Dynaudio vs Paradigm

[frankf]

I have made a decesion to purchase a new set of speakers. Having a bit of extra money is rare for me and having my wife giving me the thumbs up is a pretty nice thing. So this is my experience so far as I have not come to a final answer choosing between two great speakers but two quite differently priced speakers.
The Paradigm Studio 60's with the CC-690 center and the ADP-590 for surrounds and as a center rear speaker. Added to this sweet combination one possibly two Rel 305 subs.


Dynaudio awesome!!! Contour 3.4 main speakers, SCX center, and the Contour SR special couple with a Sunfire 1000 watt sub.

Well here is the final tally. For the Paradigm system as listed with the two subs $7800.00

Dynaudio $13,000

Big difference in price, some $5200.00. Now that is not to say that the Dynaudio's are not worth it. Let's face it the money is relative. If you have it there is no problem.
(I have been saving for something like this now for two years)
My concern is how much better are these speakers than the Paradigms'. I have not heard the Paradigms as of this post. Sometime latter this week I will be test driving them.

Any opinions from anyone having either of these speakers would be appreciated.

 

[mazersteven]

I have not had the opportunity to audition Dynaudio speakers. But from all the positive information I have read about the Contour series. I would not believe that the Studio series from Paradigm would even be close to the same league as the contour's. I have auditioned the Paradigm Studio series many times, and think they are an excellent value, and great sounding speaker.

How much better are the Dynaudio's? I would hope a lot better. Are the $5000 better? Diminishing returns on audio equipment is a personal thing. You would have the bragging rights I can say that.

Why are you choosing to go with the Rel R305 subs? I have never auditioned a Rel sub, so I can't comment on them. But it seems like a lot of money for a sub with a 10" driver.

For the $3000 for two Rel's I think I would be looking at JL Audio Fathom or a SVS or HSU sub. Like I said I'm not knocking the Rel I have no knowledge about them. Trying to learn myself.

 

[zumbo]

It's like comparing a Mustang Cobra to a Vette. The Cobra is just as fast, but it's not a Vette. So, if money is no object, the Dynaudio speakers would be it for me. However, for that amount of money, I would have to go with B&W 800 series with a JL sub. Or, for less, MB Quart with a JL sub.

I am on my sixth year with my MB Quarts, and I have not heard a better speaker for the price to date. Superb handmade German quality.

 

[frankf]

I have not had the opportunity to audition Dynaudio speakers. But from all the positive information I have read about the Contour series. I would not believe that the Studio series from Paradigm would even be close to the same league as the contour's. I have auditioned the Paradigm Studio series many times, and think they are an excellent value, and great sounding speaker.

How much better are the Dynaudio's? I would hope a lot better. Are the $5000 better? Diminishing returns on audio equipment is a personal thing. You would have the bragging rights I can say that.

Why are you choosing to go with the Rel R305 subs? I have never auditioned a Rel sub, so I can't comment on them. But it seems like a lot of money for a sub with a 10" driver.

For the $3000 for two Rel's I think I would be looking at JL Audio Fathom or a SVS or HSU sub. Like I said I'm not knocking the Rel I have no knowledge about them. Trying to learn myself.

Thanks for responding. The Rel sub is the best that I have heard. I cannot tell you about SVS or the HSU because I have not heard them in person. The Rel 305's can be replaced with the Rel 205 for about $1000.00 a piece, cutting the price down by a thousand dollars. Also I have listened to the sunfire sub at 1000 watts of power at a price of $799.00 Not to mention Paradigm seismic series.
I guess the real answer will come out when I hear the Paradigms'. Dynaudio are great sounding speakers but at a hefty price. However this is a time when I can afford such decadence.
My problem is making a choice of whether or not the extra $5000.00 is worth it compared to the $8000.00 total for the Paradigms'
Judging from your statement that Paradigm is not in the league of the Dynaudio....you would go for the Dynaudio.
This is the last set of speakers I intend to buy...ever. $5000.00 more to spend on speakers nothing compared to the rewards. One thing is that I wish I could compare them side by side.

