Technically, the Studio 40 is a very well balanced little speaker with a pleasing design. Due to its neutral balance and fatigue free sound, it was very easy on the ears. It doesn't have extended earth shaking bass, but the bass it does produce is sufficiently weighty, articulate, and tuneful. However, this description doesn't do justice to the sheer quality of sound produced by this humble speaker that is telling you politely that I am "value for money”. However, majority of us are always striving for a product that is VALUE FOR MONEY. In the case of Paradigm Reference Studio 40 v.2, you at least achieve that objective for sure. I certainly have no regrets having acquired it to replace my aging Maggie’s and problems of room limitations in my new abode. If you are in the market for new speakers in this price bracket, DO AUDITION THEM. Paradigm Reference Studio 40 v.2 may be a small speaker with the label "value for money" pasted on its front panel, but it sure portrays music with style and class.

Although the speakers were not quite able to match the lush sound staging of the Maggies, nor match the high frequency of the ribbon tweeter, but, compared to other similar designs Paradigms were better than any I had heard in the same price bracket and surprisingly better than some in high price category as well.

I had made arrangements with the dealer to allow me to audition them at home and the moment they arrived I had a go at them to get a glimpse of what they could offer me in terms of sound quality. Just out of the box they did give an indication of the potential they had once “broken in". Therefore I went ahead with the purchase. Paradigm recommends that the speakers be broken-in for several hours before any critical listening is done. I recall that the speakers when new were slightly harsh sounding and the low-end extension was not quite what the specs claimed compared to what they are reproducing now. Paradigm recommends that the speakers should be positioned approximately 2/3 of the distance from each other (For example, if the listening position to speaker position distance is 3 m (9ft) then the speakers should be 2 m (6ft) apart, measured from woofer center of both speakers. The setup that I found to be suitable in my room turned out to be more or less very much similar to what paradigm suggests, give or take a few inches. The individuals taste, choice of music, volumes that need to be achieved all contribute to the ultimate synergy of the system. Paradigm states that the speakers are suitable to be driven by amplifiers in the range of 15-180 watts. I used four amplifiers ranging from 25 to 300 watts. The Perreaux with very high damping factor of over 400 had fabulous control on the woofer, which I particularly noticed, barely moved even at high volumes. I was afraid that I might fry the tweeter or blow the woofer if I cranked the volume any higher. The 100-watt Quad 405 MkII (with a mere 5 ampere current) was not really able to drive them as the cone movement at high volumes (70-80%) I noticed was excessive. This time I had to worry about the woofer bottoming out too frequently and giving up. The 140-watt Quad 606 MkII (able to generate 12 amperes) proved perfectly adequate for my needs and listening preferences as it did have the oomph to drive these speakers with room to spare. The Nad 3225 PE was not really able to drive the speakers with 25 watts only. Certainly not the fault of Nad. For some 50 watts may be more than enough yet there are those who cannot be content with even 300 watts of power. I feel a good neutral amp (likes of Rotel, NAD and Musical Fidelity of say at least 100 watts, is needed to do justice in driving these speakers. If you like bottles, there is no harm in partnering them with that too. While playing Alan Stivell’s – Renaissance of the Celtic Harp, the speakers were more than adequate in terms of reproducing the delicate sound of the instrument. I did not notice any resonance whatsoever at any frequency levels. The ambience of this beautiful instrument was conveyed very well. The high frequencies did not sound harsh and I felt that these speakers have the capability to satisfy those who tend to have long sessions of few hours in one go. While listening to Strunz and Farah’s Primal Magic, one could hear the vibration of the strings as they were individually being plucked, the scratching sound as one moves swiftly from one fret to another. It was an exhilarating experience listening to the sounds being emanated from the flamenco guitar. You clearly hear the rise, decay, and interplay of the music. The mid frequency is the most critical. Since we are most sensitive to these frequencies, very slight variation or coloration in the vocal range is easy to judge. In my opinion if a speaker cannot do justice to mid frequencies it is not a good speaker even if it has tremendous bass slam and crystal clear highs. The planar speakers excel in both high and mid frequencies but somehow lack in bass extension, not that they do not have any bass, they do, but not with the slam. At a friend’s place I had heard Cassandra Wilson’s “Strange Fruit” on the Alon Adrianna’s (mini monitors) driven by Cary Audio Design’s 2A3 single ended 5-watt triode amplifier with the source being Wadia’s 850 CD player and I thought I was sitting in Cassandra’s lap. While listening to the Paradigm on my humble setup, I felt I was hand-shaking distance away from her, which is good enough for me at this price point. Beware; Wadia/CAD/Alon system is more than ten times the price. I was pleasantly surprised to note that the low-end extension was very good and much better than what I expected from these bookshelves. In fact better than some of the floor standing speakers I have had the experience of listening to. The low bass on few of the CD's like Sting's - Brand New Day (A thousand years) and Cassandra Wilson's - New Moon Daughter (Strange Fruit) was solid, clean and well damped. I was curious to find out if Paradigm's claim that these speakers have low frequency extension all the way down to 34 Hz was really true. After the listening session I popped in a test CD (RCA) and played the low frequency sweep (125Hz-20Hz). I could hear all the way down to just above 30Hz. The test disc has 1khz be

