Signature series from Paradigm

[George]

I am considering the S8's and the C5 for my front three speakers in my home cinema and wondered if anyone has experience with these speakers and their thoughts. The other alternative is the B&W 803d's(much more expensive though). I really would appreciate thoughts on the signature series.

 

[RaT]

I am considering the S8's and the C5 for my front three speakers in my home cinema and wondered if anyone has experience with these speakers and their thoughts. The other alternative is the B&W 803d's(much more expensive though). I really would appreciate thoughts on the signature series.

Wow, you don't mess around. My experience with the S8's left me in awe. I loved them. The build quality is superb as well. The B+W's I have not heard, I don't even want to torment myself anymore with stuff I won't be buying, the S8's did that just fine.

 

[Brian JB]

Signature S8s & C5

We've had the C8s & C5, in a 27' x 17' room with acoustical wall treatments, for almost a year now. I cannot compare the speakers to the 803s. Our experiences with the Signature Series are one of content & enjoyment. I describe to others that I "see" & hear the music as if the artists were in the room. Good luck on your decision.

 

[B5I8]

For that kind of money have you considered any other brands? Have you auditioned any of those speakers yet? If I were to spend that kind of money, I'd listen to just about every brand out there. You can try RBH Sound's Signature Series 1266-SE, PSB Speaker's Platinum Series, Monitor Audio's Gold Signature Series, Focal's Profile Series, Revel's Performa Series, Genesis 7.1c's, my list can go on and on but those are some you can consider.

 

[George]

We've had the C8s & C5, in a 27' x 17' room with acoustical wall treatments, for almost a year now. I cannot compare the speakers to the 803s. Our experiences with the Signature Series are one of content & enjoyment. I describe to others that I "see" & hear the music as if the artists were in the room. Good luck on your decision.

Did you compare with any other brands? What made you choose the Paradigms.
I will be auditioning them next week.
We do not have an RBH dealer in South Africa, else I would have loved to listen to them. The other consideration would be the JM Labs and the Revels.
I am leaning towards the Paradigms as I have tow of their Servo 15's currently.

 

[George]

Brian,
Are you using them with a sub? How do you find the low frequencies? Shy, due to the smaller drivers?

 

[Brian JB]

George:
Price & sound quality sold us on the S8s. The speakears were a return to a dealer because of a slight blemish on top of one of the cabinets. Paradigm offered a substantial discount for the original owner to keep them. The guy wanted a perfect finish. He ended up getting another set of the S8s that met his satisfaction. I was in the right place & time to get the speakers at a reasonable price, but did not compare/audition another brand in the process. The deal seemed too good to pass up.

I'm sure there are many speaker that will meet your tastes & budget. For us, the Signature series offer amazing clarity where we "see" the music. Also, the dealer gave us 20% off the C5 & ADPs months later after we got the S8s.

We also use servo sub, crossover at 80 for movies & 40 for music. The low frequencies are punchy. Acoustical room treatments help as do good electronics. Sometimes we find ourselves listeneing to the speakers at full range; no sub. It depends on the source or how lazy I am to switch.

Good luck auditioning & your speaker purchase!

 

[Rickster71]

George, great choice.
I have the S-8's for fronts and S-4's for my rears; we love them!
I suppose one could always find a "better" speaker out there.
IMHO, how much better is better, and where does the search end, if ever?
I got the S-8's and never looked back. It's what sounds good to you.
As far as bass is concerned, I only use the sub (seismic 12) for movies.

You shouldn't have to pay list price, so don't.
Also, if you don't mind a less than perfect finish. blems may be available, at an even greater savings.

 

[George]

Thanks for the replies folks.
Is it true as some reviewers have said that the speakers are designed to be used with their grilles on?
I am planning to place them in a custom built cabinet, and I was planning on using them with their grilles off.
I am arranging a demo next week Thursday.

 

[Rickster71]

S8 Demo

George, how did the demo go?

 

[PENG]

I am considering the S8's and the C5 for my front three speakers in my home cinema and wondered if anyone has experience with these speakers and their thoughts. The other alternative is the B&W 803d's(much more expensive though). I really would appreciate thoughts on the signature series.

About two years ago I was also considering the Paradigm and the B&W. The D series was not out at the time but I found the 803S sounded better with classical music. The Paradigm S series sounded great to me, but it's violin reproduction seemed a little grainy. In the end the Energy Veritas (also make in Canada) impressed me enough so I settled for a pair of V2.3i for a few thousand dollars less.

As I mainly listen to classical music, I cannot forget the B&W. So recently I went and auditioned the 802 & 803D in a couple of places and was immediately impressed by them enough that I decided to start saving up for the 802D.

In my opinion, it is hard beat the S8 base on performance to price ratio. If you plan on using the same speakers for music, then I suggest you audition the 802/3D before making you final decision.