Paradigm puts its name to version 3 of its Reference Signature lineup
By Steven Kim 
posted September 4th 2009 8:22AM
posted September 4th 2009 8:22AM
September 3, 2009 – Paradigm Electronics Inc., an international leader in speaker design and manufacturing, introduces the third version of its flagship Paradigm® Reference Signature Series. Thousands of "no-holds-barred" Paradigm research and engineering hours went into developing the Signature Series v.3 speakers, which are the highest-output, most dynamic high-end loudspeakers ever produced.
Contributing to v.3's 50 percent increase in output are extensive modifications to the bass/midrange drive units. Signature v.3 bass/midrange drivers are fitted with extreme low-density NLC™ (Non-Limiting Corrugated) TPE surrounds, FEA*-optimized and overmolded onto the cone. The state-of-the-art surround material is 10 times more effective than standard thermoplastic elastomers in damping vibrations and resonances and the new corrugated design has increased peak-to-peak cone excursion from 20-mm in earlier versions to a full 30-mm. A new long-stroke split-coil motor system takes advantage of the extreme excursion by doubling the linear portion of the stroke without requiring a larger magnet. The redesigned motor also keeps mass and inductance of the voice coil low for breathtaking midrange clarity.
Bass cones on Signature v.3 speakers were re-engineered for increased stiffness and better equipped for higher output with new NLC™ Santoprene™ surrounds. To support the extended excursion, the motor structure was also redesigned, increasing the linear portion of the stroke through voice coils almost double the original in length. New core parts including a yoke and pole piece were retooled and FEA-optimized and even the magnets were thickened to accommodate double-distance cone travel.
Value-conscious audiophiles will appreciate the option of Paradigm Reference G-PAL™ (gold-plated pure-aluminum) dome tweeters on the compact S1, C1 and ADP1 models, making the Reference Signature experience even more attainable.
A full list of upgrades to Signature v.3 is listed below.
Upgrades to Signature v.3 Bass/Midrange and Bass Drive Units
- Overmolded NLC non-limiting corrugated TPE (Santoprene™ for the bass drivers) surrounds
- Redesigned Nomex™ Spiders
- Redesigned die-cast aluminum heatsink chassis with AVS™ cooling
- Advanced split-coil motor system (bass/midrange drivers)
- Cutting-edge long-stroke motor system (bass drivers)
- Thickened permanent ceramic (hard ferrite) magnets with focused-field geometry
- Retooled magnetic pole piece and metal top plate (bass drivers)
- Metallized high-integrity dust caps (bass/midrange drivers)
- Injection-molded mineral-filled polypropylene bass cones boast a 30% increase in mineral content
The Signature v.3 lineup (prices shown are cherry finish, U.S. FMV):
- S1 G-PAL™ – Two-driver 2-way compact bookshelf, G-PAL (gold-plated, pure-aluminum) domes - $599/ea
- S1 P-Be™ - Two-driver 2-way compact bookshelf, P-Be (pure berrylium) domes - $799/ea
- S2 – Two driver 2-way bookshelf - $1,299/ea
- S6 – Four-driver 3-way floorstanding - $2,599/ea
- S8 – Six-driver 3-way floorstanding - $3,499/ea
- C1 G-PAL™ – Four-driver 3-way center, G-PAL (gold-plated pure-aluminum) domes - $1,099/ea
- C1 P-Be™ - Four-driver 3-way center, P-Be (pure berrylium) domes - $1,299/ea
- C3 – Four-driver 3-way center - $1,999/ea
- C5 – Six-driver 3.5-way center - $3,499/ea
- ADP1 G-PAL™ – Five-driver 3-way surround, G-PAL (gold-plated pure-aluminum) domes - $999/ea
- ADP1 P-Be™ - Five-driver 3-way surround, P-Be (pure berrylium) domes - $1,299/ea
- ADP3 – Five driver 3-way surround - $1,599/ea
Hrm, I do have a bonus and profit sharing coming...
I do have to say Engadget that you do favor some brands over others. You may not know a good computer when you see one, but you know good speakers. Can't wait to see these puppies in the stores.
I miss the days when US$1.00 was equal to CAN$1.50. It meant the native 'digm dealers here in the states would negotiate. Now they are not and anything from Paradigm is pricey.
Don't know what your talking about but Paradigm prices really haven't changed in the last 4 years.
c. 2003 I bought my Paradigm Studio 100's ADP's, and CC. The difference in exchange rates meant the loacal US dealers had to compete against those Canadian dealers selling for considerably less. I almost made a trip of it into Detroit and into Windsor because I could have save ~$1K. I paid $3500, could have paid $2500 in sweat equity, but now the same (or equivalent) would be considerably more because the exchange rates in currancy is more 1:1 than 1:1.5.
I can honestly say, I've never read a review of a speaker that does NOT "outperform other speakers that cost a lot more". This is a standard audiophile cliche that's been written more times than I'd care to count.
Also, mechanical engineers have been using finite element analysis routinely for over 25 years, and aerospace engineers even longer. I took a class in it in 1982. So if anybody's NOT using FEA, they aren't "engineers".
"This is a standard audiophile cliche that's been written more times than I'd care to count."
Agreed. I'm more than tired of it.
It might be an overused term, but it's true for Paradigm.
As for finite element analysis, you're right -- it's nothing new. What is distinguishing about it, though, is that Paradigm actually has engineers, whereas many (not all) loudspeaker manufacturers don't.
OK, I'm a crank, I know it. I guess I don't win the free pair of S8s?
Best value in speakers? Perhaps
I still think that B&W has this title. While other companies cut corners B&W is always moving forward.
They actually look like my B&W speakers.....
The Paradigm's are worth every dime. Anyone who doesn't think so shouldn't buy them. Isn't that theory as simple as it comes? Don't rag on them because they are above your price range; Just say no!