paradigm great speakers?

[STEELHEART]

well iv'e decided not to build my own speakers and go with a well known brand
i hope, i'm looking into the paradigm monitor line, if anyone owns these speakers and can tell me the pros and cons of owning them it will make my decision easier. also i was at my local tweeter store last year and the salseman showed me a set of sapphire towers, he said that the company is brand new and so i'd like to know if anyone has any info on these speakers as well.

[RLA]

Hello
My .02 Paradigm is a decent speaker and the company is a marketing machine there are some very talented people in the advertising department at that speaker company ;)

[MarkOcena]

I recently bought a pair of Studio 40 vII in upgrading my system and I've been impressed with their performance for the money. Sure, there's also bigger and better out there but Paradigm's are known to be near, in not at the top, of speakers in their price range. Some brands that you can also consider for this kind of money: Axiom (online only), B&W, Monitor Audio. In the end you really have to listen to the speakers you have available and pick the one that you think sounds best in your system. Paradigms are well built, and you can see them taken apart in one of the Speaker Face-off at this site. The new Monitor series just came out, and I don't know how they sound compared to the previous generation. But from when I was comparing the Studio versus the Monitor series, the biggest difference I found was the Studios gave are better sharper centre focus of vocals (imaging) and what I thought was more realistic sounding bass instruments (bass guitar, kick drum) with a sub running. Good luck with your selection.

[warpdrive]

Sapphire is Tweeter's own house brand. The only thing I suggest is that you don't get fooled by their pricing...since it's their own brand, they can't give the impression of a sale because the MSRP is artificially high.

Paradigm has been a longtime dominant high value speaker maker, designing, and manufacturing all their own components all in Canada (many other smaller makers buy off-the-shelf parts like drivers). They have world class facilities and R&D team.

Their Monitor series is a popular series, many MANY people swear by them. I've used them as references when speaker shopping for myself as they are considered pretty neutral speakers, and are all-rounders....that is, they don't have any obvious sonic flaws. I'd put Paradigm model in the top 10 speakers worth considering at any price range they play in.

[cornelius]

Right on RLA...Paradigm are extremely over-rated, as long as one does not extend themselves above the entry level series. In the $750/above price range, they are easily overshadowed.

[jimmit]

I'm no expert but having spent a great deal of time on this and other audio fora, having auditioned a fair number of speakers, and having read a lot of audio magazines, my sense is that Paradigm is widely respected for manufacturing excellent speakers at all price points. They are particularly noted for giving a lot of bang for the buck.

Speaker sound, IMO, is too subjective to make blanket statements that speaker A is better sounding than speaker B at any given price point, but the view that Paradigm is over-rated is, I believe, a view held by few.

As to Paradigm being easily overshadowed in the $750/above price range, go into an audio store that carries both Paradigm and B&W. Audition the B&W 705's (MSRP $1500/pr) and ask the salesman to show you something comparable in sound in the Paradigm line; he will probably direct you to the $800/pr Studio 20's.

IMO, making gratuitous comments that suggest that a given speaker brand, particularly one as popular as Paradigm, is over-rated is getting pretty close to trolling.

[Takeereasy]

I like Paradigms, I really do. To be fair all I've ever heard from them are their entry level atoms and titans and some Reference series speakers. So in other words only the cheapest and the most expensive, nothing in between. What I'd suggest, like I always do, is to audition some PSB speakers. You can get some B2's on clearance for about $250 by looking at soundicity.com (authorized dealer), or a local dealer. They will really stack up to the Paradigm monitor level bookshelf models. Also like someone already stated look at some Monitor Audio. I'm sold on their Bronze 2 bookshelfs. The best advice anyone here can tell you is to listen to as many different speakers as you can. Then listen to them again. Comparing them side by side is best. Get whatever you think sounds the best, even if it is those saphires you mentioned. You should make this a fun experience for yourself. You get to get out, play with toys, spend some cash, and so on. Anyway, god luck and let us know what you get and how you like em.

