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REVIEW: Paradigm Studio/100 Speakers

63.50.200.36


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Model: Studio/100
Category: Speakers
Suggested Retail Price: $2,200/pr.
Description: Double 8
Manufacturer URL: Paradigm
Model Picture: View

Review by aball ( A ) on December 16, 2002 at 09:54:49
IP Address: 63.50.200.36
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for the Studio/100


Well I agree with Tuneman 100%. I have owned these speakers for over a year now and just adore them. I had Vandersteen 2ce before and then (briefly) B&W N804 before settling on the Paradigm 100.2s. The Paradigms are simply amazing for the price. I got the black laminate because I wanted black speakers and see no sense in painting wood black. You cannot match them with just any amp - they need quality power in order to sound good. My dealer had them paired up with the top-of-the-line Onkyo receiver when I first auditioned them. Not impressive at all. Then on a business trip in Fort Worth TX I auditioned them again with McIntosh MC602 and C42. I could not believe the difference. The images were tangible, the soundstage was super-well defined and solid, the highs were sweet without any bite, the mids were liquid and so smooth I was drooling, the bass was superb (although not quite the B&W N801 next door but the $6000 difference just could not make up for it) with excellent definition, extention, and detail. I bought them 2 days later. I have them paired up with my McIntosh MC7100 amp and C712 preamp and the combination has the synergy that can make (or break if lacking) a system, regardless of price. I find myself bored at audio stores except for those systems that are prohibitively expensive. I didn't think I would be saying this already but... I am very satisfied with what I have. I still audition a lot but haven't found anything that is worth the change. Arthur


Product Weakness: the cabinet is a boring shape and its quality is not extraordinary - but the sound is what counts for me.
Product Strengths: sweet, crystalline highs, goose-bump-inducing mids, blow-your-hair-back bass, hallucinogenic imaging


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: McIntosh MC7100
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): McIntosh C712
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Sony CA80-ES CDP
Speakers: Paradigm Studio Reference 100.2
Cables/Interconnects: MIT T2 biwire and balanced int.
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Electronic, classic rock, jazz, techno
Room Size (LxWxH): 14 x 15 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments: hardwood floors, paintings on all walls
Time Period/Length of Audition: 1.5 year ownership
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: Paradigm Studio/100 Speakers - aball 09:54:49 12/16/02 ( 14)