I had to place these speakers only 4 inches away from the back wall, they still produced very good bass extension. A bit too bright at times, which makes them average for classical music, but great for pop. Just got the AQ type4's and waiting for an improvement. Overall excellent speakers and outstanding value @$275 (soundcity).

big sound from a small speaker

when properly placed, none

I originally bought titans, and while they were good they didn't provide the "big" sound I was looking for, and the the bass was a little bloated. I returned them and started shopping again, and finally chose the mini monitors. These speakers sound "full", they really fill my average sized living room, and I can turn them up and enjoy the music clearly when in other parts of the house. I listened to the the NHT Super One, the B&W 302, the PSB 300i, and mini-monitor when shopping. The minis were the only one of the four that did an admirable job of soundstaging. I will say I was also impressed with the B&W for $249, if my budget had been really tight these would have been my choice, but I got the minis for $288 and the extra $40 was worth it. If you can find the B&W below their retail, they would be quite a buy. I was also intrigued with the NHT, the detail and imaging were extremely impressive for $297. I think they would satisfy classical fans especially if they can live without low bass (however I am told you need high quility source equiptment for the NHTs or they will sound lousy). The PSB was my least favorite of the 4, but still wasn't bad. It sounded clean and detailed but bass was weak, if I wanted that sound I would have gone with the NHTs. If you're in the market for an inexpensive quality bookshelf speaker, you should give them all a listen and perhaps some others. I personally love the minis. I listen to a variety of music at a wide range of volumes, and for overall staisfaction the Paradigms were the best choice for me. I did have to move them a foot or so from the back wall to keep them from thumping me with too much bass.

System:
cheap Technics CD changer (may upgrade eventually)
NAD C340 Integrated amp
Paradigm mini-monitors
12 guage speaker cable from Home Depot (like monster cable but for 30 cents/ft) with banana clips

Originally I was using a cheap receiver but I suspected it was faulty and replaced it with the NAD amp, and I noticed immediately the bass became tighter and the soundstage depth improved.

I don't watch enough TV/movies to justify spending any money for HT. Lots of folks talk about how they love their minis for HT and that's great, but if all you want is good old-fashioned 2 channel audio, these speakers should still definitly be on your "must hear" list. Final note: The mini monitors sound better in my living room than they did in the shop, unlike the titans.

Sound

Seem weak in tv surround

Use these babies as my surrounds, but easily could be fronts. I knew I had a pretty good system b/f surround, but still can't believe the difference with these speakers behind. The only minor complaint I have with these is that they are fine for music and dvd, but tend to disappear with tv broadcasts. May be due to placement, but don't have too many options there. Was looking at higher priced Paradigm surrounds, but these sold me for the money. Mirage fronts, Paradigm OMC-350 center, powered by HK AVR75 with Panasonic A120u dvd and HK FL8550 cd.

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Matched with Paradigm center

Build quility, looks and value

none for me

IMHO the Mini Monitors are an excellent speaker. They possess all the qualities I looked for in a speaker. Starting with the all important price and sound right down to looks. I bought them for the rears in my HT system. Admittedly, I did not audition any other speakers for my HT system since I already knew about Paradigm speakers. I had the Monitor7s for fronts and CC150 for center channel which I have now up graded to the CC350(I bought it a few months before the CC450 came out...dooh!). The MMs sounded excellent to me and IMHO sound better than the Studio 20's for my taste(20's to warm). What can I say except go and listen for yourself and you will amazed what they can do in spite of the fact they are a bookshelf speaker. You will not be disappointed and will save a couple hundred dollars to boot. They indeed deserve a rateing of 5 stars.

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none

I own Tannoy M2's hooked up to one of those Nak AV7's everyones gotten from UBID (227 USD great deal).

My brother wanted some speakers and had just purchased a sherwood newcastle from UBID (287 US decent deal). He auditioned his receiver at my house with the tannoys and my Nak seemed to sound more fuller. He originally was going to go for the M2's also, but after listening we both agreed that maybe the sherwood should be matched to a more efficient speaker.

Heard and read about the Paradigms and decided to go for a listen. Now, the sherwood is rated at 125 into 8ohm stereo and 100 for dd. My nak is only 100 into 8ohm stereo and 80 for dd, but it seemed to kick ass against the sherwood.

Found the perfect match for the overrated sherwood newcastle 925 with the mini monitors and the cc350. Anyone needed great sound with modest power should check these babies out. I wish I had before I bought the Tannoys.

The speakers have more definition and a surprisingly big soundstage. They are not as warm as the M2's but they sound great for both movies and music(jazz,classical,pop). They have great bass response (my brother's place has better sound acoustics). And are priced very reasonably at 339 retail. Can't seem to find any faults except the very low end (but a good sub will help easily). Needs good solid stands (try the cinder blocks if they go with your decor)

Tight Bass

Lack of a matched, Direct axis surrounds with wall mounts.

The Mini-Monitor wins against tough competition. Smooth, open and a bass so tight one can hear the kick drum hitting the skins. I'm going to Canada to pick these babies up at a discount.
I am not a fan of Di-Polar surrounds, can anybody tell me how Atoms sound in the back?

Similar Products Used:

NHT Super One, B&W 302, 601

GOOD BASS, CLEAN MIDRANGE, SMOOTH HIGHS - SUPERB!

NONE

This speaker is a Winner! In movies the sound is fantastic, but in music it really shines, making me love music still more. Want high-end sound for a normal price? Get the Mini-monitors! 5 Stars!

My System:
Front...Mini-Monitors
Center..CC-350
Rear....ADP-170
Sub.....PDR-12
Amp: Yamaha RX-V995

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B&W and Yamaha

Clear, powerful sound.

None.

These speakers are fantastic. I read a lot of reviews and searched for a nearby dealer, went for a test hearing, and had to get them. Sound great alone, but even better with the subwoofer. I listened to a large selection of Pardigm speakers, and for the money, these look and sound great. Need to have stands, though.

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First time buying relative high-end speakers

Sound superb, pretty good bass

none I can think of

I've had these speakers now for almost a year, and I am absolutely overwhelmed by the difference they've made in my home theater setup. These speakers simply sound awesome. Since I paid $200 for them (new- don't ask me how...), I couldn't have gotten a better speaker for the money. Add a Paradigm center channel (I'm currently using the CC-170), and you're good to go...

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Tested NHT SuperZeros, SuperOnes, Energy, and B&W

Nice balance, no serious holes- good tight bass for a bookshelf

A bit short on depth in mid ranges- could be a touch more crisp in upper reaches.

To be brief, an excellent speaker at the price--no holes. Most of the speakers I've tried at sub $400 are noticabley lacking in the mid-ranges. The MM's did a pretty nice job at this--although they don't touch the Paradigm studio reference 20's. Very nice balance. I've used Boston HD7's and 9's with a decade old Yamaha stereo reciever the past 9 years-- picked up these yesterday as a gift for a friend. In shopping I listened to the new line of bostons bookshelfs in this price range compared to the MM's then took the MM's home- I thought the current bostons were bright/borderline tinny-don't know whether that will cure with break-in or what. Did get a chance to compare the MM's side by side with my HD7's-have to give my (broken in and babied) HD-7's a definate edge at the high end and in depth of field... The MM's did however have a tighter bass that was noticable on Timpani (kettle) drums. All in all, I'll give them a 5 as a value- and also a 5 as an overall since I haven't come across anything else currently made in their price range that matches up.

Similar Products Used:

Boston HD7, HD9, CR9