[RLA]

As to Paradigm being easily overshadowed in the $750/above price range, go into an audio store that carries both Paradigm and B&W. Audition the B&W 705's

Hi
After that seek out someone that carries RBH,PSB,Mordaunt-Short
or read this face off
http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/loudspeakers/faceoff3_a.php

JMOHO/YMMV ;)

[warpdrive]

Hi

or read this face off
http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/loudspeakers/faceoff3_a.php

Sounds like the Paradigm Studio 40 is a top contender to me.

[sts9fan]

I have a pair oe Studio 60 v3s and I love them. My only problem is i need to buy a house so I can crank them up! :D . I have not heard the lower models but I can vouch for the quality in the product I have.

[grd4spd]

im considering the Paradigm AMS Series (ams 350/300) inwall speakers for use in my HT system and general music listening activities.

im also looking at the Paradigm VC-150 volume control unit(s)....will be using 3 of them, one will be outside.


has anyone had any experience with these products? if so what are your thoughts?

thanks in advance!

terry

[cornelius]

IMO, making gratuitous comments that suggest that a given speaker brand, particularly one as popular as Paradigm, is over-rated is getting pretty close to trolling.

Bose is very popular too.

Don't get excited, it's just my opinion. Also, keep in mind that there are other competitors than just B&W.

[jimmit]

Bose is very popular too.

Don't get excited, it's just my opinion. Also, keep in mind that there are other competitors than just B&W.

Saying "It's just my opinion" is not always a valid justification for saying something. Sure, everyone's entitled to their opinion, but there's a way of couching it so as to not to be confrontational. By your logic if I said Green Mountain Audio speakers suck, I could justify my statement by saying, "It's just my opinion." If I'm not particularly enamoured with Green Mountain Audio speakers, isn't it better to say that they're not my cup of tea or I prefer another brand? You know, there are ways of expressing one's opinions on this forum without trashing other speakers.

I recognize there are other competitors to Paradigm.

By the way, I've never heard Green Mountain Audio speakers. I'm sure they sound very nice.

And finally, I'm not excited.

[mr. guy]

There are a lot of great speakers out there, the issue at any price point is not over quality, but over personal taste. Having said that, I must admit that I own Paradigm speakers and have been very happy with them, and would consider upgrading to more expensive Paradigm models.

[warpdrive]

Right on RLA...Paradigm are extremely over-rated, as long as one does not extend themselves above the entry level series. In the $750/above price range, they are easily overshadowed.

The problem with posts like these is that they really don't provide any information. What's wrong with Paradigm's over $750? Name the speakers which are better (specific models) and why.

Here is another opinion which is a bit more credible.
http://stereophile.com/loudspeakerreviews/105paradigm/

Doesn't seem too shabby to me even at $2300 a pair. Stereophile rating: Highly Recommended.

I have no stake in Paradigm either way. I don't own Paradigm speakers except for a set of in-wall speakers that sound rather good.

[RLA]

Here is another opinion which is a bit more credible

Ohhh Please!! :rolleyes: How many Paradigm ads did you see in that same issue?
Like I said Paradigm is a well oiled marketing machine ;)

[cornelius]

Ok, getting back to the original post - I jumped on the bandwagon when I read RLA's post.

As alternatives to Paradigm I would suggest listening to the following:
Dynaudio Audience Series
Audio Note AX AZ series
Sequerra Met 7.7 MkIV
NSM M5
Ohm Microwalsh Tall


In a nutshell, the above speakers beat out Paradigm in what I consider very important - tonal (and harmonic) balance and accuracy. Paradigms do many things competently, but they just don't have the mid-range resolve that makes recorded instruments sound real. I've made live, unprocessed recordings in venues that I know very well, and have yet to hear Paradigms sound more natural and involving than the speakers listed above.

So there you go, some alternatives to try. Just file away what I've said, and if upon auditioning a pair of Paradigms anyone disagrees, then fine - in the end it just comes down to your opinion.

Also, never base a purchasing decision on a Stereophile review.

[zipper]

Are these "alternatives" in the same price range as Paradigm? Or are they 3X as much?

