Paradigm Reference MilleniaOne 5.1 Speaker System Earns "Best Compact Solution" Award

In October, Steven Stone of The Perfect Vision reviewed the Paradigm Reference MilleniaOne 5.0 speaker system matched with the MilleniaSub and wrote a raving review entitled "Metal Magic". Since then The Perfect Vision released the "Editor's Choice" awards for 2011 and we received an honorable mention in the "Home Theater Speaker Systems $2500 - $4599" category.  The Paradigm Reference MilleniaOne 5.0 speaker system with MilleniaSub earned "Bet Compact Solution". See below for details...

"Paradigm’s MilleniaOne sat/sub system is the smallest member of the firm’s Reference-series group, which also include the much larger and more costly Studio-series speaker family, yet it plays bigger than it looks. Build quality, as you would expect of Paradigm Reference models, is very high with the MilleniaOne satellites featuring voice-matched S-PAL (satin-anodized pure aluminum) tweeters and mid/bass drivers housed in exquisite die-cast aluminum enclosures."

"Indeed, seamless driver integration and relative freedom from wood-box enclosure resonances are two of the key strengths of this system. But of equal importance is the sleekly styled and ingeniously designed, 300-watt MilleniaSub, which features two oblong woofer drivers arranged in a boxer-type vibration-cancelling configuration, and that is set up for use with Paradigm’s cool optional PBK (perfect bass kit) subwoofer/room EQ package. The slender MilleniaSub will, quite simply, fit where others won’t. Put these factors together and you have, as reviewer Steven Stone put it, “a flexible system that can produce music with exceedingly high fidelity in small urban spaces.”"

Click here! to see all The Perfect Vision Editor's Choice winners.

Click here! for more information on the MilleniaOne speakers.

Click here! for more information on the MilleniaSub.

New York Giants sport Paradigm SHIFT earbuds

Look who's wearing Paradigm SHIFT earbuds!  Not just your average Joes, turns out they appeal to NFL players.

 

Above, Amani Toomer, former wide receiver of the New York Giants smiles as he first listens to Paradigm SHIFT E2m earbuds.

 

 Hours later, Toomer is still lost in the music, picking tunes on his iPad.

Travis Beckum, current tight end for the New York Giants, trys out the E2m's on his Blackberry.

Merry Christmas Travis! Enjoy your new buds.

Click here! for more information on Paradigm SHIFT earbuds or to buy online.

Photos courtesy of The Source Home Theater NYC

"The MilleniaOne and MilleniaSub are impossible not to recommend strongly" - Silent PC Review

 

Mike Chin of Silent PC Review reviewed the Paradigm Reference MilleniaOne 5.0 speaker system with matching MilleniaSub and gave them a strong recommendation and the Editor's Choice stamp of approval. We would love to drop the whole review down right here on our blog but instead we've pulled some of the important highlights. Read on for Mike's thoughts...

"In any configuration, the Millenia speaker system has formidable style and sophistication, with an obvious heritage in classic audio gear, rather than computer speakers." 

"The MilleniaOne might be mistaken for a cheap computer speaker in a quick glance at this PR photo (above), but it actually looks way better, with a beautiful laquer white finish, integrated brushed aluminum stand, and a hefty weight of 3kg"

"The sound that emerged from the MilleniaOne was immediately arresting — detailed and clear, with excellent transients and imaging... a very neutral sound reproducer with excellent linearity and transient quickness."

"The result was strikingly good, even with so little tweaking: The bass was taut, deep and powerful, the transition from bass to higher frequencies quite smooth. It was not possible to localize the source of the bass... on well recorded program material, the entire wall came alive with music. In fact, the sound was good enough that I just became immersed in the music instead of analyzing the speakers... for many weeks."

Together
"With the very first Bluray screening, the impact of the Millenia system was obvious: This is the best sound I've heard from my HT setup. Dialogue was more intelligible at both lower and higher volumes, the drama of musical scores considerably heightened, the ambient sound fields more involving, and sound effects more visceral."

