Paradigm's H15NC makes the Cover of CanadaHiFi

Check out the good-looking headphones on the cover of the February/March issue of Canada HiFi magazine. A summary of the H15NC review will follow soon...

Click here! to download the February/March issue of Canada HiFi magazine.

Click here! for more info on Paradigm's H15NC headphones.

"For those who don't want an imposing subwoofer -- or have WAF to contend with -- Paradigm has you covered" - Jim Wilson, Home Theater Shack

Jim Wilson of Home Theater Shack  tends to review and prefer big, bad, subwoofers. We wanted to see what he would think of  one of our Monitor subs known for their smaller footprints and designer-friendly aesthetic - a response to today's consumer demands, so we sent him a Monitor SUB 12 for review. Below is a summary of Wilson's thoughts...

"... whichever way you decide to use the Monitor SUB 12 it takes on the appearance of being designed specifically for that configuration. Pretty slick."

Impressions
"For those who don't want an imposing subwoofer -- or have WAF (Wife Acceptance Factor) to contend with -- Paradigm has you covered."

"The veneer application was first rate, with no obvious defects in materials or workmanship."

"The front panel is noteworthy for more than just the material it's covered with; there are no visible screws holding the driver in place, so for the person who likes to run sans grill you can do that and still have a clean appearance. To further entice those same people to ditch the grill Paradigm also added a small emblem -- which matches the one on the outside of the grill perfectly -- so whichever way you decide to use the Monitor SUB 12 it takes on the appearance of being designed specifically for that configuration. Pretty slick."

"Regardless of how hard I tried it never lost composure."

Movies
"For its size the Monitor SUB 12 does a pretty remarkable job... regardless of how hard I tried it never lost composure. Dynamics could have been a bit more pronounced, but little else was lacking. A quick glance at the measurements reveals a billiard table flat response curve, so it certainly doesn't embellish the output."

"After all the testing had concluded I checked the amp to see how hot it had gotten, but I detected almost nothing. Regardless of how hard I drove it the amp barely registered any perceptible heat."

"At several points during this movie there are the typical battle scenes, affording the Monitor SUB 12 an opportunity to strut its stuff. Helicopters were potent, with their rotor blades producing a solid 'whooshing' sound. Every so often there would be a deep foreboding rumble injected into the soundtrack, put there specifically to heighten the sense of doom. That came across with authority..."

"The Paradigm was a faithful companion, playing its heart out"

Music
"The Monitor SUB 12 displayed pretty solid dynamics here, and even mustered a good amount of presence in spite of the elevated volume level I was playing this song at. And by elevated I mean "hey, will you turn that down!". Its a good thing I live on my own now. Mel Schacher's bass guitar was growling at me, while Don Brewers kick drum pounded away. The little Monitor SUB 12 seemed to like this song as much as I do."

"The Monitor SUB 12 seemed to enjoy this one too because the Hofner sounded rich and clean, with excellent pitch definition. The sustain on the notes before each chorus made me smile; you could almost hear the plucking of individual strings when Paul launched back into the main rhythm."

"JPJ's bass guitar sounded rich and formidable, and even as the volume rose the Monitor SUB 12 remained unperturbed. However, this song is really about Bonham's drum solo. The Paradigm was a faithful companion, playing its heart out. Of particular note were the hits from the kick drum, and with the speed of this mans right foot it's no small accomplishment to keep up with him." 

"... the Paradigm Monitor SUB 12 should be one you audition."

Conclusion

"There's no denying that the Monitor SUB 12 is one tiny subwoofer, yet even with that Paradigm stuffed it with all manner of interesting features and technologies. It's a marvel of packaging, for sure... The Monitor SUB 12 didn't always have the muscle to create ground-shaking LFE effects, but it was no 98 pound weakling either. If you're in a situation that mandates your subwoofer be very small... the Paradigm Monitor SUB 12 should be one you audition."

Click here! to read the full review from Home Theater Shack.

Click here! to learn more about Paradigm's Monitor SUB 12.

It is with deep sadness that we relay the sudden, unexpected passing of our colleague and 40-year CE industry veteran, Bob Gassel

It is with deep sadness that we relay the sudden, unexpected passing of our colleague and 40-year CE industry veteran Bob (Robert) Gassel, on Sunday, February 2nd, 2014 in Carmel, Indiana at the age of 63.

For the past four years, Bob has worked with the Paradigm, MartinLogan and Anthem brands, initially as Vice President of International Sales and most recently as Vice President of Engineering and Product Development.

Prior to joining Paradigm, Bob was principal of The Gassel Group, a firm he founded to coach sales people toward a deeper understanding of their clients needs in order to be more effective in their sales efforts. Bob employed the creativity, expertise and experience he gained selling direct to end users and B2B in the U.S., Europe, Asia and Latin America. He brought a unique perspective and passion to this role, as evidenced by the many written testaments to his successful method of coaching from sales people and clients.

Previous to founding The Gassel Group, Bob enjoyed a stellar 14-year career at the Klipsch Group Inc. where he held a variety of executive positions including Director of Sales for Asia, Global Director of Training, Director of Customer Service and Technical Support, Director OEM and Business Unit Manager International.

Bob travelled the world, was a lifelong audiophile and well respected across the CE industry, both in North America and internationally. He was a gentleman and a true professional. He will be missed for his wry sense of humor and genuine enthusiasm for all things audio. His alternate passion was golf. No one enjoyed their weekend golfing and annual golf trip more than Bob.

His commitment and dedication to guiding the development of new Paradigm, MartinLogan and Anthe products and his success in helping grow these brands on the international stage is much appreciated and will be remembered. As a key member of our team, Bob’s expertise, thoughtful input and attention to even the smallest detail will be greatly missed.