BASS...HUGE SOUNSTAGE..GOOD IMAGING...

none yet for this price.........

Why is Reference 100 V.2 so good??
1.Low bass extension..no need for subwoofers...
2.Huge soundstage...
3.Deep bass...
4.Heavy...that shows that it has lots inside...
5.Very natural midrange....
and......
Paradigm 100 V.2 is UNBEATABLE at this price..You can't find any speaker better than it at this price...You can't!!!!!!!!!!!

Similar Products Used:

this speaker may even be better than Dunlavy SC-IV..there is not a big difference between them..

Good bass response, highly revealing. Small frontal view minimizes their apparent size. Vertical imaging is good as well, the central voice seems to float above the top of the speaker height (how'd they do that?).

Looooong break-in period. Before break-in, sound seems harsh or overly bright. Imaging is very good though the sweet spot is somewhat narrow (this could be due to placement).

I have these speakers placed about 10 feet apart as mains in a combined home theater/listening room that is 18'x15'x7.5'. They are about 3' out from the 15 foot (front) wall. The "front end" of the room is acoustically deadened with sound absorbers behind and to the sides of the speakers, and on the ceiling (as "clouds"). The "back end" of the theater has sound diffusors installed in order to make it acoustically live.

I bought the black laminate speakers. When I first took them out of their boxes about some months ago, I was initially disappointed. They sounded a little bright -- for example, trumpets sounded a bit strident and I often had to turn the volume down to maintain a comfortable listening level. I appreciate Latin music as well and a female singer named Celia Cruz, whose voice is brassy -- akin to a female Louis Armstrong, if you can picture that -- came across as harsh and grating, not gravelly and smooth. Anyway, given that many popular recordings have their treble enhanced (the sibilants are too hissy) and that the speakers' manufacturer suggests the buyer let them break in for at least several hours, I did not return them but simply operated them for hours at a time at standard loudness levels. I am now glad I did, since after many (~100? More?) hours of use, they sound not "harsh" -- in comparison to the pair of Sony MDR-V6 headphones I use as a tonal reference -- but rather open and clear. For example, I can now hear overtones on electric guitars that at first I did not know were in the recording. I can play the speakers three to six dB more loudly (from about 83 to about 87 dB now, at a distance of about 10 feet, as measured by a Radio Shack acoustic power meter, A-weighted with slow response), without suffering from "listener's fatigue." I suspect that perhaps at least a fraction of the people that initially believed these speakers to be "too revealing" or "too harsh" -- and then replaced their electronics in order to improve this -- have actually had the speakers finally break in over time with a commensurate improvement in their sound.

On a different note, I have noticed that the sound stage that these transducers throw is large, taller than the speakers are themselves. I find myself looking upwards from my listening seat, say about five to six feet off the floor, to follow the acoustic image. I do not know how Paradigm did it, but to quote the king in 'Amadeus', "Well, there it is."

One quibble I do have is that these speakers' "sweet spot" is rather narrow, but it is possible that this has more to do with their placement than some intrinsic quality. This does not affect my listening sessions since I sit in the one acoustically optimized spot in the room.

To summarize, I feel these speakers perform very well. There will always be something better in some aspect, but if you like clarity, tonal neutrality and good bass in your music, you will not go wrong with these hulking beasts -- just give them some time to break in.

Similar Products Used:

B&W 801 Matrix, Allison Acoustics CD series, Cambridge SoundWorks Tower II.

Powerful bass, neutral response throughout audio range, power handling, dynamic response

Size, heavy beasts, deep, increased response not commensurate with size

Make no mistake these are superb speakers but won't guarantee superb sound from any music or system. Their outstanding frequency response and presence will reveal any shortcomings in recordings - I hated these speakers when I listened to my first few recordings. U2 and David Bowie recordings were harsh and unpleasant to listen to. Several thousand dollars after upgrading A-V amp from Yamaha 995 to Denon AVC-A1SE, CD player from Pioneer to ARcam FMJ23 I now have a system am delighted to listen to. They offer punch, incredible agility and superb freequency response - they match the B&Ws tonality well and make good front speakers in surround sound. Their bass response makes a sub-woofer unnecessary. Overall my outstanding impression is how well the B&Ws compare at 1/4 the price and size - they are better but not x3 better. I think they are superb for classical music but their brutally frank revealing nature makes them somewhat less suitable for the less tonally smooth modern day recordings. As ever listen FIRST with your kinda music before taking them home without an audition based on these adulatory reviews!