"The Paradigm MilleniaOne and MilleniaSub speakers comprise a sophisticated, high fidelity speaker system which has been a pleasure to review. Used as a 3.1 or 5.1 speaker system with a good AV receiver and a large HDTV, the Millenia system delivers highly intelligible dialog, great sound effects, and all the drama of a movie soundtrack with excellent rendition of the sonic ambient."

"As a "pure" stereo 2.1 system, the Paradigm Millenia is formidable, challenging my excellent full-range NHT 2.9 speakers in many areas, with an involving sound stage, extended treble, highly detail mids, good dynamics through the full frequency range, and punchy deep bass."

"The user-friendly PBK room matching software ensures that you get the best from the speakers even if your room is not ideal, and the PT-2 wireless transmitter makes it a cinch to get the audio easily to the sub, without any extra wires, across a long distance." 

"That the Millenia system manages to deliver all this with such dimunitive stylish boxes is icing on the cake. The MilleniaOne + Sub is a setup I would seriously consider as a replacement for my big (unnamed) speakers. Downsizing the speakers so dramatically would free up space in the room to the delight of other family members, yet the change would not entail any reduction in musical fidelity; rather, it would bring some real gains in sonic performance."

 "All in all, the MilleniaOne and MilleniaSub are impossible not to recommend strongly."

Click here! to read the full MilleniaOne & MilleniaSub review.

Click here! for more information on the MilleniaOne speakers.

Click here! for more information on the MilleniaSub.

"...A really nice combination of bass extension, power & control." - The Perfect Vision on the Monitor 11 Series 7 Speaker System

After getting a tour of the Paradigm and Anthem CEDIA booth this past September, Chris Martens of The Perfect Vision was eager to test out the new Monitor Series 7 speakers. The new Monitor subwoofers weren't quite ready to launch so instead of a 5.1 system we sent Chris a pair of Monitor 11's, Center 3 and a pair of Surround 3's for review, knowing quite well that (although not preferred) the Monitor 11's were capable of some serious bass, even without the help of one of the new Monitor subs.

After taking some time to put them to the test, Chris published his review online.  Here are some quotes to give you a taste of his thoughts...

"What exactly makes the Monitor Series 7 lineup special? The simplest and most accurate answer would be to say that, just a few years back, today’s new Monitor Series 7 models could easily have passed for earlier-generation Studio speakers."

"Right from outset, I was struck by both the smoothness and subtlety of the Monitor-series front channel speakers...Paradigm has seen fit to equip both its Monitor 11 floorstanders and Monitor Center 3 speaker with real, dedicated midrange drivers—not with compromise mid-bass drivers as would more commonly be seen in speakers in this price class."

"Paradigm is able to give the Monitor 11s and Center 3 a sound that is unexpectedly agile, nuanced, and refined. In truth, if I heard these speakers in the dark and was told they were Paradigm Studio models, I would probably find the assertion believable."

"Part of what makes the Monitor speakers so unfussy is that they are relatively sensitive and easy to drive. As a result, the speakers deliver an expansive and lively sound with dynamics that can be—where appropriate—downright explosive... the Monitors effortlessly “breathe” and flow with the action... they rarely if ever sound strained or compressed."

"...the Monitor 11s offer a really nice combination of bass extension, power and control... you can build a perfectly satisfying Monitor 11-based surround system without feeling any real need to add a subwoofer."

"... the Monitors... are willing to play louder than most homeowners would probably think wise, meaning they offer noticeably greater dynamic headroom than some of their competitors."

"Good though the Monitor system is for movie playback, I think it does even better with music material...Overall, I found that the Monitor’s presentation... very smooth and pleasingly organic-sounding... sound that makes the system satisfying to listen to—even when powered by modest electronics."

"The Monitors catch the soaring, dreamy quality of the mix, thanks in part to surround imaging that is spectacular."

"I found the Monitors could easily show difference between source components—not something all affordable priced surround systems could do as effectively as the Monitor system did."

As you can tell, Chris wrote a very thorough review.

We highly recommend you click here to read the full review.

