FIRST REVIEW: Paradigm Founder Series 40B speakers
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.ค. 2024
- The Paradigm Founder Series 40B speakers retail for $1,099 each. More info here www.paradigm.com/en/founder-s...
------------SUPPORT--------------
Thanks for watching, this channel can be supported through Patreon
/ audiophiliac
-----SUBSCRIBE--------
And ring the bell to be notified when each new episode posts!
/ @steveguttenbergaudiop...
----MERCH-------
Audiophiliac T-Shirts and Mugs! teespring.com/stores/audiophi...
Twitter: @AudiophiliacMan
Instagram and IGTV: / steve.guttenberg
#audiophile #Paradigmspeakers #speakerreviews
Looking for great sounding FREE, not compressed or processed music? Check out these videos about the two MA Recordings samplers:
• FREE Dynamically Uncom...
• FREE Hi-Resolution, Dy...
Steve’s System:
SME 15 turntable sme.co.uk/audio/product/model...
SME V tonearm sme.co.uk/audio/product/serie...
Ortofon Cadenza Blue cartridge
Van Den Hul Grail phono preamp audioshield-distribution.com/...
Jay’s Audio CD Transport www.jays-audio.com/
Denafrips Terminator DAC www.denafrips.com/terminator
Denafrips Ares DAC www.denafrips.com/ares
Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ mytekdigital.com/hifi/product...
Border Patrol DAC borderpatrol.net/DAC.htm
Oppo BDP 105 Blu ray player www.oppodigital.com/support/b...
Pass Labs XP30 preamp
Pass Labs HPA 1 preamp/headphone amp www.passlabs.com/products/hpa-1/
Pass Labs XA25 power amp www.passlabs.com/products/xa25/
Pass Labs XA100.5 power amp
First Watt J2 power amp www.firstwatt.com/j2.html
First Watt F7 power amp www.firstwatt.com/f7.html
First Wat F8
First Watt SIT3 power amp www.firstwatt.com/pdf/prod_sit...
Amp Camp Amp Stereo diyaudiostore.com/collections...
Schiit Aegir power amp www.schiit.com/products/aegir
Mytek Brooklyn Amp+ mytekdigital.com/hifi/product...
Decware Zen Triode
Reisong A10 tube integrated amp
Denon PMA600NE integrated amp usa.denon.com/en/shop/amplifi...
Klipsch Cornwall IV speakers • Klipsch Cornwall IV wi...
KEF LS50 Meta speakers • REVIEW: Radically impr...
Q Acoustics 3030i speakers www.qacoustics.com/3030i-book...
Emotiva B1+ speakers emotiva.com/products/airmotiv...
Adam Audio F5 speakers
AudioQuest digital cables www.audioquest.com/cables/dig...
Kimber digital cable www.kimber.com/products/D60
Cardas Clear interconnect cables cardas.com/clear_reflection_ic...
Cardas Clear speaker cables.
JPS Labs interconnects jpslabs.com/collections/inter...
Nordost speaker cables nordost.com/leif/red-dawn/red...
Wireworld Aurora 7, Electra 7, and Silver Electra 7 power cords, • Time to think about up... - บันเทิง
Thanks for the introduction to new music. Always appreciated and also nice to see Canadian made Audio being featured. I’ve been a fan for a few years and really like your content and smooth delivery.
I know the guys at Paradigm, they used to be a customer. Had a couple of factory tours. So nice to see actual speaker manufacturing being done locally.
yes, from their Premier series up all of their speakers are hand made in Canada! Their entry level Monitor SE series is all made in China though...
@@joanfrederick9176 all Kanto products are made in China. The company is located in Canada and designs their products there, but all manufacturing is done in China.
@@joanfrederick9176 especially those MAGA caps 😉
Just ordered a pair of Premier 200B, feel proud to not have a made in China product.