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B&W 602 S1&S2, Jamo Classic 6, Interdyn

These speakers are very attracted to Earth's gravitational field. Matched stereo-pairs with driver characteristics kept on file for possible future replacement. Rather well designed except for weaknesses listed below. BIG BANG for the buck, even w/o considering the dealer discount.

Dismal shipping cartons/packaging, (first pair arrived damaged in shipping). Shabby threaded inserts (for footer mounting) in bottoms of cabinets pulled out when adjusting spikes, (used carpenter's glue to reinstall the inserts, but was displeased to have to do such a salavage-job on such, otherwise,WONDERFUL(!) speakers. Too bad a GREAT(!) design for sound reproduction has such weaknesses in these non-musical areas, (the product MUST reach the consumer undamaged and able to be set up w/o damage!!!). One would likely go broke and insane trying to better these speakers.

The poor stereo-imaging and in-your(my)-face qualities of the JBLs eventually got me interesting in changing speakers, (for a little while I considered simply adding a subwoofer and just continue rockin' on). I've followed the Hifi press for years (since 1972) and set my speaker budget limit at $5000US. With repeated auditioning the B&W N803 and Thiel (model?) I was about to flip a coin when the Ref.100V2 reviews were published. The name Paradigm was familiar regarding their design-criteria coming out of the Canadian consumer products research-base. The demo speakers at my local dealer (closer to where I work than where I live) were hooked up to a Sunfire amp and Rotel CDP and in their main (sub-optimal) room, but even then, I knew these speakers were IT(!). The store offered an attractive discount WITHOUT EVEN BEING ASKED(!!!) and we ordered a pair in cherry veneer. The first pair was delivered damaged (apparent assault-by-forklift, the damage would, clearly, have been prevented if the carton's sidepanels were internally cushioned) and a second was ordered. During intial setup several of the threaded inserts for attaching the feet stripped out of the cabinets. Gluing the inserts back in place, I used the provided feet and spikes and experimented on placement for ~1yr. TeknaSonic mid and low freq. dampeners (located using freq-band specific pink noise, and yes, even these heavily braced speakers DO benefit from additional dampening - IT WORKS!) and heavy (20 lb per speaker) custom designed/machined brass spiked bases now grace the Ref100s. Acoustic treatments from AcousticsFirst, Sumo Andromeda/Athena amp/pre, Automated Yamaha EQ between amp/pre (I've used room EQ'ing for many years - the speakers many have flat response, but I've nver had a flat-response room. This EQ does not "degrade" the signal - BS to the "fact" that all EQ is BAD, but yes, non-analyzed/smiley-face EQ is rather detrimental), Rega Planet2000, cabling by AQ, MIT, and Kimber, Monster HTS2000 conditioner, hospital-grade plugs/recepticles, dedicated 20 amp circuit, (all contacts Caig ProGold treated). Also, numerous strategically placed floorjacks are under an otherwise bouncy floor.
The $3000 saved on speakers have gone into upgrading from orig. release CDs to DCC, SBM, MFSL, and various 20-24 bit remasters, (many wonderful Japanese releases), (all Optrix treated). I'm not into home theater or PC stuff, (this is posted from work, where I can surf during slow times. Someday you may see my system/room posted in "My System").
Many months and iteration for optimal speaker location and proper EQing and these speakers in this system help provide satisfaction FAR beyond what I thought I'd possibly be able to achieve. The very coherent images float in space, the perceived soundstage width and height extends well beyond the speakers and the low frequencies are delivered with authority in as much as they exist on the recording, (definitely not BOOMY, muddy, exaggerated, or single-note-bass). I've read descriptions of speakers that "disappear" (the JBLs sure couldn't do that), but now I KNOW.
Life is good, let's try to live it well together.
Note: Overall rating at 4 stars due to weaknesses listed.