Also, I know of no place in the Seattle area that I can demo these much less purchase them.


I'm not sure what your definition of a "well oiled marketing machine" is, but I've only met one person who has heard of paradigm (outside of some salesmen). I have no reason to defend Paradigm as I don't own any of speakers (save 2 PDR-10 subs that I found in a pawn shop for $100/ea), but I found them to be quite smooth & impressive (Studio 100's), perhaps a bit laid back. I much prefer their sound to the Klipsch of the same cost.

This is where my lack of experience tends to hurt me as I have not been intensely involved in the A/V world for quite a while, & even years ago I didn't know much about separates or "delicacy" speakers. I'd love to be able to sample ALL the brands mentioned on this site...........not that I'm ready to buy them now but I do plan on upgrading.

[grd4spd]

I have no stake in Paradigm either way. I don't own Paradigm speakers except for a set of in-wall speakers that sound rather good.

which inwall Paradigms do you have? i am very interested in the offerings they have.....if you like you can post your thoughts on the topic i have here....

Anyone use Paradigm AMS inwall Series speakers? (http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9717)

Like I said Paradigm is a well oiled marketing machine


oiled or not they sound good to my ears. ;)


regards,
terry

[warpdrive]

which inwall Paradigms do you have? i am very interested in the offerings they have.....if you like you can post your thoughts on the topic i have here....terry

I have the CS-60R which is quite different from the ones you posted about.

[grd4spd]

I have the CS-60R which is quite different from the ones you posted about.


thanks for the reply warpdrive.....

yes, i just noticed those today (was looking in an old catalogue)......im thinking those will suit me well for the rear surrounds....where/what are you using them for?

regards,
terry

[RLA]

Are these "alternatives" in the same price range as Paradigm? Or are they 3X as much?

Hello
I don’t think anyone said that the Paradigm was a bad speaker, It does many thing’s well If you want an alternative in the same price range listen to the RBH Signature series You will find plenty of reviews here at this site look at the reviews page. Go listen to the flagship Paradigm’s take along your own listening material (something you have listened to many times) Then seek out an RBH dealer and listen to these with the same material and tell us what you think ;)
http://www.rbhsound.com/1266se.shtml

[jimmit]

Yes, let's get back to the original post. Steelheart specifically asked for pros and cons of owning Paradigm Monitor series speakers and for any opinions on Sapphire speakers.

I can't comment on Sapphires - never heard them and don't know anything about the company.

As a Paradigm product owner and as someone who has heard several Monitor line speakers, I can comment. Pros: A few negative comments in this thread notwithstanding, Paradigm is a well respected speaker manufacturer that makes speakers in many price ranges. As you may know, their Monitor line is the third from the top, after their Signature line and their Reference line. It's a good bang for the buck speaker.

In a professional review of a Paradigm's speaker (Reference Studio 20) Doug Schneider, a professional reviewer said the following about Paradigm as a company: "Paradigm has created and maintained an enviable reputation for making great-sounding speakers. However, in recent years, mostly as a result of the Reference products, the company is gaining an equally warranted reputation for great-sounding speakers regardless of price -- even if they still don’t cost all that much compared to other speakers on the market."

That review is found in soundstage.com. By the way, you can go to soundstage.com and look for any advertisements for Paradigm products but you won't find any.

In the Monitor line I liked the Monitor 5's and the Mini Monitors the best. I'm not too keen on floorstanders per se, but I understand that among the Monitor floorstanders, the Monitor 11's sound pretty good.

The cons: For cons, consult with the naysayers; I can't think of any.

With respect to comments to the effect that certain speakers "beat out" Paradigm speakers in tonal and harmonic balance and accuracy: First, that's painting all Paradigm speakers with a pretty broad brush. I'm not familiar with most of the speakers cornelius recommends over the Paradigms, though I have never read anything bad about Dynaudio; they are seemingly universally well respected. But let me again offer a quote from the previously mentioned review:

"While the Studio 20 v.3s didn’t quite have the velvety texture of the FS-788s when reproducing male vocals, they most certainly had similar clarity along with ideal tonal balance and freedom from chestiness or other such nastiness." So, here's a professional reviewer who feels that at least this Paradigm speaker's tonal balance is "ideal."