 

[mazersteven]

One thing is that I wish I could compare them side by side.

Well if it was me, I would find a Paradigm dealer that would let you return them for little, or no restocking fee. Bring them to the Dynaudio dealer, and compare. Unless the Dynaudio dealer is willing to let you demo in your own house. I would demo only the mains, because you should have your answer just listening to them.

And I'm not trying to steer you one way or the other. But I would do some more research on those subs. Just seems like $1595 for a 10", 300 watt sub is a bit much. But like I said I have no clue about the Rel subs. I can say for the same money my SVS PB12-Plus/2 is an excellent performer.

Maybe ask this guy about the sub.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/member.php?find=lastposter&t=768150

http://av123forum.com/member.php?u=1160

 

[longodj]

If I am reading correctly the Paradigms have hard dome tweeters? I have Dynaudios (Audience) and love them. One reason I have them is that they are have soft dome tweeters and hard dome drive me nuts. Soft domes are MUCH softer and result in much less listener fatigue, so they are easier to enjoy. Along those same lines, check out Sonus Faber, if I had to replace my Dynaudios and if I had to buy the "last set of speakers" I'd probably buy the Sonus Faber Cremona line, simply because when I heard them I was absolutely floored even after hearing B&W 800 series, Dynaudio Audience/Contour, etc. etc. They use Scan Speak and I think Vifa drivers which are both very highly regarded manufacturers. Listen to both, the soft/hard dome makes a big difference in my opinion. Also, if they are the last speakers you intend to buy (yea right btw, you're on an audioholics forum...it's an addiction!) don't worry about the $5k, enjoy the better speakers. Good luck with the purchase!

 

[MDS]

This is rather simple from my perspective. Are the Dynaudio $5,000 'better' than the Paradigm? Only you can decide that but in my book the answer will be No.

5K is the max I would personally spend for an entire 5.1 set of speakers let alone 5K additional over a set that itself already costs more than 5 grand.

 

[gus6464]

I auditioned some Dynaudio Contour S1.4 bookshelves as well as the Paradigm Studio series a couple of weeks ago and honestly the Paradigm's aren't in the same league. If you listen to music the Contours will blow away the paradigms (and i am being nice). If you want to compare apples to apples you should be looking at the Focus line of Dynaudio instead of the Contours. And if you want to compare apples to apples with the contours you should look at the paradigm signature line.

The dealer did tell me though that Dynaudio is getting ready to phase out the current Contour line with a new model or design at the end of the year.

 

[davidtwotrees]

I've only seen the Contours, and heard some older Paradigms. The fit and finish on the Dynaudios was in a whole different league than the pdigms which seemed mass produced. Get the Contours!

 

[dem beats]

tough one.

I may stand alone and it's been a while, but, I head dynaudios a long while back 5 years ago or so, and I was verry much not impressed. I was told it was their top of the line, and I just didn't go crazy drooling over them.

B & W made me feel that way though. The top 800 line at least. I also loved the magnepans I recently heard, but I don't have a dedicated 2 channel room so... I won't be going that rout anytime soon.

I actualy stayed away from the speakers out of my budget after that as I didn't want to spend more time "wondering what if" but to be honest, and it probably goes agains the norm I just did love dynaudios the way I have heard some other speakers and fell in love with. I would try more untill you hear the speakers than you just hear.. and then fall in love all over again with how it sounds.

My only sugestion for you is spend as much as you can, but not for the sake of spending. The best advice you have been given is to try to listen to them side by side. This will solidify in yoru mind the rigth choice for you.

 

[Rickster71]

If you want to compare apples to apples you should be looking at the Focus line of Dynaudio instead of the Contours. And if you want to compare apples to apples with the contours you should look at the paradigm signature line.

My two cents.
I would have to agree with the above post from gus6464.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Yep; if you are comparing the two you have to step up to the Sigs to make it fair.