Holiday Gift Guides Recommend Paradigm SHIFT products

So you've already racked your brain trying to figure out the perfect gift for that techy someone in your life and still you can't find a single thing to get them this holiday season.  That's when the glory of holiday gift guides truly come in use!  Here are a few gift guides that we found particularly helpful and each one includes a recommendation for a SHIFT product! ...

Click here! for Canada HiFi's Holiday Gift Guide

 

 Click here! for Audioholics Christmas Gift Guide

Click here! for AARP's Digital Stocking Stuffers

 Click here! for Digital Trends Home Theater Gift Ideas



Click here! for 10 Cool Audio-Video Christmas Gifts under $500 
from HomeTheaterReview.com
 

For more information on SHIFT products and to buy online visit: www.paradigm.com/shift

"As far as PC speakers go, I couldn't ask for a better outfit" says Secrets of Home Theater on the Paradigm SHIFT A2

A little trip down memory lane...
Nearly two decades ago, when the idea of powered speakers in the high-end audio world was seen, quite simply, as absurd, Brian Florian of Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity was a huge fan of the Paradigm Reference Active 20 and bigger brother Active 40 powered speakers. Not to say he was the only one who loved them, because he certainly wasn't, but unfortunately the iPod hadn't been introduced yet and with Paradigm Reference grade technology, the Actives weren't necessarily inexpensive... yada yada... not enough customers rushed to the closest Paradigm dealer to buy a pair. So in 2001, Paradigm decided to throw in the towel and leave the powered speaker market and like many Paradigm customers and industry persons, Brian was not pleased. In fact, ever since, Brian has been bugging the Paradigm team to bring back the Active line.

Fast track 10 years, the iPod is the main source for music (figures!) and suddenly a whole new generation of customers want nothing other than powered speakers (and other mobile products like earbuds and headphones). Soooo Paradigm eagerly responds to this growing desire with Paradigm SHIFT, a new brand designed for today's mobile music customer... and what's our first product? A fun and budget friendly powered speaker, the Paradigm SHIFT A2 (big shocker right?) ... That's right, we're back in the game and this time, we're not so 'absurd'.

Anyhow, enough with the history lesson, there's a point here... So we announce the Paradigm SHIFT A2 and no surprise, Brian Florian wants a taste and we were more than happy to ship him a pair to play with. We recommend you read Brian's full review but here's a few teasers to get you excited:

Comparing Apples to Oranges
"... when Paradigm announced a new powered speaker earlier this year many, again myself included, hoped it would be the second coming of the Active Studios. It isn't. Wait, don't hit the back button in your browser just yet. They may not be Active Studio/20s, but they don't cost $2000 a pair either. I've been bugging Paradigm nonstop for 10 years to make something like this: a set of small, powered speakers, something I could use at the PC."

The Orange Doesn't Fall Far from the Apple Tree
"In practice the A2s have the sound which Paradigm is known world over for:  for the most part well balanced, neutral, able to articulate complex music through the difficult midrange and exhibit pinpoint accuracy in terms of spatial imaging."

"As the listening level increases though, they morph into something very different, no doubt at the hand of the embedded signal processing. The A2s do their best to maintain a clean output at high levels but rather than let you test the physical limits of the motors, the A2s instead (by design mind you) shed fullness and dynamic range."

Conclusion
"The A2s seem quite resistant to abuse as such and I think that Paradigm has succeeded in their goal: at modest, near field output they sound like a true hifi speaker, but if someone wants to crank them for a patio party to decibel levels which would destroy most ordinary compact powered speakers, they can do that, albeit with compromised fidelity (but at a patio party, who's critically listening anyway?)."

"...the A2 makes for a fantastic "bookshelf" system. They also would make a very decent upgrade to a TV's built in sound and do so without adding another box to the equipment stack (or remote to the side table). And as far as PC speakers go, I couldn't ask for a better outfit." 

Click here! to read the full review.

Click here! for more information on the A2 or to buy online.

