paradigm or polk

[glemay]

what is a better speaker in the same price range, paradigm or polk?

[TonyPTX]

If you're going to look at Paradigm, I would only consider the Reference Series. I'd look at the Pdime 40's. The comparable speaker would be the LSi9's. If that's too rich for your blood, then seriously consider the RTi70's or the Monitor 7's (the 70's beat the Monitor 7's in my opinion).

[organ]

pj had some Paradigms before getting the LSi9. I think he liked the LSi more especially at louder volumes. Let's wait for him to chime in with his opinion.

Maurice

[TonyPTX]

PJ's my bro. He's got the 9's in his living room and the studio 40's in the office. He loves his 9's. The Pdimes are some really good speakers, but for the environment they were in (ceramic tiles and lots of reflection surfaces, the Studio 40's had harsh highs. He moved the 40's to the office since he had carpeting in there which tamed the highs a bit and made them sound a lot better. The 9's are in the living room since they have a smoother highs with little to no harshness being a perfect mate for his environment.

[RuSsMaN]

Metal domes, nuff' said.

Both are stellar speakers, I've demoed both thoroughly, and I would lean towards the LSi9, but proudly own either in my humble abode.

Cheers,
Rooster

[Zero]

A very tough decision.

Polk and Paradigm seem to offer a near equivalancy in regards to value and performance. Either one you choose should be fine.

It is a difficult decision to make. Whats the price range, whats the equipment that will be driving it all?

You have the Polk RTi's versus the Paradigm Monitors.

The Polk RTI's in my opinion, are much more solid - better looking, carrying a simular sound signature in every speaker. Be it their bookshelf or a floor-stander. They have this personality I dig.

I believe the RTi line has Paradigm in check, until we start talking about the Monitor 11 , and Monitor 90 towers. These towers for the price, amazed me. For about the cost of some RTi100's, you can get some Monitor 11's which in my opinion, crush the RTi's. Paradigm to me, seemed less solid in their Monitor line.... the sound changing quite a bit from speaker to speaker.

Now between the LSi's and the Studios. This is when it gets personal. I feel the LSi's are great speakers to sit back and vibe too. They dont possess that energy, as they are how many describe it......"flat"... Studios by contrast, are active and full of life. It all comes down to what type of sound you enjoy more. For some people, thats a very difficult decision. As Russ said, no matter what you choose, you got a winner.

Hope this helped,

Sean

[pjdami]

Wow. All of the above are great responses. Right on target too. I would add that the Studio 40's metal dome tweeter is no "harsher" sounding than the dome found in the RTXXi lineup. In fact it's probably a tad bit smoother than the RT35i's I had.

The Studios are the way to go if you like Paradigm. Like Tony said they are sensitive to their environment as I have found. More efficient and easier to drive than the LSi's. The LSi's on the other hand have the fabulous Vifa tweeter...very different sounding highs and non-fatiguing. The Pdimes also have a more forward sounding midrange that I prefer but the LSi midrange is stellar too once the speakers are broken in properly.

Like it has been said many times on this forum by others, speakers are personal. You have to listen for yourself and decide. Both are great value for the money. Yes, I also agree that the lower Pdime monitor line build quality is not as good as the new RTi line.

Paul

[gidrah]

Bookshelfs, floorstanders, subs, what? I've got Polk. I've got Paradigm. Most likely I have different electronics than you. I love the sound of the LSi9's (I wish I had a pair), but if you're gonna drive them with a receiver or amps that can't honestly handle a 4ohm load (forget about manu specs for a minute), than they wouldn't be a viable option.

[jkratzer]

Originally posted by glemay
what is a better speaker in the same price range, paradigm or polk?

Stereophile critically tested the Polk RT25i against the Paradigm Reference 20 speaker and chose Polk. This would be Polk's mid-line compared against Paradigm's high-end.

"The Paradigm Reference/20 ($600/pair) was the only speaker in the group able to re-create realistic high-level dynamics and bass extension below 50Hz in my large room. Its high frequencies were a bit less natural than the Polk's and its midrange a little more laid-back. The Polk, however, seemed superior in the resolution of inner detail in the midrange. Finally, the Reference/20's lower-midrange/upper-bass region was the warmest of the group, and was most noticeable on piano recordings."

"And my new entry-level reference speaker is...
The Polk RT25i has set a new benchmark for what an entry-level speaker can accomplish in many areas. Given its price and diminutive size, its few weaknesses are forgivable. It is far superior to any speaker I've heard for less than $500/pair, and has become my favorite speaker for under $1000/pair. I plan to purchase this pair for use as monitors in my home computer recording studio. "


I've personally compared the Polk RTi's to Paradigm Monitors and liked both. It is really up to your preferences.

[dcarlson]

This is wierd... I was checking out some Paradigm reviews and their website this morning.

I had a chance to check out some studio 20s without a sub and it was very impressive. When I start shoping for speakers next year, I'll definetely check out the studio series.

http://www.paradigm.ca/Website/SiteReferenceProduct/RModels/StudioSeries/StudioSpecs.html