Thanks for the review, Steve. I have been watching for a few weeks now and as my home system is Paradigm (studio 40s and seismic 12) it was a joy seeing anything made by them being reviewed by you. great videos btw
I enjoy the integration of equipment and music reviews, a great idea, and really a natural progression of your work.
hi steve glad to see you review paradigm speakers .i had a pair of studio 20s back when i lived in canada .nobody seems to have heard of them back in the uk .the studio 20s were a nice speaker to listen to and well built and cosmetically nice on the eye .😊😊😊
Canadian here , Paradigm studio 60's , Paradigm reference center , Paradigm Servo 15 sub v2 and Mirage 6.5 in ceiling for rears powered by Rotel 1067 . Have always enjoyed the Paradigm sound , thanks for the review.
I've been a paradigm user & fanatic since I was 16. My 1st line of paradigm enjoyment being the Cinema Line-up in 2009. This review is excellent. I enjoy all of the paradigm Line-ups. But the Founder Series is incredible for the range of price, so I aquired a set. And taking them out of the box, setting them up is something else. Great review.
Always loved the Paradigm sound, since retiring and moving to a studio apartment had to sell off my Studios. I really liked the Atom V5 when they came out, they replaced my Studio 80's as mains. recently picked up a CC-190 v5 for the center channel and am using a small pair of Cinema ADP's for my rears. To complete my "All Canadian set up" everything is powered by the Anthem MRX 310. I do miss my old Studio set up but it would have been overkill for the space I'm in and my current system is awesome!!! Keep up the good work!
Steve! As a Paradigm fanboy for over 30 years, you made me so happy that you’ve finally done a review on one of their products. Add to that, I went down the Founders Series rabbit hole yesterday! Thank you!
Paradigm fan here too. PSB is another excellent Canadian speaker manufacturer.
@@bpalpha yes with the legendary Paul Barton
Dont forget Axiom if you are a Canadian speaker fan. They have an omnidirectional speaker that requires a DSP processor and 5 channel amp for each speaker. (Plus a lot of great real-person speakers too!)
Totem too, Energy before also pretty good. There are many
@@joanfrederick9176 you might change your mind if you saw the in-room response of that setup. ;)
Really appreciate Steve's ability to describe how a particular speaker sounds and the comparisons should be very helpful for anyone considering similar products.
Great episode today Steve. Love your album recommendations!
I bought my first Paradigm speaker back in 1988 the 9SE's My Son now has them and they still work fine!
Dang look at all them headphones in the background, i am so envious of all the audio stuff you have ... in my dreams
I love visually snooping around his space.
Yes thanks for talking about music in the review. I currently use paradigm speakers and sub since 1990 and made a great investment. I don’t think I could afford these but I ‘m still interested in another line of paradigm. Thanks for thoughts and nice to still hear they are built from design to shipping in house.
I bought the Ben Sidran album and his jazzy interpretation of Dylan's music is great. The recording is super rich and smooth and really enjoyable. Thank you Steve!
I love the background noise in your apartment.
Nice to see a review of a current Paradigm speaker. I have an old pair of 9se MK III, version 1 & 4 Titans that I feel are very capable reliable products. Based on a positive review one year ago of the new Atom se stand mount speakers for the money I purchased them have been pleased with them as well . I’m nagged with the thought to get something else but the fact I’m happy with them so far has kept me from straying to another brand.
Atoms are awesome!
I'm listening to this is through a pair of Paradigm Mini Mk3 speakers, I love my Paradigms. And yes, 'tactility' is a word.
Ive had many different speakers but would say my ATOMs are still ones that surprise everytime, great imaging and detail.
Your reviews are always so enjoyable! Would love to hear more about how you come up with the CD's you choose for your reviews. Is it premeditated? Is it all random? Mood based?
What Paradigm is trying to highlight with the specs is the tight +/- 2db variance across the frequency range, not its low end. 69hz may be at 2db, but it does not necessarily drop off sharply below that. Its low end is rated 41hz (DIN) which may be around - 6db, meaning its still usable decent bass. Its rare for any speaker to be +/- 2db for most of its frequency range, so understandably, they wanted to show off that spec.
Least enthusiastic review I've seen this guy give. Talked more about the albums and other speakers...
Really didn't seem interested in the speakers jumping around like a fart in the mit.
