Recently I had to make some considerable changes to my system, the most difficult was changing from a pair of Magneplanar 1.6's to a bookshelf speaker. I auditioned speakers up to $1500.00 for purchase and a few more costly models for fun. I returned three times to the Studio 20v5's simply because my ears told me these baby's are as good as it gets in that market range. They are no Maggie 1.6, however, I'm here to say it is only a matter of scale.
The 20v5's bear the midrange and clarity of a much more expensive speaker and I dare say in the right room I can't see what more one could want. The build quality and smooth yet detailed sonic signature belies the price. They throw a wide and deep soundstage with imaging to die for. One thing I did learn in this transition is if you are an imaging freak like me, a superior bookshelf has the ability to match those properties like a planar or electrostatic albeit with reduced scale. If you don't need your music to punch you in the gut with bass, or scream at you with copious volume levels, I personally believe this speaker is amongst the best bookshelf speakers I've heard or owned in the past 30 years.
Very Highly Reccomended.

The Paradigm Studio 20 v5 is a not-so-hidden gem in Paradigm's lineup. I've read reviews of almost every other of their speakers except this one and it boggles my mind as to why it's not as highly revered as I find it to be.
I have owned the Studio 100 & 60 floorstanders as well (owned over 6 months each). I kept the Studio 20's over them. Why? Room integration. Studio 60's, 100's are great speakers, yes, but if they don't give you what you're paying for - in YOUR room - then it's pointless. The bass from the floorstanders was hard to tame. Sounded good, but those untameable peaks & nulls would show up and make me feel like I had to adjust, dampen, disperse, etc... either the room or placement of speakers.

Taking a good bookshelf speaker on a good stand and supplementing the sound with a good sub cured all those troubles. The Studio 20 is incredibly clear. Surprisingly it kicks in the low end too all by itself but adding a sub truly makes them shine. I play them full range with the sub filling in the bottom octaves but would only recommend doing this with powerful amplification. The highs are smooth until you get into the 'very loud' zone where compression sets in and it can get a bit harsh but I found this to be the case on Paradigm's floor standing speakers too. Good high current amplification adds to the tightness the 20's can deliver. I simply love these speakers. I find myself second guessing my choice by auditioning speakers of a much higher dollar value simply because; "These speakers cannot be this good at this price!".

Highly recommended

I bought these speakers based on not a lot to go on; I could only find one review of them on the web, albeit a positive one. I did find another review are their smaller sibling, the Studio 10 V5, which was also positive. Only with the reviews and after looking at the specs I just had a gut feeling they would sound good. And after listening them in store I was impressed. They are smooth, with an open midrange and a reasonable and tight bass response. The image is very good, both in depth and breadth. And the one thing I really liked, is that they are reasonably lively, something I that seems to be sorely lacking form a lot of hifi speakers days. When I listen to music, it's more important than there be life to it, than it be tonally perfect. They retail for $1500 cdn, and while I got a deal at $1200, I still would have found $1500 to be a good price. If you are looking for a very good pair of bookshelves for a reasonable price, I would definitely audition these.