have to admit that I do not listen to classical music. Again, by their very nature, single driver speakers aren't supposed to be the best choice for such, especially with very busy pieces. That being said, I was listening to the Quantic Soul Orchestra (big band latin jazz with a modern edge) on the JB3s and enjoying that the other day so I think they would still be quite listenable at lower volumes. And aesthetically my wife loves them for both their finish and size (much like the iDecco actually), whereas she was not thrilled with the larger footprint of the Omegas or their light beech color. Best regards, VagabondJ

Long time lurker, first time poster here. I currently use a pair of Paradigm Titans (V3 with magnetic shielding, the earlier versions had no magnetic shielding) and they are satisfying in this context. However, in my opinion, the best speakers for nearfield computer listening at a reasonable price are the John Blue JB3s ($370). They are tiny single driver speakers with a nice high gloss black finish. I bought them to replace the Paradigms, but my wife loved the look and sound of them so much that they ended up replacing the Omega Grande 6 speakers I was using for our living room (also hooked up to an iDecco, whose black gloss finish the JB3 speakers match well with). I use a Paradigm 5i sub with the JB3s in the living room but think that sub probably unnecessary in a nearfield computer system. The Six Moons guys have been raving about the Gallo Reference Stradas as nearfield computer monitors but at $1500 - $2000 (not counting stands or a sub) those will set you back more. I've been using the Musical Fidelity V-Link with the iDecco, JB3s and a Mac Mini that I use as a music server in the living room and the sound is amazingly satisfying (Pure Music with Flac and Apple Lossless files, Wireworld cables). Still not the equal of my VPI Scout/Lyra Argos/Eastern Electric Phono amp combo but getting a hell of a lot closer. Love this site and forum by the way. Have learned a lot here (i.e. the V-Link, Pure Music, Wireworld cables, etc.).