Paradigm featured in The Absolute Sound 2014 Guide to High-Performance Loudspeakers

The Absolute Sound released its 2014 Guide to High-Performance Loudspeakers. The guide "...features some of the best loudspeaker coverage from TAS during the past year, as well as a host of new content created expressly for this outstanding online Buyer’s Guide..."

Paradigm is well represented in the new guide with the full review of Paradigm's 30th Anniversary Special Edition Inspiration bookshelf speakers (Pg. 43-45) originally published in Fall 2013. Here's the opening quote:

"The year 2012 was Paradigm’s 30th anniversary as a loudspeaker manufacturer, and to mark the occasion the firm has chosen to build two very limited edition loudspeakers: a floorstander called the Tribute and a stand-mount monitor called the Inspiration, which is the subject of this review. Paradigm’s intent with these models was not necessarily to create statement-class products, but rather to build speakers that would represent the very essence of the company. What is that essence? In distilled form, I would say Paradigm combines one part meticulous design (leveraging design philosophies originating out of the loudspeaker research tradition pioneered at Canada’s National Research Council), one part advanced materials science, one part build-quality, and one part (one very big part) value for money."

Also selected as a top pick in the category of "Desktop & Super-Compact" speakers is the Paradigm SHIFT A2 (Pg. 28).

"A 2012 Golden Ear recipient, the cleverly named Shift A2 is more than just a serious loudspeaker—it’s a winning example of forward thinking. Compact, internally powered, equipped with DSP bass-management, and packed with enough back-panel inputs to connect to almost any source, it is what 21st century entry-level high end is all about. Its Everyman appeal bridges generations of music lovers, and it just happens to sound great in the bargain. It won’t be for the devout traditionalists, but its combination of sound and value extends the welcome mat to nascent high-enders who may have previously thought they couldn’t afford the entrance fee."

Click here! to download The Absolute Sound 

2014 Guide to High-Performance Loudspeakers.

Click here! for more info on Paradigm's Inspiration.

Click here! for more info on Paradigm's A2.

Paradigm Millenia CT 2 - Now Shipping!

We are excited to announce that the Millenia CT 2 system is now shipping. Millenia CT 2 is a superb candidate in connectivity for popular networked audio devices such as Apple TV or Airport Express. The 2-speaker setup with subwoofer continues to deliver excellent audio performance, equal to or better than the most expensive soundbars. The system hosts an onboard control box interface and controls are recessed to allow for stacking of the control module and Apple TV without interference. Dedicated Music Mode, Movie Mode, Paradigm Virtual Surround and Dolby Digital are included. 

The addition of Dolby Digital to the system improves compatibility with televisions that don’t feature LPCM audio. Bluetooth and aptX streaming as well as AVRCP (Audio/Video Remote Control Profile) are included, enabling control from Bluetooth sources directly from the system with a high quality of streaming. IR learning is part of the package, the remote in this version is easier to use and discrete HEX codes have been included.

“Same great sound but the new additions make the system more convenient, more current and of course keep it simple to operate. Our proprietary Paradigm Virtual Surround designed by our engineers and made possible through our DSP-based amplifier platform adds hugely to its appeal as a movie machine. Customers get audiophile-quality immersive surround sound — all the fast-paced impact and surround magic of movies and multichannel music — from a compact 2.1 channel system! It’s also a great looking system that fits nicely into a variety of environments — that remains a big part of its appeal,” - Mark Aling, Senior Director of Marketing at Paradigm.

Everything’s in the box: two speakers with adjustable stands, subwoofer with floor standing cradle, feet for use when sub sits in a horizontal position, redesigned ergonomic infrared remote control with 2 ‘AAA’ batteries included, full-function control box for instant connection to your audio/video equipment and the 6 audio cables needed for hook-up.

Millenia CT 2 speakers feature 1˝ S-PAL™ satin-anodized pure-aluminum domes and 4˝ S-PAL™ satin-anodized pure-aluminum bass/midrange cones. Brackets for wall mounting the speakers are available as optional system accessories. The low-profile subwoofer features an 8˝ reinforced polymer composite cone with 1-1/2-inch high-temperature voice coil. Position the sub vertically, horizontally or slide it away under a couch with no change to sound quality.

The Millenia CT 2 system is available in Black Gloss from participating Paradigm Dealers across North America or from the Paradigm website (link below). FMV is $899.99 system.

An upgrade kit for current Millenia CT owners is available and it includes a control box for instant connection to your audio/video equipment as well as a new remote control with 3 ‘AAA’ batteries. FMV is $199.99.

Click here! for more info on the Millenia CT 2 or to buy online.

