Help Needed Paradigm Studio100 v5 OR Signature S8 v1

[ManishKasera]

I'm helping my friend to build a nice home theater setup (this way I can have my internal craving satisfy too...). He already bought the Anthem D2 with ARC. And he is going to buy either Anthem A5 or P5 Amplifier (most probably A5).

We are planning to build the setup in his basement which a wide big open area (may be 25' * 25' feet).

He is getting a good deal on used pair of Paradigm Signature S8 v1.0 and matching center channel.
He can get in almost the same price brand new Paradigm Studio 100 v5.0 with matching center.

I am in a tremendous confusion as what to buy?

Buying signature is very tempting at the same time BRAND NEW thing have it's own benefit (warranty and usual stuff).

All of you guys out there who have been through the same or have the experience with both of these, could you please jump in and provide your valuable input and experience that can help me make my decision.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I don't think I would go from v5 60's to v5 100's. Have you considered just using the money to add an awesome sub?

I just don't know about the v1 Sigs, I would be very tempted to try that. Too bad they are not the v2's, that would be an easy choice.

 

[ManishKasera]

Hi my bad, I should have made it clear that I'm looking for my friend who is not much into this but have temptation to build something really nice so he can enjoy some quality viewing whenever he get the time. So I went back and edited my post to reflect this.
Thanks for looking and proving your thought on it.

I don't think I would go from v5 60's to v5 100's. Have you considered just using the money to add an awesome sub?

I just don't know about the v1 Sigs, I would be very tempted to try that. Too bad they are not the v2's, that would be an easy choice.

 

[oppman99]

Tough call between used Signatures and new Studios. I think the tweeters from the original Signatures trickled down to the Studio line. I don't think the bass drivers from the old Signatures have trickled down yet, but I could be mistaken. For me, the condition of the Sigs would probably be the deciding factor. The second thing to consider is shipping if you go used. This is a really bad time of the year to ship anything, much less something as heavy as S8's. I'd probably give the edge in sound quality to the Signatures, but there are the others things you mentioned to consider (warranty). If your friend isn't "into" audio he'll probably be very happy with either choice. Like ParadigmDawg said, too bad they aren't v2 Sigs.

 

[ManishKasera]

Thanks Oppman, We are north of the border so planning to drive down to NY. I see you are using the Signature. As per the buyer speakers are in pristine condition not even a scratch.

Tough call between used Signatures and new Studios. I think the tweeters from the original Signatures trickled down to the Studio line. I don't think the bass drivers from the old Signatures have trickled down yet, but I could be mistaken. For me, the condition of the Sigs would probably be the deciding factor. The second thing to consider is shipping if you go used. This is a really bad time of the year to ship anything, much less something as heavy as S8's. I'd probably give the edge in sound quality to the Signatures, but there are the others things you mentioned to consider (warranty). If your friend isn't "into" audio he'll probably be very happy with either choice. Like ParadigmDawg said, too bad they aren't v2 Sigs.

 

[JerryLove]

Get the S8. Better cabinet, better bracing, at least as good a driver set, better crossover.