unheard of transparency at this level extremely musical with all types

highs can be a bit "extended" unforgiving with a/v power

What can I say that hasn't been already said...Paradigm Reference products offers unreal sonics for the money...exceptional build quality...and a level of transparency found only in really overpriced gear...the only real negative are the highs are a bit pronounced...especially when a/v receivers are used...I found the 20s to image better...and these 40s need stands as well...always a hidden cost...if your looking for more bass than the 20s offer...go straight to the floorstanding 60s...unless your previous speakers cost more than 2k you will have these speakers for life...

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studio 20-a better value monitor silver 4i-smoother highs,bass a tad hollow,more forward sounding...but still a very good speaker nht 1.5-a bit outclassed at this level

Build quality, transparency, imaging, neutrality, tight bass

not any less expensive???

This summary is for the Studio 40 v2. At the beginning of my quest to build a nice two channel/HT system I was a naive kid. Infinity and Technics were the likes I associated with nice sound. I then was introduced to the next tier and quickly upgraded my gear to a Yamaha reciever with Mini Monitors and Titans. After a while my sense for what sounded great started to improve and I suddenly found myself wanting better stuff. I added a NAD integrated mated with a Monitor 7 up front. Enter the Studio 40! The 40 is driven by an Anthem MCA 20 amplifier and is partnered by a Mirage SS1500 subwoofer. Upon first glance at this speaker I noticed its biuld quality: premium grill cloth and beautiful real wood finish. With a closer look, you'll notice world class drivers on an elegantly designed baffle. When I first brought the speaker home I had it driven by the NAD integrated 350. It did a good job but was just outclassed in the pairing. I then upgraded to a Marantz 4200 and it did a much better job but I still wasn't convinced that I was getting the most out of the speaker. Hence the Anthem. This is a remarkable combination. The Studio 40 has the ability to do everything very well. Fundamentals, harmonics, soundstage, transparency, imaging, acoustic bass is real, bass guitar is tight, vocals are profound, kick drum, brushes, hi-hat, jazz, reggae, hip-hop; you name it, it sounds natural and true. Everything is heard in the music. On a really well recorded/mastered disc I am put right where the mic would be in the recording studio, up close and personal with the musician. It can't get any better than this for me. I have spent over 8 months with this speaker in my system fiddling with room placement and tweaks like isolation, mass loading, damping, and room treatments; all together making an enjoyable improvement. If you are the type of person who is looking to spend a fair amount of money and want something in return that is far better than you imagined then add the Studio 40 to your audition list. The 2 Channel part of my system: CDP Yamaha CDC775 (blu-tacked crystal, on a DIY rollerball shelf over a 'vibrapod sandwich') PRE/RECEIVER Marantz SR4200 AMP Anthem MCA20 MAIN Paradigm Reference Studio 40 v2 (on sand-filled J50 stands) SUB Mirage SS1500 IC Tara Labs Prism55 SP WIRE Tara Labs Prime 1000 biwire ROOM 2 JR bass traps, 6 JR absorb panels

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Monitor 7 is the only thing I've owned that comes close. Two different sports though!

Imaging, Bass!!! Tight Articulate! And the Looks WOW!!!

Have to buy Matching Stands

I took a trip to the Audio Buys shop today here in Northern VA to listen to the studio 40's before I buy them, They were hooked up Via sunfire tube preamp and one of the sunfire solid state amps....I could not believe the imaging that they throw at you...I could position were dave matthews was sitting and were the saxaphone was playing!! All I can say is I have not heard anything better.

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B&W M&K NHT Mirage and vienna's but there not that good:)

Very loud, good for blowing out large rooms, heavy.

No imaging, no clarity, ugly box, stupid design, causes metaphysical angst in new proportions.

I bought these speakers on impulse after thinking that they sounded good. They are my first pair of "decent" speakers and I have found that compared to the Paradigm Reference Studio 20's these speakers are pieces of crap. They cannot image, they are too loud, have too much bass, and cost too much. There are always fundamental problems if you have more than one driver. Since there are two drivers in this speaker, they can't be helped by ANY amount of Paradigm engineering. After experiencing buyers remorse for several weeks now, I've decided to lie about these speakers and tell people that they are good, and maybe I'll get used to them after a while. In the beginning I lost sleep because of these speakers, I was so angry about buying them, but now I am relegated to hating myself for getting them, as I've too much stupid pride to return them. If you have any sense at all, you will avoid the Studio 40's and purchase something that sounds good.

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Nothing this bad.

Price, bass, timbre, clarity, and price.

Maybe I'd nitpick if I paid twice as much, but that's not necessary here.

