Any Thoughts On The Paradigm Signature S8's

del44

Was wondering if anyone had some thoughts on the Paradigm S8's. I heard them awhile back. They were powered by a pair Mac 1201's and a Mac preamp. Don't know which model. Didn't give then a good listen because that wasn't the reason I was there. But, from what I remember, they sounded pretty good. Other speakers I'm looking into are the B&W N802 (used) And the N803 (used). Am also going to be getting a 2 channel pre with a HT passthrough. (any thoughts).As of now I'll be using my Rotel 1070 amp. I usually listen to 70 and 80's type rock with a little country thrown in.

Squiggy33

The Paradigm Signature Series is very expensive a lot more than the B & W your looking at even new. The studio series is very close but MDF, with laminate instead of real wood. They are better speakers than the Studio series but not by much, mostly aesthitics.

McLoki

B&W N802d is about a $12,000 speaker (new - list) so I would not say the paradigms are much more expensive. (I thought the S8's were about $8,000 but I could be mistaken on that)

I know they are coming out with a new paradigm model (you can order it now - signature v.2) so you might be able to find some pretty significant savings on the v.1 series if you find a dealer with them in stock. (my local paradigm dealer is selling his in stock studio 100's v.3 (v.4's are coming out) for about $1,300 - cheaper than you can purchase them used for.)

I have not heard the signatures, (not carried locally) so can't help you with the sound. I have heard the 802d and while it is a nice speaker with good sound - I would say it is overpriced (at retail price) for the sound I was hearing. (imo - you can do as well for less money)

Good luck in your search.

Michael

del44

Yea, the new B&W "D" series is too much for my blood. The 802 for $12,000 and the 803 for $8,000. I was thinking the S8's were going for $6,000 or so. Used N802's are about $4,500 to over $5,000. The N803's are about $3,000. If the v2 are about to come out, then I might be able to get a good price on the v1. Maybe even used.

Joey_V

Heard the S8.... powered with the best of Anthem amps and preamps.

It was pretty good, clean and clear.... but I couldnt get a solid center image, nor could I get a good sense of soundstage depth - it could've been the room or positioning though (but it was in a 30K room).

Joey

del44

I'm going to be taking the wife to Columbus Saturday, going to do some Christmas shopping. Maybe I'll drop buy and give 'em another listen. While I'm there I might check out Genesis Audio. They carry Energy Veritas' and Revel Salon's.

markmarc

Definitely a nice tower, but not my favorite of the Signature series. I think the S4 or S2's are the best of the bunch. You may want to drop down to the Studio 100' which are tremendous and will give you 99% of what the S8's offer, IMHO.

just_visiting

If you're going to spend that much on speakers check out the Martin Logan's.

heiney9

The Revel Salon is an excellent speaker, especially when powered properly in the appropriate sized room. I have not heard the Signature series but I have a friend who has the Studio 100's and it's a great speaker considering the lower cost compared to others mentioned in this thread. Only listened to them on their own no other's in the room for comparison.

Joey_V

just_visiting wrote:

If you're going to spend that much on speakers check out the Martin Logan's.

I definitely agree....

But man, those Revel Salons are wonderful...

Joey

TroyD

I've never heard a p-dime that really got me excited. Nice speakers, no doubt but nothing that really does much for me.

I wouldn't put any paradigm speaker in the same class as the B&W Naut 802's

YMMV

BDT

Joey_V

TroyD wrote:

I've never heard a p-dime that really got me excited. Nice speakers, no doubt but nothing that really does much for me.

I wouldn't put any paradigm speaker in the same class as the B&W Naut 802's

YMMV

BDT

Until I hear the Sig v2, I will have to be in general agreement with Troy. Atleast the 802D.

venomclan

I demoed the S8 in a dedicated room with all Anthem gear. These were the only Paradigm I liked. However, at 6K they did not wow me. I felt they were a bit overpriced. The 802's will probably out do them.

I think if you can find some Sonus Faber Cremonas used in that price range you will have found your speaker.
Venom

del44

I auditioned a pair of S8's today. Was not impressed. I was really wanting these to give me the WOW factor. Not for me. However I did give a listen to a pair of Mirage OMD-28's. WOW!! These babies sounded like HIGH END speakers (and for $7500 they should). The highs and mids were so easy on the ears, even at high volume, with a big soundstage. And the bass was "DEEP and TIGHT". IMO they blew the S8's away. Next up will be an audition of the B&W 800 series. May have to go to Cincy for a listen though. I'm hoping the 802d's have a similar lound to the older N802's. since I cannot afford the "D's".

venomclan

Del, also check out the PMC OB1 speaker. I think they are around $5800/pair. I only had a chance to listen for a few minutes but they blew me away. A very nice speaker.
Venom

del44

Funny You should mention the PMC's. I heard them today also. I liked these speakers also. Big sound from a not so big speaker. Learned alot about "Transmission Line".:) They were being powered by Mcintosh. Would have liked to have heard them with the Mark Levinson gear.

venomclan

del44 wrote:

Funny You should mention the PMC's. I heard them today also. I liked these speakers also. Big sound from a not so big speaker. Learned alot about "Transmission Line".:) They were being powered by Mcintosh. Would have liked to have heard them with the Mark Levinson gear.

I had listened to them with a Krell, 300 watt 5 channel amp. This amp really made these speakers come to life. I really did a double take with the PMC's. Incredible imaging. The Mac should have also sounded sweet.

I think my next speakers are the Gallo Reference 3.1's, but the PMC's really made their mark.
Venom

Joey_V

del44 wrote:

I auditioned a pair of S8's today. Was not impressed. I was really wanting these to give me the WOW factor. Not for me. However I did give a listen to a pair of Mirage OMD-28's. WOW!! These babies sounded like HIGH END speakers (and for $7500 they should). The highs and mids were so easy on the ears, even at high volume, with a big soundstage. And the bass was "DEEP and TIGHT". IMO they blew the S8's away. Next up will be an audition of the B&W 800 series. May have to go to Cincy for a listen though. I'm hoping the 802d's have a similar lound to the older N802's. since I cannot afford the "D's".

Interesting.... I'll be on the lookout for the Mirage OMD-28s then...