Thanks for reviewing the new Founder Series 40B. I sell Paradigm and also personally own a pair of their superb 30th Anniversary Inspiration’s, with beryllium tweeters. :)
First time commenter, been watching your vids 2 to 3 years now and was wondering when you were going to review a set of paradigm speakers. Being from Canada I get excited about many of the speakers you review, then I go looking for them, some are easier to come by than others, and the there is the difference in currency. Really appreciate this review. Thanks
Hi I'm from Canada too! your name tells me sth, are you active on CAM? haha
What about axiom speakers? I’m not familiar but they seem to be built solid. I own paradigms and leaning towards to the persona
I love your videos! Do you have any recommendations for vertical record players? I love the aesthetic of colorful vinyls. I know they’re not the most “audiophile” version (lol) but I would love to have a way to display them as they play.
Steve, cross shopping the polk R100/200. You just tested them. What is your preference, how do they compare here in sound, not looks or build quality.(I will using 3 subs so ultimate bass extension is not that important, just comparing say 60hz and upwards) I do lean toward nuetral sound with a dash of soul.
I own the Paradigm 15B that sits below the 40B. It's a GREAT bookshelf speaker for rock and classical. It's really good at off axis listening, so you don't have to sit dead center to get a great listen, and it's also great (as Steve mentioned) at sounding bigger than it appears. Downsides are it's not as detailed as you might think with a metal tweeter, and I wish it could image like some high end bookshelf speakers can.
The Founder series is a nice upgrade from the Prestige series it replaces. The treble is more refined, detailed, and less bright, and the off-axis performance is even better.
You describe how a speaker sounds better than anyone on TH-cam. I've bought 3 pairs you've reviewed and enjoyed them all. I'm going to audition these 40B's as I do prefer the sound you describe, non fatiguing is what I got from this. I'm in the midst of putting together a complete system made in North America. So these would fit nicely. Thanks Steve
Paradigm speakers have normally a more forward midrange sound, I personnally like it but I know some "audiophiles" don't. But this new Founder series may be different with a allround more balanced sound, is that what I've heard till now from different reviews.
Paradigm is made in China as far as I know.
@@scrambaba You are correct that some are, but I'm pretty sure the Founder series is made in Mississauga. I will be sure to confirm this before I buy them. After I hear them of course.
@@grantd7086 That would be cool if they were. Compliments on your commitment to buying North American. My own policy is to buy Western Europe or North America. I have had Paradigm in the past and very much enjoyed.
@@scrambaba only their entry-level Monitor series is made in China. Everything else is made in Canada.
I'm interested in this lineup for sure. Hoping someone measures these soon. Everything you said though sounded promising for home theater use.
20" High x 10" Wide x 8" Deep.*
Happy?
*Edit: Not actual speaker measurements.
Interesting... I used to sell Paradigm when I was in the game about 25-years ago. They are a pretty high-value line. You have finally hit upon a CD I own, but I warm you, I am big Elvis Costello fan and also a professional musician. Elvis was excited because he was performing with conductor Vince Mendoza and the world-famous Metropole Orkest (Netherland)! I was so turned on from the recording that I transcribed Almost Ideal Eyes from the release. They are a burning crew that has recorded with my heroes like John Scofield and also Brasilian artist Joao Bosco, as well as many others! They are badass!
Owned Paradigm Signature S4's for 15 years. Just replaced them with Ohm Walsh 4000 talls. I am about 30 days into the 120 day trial and so far am not completely convinced these are the speakers of my dreams. So, when I recently heard about the Founder's line, I became intriqued. I'd love to hear any first hand information about the 120's or the 100's. I've always been a Paradigm/Anthem fan, but dreamed of having Ohms since I heard the Ohm F's at a Tech HiFi in High School.
Led Zeppelin II always reminds me when I was in 9th Grade, family moved from valley to another County (more layed back) and I was the outcast where all my new friends there never heard this music.
Steve, what is your favorite amp/ preamp/ integrated amp pairing with the kef ls 50 metas under $1500. Im currently powering them with parasound 2250 v2 with parasound 2100 preamp being fed by schiit modi multibit. I have not heard the metas with any other amp other than what I have now. Thank you .
nobody yet has reviewed the LCR speaker of this Founder series. That could be really interesting and different!
I was able to get these on a loaner from my dealer to see if it would be a good fit in my system. I have a dual system Parasound P6/A23+ Anthem AVM 70. On the P6 side, very well balanced, very wide sound stage ,two SVS SB2000 pro with some room correction with the SVS eq, and crossover set to 80hz. Sounds fantastic.