I've had these speakers for about half a year now, and I am extremely pleased with them. I listen to almost every genre of music, and I can honestly say that they perform well across the board; from classical to punk. Everything sounds the way it should, i.e. cymbals are not tinny, and brasses have a full timbre. I was, and still am, very, very impressed with how well these speakers handle crunching guitars. Almost all other speakers I auditioned got torn apart by this. Electric bass passages are stong and have a newfound direction, and orchestral music has a much fuller sound. I have used these speakers to watch movies, but do not own a full theater system. Never-the-less, I am very satisfied with the bass response from these speakers (I do have a small room with hardwood floors). With that being said, I can't imagine a better pair of speakers for the fronts in a theater setup. The closest speakers I found in terms of quality were the B&W speakers. I liked Paradigm's tone and price much more than the B&Ws, so the choice was easy for me. I settled on the Monitor 40s over something larger like the 60s because they are much lighter. If I need to move the speakers for some reason, I can do it without any problem (it might be more of a hassle if they were much heavier). I would highly recommend these speakers to anyone who wants a solid system without breaking the bank. Sure, better speakers exist, but I'd rather not spend an arm and a leg (or spend it on a better amp). Right now, I have these speakers bi-wired to a Marantz SR-4000. These relatively budget system does everything I could possible ask of it.

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I auditioned them against: B&W 602 through CDMNT 9, Boston Accoustics VR line, and many others.

Very musical?xD;?xA;Revealing without fatigue

None

Here's something that I've never done before: Purchased a pair of speakers without auditioning them first. But, having lived with a pair Paradigm mini-monitors for a couple of years, I figured that the Studio 40's v2 just had to sound better. I wasn't wrong!! The Studio 40's are so much fuller, less fatiguing, clearer...well, just plain better in every sonic way there is in comparison to the 'monitors. The only slight regret is that I didn't audition these against the Studio 60's, but I figured that by running the 40's along with my Hsu VTF-2 sub, I didn't need any extra low end. I think I made the right choice.?xD;?xA;?xD;?xA;Associated equipment:?xD;?xA;Panasonic dvd-rp56?xD;?xA;Audible Illusions MOD-3A?xD;?xA;Aragon 4004 mk1

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Paradigm mini-monitors, JBL-L112 & Vandersteen 3a Signitures (in my reference system)

The cabnets are really well made. The speaker are made in house good idea. The material casted baskets on punched out tin. Really high quality magnets, new rubber surrounds for speakers.

I wish the full cabnet was made of real woods. Speaker stands that are for sales at the deal not heavy enough.

Hi Paradigm Reference Studio 40's what a performer up against some of the biggest names in the business. Not to mention the price also, best bang for the buck. I agree with some of the other reviews the better the pre and power amp the nice they sound. My Reference systems include Aragon 8008 ST Bryston 4B ST Krell and Spectral. Every time better equiment was used the fast and sweet the speakers played. I love Martin logans these little 2and half ways are a seal in Canada. They are a good deal to our Ammerican Friends, check them out they can Please & save you alot of money.

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Price range 2k to 3k B&w Kef Dynaudio PSB Tannoy

Made in Canada good warrenty,really excellent sound for the price no competion Really nice professional constructed drives

The stands that are sold at dealer not up to the job. You pay for what you get. Do not wash good money on and fantastic speaker and lose out on the stand they will add to the low frquencys.

Hi out there I too have bought the Paradigm reference studio 40's I have been buying all types of equiment for 25yrs. Have gone through lots amps pre amps speakers you know, the storywe all go throuht. I love all different style & kinds of speakers as long as they do one thing a that is amaze or suprise me when I play my best record or cd. The paradigm gets a bad rap why because it's not Britishor gets over blowed by big ads. I am proud to be Canadian we make some real good equiment like Bryston Sonic frontier Moom and Yes the studio 40's. I am tried and have a lot of time go all ottawa and Montreal & Toronto. These speakers are a solid construction second to none. The speakers are very well made no punch out tin baskets here. I used different pre & power amp combinations,it's true garbage in garbage out. These speakers love Bryston 4b ST or Aragon 8008 ST, Krell KSA50 and the best was with Spectral pre and power amps Rated at 100 RMS @ 8 ohms. What can I say These are the best bang for the buck. I am even thinking of the studio 100's and selling my Tannoy D700 which cost me 3 time more cash.

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b&w CDM 1 NT Celestion A2 PSB Kef pcm LB1 Dynaudio contour 1.3

Midrange is very very clear. Not a lot of low frequency but who care ? cuz, I have a sub, the Paradigm PW-2200, of course.

None so far, but may be the long breakin period. Mine take more than 100 hours.

My planning was to have the 40s in the front and the 20s in the back for surround for my home theater, but I ended up with 2 pairs of 40s. They are amazing. The sound is clear and so perfect. Believe me, have an audition of these speakers and you will love them. They are more than excellent dor movies and for music. The 20s have a midrange less clear than the 40s, and the difference in price is not so big. With the 40s all around, the DVD-Audio sounds really impressive. These speakers with the J-50 stands look very attractive and thsoe stands are a must. Do you a favor, run to your dealer and buy them.

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Mission, Titans, Monitor series.