Paradigm Studio 100 Questions

[ensoll]

I went and listened to a pair of Studio 100 speakers today and I really liked them. I have a few questions for those familiar with these speakers/Paradigm. I went to a Best Buy/Magnolia and listened to what they had and it was audibly worse than the Studio 100's (which I expected). They had what I think was an upper end Def Tech model as well as some of the cheaper Klipsch speakers (WF- and X48 or whatever). I had hoped to hear something from the RF line but they did not have them.

The dealer that carries the Studios said he did not have anything else comparable (price range and sound quality) for me to listen to so I will need to go to another dealer to do some more listening. I'm looking for recommendations for other speakers that are comparable in quality and price (or cheaper) than the Studio 100's.

The dealer is redoing the room that the Studios were in (he had already sold the rear surrounds) and said that they were looking to sell all of the equipment in the room, including the Studio 100's. He offered a price that is 20% off MSRP for these demo Studio 100's and he says have less than 100 hours on them. I know that with speakers the price is always negotiable and I can probably bring that price down some but is 20% off for lightly used Studio 100's a good price or would you expect these speakers to go for more than 20% off?

 

[jamie2112]

I would bet you can talk him down to 35% or so. The studio 100's are a great speaker. Quite a few members have them and swear buy them.

 

[fredk]

PSB Imagine. Its a new series from them, but has reviewed very well.
Axiom M80. Similar, but lower cost and not as stylish (the new studios are very nice!)

I am sure there are others, but those are the two that come to mind for me.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Shoot for 30-35% off MSRP.

 

[ensoll]

I should add that if I purchased these they would come with the full 5 year manufacturers warranty. I don't know if that really affects the price but I forgot to put that in the original post.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

That shouldn't affect the price.

 

[ensoll]

I went and listened to some Klipsch (RF-63 and -83), Vandersteen (various), Magnepan (5+ ft. tall, not sure which model) and Thiel (CS1.6) speakers today as well as the Studio-100's again. Apart from the Vandersteen Signature Quatro's (way out of my price range) I liked the Studio 100's the best. So I'll have to see what kind of price I can get on the 100's.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

You need to go ahead and get a Servo15 to go along with them. I just happen to know of a Dawg WHO HAS ONE FOR SALE.

 

[The Viking]

The Studio 100's are very good speakers...I've got a 5.1 v3 setup that just moved to our basement HT to make room for a pair of Dali MS4's in a 2.1 rig. However, other posters are correct that you should get more than 20% off. I bought mine brand new and got 25% off from our dealer. Used is used, so haggle 'em down.

Jason

 

[The Viking]

You need to go ahead and get a Servo15 to go along with them. I just happen to know of a Dawg WHO HAS ONE FOR SALE.

I wish I had the funds for that... I've got a Servo v1 that I love but I'm also going DIY for my next round. Good luck with your sale...I can't believe it hasn't sold!

Jason

 

[ensoll]

The sub is a question. The first dealer had the 100's in a room with a JL Audio Fathom f113. Super nice subwoofer but also way out of my price range for a sub. The dealer today had the sub in a room with a 15" Paradigm subwoofer. This room was a slightly larger in length and width but definitely had a higher ceiling. I was much less impressed with the Paradigm subwoofer. I assume this was the Servo since the center and surrounds in the room were from the Studio line.

Even before I had gone and listened to stuff I had the PB13-Ultra in mind. I've read that the Ultra is in some ways comparable to the Fathom. The Ultra is a lot cheaper, has a bit more low frequency extension and more of a 'kick' for home theater (which is what I am primarily interested in). How does the Ultra compare with the Paradigm Servo?

 

[ParadigmDawg]

You mean the Ultra?

I have never heard one. I had the SVS 2, 12" driver thing(dont remember what it was called) in my house at the same time I had the Servo15 and I kept the Servo.

How does the Servo compare with the Paradigm Servo?

 

[ensoll]

Yeah, I meant Ultra vs. Servo. Edited the post.

 

[WmAx]

The sub is a question. The first dealer had the 100's in a room with a JL Audio Fathom f113. Super nice subwoofer but also way out of my price range for a sub. The dealer today had the sub in a room with a 15" Paradigm subwoofer. This room was a slightly larger in length and width but definitely had a higher ceiling. I was much less impressed with the Paradigm subwoofer. I assume this was the Servo since the center and surrounds in the room were from the Studio line.

Even before I had gone and listened to stuff I had the PB13-Ultra in mind. I've read that the Ultra is in some ways comparable to the Fathom. The Ultra is a lot cheaper, has a bit more low frequency extension and more of a 'kick' for home theater (which is what I am primarily interested in). How does the Ultra compare with the Paradigm Servo?

Based on measurement/analysis, the Servo series are NOT comparable with the JL Fathom or SVS PBUltra 13. Using the Servo 15 as reference, the Servo uses a radically lower grade driver in terms of output SPL vs. non-linear distortion. Even though it's a 15" driver, it can't even begin to compare to the smaller diameter JL or SVS units you referred to.

-Chris

 

[Chopin_Guy]

If home theater is going to be the majority of your listening material, as you stated in an earlier post, the PB13-Ultra is the best bang you can get for your $$$. I would definitely choose it over the Servo-15 given your stated needs...

 

[ParadigmDawg]

That should help me sale it.

Based on measurement/analysis, the Servo series are NOT comparable with the JL Fathom or SVS PBUltra 13. Using the Servo 15 as reference, the Servo uses a radically lower grade driver in terms of output SPL vs. non-linear distortion. Even though it's a 15" driver, it can't even begin to compare to the smaller diameter JL or SVS units you referred to.

-Chris

 

[AVRat]

That should help me sale it.

Do you really want to sale, sail, or sell it?

 

[fredk]

Yo ho,
and a great big serv,
o...

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I think I want to try and sail it. Think it will float?

Do you really want to sale, sail, or sell it?