I ran ARC for two channel only with the AVM 70. These speakers measured extremely flat, much better response then my Monitor Audio Silver 2. Much more detail in the 40B as well. I have two other speakers that I am auditioning now the Ascend Acoustics Sierra 2EX. a really great speaker as well. It did not measure as flat as the 40B but very close. I’m just not sure of the REEL tweeter as some recordings can sound a bit Shrill..more evaluations to do on those as well.
My last one is the Dynaudio Evoke 20. Nice speaker, so far only short time listening to these, but they do have some peaks and dips from my measurements, but they do sound really good. I will put to test some more in the days to come.
So far I really like the 40B. It might not dip low but I’m using subs that are integrated well and it sounds really well balanced. I’m getting everything Steve was missing with Zeppelin ii. We always have a trade off with stand mount speakers, but if integrated properly the 40B is a great speaker for what it can do.
What did you end up going with?
@@davids2214 40B David no regrets
I had a 5.1 paradigm set up mated to a Denon AV receiver for over 15yrs... loved it. Still have a set of Paradigm headphones. Love them too.
Steve, what you said at 9:15! I think you are the only other person I know that listens to the music and not the words. My wife (A trained classical soprano) thinks I am nuts. Supposedly the words take music to another level.
I too have never listened to the lyrics. I don’t really know the words to any songs. For me, the ‘voice’ is just part of the music. Another instrument.
I've been rockin' the Paradigm 95F towers and C55 center for the last 5 years in my home theater and LOVE the sound and soundstage. I'm in the process of investigating bookshelves to replace them, but they have to hit down to
No bookshelf speaker is ever going to hit 40hz flat evenly, the closest would be the KEF Reference 1 that goes all the way down to 45hz flat and extends down to 30hz, but that's a $8,000 speaker. The 40B paired with two subs will probably blow the 95F towers away. The 40B sounds very close to the 100F, but without the bass extension of course. So consider that as a good speaker worth checking out.
Paradigm fan here, too!
Hey Steve I would love to hear your take on Paradigm’s budget-friendly MonitorSE line. Would definitely like to know how you feel they compare to some of the usual suspects in their class. Thanks for all the great content over the years.
Steve, Did you try the LS50 Meta's with the First Watt F8 and the Elvis Costello LP? If so, did the F8 drive the LS50's well?
Steve I’m looking for a pair speakers to my Hegel h90 . ¿ Can you tell me which one will be a good pair ?
Hi Steve. You do so many excellent bookshelf speaker reviews, but you never talk about the stands you use. Do the stands change the way the speaker presents the music or describes the soundstage? Do you have any tips or guidance you can give on speaker stand choice? All the very best from England. John
I had a pair Paradigm active 2-way (5"woofers) monitors for many years bringing audio heaven here.. Then the left amplifier died. That led to my present pair of KEF LS50...reinstalling audio heaven here. Great!
If it means anything, What Hi-Fi gave the Founder 40b a great review! Great sound and great imaging!. Maybe they have more the British sound.
Steve, I bought paradigm 800F speakers what systems do you recommend for them to go with, right now I’m using Demon old system as a standby until the upgrade.
Thank you in advance
It's beautiful in an almost Sonus Faber way.
Steve, have you ever listened to early 2000's Paradigm Studio 40s? How would these compare?
Mississauga, not Toronto.. but close enough...
You see my friend what makes a speaker sounds even butter like a cafe .... A subwoofer and Nescafe....the price is a still and 🇨🇦 beautiful one .thanks my friend
Very good looking speakers.
I'm not sure I'm sold on the grill over the woofer.
Seems like that would be detrimental.
Steve Guttenberg your shirt is totally META...!
Appreciate learning about this new speaker. Paradigm has been making quality speakers for a long time. I wish you would have just focused on reviewing the speaker and not new recordings. It was a distraction and took away from the speaker review. Suggest you do a separate video on new recordings.
definitely not enough honesty in specs, Gold Star here indeed!
Good review, Steve. For $1099 each, the Paradigms should be more exciting sounding, as you said. All show, no go............too bad!
