Compare Paradigm speakers to....

I've already cast my vote for the Paradigm S8s (v2) numerous times in other threads. For the benefit of others who are looking to buy great speakers for a reasonable price, I suggest that you audition the S8s. The S8s have been reviewed time after time over the years and have garnered top accolades.

I've said it many times, don't be fooled by the pricing. Paradigm manufactures pretty much every component in house at its factory in Ontario. Only the cabinents are made in China. In addition, R&D and fixed costs are spread over a huge product offering, which means total absorption costs per speaker very well may be less than other so called premier brands. Well, if you took basic econ and accounting in college, this would not be such a mystery.

Btw, Paradigm owns its own world class testing chamber which other manufacturers use.

IMO, the real issue here is that many audiophiles believe that something that good just can't be so reasonably priced. Again, just my opinion, but if I was to switch out for a better sounding speaker - which I may do one day -- the next speaker will probably cost a heck of a lot more than my S8s.

Final thoughts. I have read some comments that say the S8s have a hot/tipped top end. Others have retorted that a lot has to do with system synergy. I agree with the later views.

I drive my S8s with ARC tube gear. I find the sound to be very mellow and balanced. Detail is spectactular. For example, I have a Norah Jones CD where she does duets with other vocalists (e.g., Ray Charles, Dolly Parton, etc). I can actually hear the two voices separated in 3-D space. Another factor may be my listening room, which is a finished basement that is carpeted and furnished. I'm sure that has something to do with the presentation as well.

Folks, I repeat again, just my opinion, I'm not saying the S8s are the best speakers in the world. All I'm saying is that they are worth a serious listen with good equipment. As an aside, I suspect that the S8s are not pushed by a lot of high end dealers because the profit margin may not be the same as other super "high-end" speakers.

Happy listening.

To Sthomas12321 and others: trust me folks -- my ears will bleed and distort before my S8s go shrill, if they ever do. Right now I am listening to the original soundtrack of Jersey Boys. The only thing "shrill" I will hear is my wife screaming at me to turn the da*n stereo off!!

I've said it 100 times before and I'll say it again, the S8s are the best kept secret in HI-FI and HI-END speakers on the market. The real problem isn't the speakers. It's the dealers. The profit margin on HI-END high priced speakers is greater than on the S8s. So you do the math. If you were a dealer, what would you rather sell?? A speaker priced liked a Chevy that drives like a Rolls Royce or a Rolls Royce that is priced . . . well like a Rolls Royce??

And for the record, I didn't research my speaker selection. I have no emotional attachment to a personal judgment call. I just fell into the S8s through dumb luck. But . . . if you A/B the S8s in a pure blind test set-up, you will be surprised, assuming of course that the amps and sound rooms are compatible with the S8s and the other brand "X" speaker.

Ray, the Sig 8s (w/ Be dome tweeter) are in another league compared to Paradigms lower end speakers. If you are interested or just curious, check the reviews. Mark Mickelson, TAB, loves the S8s.

Also Steven Stone did an unofficial unscientific survey of the top 25 speakers on the market last October. I think the article is in Audio Review or something to that effect. I almost fell out of my chair when I read that the S8s ranked 7 out of 25. And when you consider the competition, that says something! Not sure what, but it's something. FWIW

Hey Loomis, PSB Synchrony or Paradigm Signature - all Canadian made. I love the Canadians --- even married a lovely Canadian gal about 6 years ago.

The sad shame is that folks can't believe that the top of the line PSB or Paradigm speakers can really compete with the big name and big price tag so called hi-end speakers. Steven Stone dashed that misconception last October in Audiophile Review.

Oh well. . . too bad for the other folks. I've sunk my bucks into the electronics and my S8s sing. In a side bar conversation with Mark Mickelson of TAB, he said that I'd have to sink more than 3 times the cost of my S8s to make a real difference. One speaker he suggested was the Wilson Sophia III. Maybe tomorrow, but not today.