[Bob Reynolds]

Pacifico, did you hear the Meadowlarks and Spendors in your current room?

If not, it may be that your room is causing a level imbalance between left and right channels that would affect imaging. Even a 1dB difference is audible. Is your furniture arranged more to one side of the room than the other? You can verify the level balance with an SPL meter and a test tone CD.

BTW, I'd hang onto your NAD integrated. It's a good component. It'll let you separate the preamp section from the amp section so that you can properly add a subwoofer. Many integrateds only have preamp outs, which is not sufficient. You'll have to spend a lot of money to get much better -- you can spend and get different, though.

What's your current speakers? Paradigm what? You might consider the Reference Studio 20. Remember that Paradigm uses the NRC in their design process. The Studio 20 and one of their mid-range subs should make a very nice system.

[pacifico]

haven't heard either in my room...the speakers i have now are paradigm monitor threes.
they're ok but after hearing the meadowlarks...i was hooked to their sound and upgrading.
The NAD is great and will either receive a tube preamp or be relegated to 2ndary use.
plan on changing theee amp over next year.
overall the room is not so bad, i think i am just ready to step up in speaker quality.
Keep in mind that that I have changed speakers about 4 times in my life.
Sony towers (still have and like em ...mom's house) bose,klh monitors and the paradigms.
I actulally really liked my little klhs and lived with for awhile till they met their demise.

[pacifico]

seriously leaning towards the musica bellas at this point

[woodsyi]

I think Bill's got great deals going at the moment.  The Bellas are pretty sweet speakers.  My SP1s are driven fully with a 40w PP tube integrated.  It should be fine with your NAD.  SP2s are even more efficient, I believe.  You are welcome to check them out if you want.  Just let me know.

[Thebiker]

If you are really hooked on the Meadow Larks, check this web site:
www.upscaleaudio.com   
Kevin bought up what he could of the Meadow Lark stock and is moving them out at very fair pricing.  Don't know what finishes or models he still has left, but give it a look.  Kevin is a nice guy to deal with, doesn't take himself too seriously.

[pacifico]

just bought the musica bellas from response

[macrojack]

I see Zu Druids up for sale on Audiogon pretty frequently at $2K and less. I have owned these (moved up to bigger Zu) and can recommend them without reservation. They are floorstanders and will deliver clean, tight, fast bass below 40 hz. Efficiency is listed at 101 db and the impedance curve is very amp friendly. I found the Onix SP-3 integrated at 38 watts to be a fantastic (and inexpensive) complement.
You have to be ready to jump, though, because the used ones sell fast.