Well, the Kef R3s are as exciting as watching grass grow. A truly beautiful glorious boring speaker.
I was hoping he was going to rave about these speakers especially at this price.
@@peterpanetta2179 Me too, for some reason
Not all speakers are designed to sound ‘exciting’. Kef, as mentioned above, is a good example. If you want excitement it’s tough to beat a horn speaker like Klipsch.
@@ASherrick02 Yes. I am stating, politely, IMO, that some speakers, however beautifully crafted, however expensive the components, are a huge swing and a miss. People do listen to music for different reasons, but I would think that enjoyment is a main reason. A speakers job is to recreate a slice of life ie music being played live. A live symphony is far from boring, so I don’t buy all the critical listening hogwash. 😃
Any idea how these compare to my piano white prestige 15b’s?
I see these guys have a 92 db 1watt/meter sensitivity. Do you think the Decware SE84UFO can drive them to audible goodness?
Probably
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Thanks... I'm still really loving my Zu Omen MKII DW's that you recommended a while back. I thought Herb's take on the Zu's with the SE84UFO was dead on as well.
With my CJ PV5 pre plugged into the signal chain, I can't remember in 60+ years when I've ever had such a musical system with "you are there"detail.
Now I'm thinking of a secondary system for my home office to replace my Tube Depot Tube Cube 7 with Pilot Radio PSV 2'S circa 1960 that I paid $5.00 for at a Thrift Store last year.
The Zu's are in the same price range as the Paradigms you've reviewed here. The refinements Sean has made along with his clarity caps make them hard to beat. ... Any thoughts?
I would love for Steve to review or possibly reach out to bryston to review one of their speaker offerings. Although they have been out for a while bryston and axiom audio recently merged companies. I own a whole suite of bryston gear, of which partly consists of a pair of bryston towers, center, and bookshelf rears. Plus like their amps they carry brystons legendary 20 year warrenty. I can't say enough how amazing their speakers sound. I'm sure if he reached out to James tanner on audio circle in the bryston forums he'd be more than welcome to supply some for review ;)
Hi Steve. Happy to see this Paradigm review. I've been a fan for a long time and enjoy Studio 100s v2 from over 20 years ago.
Paradigm have always bragged about striving for neutrality and, for the most part, I think they succeed. I can listen to mine for literally hours upon hours and not tire of them. They immerse me into another world.
Many would call them polite and I'd be inclined to agree. They don't seem to require liquid tone control (alcohol) to smooth over any rough patches.
My fear about Paradigm these days is that they've become too big for their britches and have started including cheaper, bottom of the barrel components in their crossovers. That's so disappointing yet makes me love my vintage ones even more. They seem to be more into the furniture aspect of their speakers these days, with the high-end cabinetry. I believe if I purchase more Paradigms, they'll be previously owned instead of new.
Thanks for this review.
I would love it if you could review the Paradigm Persona series, maybe the bookshelf or the 3F tower.
I would like to see the persona bookshelf review too. The 400b at 499 each is a reasonable price for there product as in an investment .
@GeneralCurtis3LeMay STFU
@@peterpanetta2179 I just checked Paradigm’s website and there is no Persona 400B. It’s called the Persona B bookshelf. It doesn’t cost $499. It goes for $4100.00 Canadian per speaker. That’s just over $3200 American. Where did you get $499 from?
@@glennarcher986 sorry the line below the persona the premier 200b. Way more affordable for me. Again sorry for the wrong info. But thank you for reaching out and sharing info.
Test track recommend for Steve, subwoofer required. I am using the band Great Lake Swimmers, song: The Open Sea to show off that spacial effect. Need a sub for the organ, or you will miss it!
used these speakers with a 10 watt tube amplifier? Are they really that efficient?
A good looking speaker!
Eye of the beholder my freind! Appreciate the engineering solidity and the fact it has real wood finishes, but l very much dislike all that flasshy fuss around the drivers. To my mind that was definately aimed at AV users, and certainly doesn't appeal to me, but im glad you like it. It means they do have a market despite my shudders upon seeing them! xD
Do you still have your Studio 20s v4s?
best speaker ive ever heard in person
This is the buchardt. The only speakers you'll ever need is a matching pair of the 3001SEs, and their LF section, 2 htb/2s, the 3001SE are reboots of the original standard stereo monitors which means they actually sound 3D with full stereo spatial audio. The htb/2s have the same resonance as the port to the LS50 and the 3001SEs and work like a 2 way LF section that's single point.
