Older Version Paradigms?

[JesseP]

Hey everyone,
I have my mind set on a nice pair of Paradigms. My budget is pretty low so i guess my main question would be how are the older versions of Paradigm Reference speakers like the Studio 60s or 100s. I see a lot of V2 and V3 of both these speakers for sale for what seems to me more then fair pricing. How much better are v6 then v2? Does anyone know what they upgraded over the years? It seems to me like id be better off getting older used Studio speakers then new Monitors.

 

[JerryLove]

Well. To begin with, there is no v6 on the Studios (yet).
I own a good number of .v3 (40s, 60s, and one of the centers). Moving to the v4 changed the aluminum tweeter to G-PAL, added some bracing, and replaced the mid cone material. In my experience it's an improvement, but not dramatic (at least not on the smaller units, it would be interesting to compare one 100 to another).

The v5 is a more signifigant change visually. Unfortunately I've not had the chance to do an apples-to-apples comparison (perhaps I shouldn't post "I don't know" ), but perhaps I can manage one this weekend.

The short: Paradigm lovers do love the v2-v3s. Non-Paradigm-Lovers don't love any. Though there are improvements: between v3 and v4 at least, they are not "night and day".

 

[KEW]

One difference between the older and current versions is that the tweeters were toned down just a bit. Whether that is a good thing or a bad thing is up to your ears.
I suspect this is the change to the G-PAL tweeter Jerry mentioned.

 

[oppman99]

I have heard both v3 and v4 versions of the Studio line. As was mentioned before, the difference is subtle. I really couldn't tell much of a difference and it wasn't enough to make me absolutely have v4. I bought v4 100's because I got a great price on them used. Was talking to a dealer two weeks ago about finding a v4 center. They're hard to find now so I might have to go with v5 eventually. They didn't change the drivers, just the cabinet, so not a big difference in sound between the v4 and v5's either. I would take v3 or later Studios over the Monitor line any day.

 

[JesseP]

I have heard both v3 and v4 versions of the Studio line. As was mentioned before, the difference is subtle. I really couldn't tell much of a difference and it wasn't enough to make me absolutely have v4. I bought v4 100's because I got a great price on them used. Was talking to a dealer two weeks ago about finding a v4 center. They're hard to find now so I might have to go with v5 eventually. They didn't change the drivers, just the cabinet, so not a big difference in sound between the v4 and v5's either. I would take v3 or later Studios over the Monitor line any day.

In my area on craigs list there are two good deals. There is Studio 60 V2 speakers for 650 or there is Studio 100 V3 for 1300 i think. I might have to go for the 60s just because its more in my price range.

 

[oppman99]

I haven't heard v2's. I'd say make sure you listen to them before you buy to be sure they are what you want. There are a pair of v2 100's and a pair of 80's on audiogon for $599, so you might be able to get the craigslist guy to lower his price on the 60's. If you had the cash, I'd say go with the v3 100's. Good luck!

 

[JesseP]

I haven't heard v2's. I'd say make sure you listen to them before you buy to be sure they are what you want. There are a pair of v2 100's and a pair of 80's on audiogon for $599, so you might be able to get the craigslist guy to lower his price on the 60's. If you had the cash, I'd say go with the v3 100's. Good luck!

Thanks for letting me know about audiogon. I had never heard of that site before. Sadly those v2 100s and 80s are only being sold as single speakers.

 

[JerryLove]

In my area on craigs list there are two good deals. There is Studio 60 V2 speakers for 650 or there is Studio 100 V3 for 1300 i think. I might have to go for the 60s just because its more in my price range.

If I knew a good way to ship my Studio 60s to NJ, I'd offer to sell you mine