B&W 7NT vs. Paradigm reference 80 for plinius mkII

Ok how would you compare the Studio 60 or 80 to the B&W CDM 9NT? I a about to replace my 16 year old B&W 220i.

Even though I'm not a B&W owner per se, simply stating as one who's sold both brands side by side over the years on a retail level, there's not one Paradigm speaker(except the subs) that I'd be interested in owning any time soon! I just don't see/hear it really when it comes to the Paradigms(and I'm really into high end, as well as dynamic HT stuff!) I much perfer the B&W 804's and even older Matrix 805/804 series stuff can do potentially! I think they are more accurate sounding kit really. I know of no one in the audio business who ownes em(except the woofers), including the reviewers I'm aware of in HT magazine, Stereophile GHT, or Stereophile! Maybe some of the Canadian or British use these, I don't know. Still, if it were my money, and I was chosing Between B&W and Paradigm, I'd look for an older pair of B&W Matrix 805's and a fast M&K or Paradigm Servo sub and you'd be very happy I bet! Anyway, for $600=750 pr/pair you could find these, and the sound is much better than what a full range Paradigm speaker has to offer in my experience.
Good luck...it's all good though

To say that the Paradigm compares to the NT series is one thing but to say that they compare to the nautilus is all together ludacris!!! In my opinion there is no possible way that the 100's compare to B&W's flagship line!!!

He actually said that he couldn't hear the 6k difference.

I would also vote for the Paradigms. I personally think they sound much better than the B&W's.

I also think that the reason all your "audiophile" reviewers and retailers friends don't own Paradigms is because they have a low snob factor. Of course any poser would rather have the B&W Nautilus...oooh ahhh. Or any other esoteric brand name you can throw out there.

"Have you ever heard the (esoteric brand y) speaker?"
"Why no, I haven't"
"Well you just don't know what you are missing"
"Actually I'd be missing another $5k out of my pocket"

In the end it's all personal preference.

My personal feelings is why buy a Rolex when a Casio will get the job done just as well for a fraction of the price.

But many people buy speakers for reasons other than JUST sound.

Just my opinion.

I heard MANY great speakers but I feel that the Paradigms offer an excellent soundstage, solid build, and excellent transparency for a great price.

Audition whatever you can and buy what sounds best for your budget.

Joew made the greatest argument for the 7nt over the Ref. 80 of any contributor when asking why buy a Rolex when a Casio will do? Following that argument, why buy a Paradigm Reference when a Paradigm Monitor will do?! They both emit sound right?

The difference between the 7nt's and the Ref. 80 is all in the details (sonically and technically). I went through the same quandry you are but threw in some Def Techs, Sonus Fabers, and Vandersteens to really mix things up. It came down to the 100's (not the 80's) and the 7nt, both terrific speakers. I've been a musician for 29 years and played everything from jazz to alt rock. I think I know what particular instruments sound like. Bottom line is that the 7nt's transient response proved faster, the mid bass was significantly cleaner and more accurate, and the highs proved nothing short of remarkable in detail and extension. The 100's were more dynamic for sure and very musical. They are not fatiguing in any way. I recommend, however that rap your knuckles on the 7nt and the 80's, check out the cabinetry too. Check for visual as well as sonic details.

For me, the question came down to pure emotion. Pick your favorite track and see which one really excites you. Which gets your adrenaline going and makes you whisper "Wow" to yourself. For me it was the 7nt's. By far. In everything in life, it's the little things that separate the ordinary from the extraordinary.

Good luck and have fun.