It used clscker ball physics so even though one side plays up from 54hz to 300hz while the other plays from 54hz down to 30hz, you can balance a water on it'd edge on top and blast it. The new t series was prototyped based on the 3001SEs but only work just like the T2 slimline sub is just the HTB 2 minus the toroidal design metal gaskets, little tripod feet, and is meant to be placed flat on the floor or on the wall to give it the extra 6db boost to make up for the lack of the LF diaphragm.
These speakers are designed more to be used with their family speakers in a surround sound situation.
How is Zepp II sound stage on these speakers and in general. Which amp had best staging?
@Steve Guttenberg The +/- 2db measure for the frequency response, means there is a variation of 4db maximum between those frequencies; not that the speaker can only play those.... Although taste is subjective, it is the most impressive to me when a speaker manufacturer can have a flat response curve - it means quality components, and engineering. Most don’t bother with a db variance listing on their frequency response, because their speakers simply cannot measure flat. For the speakers you reviewed, I am sure DB’s start to roll off at 69Hz. As a made up example, let’s say maybe the speakers are -6db at 50Hz as an example - and, if that were true, they wouldn’t be showing off the flatness of their speakers in most of the listening range if they marketed +2/-6db 50Hz - 20kHz < this is just a wider variation and looks way less impressive.
Also, notice the 41Hz DIN - this is likely the lowest the speaker reasonably plays, and is probably around the -10db point.
@GeneralCurtis3LeMay Are you ok? Not a very friendly person?
@GeneralCurtis3LeMay Why don’t you then educate us on the correct way to interpret the specifications? Don’t just say “you are wrong” - explain WHY I am incorrect so that we can learn.
@GeneralCurtis3LeMay Do you believe in Jesus?
@GeneralCurtis3LeMay Your non-answer has answered my question. Be careful of pointing fingers; a mirror may be hanging in the vicinity. God loves you, and perhaps I was simply supposed to remind you of that fact. You seem very preoccupied at tearing down rather than building up...
@GeneralCurtis3LeMay What do you believe I lied about? The specs I referenced were at the 2:52 point in the video...
""[Treble] is very easy to take for granted, and that's good. When it comes to top end you don't want a speaker that shouts."
Steve, you're a Klipsch devotee. 🙂
True 🤣
@GeneralCurtis3LeMay STFU
also, did u measure how loud they can go? any idea of max spl?
My immediate thoughts as well ... I'm guessing with these robust drivers, waveguide loaded HF, a claimed 92dB sensitivity, they would offer up as much or more as most any small two-way.
@@FOH3663 yeah, he should at least put some basic measurements in his review. would be helpful.
With these kinds of speakers, SPL is a room/amplifier thing. It’s assumed that you have the experience to size the speakers to your room correctly.
Basically what I’m saying is, all standmounts are ideally suited for small to medium rooms. So if you like big volume, you use a big amp, something above 100 watts per channel. If you aren’t so concerned with volume, you’re free to use a smaller amp, maybe 40-100 watts per channel.
If you have a large room, or a room that is large enough to let a floorstanding speaker “breathe” properly, and you are a loud volume person, don’t waste your time with standmounts. That’s what floorstanders are for.
Kef people must really look forward to all your stand-mount speaker reviews. :)
Led Zeppelin II - My Cd doesn’t rock like it should. It sounds like the bass was rolled off during mastering, compared to what I remember hearing. Rainbow recordings, same deal. I do still hear fantastic thump and punch from Deep Purple recordings like Perfect Strangers and a cool multichannel remix of 1973 Machine Head I recently found. This is like a weird Mandela effect, where I remember more sonic clarity in old recordings than was actually there. Armed Forces by Elvis Costello is another example, I used to show off my speakers with that recording; now it sounds pretty suspect. I’m actually still using the same speakers and receiver in my B system, so the only changed variable is me (?).
check out Andrei Cerbu channel and in particular his just turned 16 singer Romina (Rockmina) Apostol. She is wild.
