Price Paid:  $1400.00 from Spearit Sound in MA

Summary:
The Paradigm Signature S2 speakers are superb bookshelf speakers, especially for the price. I bought these pair at the discounted price of $1500 from Spearit Sound (normally $2200). They are the high gloss Rosenut finish and they were on sale because they are discontinuing that particular wood finish. The store was authorized to mail me the speakers with the full five year warranty. After I discovered a scatch on the bottom of one speaker they gave me another $100 discount. The finish of these speakers are stunning. I am pleased with my dealings with Spearit Sound, especially Jack who is the internet/mail order salesperson there. Well enough with the history of the purchase.

The are an incredible sounding pair of speakers. They have a stunning midrange and treble. They have a very wide and deep soundstage!! I feel they go well with my other equipment.

Strengths:
Incredible sound, especially considering the 30% discount off the MSRP. With matching Premier stand the total came to be $1700 including S&H!!!!

Weaknesses:
Bass is somewhat on the weak side, however it is adequate for me since I do not have a HT system and am not a bass fanatic. The bass is what I would expect from a small speaker. The couple scratches on the bottom of the speaker does not inspire confidence in the quality control area.

Price Paid:  $1900.00

Summary:
Just a note based on a demo at a dealer. These are VERY impressive speakers, a clear step beyond anything Paradigm has done before. I felt the sound of the S2's was very close to the S4, making this an excellent bargain high end speaker.

Strengths:
The most impressive part was the midrange. Very clear and smooth, made female voices sound liquid. Excellent tonal balance, transparency and detail. Espcially good imaging. Big soundstage with focus. Speakers disappeared.

Weaknesses:
Like all monitors of this type, there was no low bass (below maybe 45-50 hz), but the bass that was present was well integrated, fast and tuneful. Obviously designed with a subwoofer in mind, still sounded very good on their own unless you are really looking for room shaking bass.

Similar Products Used:
vandersteen, JMlabs, Proac, gallo, quad