Paradigm Signature S2 v2 Impressions

sm88

Hello everyone, I just saw a deal on a pair of speakers I have always wanted to try, and given my habit for buying on impulse to put things to the test, it wasn't long before I had them in my possession. I figured I would do a small writeup for those unfamiliar with Paradigm products.

My previous speakers in the last year:
Sonus Faber Concertino, B&W CM2, Usher BE-718, Wilson Cub's, KEF 103/4, KEF 101/3, Paradigm Studio 20 v3, Paradigm Studio 40 v3

This will be a comparative breakdown between three of my best. An asterisk will denote the 'leader' of the three in a given trait. I owned the Cubs at the same time as both of these, but have not owned the BE-718 and S2 at the same time. All were run with Wyred4Sound DAC2 and McIntosh MC352. These are all relative and subjective, but I hope they help!

Usher BE-718
+Beautiful design
+Heavily constructed
+Excellent low frequency extension*
+Fast midrange
+Smoothest through transients*
+Good high frequency extension
+Great detail
+Great imaging
+Broad sound stage
-Bright, harsh on some material
-Upper midrange is lean, does not transition to tweeter as well as it could
-Low efficiency, require 150-200w to really sing
~Very involving and musical, colorful in what can be a good way

Wilson Cub MK1
+Heavily Constructed*
+Very fast / dynamic midrange*
+Good high frequency extension
+Great detail
+Superb imaging*
+Broadest sound stage*
+Very high efficiency*
-Least attractive
-Can be just slightly harsh on some material
-Lacks low frequency extension, subwoofer recommended
-Better suited to larger rooms
~Hefty / cumbersome cabinets

Paradigm Signature S2 v2
+Beautiful design and finish*
+Most accurate*
+Superb detail*
+High efficiency
+Excellent high frequency extension*
+Good imaging
-Least heavily constructed
-Smallest sound stage
~Average low frequency extension
~Lack character, but exceptionally well balanced

Flash21

My previous speakers in the last year:
Sonus Faber Concertino, B&W CM2, Usher BE-718, Wilson Cub's, KEF 103/4, KEF 101/3, Paradigm Studio 20 v3, Paradigm Studio 40 v3

Wow, you've been busy!

sm88

Flash21 wrote: »

Wow, you've been busy!

Indeed! I really want to get my ears on as many different brands as possible, especially ones that use interesting types of materials and the likes, anything unique. But I had only taken mental notes about most the speakers so I figure I should keep better track of it and share the insights. This way if someone is curious about how the Usher's sound but can't demo them, but can find a pair of Signature S2's or Cub's to demo they can get a simple comparison through it.

megasat16

Nice speakers and nice review, sm88!

If you are looking for more brands to audition and compare, I think Focal Mini Utopia should be in the list to listen too.

steveinaz

Want a huge soundstage, zero fatique, and unique? Give Fritz a call. He's got loaners I believe.

sm88

Focal's are on my list to try for sure, as are Fritz and Tyler Acoustics for the smaller manufacturers. Higher end B&W and Sonus Faber are also considerations, but what I REALLY want to get next is a pair of Dynaudio's. Confidence C1's or the likes

Whatever's next, I figure i'll continue doing such breakdown comparisons and match-ups, but I probably won't be making another big speaker purchase until I finish restoring and selling my Wilson's. At 80-90 lbs each they aren't practical for me to keep around, I move fairly often.

steveinaz

These speakers are so special, I want to buy a pair and leave them boxed--in case the 'ol boy dies on me. Seriously.

mantis

sm88 wrote: »

Focal's are on my list to try for sure, as are Fritz and Tyler Acoustics for the smaller manufacturers. Higher end B&W and Sonus Faber are also considerations, but what I REALLY want to get next is a pair of Dynaudio's. Confidence C1's or the likes

Whatever's next, I figure i'll continue doing such breakdown comparisons and match-ups, but I probably won't be making another big speaker purchase until I finish restoring and selling my Wilson's. At 80-90 lbs each they aren't practical for me to keep around, I move fairly often.

Once you go Dynaudio ,it's difficult to ever want anything else. As an Audiophile you tend to look elsewhere after a while , your eyes and ears catch something new , your excited for a while but in the back of your mind you know your Dynes are calling you.