Here's a couple of other quotes:

"The top end is stunning. It's clear and wonderfully extended, with ease and purity that I normally associate with higher-priced speakers -- much higher-priced."

"Its effortless treble will better that of like-priced competitors, not to mention the treble of some very expensive speakers."

"And at the Montreal Son & Image show, some companies were playing speakers costing thousands of dollars that didn’t sound as clean and effortless as the Studio 20 v.3 in its upper reaches. To get topnotch high-frequency performance like the Studio 20 v.3 gives you for hundreds of dollars, not thousands, is something to rave about."

"Equally impressive is the Studio 20 v.3’s midrange, which is clean, clear, detailed, and devoid of colorations such as chestiness and wooliness. Male voice was rich, full-bodied, and quite present (present as in there), while female voice was silky smooth. Throughout Gone, Keelor’s voice is close-miked and has the kind of detail and presence that makes audiophiles swoon. Sarah McLachlan also appears on this album, and her angelic backing vocals have ease and clarity without grain or edge. The Studio 20 v.3 is a clean, smooth performer, and it preserves all that the very best speakers do."


Now, all that having been said, I cannot disagree with cornelius' suggestion regarding auditioning other speakers. As you can tell, I like Paradigm speakers, but they're not the only speakers I like. And, as you can see, not everyone likes them as well as I do. You would be doing yourself a favor by taking the time to audition many speakers. You may find others within your budget that you like even more.

Good luck and have fun in the hunt!

[Buckeyefan 1]

Hello
I don’t think anyone said that the Paradigm was a bad speaker, It does many thing’s well If you want an alternative in the same price range listen to the RBH Signature series You will find plenty of reviews here at this site look at the reviews page. Go listen to the flagship Paradigm’s take along your own listening material (something you have listened to many times) Then seek out an RBH dealer and listen to these with the same material and tell us what you think ;)
http://www.rbhsound.com/1266se.shtml

RLA,

Was just checking out those RBH's, and noticed the spl at 88 and rated at 4 ohms. I would think being that inefficient, you would need one heck of an amp to get them going. Doesn't seem like the obvious choice for a low to mid priced underpowered receiver. I'm getting more and more annoyed at these speaker companies charging top dollar and designing their speakers at outrageously low efficiency levels. That includes my Polks, which love the power.

[Paulvader]

I have just recently set up my little home theatre in the attic. I went with Paradigm speakers for my system. I had a pair of monitor 3's 14 years ago, so I thought I'd probably go back to Paradigm now. When I went out looking to complete my new system, I was glad to find that Paradigm are as respected today, as they were when I purchased my 1st pair. To me, the fact that their name is as - or more respected now, helped me make an easy decision on what to purchase. I love my monitor 90P's. I had listened to Klipsch as comparison and found that for the price difference...Paradigm.

[grd4spd]

Re: My Dad Can Beatup Your Dad.....

ahhhhh.....the "Professionals" enter the conversation! :rolleyes:

having someone tell me that "this" speaker (sounds) better than another is like a wine critic trying to tell me what wine tastes good.....its totally subjective....followed by big fantasticly splendorous words of valueless wonderment.

hey if a transistor radio sounds good with a warm glass of PBR, so be it. :D

moving on.....

like i said, Paradigm works great for me.....got a pair as a wedding present (to self) 14 years ago.....they have lasted longer (and still me pleasure to this day) than the marriage did......and i dont need a "Professional" (ie..marriage counselor) to tell me/us what we already knew. :p


regards,
terry

[warpdrive]

thanks for the reply warpdrive.....

yes, i just noticed those today (was looking in an old catalogue)......im thinking those will suit me well for the rear surrounds....where/what are you using them for?

regards,
terry

I'm just using them in our kitchen/dining room. Need some tunes when cooking up a storm.