 

CNET shows "Three ways to make your HDTV sound better" including Paradigm speakers

As most of you are aware, (and if you aren't, you should be!) flat panel TVs are not built with a focus on sound quality. In a recent video posted by CNET, host Sharon Vaknin visits audio retailer, Music Lovers, in California to demonstrate three ways you can improve the audio experience at home: a soundbar, a full 5.1 Paradigm Studio speaker system and lastly, a Paradigm Monitor stereo system.

"There's an undesirable trend happening. It seems, at least, like the thinner HDTVs get, the worse they sound. And no matter how much I tweak the audio options, nothing helps. Welcome, fellow TV owners, to the BYOS (Bring Your Own Speaker) era. Flat panel TVs are specialized to simply look fabulous, and although there is sound, it's really meant to hold you over until you buy some kind of audio system. In this guide, I'll give you three of the best options for adding audio to your HDTV. There's a "splurge"option, a cheap set-and-forget route, and my favorite middle of the road solution."

Click here! to view the clip from CNET.

Paradigm's Soundtrack™ 2 System Now Shipping!

We are pleased to announce we are now shipping the Soundtrack 2, a 6-driver soundbar and wireless subwoofer system. This is a low-profile Paradigm-quality sound offering to match all flat panels. Bluetooth with aptX streaming technology. Includes 2-channel Music Mode and multichannel Movie modes with Dolby Digital and Paradigm Virtual Surround. No installation. No complicated technical setup. A great-sounding alternative to existing low-profile soundbars with sonic superiority based on Paradigm’s 30 years of award-winning sound innovation. Fully powered via the built-in amplifier, Soundtrack 2 needs no additional A/V components for power.

One of the reasons we decided to tackle the powered soundbar market was the lack of existing high-fidelity options. The physical cone separation. Deep, articulate bass from the sub makes it the perfect solution for those short on room space or craving a minimalist aesthetic. Power numbers? 2 x 25 watts RMS Sustained; 2 x 50 watts Peak Power for the soundbar. The sub offers 240 watts Peak Power. The onboard interface controls Power, Volume and Synching of the subwoofer with the soundbar. The system can learn power on/off, source select, volume up/down and mute from the television’s remote so that both Soundtrack 2 and the TV can be controlled with just one remote. Discrete HEX codes are also available.

The soundbar features two bass/midrange drivers, two passive radiators and two high-frequency drivers. 4-1/2˝ bass midrange drivers and 4˝ passive radiators are a mineral filled polypropylene delivering a low-mass, high-stiffness cone. High-frequency drivers feature 1˝ satin-anodized aluminum dome tweeters for superb high-frequency performance, a rarity at this price point. Passive radiators promote extended lower frequencies. Driver complements are physically separated inside the cabinet ensuring sonic clarity and discrete channel separation. Snap-in feet are included for placing the soundbar on a flat surface.

The soundbar’s rear panel offers digital optical and analog stereo inputs for hook-up of Blu-ray/DVD/CD players, gaming consoles, satellite receivers or other external sources. Analog outputs are included for wired subwoofer connection. Connections can be made via the soundbar or the TV, increasing the amount of inputs and improving the user experience. Users can opt for a wireless or wired sub. The dual-ported subwoofer features an 8˝ laminated composite cone driver with a 1-1/2˝ high-temperature aluminum-wire voice coil. Oversized ports and driver are arranged in a perpendicular array to achieve the low-profile design with the dual ports providing deep, even bass response. The DSP signal-processing engine uses sophisticated mathematical algorithms to shape frequency response so that even at loud levels, bass is musical and accurate. The Digital Signal Processing platform is also behind the mathematical algorithms required for Paradigm Virtual Surround sound processing … a surround sound so realistic it makes this product a standout in the category. The sub can fit into a standard A/V cabinet, if desired. 

“When it comes to all-in-one value-oriented powered audio solutions, our Soundtrack™ 2 system is a winner. Its high level of performance combined with a non-technical setup in a placement-friendly format, is what today’s smaller living spaces are calling for. Bluetooth with aptX streaming, Music and Movie modes with Paradigm Virtual Surround and Dolby Digital decoding add hugely to the Soundtrack2 experience. Whether as the primary system or as a secondary system in bedrooms, dens, dorms, etc., customers are going to experience a music and movie experience that’s very higher caliber. The built in amplifier make it a virtually plug’n play system,” said Mark Aling, the Senior Director of Marketing at Paradigm.

The Soundtrack 2 is available in Black Gloss from participating Paradigm Dealers throughout North America and from the Paradigm SHIFT website.

Click here! for more details on the Soundtrack 2 System.