Hearing deteriorates by age. Sadly!
@@millmoormichael6630 True. I drop out completely at 12khz and above, 65 years old, but the frequencies I’m talking about here are much, much lower. Could be changes throughout the entire spectrum have removed some punch in my ears from bass, bass drums and Marshall amplified guitars?
@@ProgRockKeys
I doubt it has anything to do with your hearing ability.
If you're comparing recent CD's to old vinyl, it's probably poor CD mastering.
If you still have the original vinyl and it sounds more dull than you remember, it could be ageing caps in your amp.
Just guessing, though.
First of all thank you for the nice review. I'm looking forward to get one pair of those towers some day...
Here is my thought about the comparaison between these speakers to the KEF Ls50 (meta). Those "bookshelfs", like the Canton ones, have been designed with the philosophy of being part of a full series, means they should be mostly or at least also surround speakers for a home theater set. On the other hand, the LS50 is a all alone speaker for itself, designed above all as a stereo speaker. I read that some people use them in a home theater system but they are probably very few out there. So for me it's not really fair to compare such different speakers in their design and philosophy. As for my experience with "bookshelfs", I've never heart of really "wow" speakers which have been designed as part of a home theater system. Maybe one expection of the Paradigm Studio 20 v4 which have quite surprised me as a stereo pair in my living room.
Sounds like nothing much has changed at Paradigm. My 18yo Mini Monitors gather dust in the basement due to their lack of bass and generally ho-hum sound. My feeling is that Paradigm make great home theatre speakers but they are just (only just) ok for music. When and if I ever set up my 5.1 set up again, the MM’s will be back in place - but with my LS50’S next to them for critical music listening.
Exactly. I had the studio 20s some 20 over yrs ago & for me they were just ok for critical 2 ch music listening. The tone was a little off for me but bass was solid & punchy.
I've had mine for a week now.. Really nice balanced sound. Compared to others, the high frequency is a touch rolled off.. These are warmer, to me, .. less fatiguing metal done as previous models/versions... - but somehow.. I miss the airy details? .. Hard for me to explain. Maybe I just need to pair these with better gear.
What gear are you using with them? Which speakers did you have before?
@@ASherrick02 - MRX1140 right now at home - semi-treated room.. I've heard them in-store on Hegel and Moon Audio. Compared to the Prestige series /side by side / ..it's audibly noticeable these have a slightly less aggressive top end.. it's not a "Bad" sound.. but it is different. Nothing missing.. I'd say that +/- 2db flat balance is accurate and that's the goal here... less coloured where I think I am - maybe others are also - use to coloured sound.. a 'signature' of a brand or materials.. ( like the huff & puff about Beryillium as tweeters for their chracteristics)
I still need to break them in more.. and live with them longer than 7 days.
@@Psyphonyx_Life the Prestige series are very bright. The Founder series treble is much smoother and not nearly as exaggerated. It’s a big improvement in my book. These speakers will definitely benefit from better electronics though they’re not as demanding as some.
@@ASherrick02 - Agree. Smoother and more balanced. I am pretty sure that was the goal ..and they nailed that mark.
The tweeter needs to be electrified to shock those inquisitive little fingers.
I must admit with 35 years in the audio game I find most paradigms to be a tad flat sounding and a bit muddled in the bass
Thanks for the music recommendations
Eh????
@@chrisvinicombe9947
Congratulations. You have just been 'generally' trolled. : P
@GeneralCurtis3LeMay
Sphere, dude. Sphere.
The PSB Imagine Mini has been praised by Steve and almost universally by others for it's performance. The 4 inch woofer advertises a -3db of 55 hz. It costs one third of the price of this 25 pound speaker costing $2200 USD a pair. How does one have total control of the manufacturing process and produce a speaker of this size and apparent quality with this kind of bass performance? I don't get it.
Everything i have is psb ..nothing touches them
This, sir, is a very good question indeed. The marketing propaganda has always been strong with this company so I'm inclined to believe they've identified their target audience with this release - and we aren't it.
Sounds lika REL would be a nice match to these Paradigms
I have an REL for the home theater and love it. I'm debating getting the now discontinued T/7i for $900, which is $100 off, or the new T/7x for $1,099, what do you think?
