Which Paradigms are equivalent to B&W?

[hired goon]

Hi,

I'm looking for new speakers, and currently B&W 805s are my preferred option. Although they lack a bit in the bottom end department, I feel their imaging, clarity, and soundstage more than make up for this.

However, I've been hearing a lot of good things about Paradigm speakers lately. Unfortunately, there isn't a Paradigm dealer nearby who stocks the Studio series, so I'm hoping someone here can provide some more info, so that I can justify a long trip to check this brand out.

Is there a general correlation between Paradigm speakers and B&W speakers? For example, is the Studio 20 sorta similar (sonically) to the B&W 602 s3? Is the Studio 40 sorta similar (sonically) to the B&W 705? Or are the Studio 40s somewhere between the B&W 705 and 805?

I love the B&W 805s, but if the Paradigm Studio 40s give 80% of the sound for 50% of the price, then I might be tempted. Or is there really no comparison?

-- Geoff

 

[BuddTX]

Hi Geof,

You should consider looking at these. While I have not yet heard them, many have said that they favor the sound of the B&W's.

Axiom Audio

Axiom M80ti
and
Axiom M60ti

You get 30 days to decide if you like them, or you send them back. Shipping is maximum 75 bucks (you send them to Buffalo, NY, not back to Canada, save a lot of shipping that way.

Read up on the M80's vs the M60's before you choose. The M80's need a nice powerful amp to really shine, whereas the M60's do fine with any receiver amp that is a serious receiver.

Note that I have a huge respect for both Paradigm and B&W. B&W has set the standard for a long time, for both Speaker Sound and Speaker build quality.

I own a set of 10 year old B&W's, am looking to upgrade my system in the next couple of months, and, while I love the B&W sound, I am leaning very heavily towards the Axiom.

Again, not saying anything bad about Paradigm or B&W, just saying to consider the Axioms.

 

[Unregistered]

I bought a set at the bank, this dude had a booth...

This red cargo van was parked there and he was selling some great looking, decent sounding speakers.... I guess I was fortunate enough to hear them before I paid for them.

If you paid very much money for these, I'm sorry, as I pretended to not have much cash on me and turned around and walked away... They followed and then finally took my bid. The guy before me gave 400 bucks for them... poor dude. I figure they are similar to Radio Shack's Realistic series, so even if I paid 55 bucks for each sweet looking speaker box, and got some cheezy free speakers... I'm happy... Just be careful guys on what you buy, if they are willing to barter some, shoot low and walk away. Afer the speakers wear out, I'll buy some nice ones no prob.

$110 for two 4' towers with single tweet mid and two bass speakers in a nice piano finish...


p.s. Still a flipping bummer for those of you who paid too much.

 

[Mort Corey]

This red cargo van was parked there and he was selling some great looking, decent sounding speakers.... I guess I was fortunate enough to hear them before I paid for them.

If you paid very much money for these, I'm sorry, as I pretended to not have much cash on me and turned around and walked away... They followed and then finally took my bid. The guy before me gave 400 bucks for them... poor dude. I figure they are similar to Radio Shack's Realistic series, so even if I paid 55 bucks for each sweet looking speaker box, and got some cheezy free speakers... I'm happy... Just be careful guys on what you buy, if they are willing to barter some, shoot low and walk away. Afer the speakers wear out, I'll buy some nice ones no prob.

$110 for two 4' towers with single tweet mid and two bass speakers in a nice piano finish...


p.s. Still a flipping bummer for those of you who paid too much.

Is there a full moon?

 

[hired goon]

You should consider looking at these...

Thanks for the tip on the Axioms, but I should have mentioned that I am in Australia, and I cannot find anyone who stocks Axiom speakers here.

-- Geoff

 

[Yamahaluver]

No direct comparisons are possible with speakers of different brands, each represents their own philosophies, Paradigm suits some, I like the sound of them, some swear by B&W, all depends on what your ears like in the end.

 

[Rob Babcock]

No way! They repainted the van?!

 

[outsider]

This red cargo van was parked there and he was selling some great looking, decent sounding speakers.... I guess I was fortunate enough to hear them before I paid for them.

$110 for two 4' towers with single tweet mid and two bass speakers in a nice piano finish...

About 7 years ago two friends of mine bought speakers from a guy in a white van in a bank parking lot. One of them paid about $350, the other talked the guy down to $100.
The friend who paid $350 realized a few hours later than he'd been ripped off, but he didn't admit that until years later.

 

[outsider]

as for B&W vs. Paradigm, I prefer the B&W. The ones I have listened to --CM, 700, 800 series-- had a very smooth, warm sound.
The Paradigms do have a nice sound, as well, but not as nice as the B&W in my opinion.
The shop I deal with sells both and in chatting with the sales guys there are people who like the Paradigm over the B&W. That being said, I suggest taking a drive one afternoon. It might be worth your time, it might be a waste of time, but at least you'll have a better idea of what you want.

 

[stiletto pat]

Paradigm Studio Services vs B&W

Hired Goon,

I have to agree with Outsider and Yamahaluver, let your ears decide. As for me, I did the same, and decided that for the money, the Paradigms Sudio Reference series sounded as good or better, and were the superior value. I bought the 100 v3 mains, CC-470 Center and ADP-470 Surround Dipoles, and combined them with the HSU TN1220 Sub, and am extremely happly with the system.

Good Luck,

Pat