Paradigm Studio 20 v4? Paradigm at all?

[corysmith01]

Hey folks. This weekend I made my way over to my local Paradigm dealer. My wife was shopping in the area, so I killed time by going over there. Being a previous Paradigm owner (Monitor 5, Studio 20 v3), I figured I'd check out the v4. I thought they were great, as I expected they would be as I was always a fan of my v3's. His room is one of the worst I've encountered so I didn't stay long and I won't talk much about it here.

But I was wondering something. About a year and a half ago when I got my v3's, there seemed to be a lot of fanfare and posts about 'Digm, particularly the studio series. They seemed to represent a bargain with regards to the price-to-performance ratio. Contrary to that, nowadays, there seems to be very little talk, few posts about them. I was wondering why that is. I don't really see many mentions of them anymore, at least not with the frequency I noticed them when I picked up my pair. Is it the price increase? Do they no longer represent a good value? Do people perceive that they took a step back with the v4's? I'm sure there isn't a definitive answer, but this was just more out of my own curiosity. It just seems weird that so few mentions happen now. They still seem to be making a quality product. I thought the v4 sounded great (room set up aside), although the $950 price tag makes me pause...I wish they were still in the $800/$850 range. Anyway, just curious...has anyone else noticed a decrease in their interest/posts concerning them...or is it just me?

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I think it's the same 10-15 people who are always recommending speakers on here. The latest and greatest thing always gets talked about and the stuff that has been around takes a back seat. The best “bang for the buck” also comes into play and is pretty much covered by the ID companies. Paradigm is one of those ‘love them or hate them speakers’ but in my opinion they offer a good speaker at a fair price (I paid ~1k for the studio 40’s) One of the biggest issues that come into play with the Paradigms is their lack of customer service. This issue is probably true but if you have a good local dealer then it takes Paradigm’s CS issues out of play. I auditioned ~ 10 sets of speakers, most in my home and I ended up with the Digms.

 

[Romulus]

It's weird how some companies get talked about alot and others don't. Take RBH for example. This site and perhaps one other are the only places I see them mentioned (and held in high regard), but it is very hard to find other user reviews of their products.

Fanfare seems to come and go a lot, but with some companies it just sticks I dunno. If you check out audioreview.com, there are hundreds of user reviews of paradigm stuff, likely because they are sold in stores across the country. The bad customer service has killed their rep on here, IMO. (it's the reason I didn't go with them)

 

[Johnd]

Paradigm makes great speakers. In response to your question, in the last year and a half, their msrp has gone up, and the discount down (street price is not as low as it was a couple of years ago). Case in point, I was able to get my setup for 40% off retail...I think 20% off is now the norm. Either way, I think their speakers are very good at what is now a good price...the discount now is just not as deep.

 

[jostenmeat]

I think Paradigm gets at least much mention, if not more mention, than the great majority of brands out there. At least these are my impressions with the numerous forums I frequent. There are many, many, many other quality other brands that get very little mention in comparison. I can easily think of a dozen off the top of my head. There are some owners' threads that have just finally taken footing, even if any such brand name has already been quite familiar to many audio lovers.

Just wait for Paradigm to come out with new speakers again. Maybe v2 Signatures or something. It will be a 'digm renaissance all over again! Hah!

 

[Martymilton]

I have been a happy Paradigm owner for over 10 years. As a matter of fact, I still have my Monitor 7s I purchased in 1997. I would like to upgrade to the Studio 20s, but financially I am not in a situation to do that. Also, I am sure Paradigms are going up in price due to the weakness of the American dollar against the Canadian dollar.

 

[dohanc]

Here's my view:
I was ready to buy new fronts and center and I looked at the studio v3. I ended up passing on them since I wanted the floor standing speakers and they were just to expensive for what I was willing to pay. When I added in the center channel, it was just too much. I was thinking of buying the monitors, but they I couldn't after hearing the Studios.

I'm ready to hit the stores again to audition and I will visit Paradigm again, but I think the price is slightly to high for what I'm willing to pay. I'm not to good at negotiating discounts, and usually just the thought of the hassle turns me away (and towards ID). Too many other toys to buy as well.

