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Review NaN of
Price Paid:
$750.00
from Midwest Stereo Summary:
Today's market is flooded by numerous brands of speakers that leave consumers with plenty to wish for through mediocre performances within the several thousand dollar range. With this in mind, auditioning becomes a part of the routine in finding a set of floorstanders that not only appeal to the ear buds, but also to the homes decor. Although the later is not presently a problem, it appears that companies have lost focus in the most important aspects about music. However, Paradigm brings great joy to those seeking for stellar performances within a reasonable price, placing products from other companies several thousand-folds to shame.
This review covers the Monitor 9's vs. 4 in light cherry. Their appearance at first glance is not exotic or thrilling, but favorably satisfies the eyes with the notion of bruteness and a smeer of finness. The wood veneer finish is satisfactory, although not convincing. In addition, the grills appear a bit fragile but sturdy enough to serve its purpose. Despite the minor details that one can find in these models, where they truly excel is in their ability to perfectly convey what ever material you throw at them. Wether it is music or movies, their ability to produce effeciently sound at different volume levels is amazing. I think of them as an overall performer, not bias to musical genre. Paradigm's engineers really did their home work, placing most of the manufacturing cost of these units where it really matters to deliver a stellar product. For instance, Mozart's violin concierto number 4 in E minor through these speakers performance places the listener in the middle of the auditorium, defining each instrument with ease and a well executed soundstage. Imaging is excellent, although dispersion seems to be a bit narrow off axis in comparison to other spearkers (eg. Klipsch RF-5's deliver excellently imaging and have large dispersion). The mid-range frequencies are also close to perfect, rendering both male and female vocals and other instrumentations that deliver notes within this region as close to realistic as possible. Tesla's "Love Song" that begins with some acoustic guitars before the electric ones kick in envoke a sense of realism that convincingly brings the musician into the living room. The low end frequencies are clean, fast, and fairly deep. Ooh, did I also mention punchy! Well, not in a earth shattering extreme, but you will feel their presence. With movies, titles as in Amargedon and George Lucas Star Wars episodes, sound effects are as good and close as it gets to being in the theatre. You will feel the bottom of your seat moving your internal organs. More than gently, but once again not in shattering fashions.
Overall, Paradigm has produced a great pair of speakers that rival others without drying your wallet. They are very neutral and well balanced. Musical is their strongest characteristic, delivering clean transparent sound with a sense of warmthness and excellent tonality. Very dynamic! Strengths:
Excellent presentation at low and high volume, dynamic, and very musical in the sense that it executes almost perfectly every element that engages the listener to their performance such as tonality, imaging, soundstage, etc... Weaknesses:
Although the cabinets are well constructed, the wood veneer finish could be a bit better. Similar Products Used:
Klipsch reference series RF-3 vs. 2 and RF-5's, Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grand, Boston Acoustic VR-3, Martin Logans Clarity, and Definitive Technology Bp-7002's
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