Paradigm takes home 2 "Best of 2011" awards for the Reference Signature S2 & Seismic 110

Secrets of Home Theater announced their "Best of 2011" award winners and Paradigm won in two categories!  See below for award details:

 Paradigm Reference Signature S2  

wins 

"Best Bookshelf Speakers"

Paradigm Reference Seismic 110  

wins 

"Best Compact Subwoofer"

Click here! to see the full list of winners.

We're Hiring!

Paradigm is looking for a talented Painter to add to the woodshop team at our headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario. If you are interested, please click here for details, position requirements and instructions on how to apply.

Paradigm SHIFT A2... "a total knockout and a tremendous value too", says Digital Trends

Caleb Denison of Digital Trends reviewed the Paradigm SHIFT A2 powered speaker and not only did he give it Digital Trends "Editors' Choice" status, he also said:

"If there’s a better sounding sound solution under $500 out there, we haven’t heard it yet."

There are many other great quotes in Caleb's review, which we mention below, but first check out this video which takes a close look at the Digital Trends out-of-box experience with the Paradigm SHIFT A2 speaker...

To summarize Caleb's experience, here's a handful (ok two handfuls) of quotes taken from his review of the Paradigm SHIFT A2...

Out of the box:
"As we pulled the speakers from their boxes we found…well, not a lot actually. That’s the beauty of active speakers. All you really need is a power cord and some connecting cables."

"Our review pair came with the ash black grain finish which was well executed... the veneer had some real texture to it. The speakers do come with magnetic grills-and the grills are attractive enough-but we took them right off. These speakers are way sexier with grills removed."

"We gave the A2 speakers ample break-in time (about 40 hours), but they didn’t need it much. These speakers sounded great straight out of the box."

Performance:
"The first thing that struck us was how detailed and controlled the high frequencies were. Often, with great detail comes great brightness, but Paradigm struck a balance with the tweeter that results in dazzling, detailed treble and superb dispersion without getting too excited."

"...with such remarkable warmth and resolution, we almost felt as if we were listening to a pair of large, floor-standing speakers. The primary difference here was that the A2 produced effortless, pin-point center imaging whether placed within two or ten feet of our listening position."

"Perhaps the A2’s most impressive attribute is their wide dynamic range...Even cranked up, the A2’s were able to pivot effortlessly and quickly between disparate volumes."

"The A2’s bass response is simply outstanding... punchy, taught, balanced, assertive, nimble and musical... Anyone doubting the bass capabilities of a 5.5-inch driver needs to hear the A2’s in action. While the A2’s response isn’t likely to upset the neighbors two doors down, it’s exactly what it ought to be; a perfect foundation for the music played over it."

Conclusion
"Paradigm’s A2 speakers are a total knockout and, at about $500 a pair, a tremendous value, too. Their limited quirks are easily out-shined by their superior build quality, unique connectivity features and fantastic sound. These speakers exhibit a high level of musical refinement that is an absolute feast for the ear. Though marketed toward aspiring DJs and music producers, these speakers will likely find audience with audiophiles everywhere. If there’s a better sounding sound solution under $500 out there, we haven’t heard it yet."

We couldn't have said it better ourselves!

But we do encourage you to click here! to read the entire review. 

For more information on the Paradigm SHIFT A2 or to buy online, click here!

Paradigm Reference Signature S8 wins the 2011 Best High End Floorstanding Speaker!

HomeTheaterReview.com announced the annual "Best of Awards" for 2011 and the Paradigm Reference Signature S8 took home "Best High End Floorstanding Speaker"!

"The idea that an $8,500 per pair set of Paradigms can take on the likes of a Wilson WATT Puppy or Revel Ultima Salon2 would be considered audiophile blasphemy to some, but guess what – they not only compete, they win. You don’t necessarily have to spend $30,000 per pair to get one of the best, most highly engineered speakers money can buy. Thank you Paradigm."

To that we say, no, thank you Home Theater Review for recognizing that value is more important than a price tag when choosing true high-end speakers!

The Paradigm Monitor 7 Series 7 floorstanding speaker also got a mention in the category for "Best Affordable Speaker" coming in as the runner up.

