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Paradigm Atom V.2 vs. V3 (1 Viewer)

BenKof

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My local Paradigm retailer just offered me a deal on the Paradigm System 1 (2 Atoms, CC-70, PDR-8, and two more Atoms instead of the ADP-70's) for $750. However, when I looked more closely they were Atom V.2's. Anyone know if there is a huge difference between these and the V.3's?
 

John Garcia

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No difference between v2 and v3 for the bookshelves in the Performance series. Maybe a slight cosmetic change, but the drivers and x-overs should be basically identical for a perfect timbre match. They were also the same price at the time of the change. I know this for certain, because I ordered v2 Titans at the time, and I got v3s when the shipment came in, and I couldn't tell the difference between them and my v2s. I wouldn't expect anyone to still have v2s, since they were discontinued over a year ago, so that seems a bit odd.
 

cabreau

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$750 is a bit steep for that setup. I got 4 Atoms, a PDR-10, and a CC-170 - all version 3, for about $900 brand new.

I'd offer him $600 for what you've just listed.
 

John Garcia

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At the time, I got my 4 shielded Titans and a CC-170 for $600, all brand new, so this guy should be able to come down on the price some.
 

BenKof

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Thanks for the advice. Sounds like the store is being a little sketchy ... I'll have to shop around or get him to $600.
 

John Garcia

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I wouldn't necessarily say "sketchy", but they are giving you what sounds like MSRP pricing, and for a whole set, they should work with you if they want your business.
 

Justin Ward

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If I were you I'd look into getting the CC_170 rather than the CC-70. The center speaker is possibly the most important for HT and I think the CC_70 would lag behind the atoms a bit.
 

Marc H

Second Unit
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Justin is right on. Go for the better centre if you can squeeze it in.
When our shop sold Paradigm, the CC70 was the most exchanged speaker ever :)
Clients would buy it for the low price but invariably be back to upgrade it within a week.
 

Yung

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Here is what Paradigm tech support offered in response to my questions which included a question about the difference between V.2 and V.3.

Hi

Most Performance Series v.3 models, including the CC-170 and ADP-170,
incorporate new designs and all-new MPC (Metal Polymer Cone) bass/midrange
drivers.

The current PDR-10 v.3 features increased amplifier power at 120 watts RMS
(up from 100 watts RMS) and a redesigned drive unit with a more powerful
magnet/motor structure for greater output.

We don't recommend specific brands or models of receivers because our
speakers will perform well with a wide variety of equipment.

The speaker packages you are considering will produce excellent sound
powered by 100 watt/ch receivers of the same caliber as the models listed.

Please keep in mind that the Atoms must not be played at levels that require
more than 80 watts of power. As noted in the Owners Manual: "If your
speakers begin to sound harsh or grating or if you hear the bass breaking
up, turn down the volume immediately or you will damage our speakers."

Thanks for your interest in Paradigm speakers.

Sincerely,
Gary Takeda
Paradigm Technical Support
 

keir

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i have v.2 atoms and v.3 titans. their woofers look to use the exact same material. my v.3 cc-170 does have the metal cones though. not sure why they would not match the driver material among v.3 cc-170 and titans.
 

John Garcia

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Where did you see the drivers? The grills are not removable. It's a new look, but they are still basically the same overall sound. The drivers did not change between v2 and v3 for the Atoms and Titans, from what I understand, but they are still timbre matched across the line.
 

Justin Ward

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I was thinking the same thing about the Titans, how could you see the drivers? I have a v3 CC-170 as well and it doesn't have metal drivers, they are polypropylene. They kind of look metally I suppose but if you lightly touch them you can tell that are somewhat soft.
 

keir

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if you remove the plastic back plate of the speaker its very straightforward to get the driver out.
 

John Garcia

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My last pair of Paradigm speakers (v3 Titans) finally got picked up by a friend of mine about a week ago. No more 'digms in my systems right now.

I've never had a reason to open up any of my Titans, but I had a Mini break once, so I took it apart. I was pretty impressed with the build quality for it's price, though I have seen somewhat better in the same price range.
 

Chris Quinn

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You might consider a different sub than the PDR-8. The PDR line is not that good. Here are Tom Nousaine's measurements.

I agree with going up to the 170CC and you shouldn't pay over $600 for 2 pairs of Atoms and a 170CC.
 

Chris Quinn

Screenwriter
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Messages
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You might consider a different sub than the PDR-8. The PDR line is not that good. Here are Tom Nousaine's measurements.

I agree with going up to the 170CC and you shouldn't pay over $600 for 2 pairs of Atoms and a 170CC.
 

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