Personally, I would go for at least free standing speakers for the front channels, I think the sound quality of in-wall speakers is a going to be a compromise no matter how good the brand. Drywall just doesn't make a good enclosure.

Some Paradigm bookshelf speakers and center channel + in-walls for the rear would work well and have high wife acceptance factor.

[grd4spd]

I'm just using them in our kitchen/dining room. Need some tunes when cooking up a storm.

i hear you on that! food, vino and music!!


Personally, I would go for at least free standing speakers for the front channels,

unfortunately i dont think that i can pull that off (for a # of reasons). :rolleyes:


I think the sound quality of in-wall speakers is a going to be a compromise no matter how good the brand. Drywall just doesn't make a good enclosure.

yeah i just trying to do my best with a limited situation....so i figure im going to put the biggest, baddest i can in the ceiling and try to make it work....


Some Paradigm bookshelf speakers and center channel + in-walls for the rear would work well and have high wife acceptance factor.

the way this design is working out i simply dont have any place to put freestanding/bookshelf type speakers....dont want them freestanding and dont have the shelf space.....gotta do the best i can with inwall/inceiling.... :(


regards,
terry

[zipper]

RLA.............there aren't too many renowned hifi outlets around Seattle so I sent RBH an email requesting info on where I can hear them. I've read the reviews & would very much like to demo them.

[cownd]

To answer the question: "Are Paradigm great speakers?"

Yes they are. But other speakers are good as well ;)

Until I see a paradigm speaker recieve a bad review, or are not highly competitve in their price category, (funny how the reviewers usually say "outperforms speakers 2-3x their price") or stop putting "jaw dropping expressions" on my freinds and familys faces, or... well, you get it !! :)

You really can't go wrong, and those who own them, swear by them. I did however enjoy Monitor Audio's various products as well. Every ear is different so audition as much as possible.

[KrisJ]

I think they are great speakers, I myself did perfer the monitor audio Silver and Gold series to the studio series.

[jimmit]

I've never heard the Silver or Gold Series Monitor Audios but I did audition the Bronze (B2's). It seems to be a well built speaker and sounded great at that price point. Monitor Audio is certainly a speaker to consider. In that general price range I also liked JMLab Chorus speakers.

[gene]

By the way, you can go to soundstage.com and look for any advertisements for Paradigm products but you won't find any.

Just a point of correction, Paradigm is listed on their homepage under their index of sponsors.

[grd4spd]

thanks for the link to soundstage.com.....good reading there. :)

regards,
terry

[jimmit]

Just a point of correction, Paradigm is listed on their homepage under their index of sponsors.
I stand corrected.

[grd4spd]

I stand corrected.

......you can sit if you like. ;)

regards,
terry

[3db]

the monitor line from Paradigm. Is Paradigm good? Yes they are. Are they the best bang for the buck. Nope, not in my opinion.

[grd4spd]

evening gents...

this Paradigm Reference series speakers i will be running (all ceiling mount)....

1 pr - SA35 (mains/front effect)

http://www.paradigm.com/Website/SiteReferenceProduct/RModels/InWall/SAGallery/GalleryImages/SA35ng.jpg


1 pr - SA15R (rear effect)


http://www.paradigm.com/Website/SiteReferenceProduct/RModels/InWall/SAGallery/GalleryImages/SA15Rng.jpg

1 ea - CC470.v3, (center)

http://www.paradigm.com/Website/SiteReferenceProduct/RModels/StudioSeries/StudioSeriesNew/ImageGallery/GalleryImages/StudioCC470ng.jpg


2 ea - VC150 (exterior, manual volume control)

http://www.paradigm.com/Website/SiteReferenceProduct/RModels/VC150/ImageGallery/GalleryImages/VC150.jpg


2 pr - SA30's (ambient music locations)


http://www.paradigm.com/Website/SiteReferenceProduct/RModels/InWall/SAGallery/GalleryImages/SA30ng.jpg



2 pr - Stylus 350, (outdoor/patio)


http://www.paradigm.com/Website/SiteParadigmProduct/ParadigmModels/Stylus/ImageGallery/GalleryImages/Styls350ng.jpg


considering these as well....