 

[Davemcc]

I read all the recommendations of Paradigm in the process of choosing my speakers and listened to the Studio 20's in the process. I didn't choose the Paradigms. I've also been back to the dealer for other stuff since and listened to the Studio line a number of times. I still don't see (or hear) what all the hype was about. I think it's like Greg says, love 'em or hate 'em. Maybe for half the price...

 

[corysmith01]

Thanks for all of the replies.

The best “bang for the buck” also comes into play and is pretty much covered by the ID companies. Paradigm is one of those ‘love them or hate them speakers’ but in my opinion they offer a good speaker at a fair price (I paid ~1k for the studio 40’s)

Agreed. They don't necessarily fall in the bang-for-buck territory, but I do feel they offer a good product at a fair price. Not the cheapest, but certainly not the most expensive by far.

The bad customer service has killed their rep on here, IMO.

Yeah, I was wondering if that had anything to do with it. I remember a few months back there being posts about some driver issues/warranty issues among other things. I was wondering if that had soured people.

I think Paradigm gets at least much mention, if not more mention, than the great majority of brands out there. At least these are my impressions with the numerous forums I frequent. There

True, when factoring in other forums. But I was speaking specifically about AH. Like I had mentioned, I just remember there being a fair bit more being said about them when I had bought my v3's. Now, there' barely a peep about them...on this forum anyway.

I'm ready to hit the stores again to audition and I will visit Paradigm again, but I think the price is slightly to high for what I'm willing to pay. I'm not to good at negotiating discounts, and usually just the thought of the hassle turns me away (and towards ID). Too many other toys to buy as well.

Ha, I know what you mean. I too go swayed by the ID brands and have been in the realm for the past year or so. But, I'm ready to try another pair out (yet again ) and don't want to write off the B&M brands. B&W's new 6 series looks interesting. As for Paradigm, the Studio 20 is about right at the top of what I want to spend. Although, at $950/pr, I was able to talk my dealer down to $800...that makes them very tempting. With that said, I'm also looking at Ascend, Swan, and Tyler Acoustics.

I still don't see (or hear) what all the hype was about. I think it's like Greg says, love 'em or hate 'em. Maybe for half the price..

Yeah, I guess so. I'm actually particularly fond of them. As mentioned just above, at $950/pr, my eyebrow is skeptically raised. But if I can pick 'em up for $800, they're a pretty good speaker at that price.

Thanks again all.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Like I said before; a good local dealer takes Paradigms lack of CS out of the equation. I have blown 2 woofers in the past 6 moths (I tend to have too many drinks and go crazy with the pure direct mode, which takes the crossover out of play) and my dealer just laughs, pops in a new woofer and sends me on my way for free.

If you are anywhere near Texas; maybe I can get you a deal.

 

[BabelFish]

Yeah.. it really does seem like they are a "love them or hate them" kind of brand. but I have noticed that over the last 'x' months, it seems like there hasn't been a lot of talk about Paradigm's on AH. I am not sure why though..

 

[dobyblue]

Yeah.. it really does seem like they are a "love them or hate them" kind of brand. but I have noticed that over the last 'x' months, it seems like there hasn't been a lot of talk about Paradigm's on AH. I am not sure why though..

Probably because it's been a year since anything new came out.

 

[jcPanny]

Speaker options

Cory,
I would be interested in your feedback on the paradigm studios vs. your current Onix Ref 1's. The Ref's are not exactly a budget speaker, so I would expect it to be more of a lateral move than a major upgrade.

Another upgrade path might be a pair of Onix Strata Mini's and/or Ref 100 center at the current sale prices.

 

[STRONGBADF1]

Cory,
I would be interested in your feedback on the paradigm studios vs. your current Onix Ref 1's. The Ref's are not exactly a budget speaker, so I would expect it to be more of a lateral move than a major upgrade.

Hey Cory,

I would like to hear what you think about the Ref 1's and why the need for a change. (other than it's just fun)

SBF1

 

[corysmith01]

Cory,
I would be interested in your feedback on the paradigm studios vs. your current Onix Ref 1's. The Ref's are not exactly a budget speaker, so I would expect it to be more of a lateral move than a major upgrade.

