Any fans of Paradigm?

codycatalist

I have a pair of Paradigm 90p Performance Studio Monitor Towers, they were gifted to me for free. Mine are the pair with 2 6.5 Low drivers, one of the drivers has a rubbing voice coil ($100 for paradigm to fix, $50 locally). I was wondering if I were to fix this driver is it worth doing so? I plan on selling them and getting some SDA SRS.

I'm admittedly not a huge fan of the paradigm sound, they are LOUD and in your face but not as musical as my Polks.

Just looking to see what this wonderful forum thinks of these speakers. Can post pictures if need be.

Thanks!

codycatalist

Just a picture for reference not my pair, although beyond the single driver issue they are in pretty damn good shape.

mikeyb128

I would say worth it since you got them for free, what's the harm in spending 50 bucks on them and if you don't like them sell them for a profit.

I haven't heard older paradigm but have heard they are on the bright side. Ive listened to the new prestige series and monitors, I didn't feel they were bright at all. Listened to their signature S series and are phenomenal.

The brightness could be your equipment as well. Also noticed hardwood floors, so the room plays a huge role in the brightness.

codycatalist

Yeah they are a little bright but I also don't mind the sl2000 tweeters either ha! Im dying for some sdas and a decent amp. Hopefully I can get the speaker fixed sell for around $400-500 (pair sold for $700 on fleabay) then get some better gear. Tired of this 35wpc marantz...I do love how it sounds with my monitor 5s though. Oh this audio hobby. By the way had the paradigms on a Natural Sound Yamaha AVR 5590.

cnh

The older models with the fabric domes are actually a little dark sounding, but fairly musical once fed enough power.

WagnerRC

I own S8's S4's and S2's and I am very happy with all three models.

mikeyb128

WagnerRC wrote: »

I own S8's S4's and S2's and I am very happy with all three models.

Sweet! Thinking of picking up a pair of s4 locally to play with

WagnerRC

The 4's are very nice.

Polkie2009

Wow, these P90's are a nice pair, especially since they were gifted. I'm guessing they are ver. 3? Definitely worth fixing and seeing how they sound. I agree with Mikey, that brightness you're hearing could be from a number of things. You'd be surprised how much difference a couple of bass traps in the corners and a couple of acoustic panels in the room can make . if you have a hardwood floor, even a throw rug between you and the front speakers can help. I've always wanted to try a pair of Paradigm Studio Monitors 100's out, maybe someday..

mikeyb128

I had a pair of lsi 15's sound bright in a room full of hardwood hooked up to a tubed integrated. Lol

codycatalist

Polkie2009 wrote: »

Wow, these P90's are a nice pair, especially since they were gifted. I'm guessing they are ver. 3? Definitely worth fixing and seeing how they sound. I agree with Mikey, that brightness you're hearing could be from a number of things.

Actually v1 I believe. V2 and 3 have three bass drivers mine has 2. It might be my AVR as I have then hooked up in my HT (which I've been thinking of scaling down...too many speakers in a smaller space. Sounds good from the kitchen but on the couch those highs clash) I can turn the treble down all the way and they are still bright haha. I might just make the trip to get them reconed and see what I think after. I'm sure if I don't like what I hear I can sell em for $400-500 and get some sdas!

JPete

I love my Paradigms. They're 11se Mkii models that I picked up a while back for $100. 2 8" driver version, 2 way, rear ported. Had them in my 2 channel rig for a while and think they are extremely musical. Great imaging, very nice detail, strong low end, and no hint of brightness when I was driving them with NAD pre and power.

They are now doing front channel duty in my HT setup, which I think they are perfect for. I still don't find them overly bright in that setup even with the Emotiva amp driving them. Doubt I'll ever sell mine unless unwanted circumstances dictate.

Tough to beat that SDA sound though, and if you can't have both, Paradigms need to go and Polks need to enter.

WagnerRC

I just picked up a pair of s6 speakers so now I am offering to a Polk member a pair of s2 speakers with j 29 stands at a great price. I will do some research on price but I would rather offer here at a good discount for all the help I have received. Thanks

Pictures will be done soon. These are cherry finish and light use.

kharp1

I currently have 2 pair of Digm's that I've owned for many years. I now use them for outdoors, running them out if my garage. The harshness of the tweeter isn't nearly as pronounced outdoors. My understanding is they redesigned their drivers for a more natural sound.

I'd say get the driver fixed and see what you think and like previous posters have noted, they can always be sold.

codycatalist

That's eventually going to be my plan. Sorry but if I can get rid of these paradigms and get some SDAs I'm all over it.

notified

codycatalist I tend to agree But its also important to remember that for SDA's to perform as intended the recommendations for their placement and surrounding environment must be met[quote=

"codycatalist;2227515"]That's eventually going to be my plan. Sorry but if I can get rid of these paradigms and get some SDAs I'm all over it.[/quote]

markmarc

I've owned two pairs of Paradigms over the years, a set of bookshelves from the early 90's, and a pair of Studio Reference 40v4's. I'm a fan of their efficiency and balance. With each itinerantion Paradigm gets better control over the bright top end. Right now I'm spending time with their new Prestige 75f mini towers, a solid improvement over the Studio Reference series they replaced.

fraydog07

Just curious what a seismic 10 or 12 is going for nowadays and would it be worth it? i have heard about amps going bad in them, and would it be much of an upgrade over my Klipsch RW-12D?