Paradigm Reference 3se mini Floorstanding Speakers Reviews

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
Replacing the surrounds on my daughters Paradigm Titans stoked my interest in Paradigm. All Paradigms are pretty good but one is special. The 3se mini. I have listened to Titans, Mini-Monitors v3 and v4, Se 7's, and Studio 20's. There is something magical about these little guys. Silk and paper IMHO outperform plastic and metal. With good electronics and 24" stands(properly placed) the 3 se mini's can hang with speakers costing 5 times their price(used market). Some notable features: the mid-range especially female vocals have that "air" around them that one would experience with $1000 speakers; the bass is fast and as deep as possible with a 6" woofer. The overall presentation with proper placement and power is astounding.

Price Paid:  $300350.00 from soundsdeluxe

Summary:
I got my 3se-mini's in 1988-89 when Paradigm first started selling in the US (or so I was told by the sales guy). I've used them on several brands of receivers with various sub-components and am always impressed with their performance. I still use them as my main speaker system with surrounds, a center + sub because I haven't been happy with any of the out-of-box systems. I've convinced (thru sampling) 3 other consumers to purchase Paradigm products. This has given me the opportunity to hear other Paradigm products which may look nicer but pale in comparison to the 3se-mini's when the crunch goes on. I will not be afraid to get a new product from Paradigm in the future. ANYWHERE you can find these - get them -- plain & simple..

Strengths:
strong,crisp,deep base with good clear highs.

Weaknesses:
none

Similar Products Used:
venturi 5-1 and acoustamass 6 series I

Price Paid:  $230.00 from ebay

Summary:
These are excellent speakers. Great definition across the frequency range. Like all small speakers they don't have the ultimate in bass, but what you do get is a well balanced musical presentation which is totally non-intrusive. I've listened to quite a few higher end speakers, NHT, Krix and Orpheus to name a few. The Paradigms survive very well in this kind of company. If you are in the market for quality bookshelf speakers, these are well worth consideration. At their going price on ebay, they are nearly an unbeatable bargain.

Strengths:
Excellent musicality, easy on the ear (and the budget).

Weaknesses:
For their size and price, none.

Price Paid:  $150.00 from Team Electronics

Summary:
I purchased these little wonders used in 1994 or 1995, and for the past 7-8 years they have been my references. I've auditioned other speakers and found none I like better unless they were several TIMES the price of new ones (the current model, which is now four or five generations later, is the Mini Monitor, which has received rave reviews and lists for a paultry $350). I've had these speakers in four different listening rooms, all of different sizes, shapes, and compositions, and they have always been superb. The sound is even and fluid, without the slightest hint of harshness or stress. And the bass--all I can say is that, from a 5.75" woofer in a small enclosure, it is OUTSTANDING. I use these for classical (CD and vinyl), 70's rock, heavy metal, and movies/TV, and they work equally well across the board. Not only that, but they can take a temendous amount of input without any cone breakup or other distortion (the upper trebble CAN get a little harsh at very loud levels, but it's minor). During *The Empire Strikes Back,* when a star destroyer rumbles overhead, these little woofers actually shook my furniture! If you're in the market for great speakers with a small footprint, the newest version just can't be beat.

Strengths:
Everything: smooth sound, great bass, tremendous power handling

Weaknesses:
None

Similar Products Used:
Polks, Yamahas

Summary:
I don't think these are still on the market, but they are what sold me on Paradigm speakers. Great bass, nice highs and in such a small speaker, I don't know how they do it. If it is still possible to get your hands on a pair I would go for it. My only regret is that with upgrades in my system I am not able to use them more often.

Strengths:
Great bass for a little speaker, price.

Weaknesses:
None that I have heard in over 6 years of listening.

Similar Products Used:
Paradigm Mini-Monitors