@@finnleypasquinel1447 New one is worth extra $$$ unless you could grab older model for 40%off
Always a Paradigm fan , Steve got his ears lowered
I like paradigm but i love psb more.
Steve you got run over by a lawn mower, dam should have kept the tail, love your channel,watch every day. We have been pure class A 845 single triodes ,Sid Smith modified 7
Dam cell phone- audio note speakers, sota star,sme IV i, Vinyl only please stay with wax -- like Mikey ( not the life cereal kid). Peace out,much luv from florida
Looking forward to more herb! For anybody that is not aware and would like another nice long fantastic interview with herb check out one he does with san Francisco audio society. They have great interviews with many other folks like Nelson pass Michael fremmer from analog planet as well!
Great review Steve 👍🏽 I was hoping for more from this new line. Seems pretty average. Bummer. Any chance of you reviewing speakers from HSU?
I reviewed them for CNET
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac oh okay. But nothing is better than you doing them on TH-cam 😀
I heard this speakers for a few songs in a bad room and a front end costing 5x the speakers and I thought they were average at best. Highs were fine, mids were lacked dynamics and the bass was missing in action.
@@JamesWilliams-gf8gm wow, were those the coax or horn bookies? Just read Steve's review of the CC8 and he has a pretty good opinion of them as does Audioholics (very detailed). Might check them out and give them a shot. Thx James.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac just read it. Thx 👍🏽
I'm so much more interested in your album reviews vs gear reviews....can only buy so much gear
Bro, when are you gonna talk about speaker cables?
premier 700f please? 🙏🏻
that will be no match in my bose acoustimass 7 speakers man its sounds so good and the the bose buttery velvety midrange is so heavenly oh my
These speakers seem so Canadian
only 50hz? your room must be very big for testing. i think these in say, a 880cubic foot bedroom would extend way lower.
In a previous video Steve talked about the new room, including its dimensions.
I sure would worry about the metal "phase aligning" metal grill in front of the driver rattling or ringing. Paradigm was already bad enough with their cabinets rattling, and now they put a piece of metal IN front of their midrange drivers?!?
Hi Steve, your comment is very accurate. I always found any Paradigm speakers are a little bit behind KEF or BW when it comes to vocal and mid range presentation.
If I read between the lines this is a no go "for me". This speaker is not hitting a lot of marks...for how much money?!
I want to do a serious upgrade from my Monitor Audio Silver 100's. Researching a lot. I have a good line on a set of Dynaudio Contour 20's (not the 20i) that I am seriously considering. Although a set of LS50 Metas and a set of SVS 3000 Micros would cost less and be great in my apt. This stuff if fun, but maddening!!, LOL!
You sure have a ton of headphones in the background. Why so many?
I've owned a few sets of paradigm steve, always many available here in Canada on the used market.....always well made good sounding speakers!
I've had a pair fro about 15 years, they still sound fantastic.
I’ll subscribe if you review the paradigm founder series towers.
Why do Paradigm voice their speakers this way at this price point? Manufacturers should be focusing on designing speakers that will sound good on lower priced amps and have a little excitement. Sacrificing a bit of accuracy for visceral impact would be a worth while tradeoff. Higher end speakers with their better drivers and crossover components don't need to this as much.
How about reviewing some ATC active speakers?
The 50s seem the most purchased.
Would be nice to see your opinion. I understand you are not big fan and this could be the challenge for the entire community.
Steve has previously mentioned his dislike of active speakers. I guess he’s from the Jack Nicholson school of hifi (“ he can’t handle the truth”) 🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@kjbunnyboiler or he doesn't like being married to a single amp for the life of the speakers
@@bruss529 Steve still has enough systems there to try multiple amps if required! How can you you be a hifi reviewer if your not even prepared to listen to all types of equipment. Would it be just as valid to say I won’t listen to valve amps or ported speakers?
His channel seems driven by certain revenue and klipsch. What would happen if klipsch made and active speaker, makes me wonder. To me this just shows that this show is entertainment with zero science.
@@crossocean5663 Superb answer🤣
Hey Steve do you ever speak of tone accuracy?
Yes