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Paradigm speakers

Does anyone know why Paradigm speakers do not get many reviews in most audiophile magazines or websites with all the awards they have. I was told by a dealer that they've been bought a few years back and quality isn't the same. Any feedback on their Prestige 85f speakers and do they require much break in time? 
How do these compare to Revel performa line ,Dynaudio, Focal and Golden Ear. 
Also before a speaker is broke in around 100 or 200 hours can they be damaged by playing loud or does break in matter as far as pushing them or playing loud. On the same note will speakers play a little louder after break in period ?

Thanks for your replies. 
lnitm

Showing 8 responses by lnitm

lnitm OP
143 posts
 
Well my question is specifically about the Prestige 85f, versus Revel Performa 3 line or other $4=5000 range floorstanders. My opinion in listening is Revels are a little smoother and less grainy in midrange and treble but can't play as loud or as effortless as Paradigm. Paradigm 85f sounds great with more bass but more forward and grainy , slightly more bright. These are both new so break in may change some of that. 
Second question is during break in period of 100 or more hours can the speakers be hurt playing loud or " pushing" them before fully broke in ?

Thanks
lnitm OP
143 posts
 
Audiotroy, What is your take on Prestige 85F ? How much break in time before the slight graininess and bright/forward sound smooths out or goes away or is this just Paradigm sound ? 
I had the Monitor 11's for about 2 plus years, they sounded better over time. 

Thanks!
lnitm OP
143 posts
 
I'm running an Anthem MRX 510 receiver as preamp with Mark Levinson 532h amplifier and Oppo BDP105D as cd and music player, so my electronics are pretty good to excellent for refinement and sound quality. 

James_w514 what speakers you currently using?
lnitm OP
143 posts
 
Oh and I forgot my main question with all the bantering. 
If you have experience with both Paradigm Prestige and Revel Performa 3 series mainly F85 and Performa F206 over the long term and after break in is there much difference, I guess it's probably just what one prefers. Like I stated the Revels seem more neutral, natural and smoother mids/highs and Paradigm more richer bass and slightly more forward and grainy.  That would be grainy as compared to Revels but probably not noticeable if you haven't heard the Revels. 
Thanks for the replies, tough to decide between the two. 
lnitm OP
143 posts
 
4425, After more and more listening I think you are correct, Revel much smoother, more cohesive sound and more life like to actual voicing. I had Paradigm Monitor 11 and for the money they sounded great, seems Prestige is not as cohesive though better drivers and more clarity. 
lnitm OP
143 posts
 
Is anybody going to answer the question about break in time and not playing too loudly out of the box, can you hurt them until broke in given same playing levels before/after break in using a great Mark Levinson amp and no clipping. I know clipping an amp can damage speakers. 
Enough of the opinions and who knows what's best, geez everyone has their own tastes and hearing and what they prefer! 
Can we agree there are a lot of great products from different manufacturers and obviously some better than others, without spending $100,000.00!!
lnitm OP
143 posts
 
James, pretty close the2 you had. 

I'm assuming the build quality is equal ( both seems very well made) and is the reliability the same between Revel and Paradigm? 
lnitm OP
143 posts
 
Thanks mmeysarosh. I like the Revels overall sound although Paradigms certainly good, it's the lower sensitivity of the Revels that keeps them from being "jamming out" without strain compared to the Paradigms love to be played loud and seem to wake up, sound even better when just pushing them. If I could combine the two would be perfect speaker! 
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