LSI7 vs. Paradigm Studio 10/20 for Computer 2 channel

SivaNevets

Im very satisfied with my RTI home theatre system, however, i realized i will be sitting in front of my computer most of the time so i feel like upgrading my PC stereo speakers for this Christmas and hopefully it will serve me for the next 3~5 yrs before I graduate.

This is my situation:
I have a soundcard Emu-0404 USB (integrated with a awesome DAC), this will be my soundsource with ape/flac lossless audio format. I will not be upgrading this for a while. My friend told me he got an external DAC recently and do feel a major improvement, but thats too expansive for me right now.

I am currently using Klipsch IFi 2.1 system (RSX-3 satelite+ mediocre 8 inch woofer with class D amp 200w peak) http://www.klipsch.com/na-en/products/ifi-specifications/

my new Den is very small, 1.8 x 2.2 narrow. these speaker will be sitting 5 inch against the wall on my computer desk (there is no way this gonna change).

I can get Polk LSI7 (ebay direct, frd shipping form US to canada) and Paradigm Studio 10/20 (canuck audio second hand, most likely older version) for similar price.

I have not listened to both but I like both RTI6 and Paradigm Monitor Atom/Mini, I really like tweeters from Minitor Atom/Mini, and feel RTI6 is more fatiguing for long period listening. Since LSI7 is a lot more laid back, and Studio10/20 is relatively less bright compare to monitor so I assume I would be fine with both.

I have no place to audition them one by one.

I want to get an used intergrated amp or amp to drive them around $200 range. (somewhere 50w @ohm for intergrated, a bit more for seperate). I did some research but wasn't sure whats the significant role is for Preamp. Do i get a much better result by buying an lets say Marantz vintage intergrated amp than just use soundcard->amp combo (at similar price range)?

dkg999

I've never heard a Paradigm Studio 10, however I have both the LSi7 and the Paradigm Studio Reference 20v3 monitors. Very close for music, with the Paradigm's slightly better depending on your placement and type of music. I would probably buy whichever one you could get cheaper. I do know with the v3 revisions the Paradigm Studio Reference monitors really took a leap forward in SQ. The Paradigm Atom monitors are pretty highly regarded. I would also look at a used pair of EPOS ELS-3 for computer speakers.