Anyone ever heard or used paradigm speakers or subs

[Home Theatre]

How was yoru experience? How does it compare to Polk?

[McLoki]

I heard the studio 100's. They were in a very brite room (lots of reflective materials) when i heard them, and they were running off an NAD reciever. (I think the second or third one from the top)

Personally I thought they were very brite with good detail. As detailed as the LSi line from polk, but much briter. If you paired the right electronics with it, and put it in the right room, I am sure it would be comparable to the LSi15's.

They were not my cup of tea, but I would rate the quality as similar but with a different sound. I would say moving from the LSi's to the studio series would be considered a lateral move. With the correct electronics or room, either one could sound better than the other.

Michael

[cmy330go]

I'm not personally a big fan. I have spent a fair amount of time over the last few years auditioning a number of paradigm speakers. Anything from their Monitor, and Studio series, and have also spent quite a bit of time with the Signature S2 in my own system.

I've never been able to warm up to any of them. They do have their strong points, such as great build quality (cabinets, and drivers), very detailed sound, strong dynamics, ability to play loud without straining. However that being said I have always been bored with the overall presentation. They just seem too analytical and sterile, maybe even dull. For me they just lack character, and warmth. I never really felt like I was drawn into the music. With other brands such as Polk, Energy, Magnepan, Epos, AAD, etc... I find I enjoy the sound of the speakers but eventually reach a point where I can forget about the speakers and just enjoy the tunes. For some reason I was never able to do that with any Paradigms I have listened to. I've really tried to like them but just can't get there.

I also agree with McLoki, they do tend toward the bright side. In fact with certain material they can be downright punishing.

In regards their subs, I have only ever heard the Servo-15 which everyone seems to rave about. What little bit I heard I was quite impressed with. They were actually paired with a large set of Magnepans (don't recall which model), and I must admit that it blended beautifully. It was near impossible to tell where the speakers dropped off and the sub picked up. It seemed to reach quite low as well.

I'll shut up now. Just my 2 cents worth.

Later!

[RuSsMaN]

I've owned a lot of Paradigm over my limited years. Good, solid speakers. Easy to drive, easy to setup and place, somewhat forgiving in 'bad' rooms.

For all intents and purposes, it's a Canadian Polk. Similar sound - but also shares something else with Polk over time. Even the entry level series respond VERY well to a good back end. A few extra $ spent on amp / pre / source make a WORLD of difference. GIGO, if you follow.

Paradigm has, and hopefully will continue to, offer real value and real performance in the speaker industry. I'd have no problem Ronco'ing a pair of Pdimes in a hardcore 2ch rig.

Cheers,
Russ

[Zero]

I like Paradigm. They have earned a solid reputation throughout their many years of creating an array of competitive products at blue collar price-points. I have always respected Paradigm's in-house approach. It is refreshing to see a high volume company that not only puts out a great product, but lacks a "made in china" sticker almost anywhere on and inside the speaker.

I've always considered Paradigm and Polk to be evenly matched on a dollar to dollar level, be it the R series versus the Performance, Rti versus Monitor, or Studio versus the LSi. I do however feel that the vintage Paradigms got nothing on the vintage Polk's of yore. Thats just my bias, though.

Subjectively speaking; I've never been a fan of their sound - my impressions echoing cmy's a bit. Usually a Paradigm speaker of equivalant value to a Polk product may offer greater speed, transparency, and along with a very sharp/detailed high end.. Polk's by contrast are often warmer, carry a deeper sound-stage and offer greater impact/slam.

Russ said it best; its Canada's Polk Audio. Both are affordable and easily accessable.. give em both a spin!

[disneyjoe7]

I own a Paradigm Sub Servo-15 LOVE IT, Killer sub.

[Nelson57]

Zero and Russ both capture some my thoughts as well.

I own setups from both Polk and Paradigm and enjoy them both. Never used any of their subs but they do have some solid sub offerings.

Right now in the Paradigm Monitor Series vs the Polk Rti Series, I would give a slight edge to the Polk Csi5 over the Paradigm CC-370 center channel, however Paradigm will be releasing a new Monitor Series v.5 soon, and they will have new a center channel lineup that looks quite promising.

Both Polk and Paradigm put out quality products and I have no problem recommending either.

