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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
aball
2,016 posts
 
I used to own B&W N804s - for two years. I liked them, they looked good, and they were as good as I could hope for the crazy deal I got on them. Then I came across the Paradigm 100.2 (i.e. v2) and was very impressed. I compared them to the 804s with the same (all McIntosh) system and kept the Paradigms. They had a more balanced sound to my ear, more coherent and the decay was outstanding. The soundstage expanded and cleared up with the 100.2. Their bass stomped the N804s very badly (perfect for bass-insensive movies too). I was amazed. I bought the 100.2 and have never looked back. Sold the 804s for the same price! Anyway, IMO, the Paradigms sound better. Your ear and system may make the outcome different however. I will be auditioning the 100.3 soon. Take care and good luck! Arthur
aram
98 posts
 
Go for Studio 100..I am in UK..I even chose Studio 100 over B&W..although the B&W is a local brand for me it was never as good as Studio 100..People talk as if bass is never important..for me it is and Studio 100 has some deep and powerful bass..look at the 804..it is only 24 kg..so what does that mean??not enough bracing..a good cabinet contributes a lot to the sound. ..it means heavy bracing..better sound..they have not even braced the 804 inside(24 kg..ridiculously light)..it looks so..but what about Studio 100??,,55kg each..heavy bracing and a stiff cabinet..result?better sound..And still B&W asks more than Paradigm does..and the V3 is almost out now..I would definitely buy the Studio 100 V3...
oskarthedog2000ebd0
3 posts
 
If you are looking for a clean, refined speaker, go with the B&W's. The Paradigms, while a great bargain, are outclassed by the speakers in the Nautilus series and the CDM 9NT.

If you are looking to "jam out with some kickin', phat bass" follow the advise of the previous two posts or go with some Cerwin Vegas with a 15 inch Bass driver.
aball
2,016 posts
 
By the way, "kickin phat bass" is good - especially when you can have all the rest as well. Arthur
doodleboytoyb266 OP
20 posts
 
Grr... I am dying to hear the studio 100s v.3 but the dealer over here wont get them until end Aug. Just frustrated because I cannot do a side by side unlike you guys from North America :(

In any case, here is one additional question. Will the 804's timbre match with 601 surrounds? If I go with the 804 I wont have the budget for two pairs of 805's for my surround speakers and will go with the smaller 601's. I reckon they will work well because the use the same 6.5" kevlar midrange or am I mistaken?

How important are rear channels? I havent tried SACD or surround DVD's nor do I have the machine to play the SACD.

Finally... just wondering how old are the 804's? Have they been in market for a long time. It will just feel bad if B&W changes models after I buy a set. Besides, I might have plans to udgrade my rear to 805's in the future.

My room is 18 x 21 will a 7.1 system work since I might position the fronts far from the wall to get better depth for stereo.

Thanks again!
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