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The all-time classic rock n' rollers: JBL-Century-100 (used for the previous 25 years), these were VERY different speakers vs. the Ref. Studio 100V2.

GREAT BASS, EXCELLENT IMAGING, VERY COHERENT FROM TOP TO BOTTOM.BEAUTIFUL MIDRANGE. SPEAKERS JUST DISAPPEAR.

VERY REVEALING OF POOR QUALITY RECORDING. GARBAGE IN, GARGAGE OUT.

This has been the best purchase I've ever made. I auditioned
many of the above speakers, and in my opinion nothing had the overall balance of the studio 100's. These speakers are very smooth from top to bottom. With the proper amp these speakers sound so natural. All you here is the music, not just sound emerging from two enclosures. You can listen for hours with no listening fatigue. These speakers are a must listen for anyone in the 5,000 and under range. Simply superb!!

Similar Products Used:

B&W, TOTEM, VANDERSTEEN, MIRAGE, DEFINITIVE TECHNOLOGY,
MARTIN LOGAN, THIEL AND OTHERS.

Imaging, Transparency, Clarity, low-end, full spectrum reproduction.

Long break in period, 500+ Hours.

Let me get this all straight. There have been some totally bogus reviews on these speakers. I an a reviewer for HiFi speakers/recievers/etc. Being in the Audio business for 25 years makes alot of sense, and having a cunning sharp ear for music/audio reproduction. These have been the most pleasing speakers I have ever listened to. I had the Version 2's, and the CC/ Studio 20's for rears, and 2 servo 15 subs. Along with an Integra DT-9.1 Reciever/pre-map, and a Bob Carver Cinema Grand Signature amplifier driving very large amounts of TRUE clean power to all the channels, and a Marantz SACD player, along with their flagship DVD player/CD Player. These speakers are true gems, and far ahead of their time. No bass people say? There is tons of bass if DRIVEN correctly. No pioneer "Elite" low-end will not drive these diamonds. Sony won't. Kenwood won't. Yamaha won't. Those are Low-end entry level amps/recievers. They don't push nothing but "turd". Only get these speakers if you have the cash/financing to dish out to get the BEST sound out of these. Marantz/Integra/Carver/NAD/Nakamichi etc. And bi-wire. Bi-amp is not needed but it's a plus. The frequency roll offs on the high end are not bright, they are crystal clear. The upper midrange is strong, and can produce it with no effor, lower midrange as well. The bass is superb, and these speakers are on the edge of being called a "Miracle". If you believe in god, believe in these speakers. Go listen to them, do not take peoples words for them. Everyone likes their speakers differently, you will be amazed by these speakers. Movie theaters sound great huh? When they turn the sound up it is. Home theaters can sound better with Paradigm Studio 100's. Why are they so cheap? Put it this way, they are made in Canada. No offense to anyone who is a Canadian. These speakers are the best of the best. They are cheaper to produce in Canada. So what happens? No american price inflation. let me tell you, if these speakers were to be manufactured in the USA, they would cost nearly $8,500.00 a pair for the Studio 100's, but since they are not, we are all saved. They spend millions on the research, and make a speaker you cannot kill. Trust me, I tried to. They still keep going. Chances are, your house will fall down before these will. Let me tell you a little story about when I reviewed them. I had them all wired/bi-amped/wired, etc. Had all the speakers set up correctly, correct distance, in the #1 Rated home theater room dimensions, with acoustical treatments. NOTE: You do not need acoustical treatments with these speakers, they are remarkable without them. Anyways, I turned the volume on the Integra reciever to about 75% And did the most critical test of all. The Matrix DVD part of the movie where he walks into the building in the metal detector. I have a DTS plaque/THX/DD screwed into my wall in the theater room. Screwed in securely, these gems were powered to the max rating, with 100% Clean power, no distortion. Want to know what happened to my plaque? it fell and shattered hence it was etched glass. Am I mad? No. It can be replaced. The speakers cannot, as long as the speakers were good, they were. My wife was in the room with me, and you know what she did? She got so scared from the realism, that she grabbed hold of me and asked me "Did you buy more crap again?" When you are scared of the bullets to hit you FROM A MOVIE, they are excellent speakers. They play well with all music too. Celtic/jazz/rock/alternative/techno/rap/pop/vocals/classical/electronic/bass/etc. Don't let a good ear get jipped out of being deaf. Sit down with your favorite cd's/Dvd's go to an authorized dealer, and listen to these with mind free. close your eyes, you are right there in the middle of the action and band. E-mail me if you have any questions, enjoy these speakers. Peace out - John