[surfntomm]

ive heard the studio 40 v.3 and those things have got me hooked. i currently only have rti 70's csi5 and rti6 but the paradigms offer a much more full and rich sound but then again i was reading that the studio line matches up better with the lsi line. id say that the paradigm line is a bit pricier than the polk lineup but they each have their on dedicated following. my next speakers will definitely either be the lsi 7,9 or studio 40's if i can ever find a good deal on them

[dkg999]

Recently bought the Paradigm Studio Reference 20v3 for a bedroom 2 ch system. Based on my requirements, they beat out the Polk LSi9, Totem, EPOS, and Usher speakers I was comparing to. Open soundstage, great imaging, not picky on placement, were the winning features. They also sounded a lot less "boxy". Give them a listen, only your ears can really make a decision.

[steveinaz]

I'm a fan, they have an addictive neutrality and extremely well sorted/balanced crossover (Ref Studio series), albeit a touch warm on the treble. My 2 favorites are 40's and 100's.

[dkg999]

Those of us who grew up on farms before we became concerned with hearing protection like a slightly warm treble :o

[ahorvitz]

I had a Paradigm Servo 15 sub on loan from a friend for about a month. Great sub!

[billbillw]

I auditioned a pair of Ref Studio 40v2 last week. Nice sounding speaker, great build quality. Didn't really have a chance to a/b them, but they were definetly up to the quality of Polk. I'd like to give them an extended listen (may be in the works) to compare them to my classic Monitor 5A and some of the other Polk RT series I have. One things for sure, the Ref Studio series hold their value pretty darn well, at least for the near future anyway.

[disneyjoe7]

I had a Paradigm Servo 15 sub on loan from a friend for about a month. Great sub!


Sweet Nice sub :)

[Home Theatre]

I like Polk better.

[Chicomoralessxm]

Hey those paradigm do look nice!! But do they 'kick' when it comes to music like a rti's i was wondering myself. I'm looking at the Paradigm performance Focus or titan which polk line the r or RTi do these compare to? and the mini monitor or the monitor 3 which polk do these compare too?? would a nad C320bee be able supply these or starve them???

[RuSsMaN]

The C320 will drive any of those speakers just fine.

Cheers,
Russ

[Chicomoralessxm]

really what about the polk rti6's

[Chicomoralessxm]

this might seem kinda dumb but whats the difference between the C320 and C325 i really dont see any??

[Home Theatre]

How would you compare the paradigm subs vs velodyne???


price?

[markmarc]

Don't have any experience with sub comparison.

I have to disagree with those who match the LSi to the Signature series. Sorry, but the Signatures are a whole notch higher. The LSi's and the Studios are quite comparable (sound/price). The Rti's and the Paradigm Monitors are of the same quality, although the RTi's have a much higher fit and finish since it's real veneer. The LSi7's to the Studio 20's, LSi9's to the Studio 40's, etc., etc.. The biggest difference is that the Studios are an easier drive on amps than the LSi's. After that, it's a personal choice

[Home Theatre]

I heard the Monitor 7's, I think for Classic rock the Rti's blew away the monitor 7's.

[Chicomoralessxm]

Which rti model where you comparing them to???

[Home Theatre]

Rti-8 and 10's

[Chicomoralessxm]

what do the 7's go for their a dealor quote me 600 for the 5's the rti 8's were like 598

[Chicomoralessxm]

what about the Paradigm ultra cube10 or 12 fits in small spaces...........

[danger boy]

I heard the Monitor 7's, I think for Classic rock the Rti's blew away the monitor 7's.


you can't compare the two.. two different eras of speakers.

[criverajr]

Polksters,

I have to agree with markmarc the Studio line from Paradigm will stand toe to toe with the LSI line from Polk, but much easier to drive, but the Signature series will blow the LSI Series out of the water. I have run the Studio 60/100 which I have a pair of each and the LSI 9/15 I actually like the sound of the Paradigms a little better, to me a bit more foward with a larger sound stage and dig a little deeper. The Lsi would win for 2 channel. But again the Signature Series is a step above and the Maple finish is absolutly stunning.

CRj

[Chicomoralessxm]

yep they do have a sweet finish those sig's but what are the paradigms finished in in not polk has the sweet looking veneer on the rti and lsi line but what about the monitor and studio or the performance line from paradigm anyone know??

[cmy330go]

Polksters,

....but the Signature series will blow the LSI Series out of the water.......

CRj

Personally I would have to disagree with that. I spent a lot of time comparing the Signature S2 and the LSi9s. I honestly preferred the 9s. The signatures were just too edgy. They almost had a slight hint of horn sound to them. Also the mids were just too forward to me. So much so that they made the low end seem weak.

I'm not trying to say I'm right and that CRj is wrong. I'm Just stating a difference in opinion. It's really something that each person has to decide for them self.

Later