Paradigm Reference SA-35 Speakers
I used these speakers as my rear and center speakers with Paradigm floor standing models for several years. They truly excelled in the multichannel music arena and were likewise excellent for theater. They replaced Polk speakers that sounded good at the time, but these Paradigms are a big step up, for certain.
Matched timbre to the floor standing fronts the multichannel experience was a “you are there” experience. I particularly enjoyed the bass coming from these speakers as it was a huge step up from the Polk in walls they replaced. Sounding more like floor standing speakers than in walls is a great compliment and one that applies. The mounting base was better than most that I have seen and I believe this rigid structure was part and parcel to the reason behind the bass being so tight and distortion free.
Imaging was stunning in music mode and in theater they were a perfect blend. Perhaps a bit of overkill in the rear position for theater, but perfect for music would be my take on using them. A sub coupled to the 35’s hit all the bass and room rumbling I could have asked for. Steely Dan “Gaucho” is a favorite and one I recommend listening to as a reference for testing; it never sounded better than with these speakers. Anyone can get a canon or explosion, but music done right...that is much more difficult and exciting!