Paradigm Speakers

jlscorpio · 02-13-2007, 11:07 AM

Anybody have any experiences with this brand of speakers, specifically in home theater use??? Any input is much appreciated. I'm looking at getting tower-type speakers to go along with my future Sony SXRD projection set when I return from deployment in May. So far, I'm considering Klipsch, Polk, and JBL. My local A/V store just dropped Klipsch for Paradigm, so I figured I'd throw their name in the mix, too. Thanx planeteer audiophiles...

Chief Chief · 02-13-2007, 11:18 AM

When ya got a few hours to spare, google "speakers Polk Paradigm JBL ratings reviews".

StcChief · 02-13-2007, 11:24 AM

I have a Paradigm 12" Subwoofer 160 W built in amp.

Very nice it was Sub of the year when I got it 1999?

**Nzoner** · 02-13-2007, 12:04 PM

My input is that I absolutely love mine,I'm glad my dealer suggested them.

RedandGold · 02-13-2007, 12:39 PM

AVS Forum is usually a good place to find opinions on speakers, subwoofers, etc.

Here is a link to the Speaker sub-forum, and I'm certain that you will find plenty of information on Paradigm.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=89

**Baby Lee** · 02-13-2007, 01:46 PM

I've heard from many that Paradigm is a good value.
I'd say they beat JBL handily.
Klipsch is well made, particularly in the high end, but that horn sound is way to bright for my tastes.
For some reason, I've always categorized Paradigm as a budget version of Snell. Warmish sound, very different from Klipsch.

ChiefFan31 · 02-13-2007, 03:59 PM

I would highly recommend Paradigm over Klipsh, Polk, and JBL.

Do some research on that AVS forum someone posted above.

I have Polk Audio home speakers, which are pretty good and I like them. But I am looking forward to getting into some Paradigm's or perhaps B&W's not too far down the road.

The Sound Company I go too, pretty much only sells B&W and Paradigm's. They had sold Polk and Klipsh in the past and have dropped them for Paradigm's.

Do yourself a favor, and research them before you get back and Most importantly, go do sound tests and listen for yourself once you get back.

CrazyHorse · 02-13-2007, 04:32 PM

As I understand it there are only 6 manufacturers of drivers. Many of the brands you come in contact with may have the same drivers in them but will have different crossovers and different cabinets dictating thier particular sound.

Paradigm is a Canadian built speaker that you will only find in a Paradigm cabinet. One of the majpr differences is that the gov. pays for thier testing and development where in the US, each individual company has to pay for thier development or testing.

Because the Govt. foots the bill for the Paradigm speakers it's nearly impossible for the US companies to compete in the same price point. That being said, there is more than just one level of Paradigm speakers.

Any time someone asks what speakers are best I tell them the same thing, which one sounds best to you. As for price, Paradigm is tough to beat on value. For sound I prefer the Martin Logan brand. The electrostats are tough to beat for sound, but are hardly a thrifty choice.

My advice is listen to the different speakers with your music. Take one of your favorite CDs around town and try a few different speakers out.

I personally have some Polk Audios from 1990 when Bob Carver still ran the company. That was the last good Polk speaker built. I have a B&W sub and Rotel preamp amp and CD player. I have a picky ear, but enjoyed listening to the Paradigms. They make a great sub.

**Baby Lee** · 02-13-2007, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrazyHorse

As I understand it there are only 6 manufacturers of drivers.

Only six manufacturers?
There are at least 6 general TYPES of drivers.
Klipschhorns, folded horns, Lowthers, Electrostats, cone and basket and ribbon/planar.

CrazyHorse · 02-14-2007, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baby Lee

Only six manufacturers?
There are at least 6 general TYPES of drivers.
Klipschhorns, folded horns, Lowthers, Electrostats, cone and basket and ribbon/planar.

I don't claim to be an expert or anything. This is just info that was passed on to me that I am passing on to you. That is why I qualified my statement by saying, "the way I understand it".

I would not consider tweeter horns, or electrostats or ribbons drivers. I know for a fact just by listening to different stuff that there are many tweeters out there. For example, the B&W brand has there own tweeter design. But again, if you know something I dont, feel free to share it with the group.

I assumed a driver was a cone type. Bass or mid range. I could be wrong. But I am pretty sure about the testing and development of the Paradigm speakers being paid for by the Canadian Govt. Making it much cheaper to develop for speaker companies in Canada. I'm not even sure why te Govt. does it. But it's a big advantage in unit cost over American Companies.

Fat Elvis · 02-13-2007, 04:38 PM

I have Kilpsch for home theater speakers, however, I don't know if I would use them as predominately as musical speakers. The bright Klipsch sound really seems to translate well into the cinematic experience giving you an immersive "in your face" sound in my opinion. It all really depends on your own personal taste. Klipsch isn't very popular among speaker snobs, and I really don't think they are geared towards them anymore, but in terms of bang for your buck theater experience, they can't be beat.

(I'm assuming you aren't talking about the Klipsch speakers that are found at Best Buy when you refer to Kilpsch; although they are technically Klipsch, they aren't in the same class at all with thier upper end speakers.)

HonestChieffan · 02-13-2007, 05:00 PM

spend spend spend...in 90 days you will wish you had the money back.

TV sucks, why have great sound for TV that sucks.