As far as subs; dont buy the one you are looking at until you research more. SVS and HSU have great subs that are priced really low. I would opt out on the Paradigm seismic subs as they are not very impressive. The Servo-15 is a really nice sub so take a listen to it too.

 

[gus6464]

You will be impressed by the craftsmanship of the Paradigm Signature line. When I auditioned the studios I saw an S2 and a tower (think S6) and they were some gorgeous speakers. Build quality on the sigs is very comparable to the Dynaudio Contour IMO.

 

[j_garcia]

I've heard a few of the Dynaudio Contours and I have to agree, the only 'Digms that compare are the Signatures.

 

[frankf]

Dyna/Para

Thanks for all of the respones.
The idea that the Sigs are in the same zone as the Contours is a none argumentable. My good friend has the Sigs and they sound great but the size of them is overwhlming in my size home theater.
I did look into the SVS cylinder subs. Have not heard them, but have read rave reviews on all of there products. Performance as well as price.
Depending on the couple of other stores that carry Dynaudio I have to see what the final price would be.
Dynaudio are the speakers I prefer but I do not feel right about spending some $13,000 for speakers. Intially I was looking to spend around $8-$10,000 range which I think speakers, good speakers, a great speaker could be had.

However you know how it is when you go shopping.

 

[j_garcia]

I'd also recommend www.josephaudio.com Excellent sounding speakers.

 

[dem beats]

I misread I thought you were compairing the dynaudios to the signature.....

If WAF or Your eye is something that comes into play... Well I admit I have never heard them but the usher dancer series are the sexiest speakers I have ever seen i think. Dang they are pretty.

I would also look at veritas from energy or if you really want to be floored look at the NHT classic 3. They have a step above the classic 3's but I think it would be out of range.

Also about subs. I find it really really hard to think anything could beat what SVS and HSU are doing. They apply the KISS theory and go for performance without the name behind it. The design looks amazing the Box's from SVS are BEAUTIFUL and I think a piano black SVS with some classic 3's all around... WOW now that would LOOK great and I have to say the classics and what ever the step above are the best imaging speakers I have heard what are non planar/ribbon. It was verry verry hard to pick my energy set up over the classic 3's but my budget didn't allow.

 

[frankf]

Paradigm Signature 6

I really want those Dynaudio Contour 3.4 speakers.
BUT at nearly $15,000 (with Tax) ouch!!

Don't get me wrong if you have the money there is nothing with buying these speakers.
Like I had written in my first post I had run into some money, saved money and really had no problem spending it. $15,000 I had to do some serious thinking.
I went to audition the Paradigm Signature S6 speakers and I had the same goosebumps like I did when I auditioned the Dynaudio Contour 3.4 speakers.
Am I crazy? Big difference from the Studio 60's, but I was surprised that the 6's sounded so good.
I know that it was a step up from the 60's but compared to the contours how could they sound so good.
I went back to the store that I had listened to the contours at to get a comparison.
I had also dragged my friend along to see what his thoughts were.

The short end of the story is that I made a commitment on this speaker system. However I did not purchase any subs.
I have deceided that two of the SVS 25-31 PC Plus cylinder type subwoofers will do the job.

Any thoughts?

 

[mazersteven]

www.sonusfaber.com

Grand Piano Domus

http://www.usheraudiousa.com/products/loudspeakers/dancer-series/cp-8571

Usher Dancer

 

[jcPanny]

Speaker pricing.

Dynaudio are the speakers I prefer but I do not feel right about spending some $13,000 for speakers. Intially I was looking to spend around $8-$10,000 range which I think speakers, good speakers, a great speaker could be had.

However you know how it is when you go shopping.

I would talk to one of the Dynaudio dealers and tell them that you want to buy the speakers, but $10k is your max budget. They just might suprise you. There is huge markup on high end speakers and it is not unreasonable to get 10-20% off retail for buying a complete system.