What should I expect to pay for a pair of these new?

The local dealer has them for $1600/pr.

If you like these, I'd consider looking internet direct at Ascend Acoustics' CMT-340's for less than half the price including matching stands, and are favorably compared to Paradigm. You could get a pair of 340's, a 340 center and a pair of 170's for surrounds and still come out for less $$$.

JMHO! I have CBM-170's and love 'em.

The v2's retailed for $1200/pair and I paid about $1050 for them when I also bought a center and three surrounds (I split a pair of Studio/ADPv2's with somebody). As Cadboy says, the retail for the v3's is around $1600, but some dealers will knock a little off of that, especially if you are buying other stuff or if you've bought from them in the past.

Funny you mentioned those. I looked at their website earlier because Eddie has the Ascend speakers. I take it they are a pretty neutral sound? For a lack of a better term, the 340's look like a bookshelf speaker on roids. The mains have stands that you can buy. Does the lack of a "floor standing cabinet" effect them?

When paired with a good sub for music or movies, you won't miss a thing as far as bass goes. The Ascends are very neutral, very detailed, and image like they couldn't possibly be that affordable. I compared my 340/170 setup directly with several speakers from Paradigms' Monitor series and it really was no contest to my ears. The Ascends had better mids, better highs, better everything. You're welcome to check mine out if you like. I'm in Irondale. That being said, the Paradigm Studios are great speakers, but when paired with my VTF-3MkII, I don't think my Ascends give up a thing. Especially when I got all 5 of mine for less than the retail price of one pair of Studio 60's.

Hey Cargo, I have a brand new pair of Paradigm Studio 60's v3 BLK. Contact me. faulknerman@msn.com

I may take you up on that Eddie.
What exactly is "imaging"?

Hey Cargo, I absolutly love the studio 60's ! Best speakers I've ever had, hands down.

I own:

Outlaws 770/950
Mitsubishi DVD audio player
Denon DCM 5000 CD player
Hughes Direct TV Satelite box
Paradigm Studio 60's v3 (Front)
cc470 (center)
4 Ascend Acoustics 170 (rear).
Outlaw LFM-1 (ordered Today).

I've owned
Klipsch RF3 setup
Definitive Technology
Bp7002's, Monitor 900's, CLR 2000, BPX, BP2X,
Ascend Acoustics 340's
B&W 602 S3
SVS PCi 20-39
JBL
a few others I can't remember (shows how good they were).

At more than twice the price of the Ascends, I'd expect the 60's to be a little better. Are they twice the price better? Only your ears and wallet can decide that one! Since both setups are within audition range, try'em both out. Keep in mind that even two identical systems will sound different in two different rooms.

Cadboy's right. Only you can decide what will work best for you. That's why I really love this hobby........there's something for everyone.

Hey Cadboy, don't get me wrong, I agree the Ascends are fantastic speakers and for the price they are an absolute STEAL. I was just letting Cargo know what my preference was. I've had Ascends setup, now Paradigms setup and I'm never looking back!