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B&W 802/PSB Gold/Mirage OM-5/Martin Logan/Definative/NHT

Very clean highs with strong bass segments

If it's got any, I'm still trying to find them. One thing: my analog mastered CDs sound like SH*T--I hardly like listening to them anymore, after listening to HDCD recordings.

The other speakers were excellent, but I simply didn't want to give up the bass response the 100s offered. This system has to last me awhile, so I decided to jump in with both feet. Also, the retailer had a financial promo going on, so I toook advantage of that to buy the higher-priced boxes. They are built like battleships, and sound great right out of the carton. The first music on them was the analog "Thus Spake..." with the organ bottom--it was impressive. I've been system-less for awhile, but I think I gave the three a thorough test drive. If you can part with the caysh, pony up and drop it on the 100s: I don't think you will regret it...I certainly don't!

The system used: Arcam Alpha 9, McIntosh MA6500.

Similar Products Used:

Paradigm 60, 80 (auditioned before purchase of the 100s)

Associated Equipment:
Krell KAV 300i
VPI HW19JR/RB300 arm/Benz Micro Glider
NAD 512 CD
MIT Terminator 2 Bi-Wire Speaker Cable
Kimber PBJ Interconnects

Without a doubt, this is one EXCITING speaker! For rock like Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac, Massive Attack, Liz Phair, it produces a huge sound stage which is room filling. Aural effects reach out and grab you. Jimi Hendrix Electric Ladyland is 100% 3d with these speakers. Highly focused with lots of top end, imaging is excellent. Midrange is uncolored and not boxy. Male and female voices are totally natural and always appear very much in the room with you. Bass in my room is always satisfying... never boomy or out of control. Sometimes the bass sounds a little shy on some material, but if the recording has bass, the 100s deliver it. They don't go out of their way to manufacture it if it isn't there. On folk and jazz, they are stunning. Acoustic instruments appear as real wood and strings, especially with lps.

Some may find the top end a little edgy on some material. These speakers are not kind to ragged cds or lps. Not recommended for an overly bright room without dampening some wall reflection points. They are also heavy mothers to move around, but finding just the right room placement pays off in spades.

Capable of revealing small details in a natural and life-like manner, and following the music through to its full crescendo without showing any sense of strain. I give this speaker 4 1/2 stars, especially when I consider the price. It has given me many, many late night sessions where I became part of the music.

Truly high-end sound. They have prompted me to re-evaluate every component in the chain to be sure that I am providing the best signal to them as possible. Although I took heat from my wife for buying them, she now makes comments about not being able to bear listening to music when over at a friend's house socializing.
For the price they can't be beat. For twice the price there are very few which can compete. A great value and experience.

Equipment:Musical Fidelity A1001
Sony CDP7ES
Ancient Denon turntable
Van den Hul inters and speaker cables (bi-wired)
When I first hooked up these speakers,I just played them without the legs fitted.With the speakers just sitting on my timber floor,the bass was excessive and just shook the floor and vibrated the whole room-boom,boom,boom.I then fitted the legs and the spikes and put the speakers on floor tiles with carpet neatly trimmed under the tiles.What a revelation.Beautiful tight bass and a soundstage and stereo separation which renders a sound that is so smooth and sweet.These are not the ultimate speakers I know,but in my system the combination of amp and cd player satisfies to the point of questioning the worth of those big dollar speakers where potential gains are small relative to price.I was prepared to spend a lot more but I settled on the Paradigms after auditioning many others(up to four times the price!!)And they sound heaps better in my home than they did in the shop!I'll hang on to these for good while before upgrading and I think they look great!I'm happy and for the money,easily a five star buy.