Paradigm Signature S2/S4 vs Ref v3 S20/40

jeff.adams · 03-23-2004, 06:49 PM

I recently listened to the Paradigm Signature S2 and compared it to the JMLab 906. It compared extremely favorably (IMHO of course). The JMLab seemed to have slightly better bass extension (went a little lower), but, with either speaker I would use a sub, so I'm not particularly worried about that. I thought that the S2 was quite excellent in the midrange/highs, better so than the 906. Overall, I would live happily ever after with either speaker I'm sure.

However, I was unable to make the obvious comparison, which would have been the S2 against the Studio 20 v3, and the S4 and Studio 40 v3. This store didn't have the S4 or the Studio 40, and for that matter I didn't see a Studio 20 anywhere. I don't know if this was by design or what. I was under the impression that Paradigm was requiring dealers for the Signature line to carry the entire line (this store had only the S2, S6, and the new sub). To make matters worse, assuming for a moment that the S4 was just out of stock, they told me that the Studio 40 is "special order only". What seems strange. I have another local dealer that carries the entire Studio Ref v3 line, but they haven't picked up the Sig line yet. For the bucks, I have to hear the S4 vs the Studio 40 before making a choice like that.

So... has anyone heard the S2 and the Studio 20 v3 in the same room, and, the S4 and the Studio 40 v3? I'm assuming that the Sig line is better but I have no first hand experience and, after doing a Paradigm website search for dealers, I probably never will (I could not find another dealer closer than 200+ miles). Does anyone know of any dealers for the Sig line that carries the entire Ref v3 line in the South SF Bay Area?

Thanks for any feedback.

John Garcia · 03-23-2004, 08:09 PM

Not all dealers will be carrying the Sigs because of their price range. My dealer is in the same position, it doesn't look like they will carry the Signatures at all. The 40 should not be a special order, maybe for them it is, because they chose not to stock it. Only one dealer in my area is carrying the Sigs, and they had every model, though not all of them were hooked up at the time.

I have heard the S2 and v3 20s back to back, for the better part of an hour each. The S2 was a noticable step up from the 20s. I did not get to listen to the S4s. A little more extension, but much more depth and clarity, and if I were looking to decide between the two, there is no question that I'd be wanting to stretch the budget for the S2s.

Having said that, the other speaker I compared to both of these was even better than the S2s, and cost slightly less:

http://www.josephaudio.com/product.rm7sisigmk2.html

These are one of the best bookshelf speakers I've ever heard.

Daryn D · 03-23-2004, 08:55 PM

I went to my dealer to decide between Studio 40's or 60's. I definitely prefered the 60's for the fuller bass. The S 2's were right next to the 60's so I asked to hear them "just to see what they sound like". I was floored, I never expected such a full sound from a bookshelf. The soundstage and clarity was much better than either studio's, an obvious step up in technology. So, I changed my plan and am now planning to get the S2's for fronts. I use a subwoofer as well, and I'm not a bass freak. That being said; however, the S2's really had a lot more bass than you would expect.

But I never rush into these decisions... Thanks to John I now need to listen to the Joseph Audio's! My 'digm dealer carries them as well.

Daryn D · 03-23-2004, 09:08 PM

By the way, my dealer didn't have the S4's hooked up, I don't really want to hear them because they are out of my price range.

To answer your question more concisely, I listened to the Studio 20, 40 & 60 and the S2 all in the same room and the S2 was clearly superior. My opinion, stretch the budget get the S2's (they look sexy too). My brother (a musician, a more critical listener than I) was with me and his ears told him the same thing.

John Garcia · 03-24-2004, 12:48 AM

If you like the bass of the S2s, then I'd expect the RM7si to impress. They have exceptional extension for their size, and it's clean across it's entire range. The key lies in the crossover I believe, but it is a quality package all the way around. Definitely worth a listen.

**HTF Ads**

chung_sotheby · 03-24-2004, 09:35 AM

As far as bookshelves are concerned, the best that I have heard are the AAD 2001's. I thought that their midrange clarity was a bit better than the B&W Signature 805's, and their bass extension is amazing (30 Hz). High end comes out hot if you are into that, but it is not overly bright, just ultra-clear. They list for $2500, but I saw someone selling them on AudioGon for around $1200 or so, which is an absolute steal. I am intrigued by the Paradigm Signatures and Joseph audio speakers, though. Looks like it is time to audition again

jeff.adams · 03-24-2004, 10:45 AM

Thanks for all the inputs. Given that some other brands have come up in passing, can anyone provide input on comparisons of the Signatures to, say, the B&W 805 or 705? Or to the Revel M20/M22? Since I'm leaning towards the S4, and there really isn't an exact match in the B&W or Revel line, perhaps this is not reasonable. What other manufacturers have a 2.5 way setup like the S4/Studio 40 that I should compare them to?
Thanks again.

John Garcia · 03-24-2004, 01:00 PM

Vienna Acoustics Waltz would be another great large bookshelf. I don't think Joseph Audio makes a 2-1/2 way bookshelf, but the RM7 is already a serious contender in my mind. Of course, I will have to plug the speakers I own: GR Research A/V-2s, and possibly the Diluceos should be considered as well. Excellent customer service, wonderful speakers!

cabreau · 03-25-2004, 10:10 AM

You guys need to STOP!!! Can't you see what's happening? Can't you just be happy with your Studio's?!?!? My wallet cannot take much more of this nonsense!!! My wife is going to divorce me!!! Help!!!

I REFUSE to listen to the Signature series...that's that.
My Studio 20's, CC-470 and PW-2200 will have to do for at least 10 years.