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View Full Version : B&W vs. Paradigm!


Rex
07-19-2004, 09:16 PM
This is what my novice ears got from hearing both.

First, B&W 703's tower speakers. My first impression was how clear they sounded. I guess what Im saying is they sounded realistic. With only 2 bass drivers, I didnt get over powered by it. The soundstage to me seemed very complete as I was listening in a mock living room about 15 x 20. I didnt get a chance to listen to a variety of music or a movie. Initially, though, I liked what I heard. Sorry for the lack of technical info as Im am just learning.

Second, the Paradigm Studio 100 with 3 bass drivers. To me is wasnt a good comparison for the additon of 1 extra driver as opposed to 2 in the B&W's. The salesman kept telling me they sound bigger than they really are. Well, for one, they are a large speaker IMHO. One thing that bugged me about them was the overpowering of the bass. It seems that is the only thing that stuck in my head. I dont recall hearing alot midrange or tweeter clarity( I could be mistaken of course).

In short, Without having spent more time with either speaker, I would have to say I prefer the B&W 703.

Rex

joelincoln
07-20-2004, 01:19 PM
If you think the Studio 100's are too bassy and large, check out the Studio 60's. They have the same tweeter and midrange but fewer bass drivers.

Rex
07-20-2004, 01:22 PM
If you think the Studio 100's are too bassy and large, check out the Studio 60's. They have the same tweeter and midrange but fewer bass drivers.

I will have to find another place. This guy didnt have them. The price difference is another plus though for Paradigm. The B&W's I noted were $3300/pr and Studio 100 were $2200/pr.

perato
07-21-2004, 10:16 PM
If your prices are in US dollars, $3300/pr for B&W 703 is too high. MSRP according to B&W/s website is US$1500 per speaker for the 703. If you visit the B&W website, you must have cookies turned on for the price list or dealer list to work.

Rex
07-22-2004, 12:37 PM
If your prices are in US dollars, $3300/pr for B&W 703 is too high. MSRP according to B&W/s website is US$1500 per speaker for the 703. If you visit the B&W website, you must have cookies turned on for the price list or dealer list to work.


The price might have been $3000 for both, I just cant remember exactly.

Unregistered
07-28-2004, 05:55 PM
I own the Model 703's and frankly the Paradigm 100's aren't in the same league. At the dealer I compared the Model 705's to the Studio 100's and they were very close. True the B&W 703 cost $3000/pr and the Paradigm's are $2200. If you are spending this kind of money though, you might as well get the best you can. I you want to scrimp on the money, go to Circuit City and buy a cheap pair of vinyl speakers instead.

ericb
07-28-2004, 08:51 PM
seems these 2 go at it regularly. I have seen thread after thread with the head to head comparisons between the B&W and the Paradigms and Ive come to conclusion that with these 2, it really comes down to preference. Buy the ones you like. Personally, initial impression was the B&W's. But after some long hours of listening, I found myself getting tired of them whereas the Paradigms grew on me more and more. They say the Paradigms do take a significant amount of break in time which you may or may not want to take into consideration. Personally, my ears like the paradigm's by a long shot. If you can't bring them both home for proper auditions, try bringing some of your favorite music you are familiar with and enjoy to audtion the 2 along with maybe a movie or 2 with some kick *** scenes. And take the time to really listen to them, and then let your ears make the final decision. What do you plan on using to power these beasts? BTW I dont own either of these speakers so I am not biast and think both would serv you well Im sure :).