2. speakers
  3. 1058718286

Paradigm 100 v.3 – B&W 804 dilemma… please help

I was almost set to buy Paradigm 100 v.3 after auditioning them (well I auditioned 60’s and just assumed that the 100s will be better) last week but auditioned some B&W 804’s speakers today and now I am CONFUSED!

The B&W 804’s sounded really good. Clear and smooth but was powered by an 80 watt amp whereas the Paradigms were powered by a 200 watt Sunfire amp. Thus, I need to ask for advice from you experts again. How good are the Paradigm 100 v.3 compared to B&W 804? Has anyone auditioned for these two speakers and which one did you end up getting… why? I read somewhere that the Paradigm 100 v.3 are as good as the high end B&W Nautilus line. Is this true?

Additional question… what system would be better for 70% movies 30% movies system
1) Paradigm 100’s and studio cc + 20 side surrounds + studio cc rear
2) B&W 804 fronts and nautilus HTM 2 center + B&W CM or 600 series bookshelf speakers for my surrounds and rear.

Finally… for people who are familiar with B&W. How big is the difference between 804 and CDM 9NT?

Thanks
doodleboytoyb266

Showing 2 responses by ohlala

ohlala
1,243 posts
 
I can see why you want to ask someone who you think knows better, but I'm telling ya', no one here knows any better than you. Go back, listen some more, for a long time if you need it. Maybe try to land a B&W audition with a more powerful amp. And maybe, listen to more speakers. Don't worry, you're the boss.
ohlala
1,243 posts
 
You make a good point. I'd still take the non-equalized audition over some jerk's (like me:) advice, though. But if opinions are what you are looking for, I can respect that. Unlike most people, I don't think Paradigms are competitive in the $2k range for music (I don't do HT), while B&Ws would serve me pretty well.

Since you mention classical, jazz and pop, I feel a little more objective in thinking the B&W are more appropriate. They are more refined than the Studios and they especially portray classical um, better. The impression I get from others and past threads is that most people who have heard the two feel the same. Have fun, my man.
More to discover