Hey Cory,

I would like to hear what you think about the Ref 1's and why the need for a change. (other than it's just fun)

Hey guys-
Yeah, I guess I should explain my thinking. My look for new speakers IN NO WAY is meant to diminish the Ref 1's. Quite the contrary. Since the Ref 1's entered my home, i've been in pure bliss. Seriously. They're that good. I love them. So, let me just get that out of the way. With that said, there's a couple of things a work as to why I'm looking around:

1. I just like trying out new things. That's part of the hobby for me. Expensive? Yes. But, none of my moves every require too much out of pocket.

2. The Ref 1's are rear ported. I'm in a tiny (and I mean TINY) New York apartment. Yes, the rumors are true. You pay $2K a month for 500 square feet. So, I'm looking to get something front ported as I do find them to be a tad boomy from time to time.

3. The Ref 1's are 4 ohm. Not a huge deal as the Rotel handles them well, but it does run hot....quite hot in fact. So, I want to try out something a little more efficient.

So. Again. Ref 1's? Absolutely phenomenal. In fact, the idea that they're selling them for $500 a pair right now is downright absurd.

As for the Paradigm vs Ref 1...well, I don't feel I'm prepared to give a fair assessment, so I won't. I will say that, what I heard of the Paradigms, left me feeling I wouldn't be taking a step back if that matters. The highs were smooth. The overall imaging was fantastic. Bass response was excellent...I ran them with no sub...and they were at least 3 feet from the wall, so no boominess to help them.

I'm still not sure what I'll get. We'll see I guess.

 

[Warpdrv]

I tend to have too many drinks and go crazy with the pure direct mode.

We really need to get you some glasses, and not more of the ones you drink out of..

Blown 2 woofers... good lord...

 

[Steelheart1948]

Hey guys-
Yeah, I guess I should explain my thinking. My look for new speakers IN NO WAY is meant to diminish the Ref 1's. Quite the contrary. Since the Ref 1's entered my home, i've been in pure bliss. Seriously. They're that good. I love them. So, let me just get that out of the way. With that said, there's a couple of things a work as to why I'm looking around:

1. I just like trying out new things. That's part of the hobby for me. Expensive? Yes. But, none of my moves every require too much out of pocket.

2. The Ref 1's are rear ported. I'm in a tiny (and I mean TINY) New York apartment. Yes, the rumors are true. You pay $2K a month for 500 square feet. So, I'm looking to get something front ported as I do find them to be a tad boomy from time to time.

I have a Co-op in Brooklyn and can relate to your situation. You might want to audition a sealed speaker such as the NHT Classic 3. It can be placed closer to a wall than a ported speaker. In fact I have 6 of them in my place plus an SVS PB12 plus 2 sub.

 

[BobSD]

Hello to all, This is my first post, probably should start at the newbe, as one person put it the moron section, thats probably me , but I am a happy moron thats what counts the most. Anyways with all that said, My local dealer said he was going to get in, a pair of Paradigm front speakers going for 18K. He did not tell what the model number they are?? Has anyone heard of Paradigms in that price range? because I live in a small town, only one good place to do my A/V shopping, and the choice is very limited. I ended up buying there Defnitive speakers, the 7001s which have 1500 built in Amps for the sub woofer range. I really love then, because not only a great sound but easy to place then, with my old speakers I almost had to carpet all the walls. But I do not hear much about the Definitives, Maybe because they are pricy, but worth it. So hello again, really intersting stuff being put out here, just cannot immagine why it took me so long to fine it here! Oh I have tinitis sp? thats ringing in the ears from the military experience and so I like to listen to my music at lower levels, and it seems to me the more power you have the better sound you get at lower levels, any one agrees with that?? Thanks for reading take Care!

 

[3db]

Hey Corey

Paradigm and B&W get the majority of the mentions as far as I can tell in here anyway. With Takeereasy not visiting as often anymore, there is one less mentioning PSB. Thats a speaker that rarely gets mentioned around here other than myself.

Paradigm is always getting mentioned but because our dollar (Canadian dollar)
is so strong right now, I imagine that the bang for buck factor has been reduced with Paradigm and the other Canadian speakers.

 

[Davemcc]

But I do not hear much about the Definitives

Oh just you wait. There's plenty of talk about DeafTech around here. You know what brand doesn't get mentioned a lot around here? Era.