1 pr - SM60R (2 domes offset 60degree for rear effect, in place of SA15R)


http://www.paradigm.com/Website/SiteParadigmProduct/ParadigmModels/InWall/CSSeries/images/Large_Images/SM60R_ng.jpg


1 ea - Servo 15 (sub)

http://www.paradigm.com/Website/SiteReferenceProduct/RModels/Servo/ImageGallery/GalleryImages/Servo15_ng_Cherry.jpg


or...


1 ea - Reference Seismic 12 (sub)

http://www.paradigm.com/Website/SiteReferenceProduct/RModels/SeismicSeries/ImageGallery/GalleryImages/Seismic_12.jpg

or i can run the 15R (instead of the pricier SA30) in all the ambient music locations and the SM60R in the rear effect speakers.....all thoughts welcome....

regards,
terry

[Buckeyefan 1]

I've never really liked the lack of flexibility of in-wall speakers. When spending that kind of money on a system, you really limit yourself to the type of sound you get with in-walls. Speaker placement is vital to the surround stage. The trade off is the superior WAF, which could mean all the difference in the world. :)

[LEVESQUE]

I don't care about any "professionnal" reviews. The only thing I trust are MY ears.

And I did ALOT of comparisons in-house with alot of really $$$ speakers, and I finally bought the Paradigm Signature serie: S8, C5 and 2 pair of S2.

I was not able to find any speakers, even at 2x the price that was giving me that level of details and clarity. With the Anthem D1 and P5, the Signatures are in total synergy with my treated room, and every Paradigm nay-sayer "audiophile" friends that came to my house are coming out with the tail between their legs...

We can't really argue about speakers preferences. Sound is a personnal thing, and every person is different.

But to me the Paradigm sound did it.

[grd4spd]

due to the design and desired look of the space the only option is in-wall.

i agree that the Paradigm speakers are the best value for the money....fine speaker, great price.

regards,
terry

[3db]

due to the design and desired look of the space the only option is in-wall.

i agree that the Paradigm speakers are the best value for the money....fine speaker, great price.

regards,
terry

cause to my ears, they bested the Paradigm Monitor series for the same or less money . :rolleyes:

[grd4spd]

cause to my ears, they bested the Paradigm Monitor series for the same or less money . :rolleyes:

in wall?

how and where? please offer more info.........

regards,
terry

[gene]

i agree that the Paradigm speakers are the best value for the money....fine speaker, great price.

You might also wish to look into similarly priced Axioms. Many Axiom owners and reviewers for that matter swear by their value as well.

[grd4spd]

You might also wish to look into similarly priced Axioms. Many Axiom owners and reviewers for that matter swear by their value as well.


thanks for the referal....i did listen to the Axiom....however i prefered the Paradigm. :)


regards,
terry

[279BLUE]

Grd4spd - I too have decided on the sa-15s for the rear surrounds. Seems like the best fit for my situation as well even if I loose a little over the ADPs. Am going to go w/ studio 60 for the front though. Anyway we do what we can. We can't all have dedicated rooms. PS nice Warmboard. at least you toes will be toasty while you enjoy the sound.

[grd4spd]

Grd4spd - I too have decided on the sa-15s for the rear surrounds. Seems like the best fit for my situation as well even if I loose a little over the ADPs.


what are you losing?


Am going to go w/ studio 60 for the front though.


had my design constraints (dont want big speaks as furniture) not been an issue i would go with S8's....but it not in the design plan.

Anyway we do what we can. We can't all have dedicated rooms.

......having dedicated rooms for sound/theatre as not as big priority as it used to be....i do have three other houses to play with. ;)



PS nice Warmboard. at least you toes will be toasty while you enjoy the sound.


thanks!

yeah, that warmboard is nice.....great solution for a wonderful way to heat......nothing like toasty toes apre-ski when its 10degrees out!!

regards,
terry