Invest the money and get a library card.

02-13-2007, 11:07 AM	Topic Starter
jlscorpio Veteran Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Rapid City, SD Casino cash: $10004900	Paradigm Speakers Anybody have any experiences with this brand of speakers, specifically in home theater use??? Any input is much appreciated. I'm looking at getting tower-type speakers to go along with my future Sony SXRD projection set when I return from deployment in May. So far, I'm considering Klipsch, Polk, and JBL. My local A/V store just dropped Klipsch for Paradigm, so I figured I'd throw their name in the mix, too. Thanx planeteer audiophiles...
Posts: 1,089

02-13-2007, 11:18 AM	#2
Chief Chief Veteran Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Kansas City MO Casino cash: $10004900	When ya got a few hours to spare, google "speakers Polk Paradigm JBL ratings reviews".
Posts: 3,072

02-13-2007, 11:24 AM	#3
StcChief Playing for #1 Draft Pick Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Just West of Lambs land Casino cash: $10004900	I have a Paradigm 12" Subwoofer 160 W built in amp. Very nice it was Sub of the year when I got it 1999? __________________ sig test for this screwy schema
Posts: 25,901

02-13-2007, 12:04 PM	#4
Nzoner a haw haw haw Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: MIZZOU Casino cash: $26365802	My input is that I absolutely love mine,I'm glad my dealer suggested them. __________________ *Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.*
Posts: 27,111

02-13-2007, 12:39 PM	#5
RedandGold Born with Bad Habits Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Right Here Casino cash: $-970000	AVS Forum is usually a good place to find opinions on speakers, subwoofers, etc. Here is a link to the Speaker sub-forum, and I'm certain that you will find plenty of information on Paradigm. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=89 __________________
Posts: 1,405

02-13-2007, 01:46 PM	#6
Baby Lee Supporter Join Date: Aug 2000 Casino cash: $8028275	I've heard from many that Paradigm is a good value. I'd say they beat JBL handily. Klipsch is well made, particularly in the high end, but that horn sound is way to bright for my tastes. For some reason, I've always categorized Paradigm as a budget version of Snell. Warmish sound, very different from Klipsch. __________________ We need the kind of courage that can withstand the subtle corruption of the cynics - E.W.
Posts: 95,642

02-13-2007, 03:59 PM	#7
ChiefFan31 Keeping a close eye Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: San Diego Casino cash: $10004900	I would highly recommend Paradigm over Klipsh, Polk, and JBL. Do some research on that AVS forum someone posted above. I have Polk Audio home speakers, which are pretty good and I like them. But I am looking forward to getting into some Paradigm's or perhaps B&W's not too far down the road. The Sound Company I go too, pretty much only sells B&W and Paradigm's. They had sold Polk and Klipsh in the past and have dropped them for Paradigm's. Do yourself a favor, and research them before you get back and Most importantly, go do sound tests and listen for yourself once you get back.
Posts: 1,596

02-13-2007, 04:32 PM	#8
CrazyHorse All Motor! Join Date: Sep 2000 Casino cash: $10004900	As I understand it there are only 6 manufacturers of drivers. Many of the brands you come in contact with may have the same drivers in them but will have different crossovers and different cabinets dictating thier particular sound. Paradigm is a Canadian built speaker that you will only find in a Paradigm cabinet. One of the majpr differences is that the gov. pays for thier testing and development where in the US, each individual company has to pay for thier development or testing. Because the Govt. foots the bill for the Paradigm speakers it's nearly impossible for the US companies to compete in the same price point. That being said, there is more than just one level of Paradigm speakers. Any time someone asks what speakers are best I tell them the same thing, which one sounds best to you. As for price, Paradigm is tough to beat on value. For sound I prefer the Martin Logan brand. The electrostats are tough to beat for sound, but are hardly a thrifty choice. My advice is listen to the different speakers with your music. Take one of your favorite CDs around town and try a few different speakers out. I personally have some Polk Audios from 1990 when Bob Carver still ran the company. That was the last good Polk speaker built. I have a B&W sub and Rotel preamp amp and CD player. I have a picky ear, but enjoyed listening to the Paradigms. They make a great sub.
Posts: 2,118

02-13-2007, 04:38 PM	#11
Fat Elvis Sexiest Athlete Join Date: Apr 2001 Casino cash: $-2038075	I have Kilpsch for home theater speakers, however, I don't know if I would use them as predominately as musical speakers. The bright Klipsch sound really seems to translate well into the cinematic experience giving you an immersive "in your face" sound in my opinion. It all really depends on your own personal taste. Klipsch isn't very popular among speaker snobs, and I really don't think they are geared towards them anymore, but in terms of bang for your buck theater experience, they can't be beat. (I'm assuming you aren't talking about the Klipsch speakers that are found at Best Buy when you refer to Kilpsch; although they are technically Klipsch, they aren't in the same class at all with thier upper end speakers.)
Posts: 12,702

02-13-2007, 05:00 PM	#12
HonestChieffan Seeking the Truth daily Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: In the Country in MO Casino cash: $-1575691	spend spend spend...in 90 days you will wish you had the money back. TV sucks, why have great sound for TV that sucks. Invest the money and get a library card. __________________ "We read books for knowledge; We read the Bible for wisdom!"
Posts: 54,798