Thinking of getting the Paradigm founders 40

[Rdm3000]

I heard them in the show room with a really nice set up and they sounded amazing but they are 2400 for the pair . Just wondering if that’s a good deal ? If not is there a place I can find them for cheaper . I was the person talking about the B/W 700 series S3 bookshelf speakers . I’m not too sure if it’s the equipment attached to the speakers that make them sound that amazing- they had a 8k Mac amp and a really nice streamer playing top audio files.

 

[Rdm3000]

You can probably do "objectively" better for less. Neither the Paradigm's nor the B&Ws rank well here.

I know this may sound dumb but does the objective testing always equal to better sound in speakers ?

 

[eddantes]

I know this may sound dumb but does the objective testing always equal to better sound in speakers ?

As much as any genuine scientific endeavour is closer to the truth than individual perception. But hey - your taste is your taste - do what pleases you and your ears.

 

[Chrispy]

Paradigm?

 

[Rdm3000]

Paradigm?

Yeah I got confused because the store I was looking at them had the same name spelled like that - paradyme. I know weird

 

[Rdm3000]

As much as any genuine scientific endeavour is closer to the truth than individual perception. But hey - your taste is your taste - do what pleases you and your ears.

I was asking a serious question. I really didn’t know.

 

[Jim Creek]

You have probably viewed the review of these speakers from Erin. If not, here’s a link. https://www.erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/paradigm_40b/

 

[eddantes]

I was asking a serious question. I really didn’t know.

It was a genuine answer. There's scientifically determined "preference" (work of Toole and Olive) that guides the evaluation here; but then again there is personal preferrence. What you like may not align with the study. You may be an outlier - all perfectly acceptible. But... if I were a betting man - I'd bet on science.

 

[Rdm3000]

It was a genuine answer. There's scientifically determined "preference" (work of Toole and Olive) that guides the evaluation here; but then again there is personal preferrence. What you like may not align with the study. You may be an outlier - all perfectly acceptible. But... if I were a betting man - I'd bet on science.

Gotcha. Someone also weighed in on this in my other thread but what would recommend in the 1500-2k range for speakers if you have time to answer?

 

[eddantes]

The flatter the better. Paradigm's are bumpier, with elevated trebble that you impress in the showroom; but soon become fatiguing at home.

Edit: if I were to spend my hard earned money - I'd save some Euros and look for the Kef Cocerto Meta.

 

[jcarys]

Well I've always enjoyed the sound of Paradigm's older models when I've auditioned them. I don't know that I would worry too much about other people think if they sound right to your ears, which is the single most important aspect for deciding on speakers. You certainly don't need to drive them with the expensive McIntosh amp. You didn't list your current equipment, but I bet these would be great with a simple Wiim Ultra and Vibe amp setup. In terms of price, it looks like your quote is MSRP, but you might find some dealer thru web search that is willing to give you a discount.

 

[Rdm3000]

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The flatter the better. Paradigm's are bumpier, with elevated trebble that you impress in the showroom; but soon become fatiguing at home.

Edit: if I were to spend my hard earned money - I'd save some Euros and look for the Kef Cocerto Meta.

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Thanks I appreciate it . I Been seeing a lot of people talking about these speakers on this website

 

[kyuu]

They look decent enough, although you definitely do not want to toe them in (the treble response is better at 30-degrees than directly on-axis) and they definitely need a subwoofer to fill in the bass. You can do better for that kind of money, IMO, but if you like them there's nothing objectively wrong with that. Are you looking strictly at bookshelves or are floostanders an option?

 

[Ellebob]

Go to paradigms website and use their dealer locator. Do not select Persona or Founder, just select all. If you select persona or founder you will only get dealers that have a showroom. You should get a list of custom installers as well as dealers. Make some calls and see if any of them will offer a discount. $2400 is the retail price.

 

[Rdm3000]

They look decent enough, although you definitely do not want to toe them in (the treble response is better at 30-degrees than directly on-axis) and they definitely need a subwoofer to fill in the bass. You can do better for that kind of money, IMO, but if you like them there's nothing objectively wrong with that. Are you looking strictly at bookshelves or are floostanders an option?

I’m just look for the best speakers for 1500-2000 . I have a marantz PM6006

 

[WillBrink]

Gotcha. Someone also weighed in on this in my other thread but what would recommend in the 1500-2k range for speakers if you have time to answer?

In the $ range, and he has other reviews. Erin knows his stuff. On a personal note, I have no experience with those speakers:

 

[kyuu]

If I was looking in the price range of those Paradigms, I'd probably be eyeing a pair of JBL HDI-3800, KEF Q11 Meta, or perhaps Wharfedale Super Linton.

 

[kemmler3D]

I’m not too sure if it’s the equipment attached to the speakers that make them sound that amazing- they had a 8k Mac amp and a really nice streamer playing top audio files.

In general that's the smallest factor on what you hear from a speaker unless the amp is seriously inadequate. The impact on the tonality from a DAC, streamer, or amp rounds down to zero.

Measurements can tell you how a speaker performs and we can compare that to standards that have been developed to predict what people in general think sounds good. But at the end of the day it only sounds good to you if it sounds good to you, the measurements can tell you what the speaker sounds like, they can't tell you what you like.

 

[Rdm3000]

In the $ range, and he has other reviews. Erin knows his stuff. On a personal note, I have no experience with those speakers:

Is Kef R3 worth the extra money ?

 

[JPA]

I would also consider the Monitor Audio Silver 300.