Revel or Paradigm

[Audio1]

<font color='#000000'>I believe that I have narrowed my search for new speakers down to two brands.  The problem is that I cannot decide which way to go and I am not able to audition them both at the same time.
The models I am considering are the Revel F32 floorstanding main speakers with the matching C32 center cannel -or- the Paradigm Signature S4 with the C3 center channel.  
The Revel F32's have real nice low end extension, but the center channel does not seem to be as good as the Paradigm as it only has 5.25 woofers.
If anyone can lend any insight to my dilemma I would greatly appreciate the input.  The cost difference is not a determining factor.  I just want the best combination for 2-ch. , multi ch. audio and home theater.

Thank You,
Buddy</font>

 

[stiletto pat]

<font color='#000000'>Buddy,

I had the same problem - liked several speakers very much, but could not arrange to have them all together using the same electronics and source. &nbsp;I did listen to several speaker combinations from Revel, and found them pleasing, but more expensive than the Paradigm Studio Reference Series, which was my ultimate choice. &nbsp;I've been very happy with them to date - only less than a month...

I'd respectfully suggest to you that at this point, after using the best methods available - (same size receiver or amp, same program material, same number of speakers, etc....) you're probably going to have to trust your gut on this one.

Good luck, and let us know how you decide....

Pat</font>

 

[Unregistered]

Revels

Going to listen to the paradigms soon. But I love the Revels...I demoed the M22, F32 and the F50 in my house. F50 is STUNNING. Unfortunately, my room is only 13x13 so I am going to get the F32, M22 or the B & W Signature 805s. Good Luck!
Domestic Dude

 

[Westrock2000]

Does Paradigm not sell the Actives anymore??

Well it doesn't look like it, thats sad....those were pretty good.

 

[Unregistered]

Who sells Paradigm online

Kind of off the subject, but does anyone have any links to a dealer who sells Paradigm online. Can't find a place that sells the Paradigm Reference line.

 

[Jason Coleman]

Kind of off the subject, but does anyone have any links to a dealer who sells Paradigm online. Can't find a place that sells the Paradigm Reference line.

Good luck...Paradigm is notorious for not letting their products be sold widespread on the internet or by unauthorized dealers. Your best bet is to go to your local B&M and try to get them to give you the usual discount, which is 15% off. That's about the going rate. If you're buying several speakers, you might expect to get 18-20% off. If your dealer isn't willing to "deal," then find a new store. MSRP is a guideline, not a price tag.

Jason

 

[ericb]

Where you looking?

Where you located and looking for a paradigm dealer?

 

[Tizeye]

First choice is local dealer (or nearby - I have 4 in a 100 mile radius) who will deal. Paradigm's web site has dealer locator and they do space them out for exclucivity. For example, there is one in Tampa, but not across the bay in St Pete/Clearwater where many people commute daily. Have to go south to Sarasota or east to Orlando to find next closest.

Also, check E-bay. That is about as close to 'internet' as there is. Many will have the original box, some described as "new". Interestingly, many of the "new" are Ontario origin. Perhaps the factory has an outlet in the canadian/home market. Suspect it might be canadian citizens purchasing locally and using an exchange rate from an overbid (but still less than MSRP) when based on $US.

 

[Jgreenst08054]

Revel F32s and C32s an ideal combination

<font color='#000000'>I believe that I have narrowed my search for new speakers down to two brands. *The problem is that I cannot decide which way to go and I am not able to audition them both at the same time.
The models I am considering are the Revel F32 floorstanding main speakers with the matching C32 center cannel -or- the Paradigm Signature S4 with the C3 center channel. *
The Revel F32's have real nice low end extension, but the center channel does not seem to be as good as the Paradigm as it only has 5.25 woofers.
If anyone can lend any insight to my dilemma I would greatly appreciate the input. *The cost difference is not a determining factor. *I just want the best combination for 2-ch. , multi ch. audio and home theater.
</font>

I was faced with the same decision nearly a year ago when I decided to replace my eight-year old Canton Karat 30s. I started by listening to a bunch of speakers in the $5000 and up range (stopping at the $20K+ Wilson Sophias), and finally settled on either the Paradigm Signature S4 or S8s. I must have gone back to the dealer at least four times. However, I couldn't reconcile the fact that the S4s and S8s sounded so different. Furthermore, neither of them sounded good with all material I tried, for example Richard Thompson's Mock Tudor.

I finally located a dealer in New Hope, PA (Ultrasystems) that had the Revel F32s and upon hearing them I knew they were THE speakers for me. They were the only ones that sounded absolutely incredible with each and every one of my five demo CDs.

Once home, they were totally noncritical to set up and sounded unbelievable right out of the box. Eight months later I'm still impressed, and recently disconnected my subwoofer as the extended low end of the Revels made it totally superfluous.

I was particularly happy on how good the F32s sounded with high-end vinyl, but even regular pressings sound better than ever. It was like having a new record collection.

Of course, the great sound emanating from my front speakers now outclassed my center channel and therefore I purchased the Revel C32 center channel. Now everything's matched and multichannel material sounds fantastic. On James Taylor's Hourglass SACD, it really sounds like he's there in the room.

Bottom line: The smooth, flat response flatters almost any program source, and they seem to work equally well with solid-state and tube amps (I auditioned them with a Rogue Audio Zeus amp). However, the F32s are very inefficient and demand lots of power if you don't use a subwoofer. I would recommend at least 100w/channel, and make sure your amp can handle a 4-ohm load.

 

[dmoss]

The Paradigm

I have a set of the Studio 100's got them at Downtown Audio(out of Business now ) They really do sound great. I would highly recommend an amp if you are going to get a set. These babies take some power to run. I have the Yamaha RX V-2400 and with out the amp I can't begin to tap the abilities of the Paradigms. Never heard the Revels so I can't compare. I am looking to update my old yamaha Subwoofer. Any suggestions for a Sub that would work good with the Paradigms?