"Paradigm knows value and the new Monitor 7s take their dedication for bang-for-your-buck speakers to a new level. More refined, better drivers and a meaningful dealer network only start to suggest why Paradigm is such an industry leader. At about $898 per pair, these speakers call to anyone looking for truly great sound on a budget."

Click here! to see the full list of winners.

Click here! for more information on the Paradigm Signature S8. 

Click here! for more information on the Paradigm Monitor 7.

SoundStage! names Paradigm Signature SUB 2: "Recommended Reference Component"

When Jeff Fritz of SoundStage! reviewed the Paradigm Reference Signature SUB 2 in 2009 he immediately gave it the "Reviewers’ Choice" award. Then at CES 2010  it was given a 2009 SoundStage! Network Product of the Year award in the category of "Pioneering Design Achievement". Now nearly two years later the SUB 2 has been awarded with "Recommended Reference Component" status.

"Specs aside, what matters is how the Sub 2 performs with music. When Jeff Fritz reviewed the Sub 2 in October 2009, he not only put its performance on a par with that of the JLA Gotham g213, he gave the nod to the Sub 2 for its substantially lower price. According to Jeff, "Paradigm has the engineering expertise and the research-and-development budget to take on such lofty goals as creating the most ambitious powered subwoofer, and with the Sub 2, they’ve catapulted themselves into the annals of subwoofer history. The Paradigm Reference Signature Sub 2 is a tremendously ambitious effort that redefines what should be expected of a powered subwoofer. I haven’t experienced another subwoofer that I think is as capable, and certainly not when considering the price."

"The Sub 2 became Paradigm’s best subwoofer the moment they released it, and quickly became known as one of the very best subwoofers money could buy. It’s still that way today -- a state-of-the-art subwoofer when released in 2009 that’s being recognized as a SoundStage! Hi-Fi Recommended Reference Component today."

Click here! to read the 

"Recommended Reference Component" award page.

"The A2 offers genuine high fidelity... I recommend it without reservation." - GoodSound! on the Paradigm SHIFT A2

Brooke McClelland of GoodSound! reviewed the Paradigm SHIFT A2 powered speakers and gave them the "GoodSound! Great Buy" stamp of approval as well as an array of compliments. Read on for the highlights...

"I was more excited than I’ve been about a product in a long time. 

Acoustically speaking...

"The more I listened to the A2s, the more I appreciated just how balanced they were from top to bottom. No particular area of the audioband drew attention to itself; rather, the sound was evenhanded throughout. The result was a series of long listening sessions that never left me feeling fatigued."

"As impressive as the bass was, what really stood out was the precision of the A2s’ imaging. Small monitors have a reputation for good imaging, but even for small monitors, the A2s were exceptional in this regard...I could follow the sounds as they crossed the soundstage in a way that I’ve heard from very few other speakers."

"Also noticeable was a depth of soundstage not often heard from speakers in the A2’s price bracket. In a class where many speakers can reproduce little or no depth, the A2s performed exceptionally well."

"The A2’s treble offered impressive levels of detail and insight without ever sounding hard or fatiguing."

Technically speaking...

"From a technical standpoint, the Paradigm Shift A2 offers terrific value by combining all that a great passive bookshelf speaker offers with 50W of amplification, an active digital crossover with DSP, and unmatched flexibility that allows it to be used as a left, right, or mono speaker, as well as powering and housing an Apple Airport Express."

"All this technical innovation would be moot if the A2’s sound weren’t up to par, but this is where the A2 really excels. I can’t think of any similarly priced passive speaker that equals its overall performance. The DSP gives the A2 the deep low end of a bass-reflex design, but with the tightness of a sealed cabinet. The A2 offers genuine high fidelity in the form of a very balanced sound throughout the audioband that never left me feeling tired. Despite its affordable price, it has no significant shortcomings."

"This first offering from Paradigm Shift is true to its name. It does indeed embody a paradigm shift that other manufacturers can only strive to emulate. I recommend it without reservation."

Click here! to read the full A2 review at GoodSound!

Click here! for more information on the A2 and to buy online.