jack-of-all-trades, (good bass depth, good bass speed, very good frequncy response, good imaging, etc. ...) higher than average sensitivity, easy to drive (compatible with many/most amps) very reliable, phenominal value

can sound a little hard/harsh at VERY high listening levels i.e. >95 dB, jack-of-all-trades (Merely goodto very good in all aspects, but never truly exellent in any)

These were the first pair of loudspeakers I had ever bought. They were purchased in 1990. It was a tossup between the 9se and the 7se. All the reviews seemed to show that the 7se had better measured performance, however in three different stores, in side by side comparisons I prefered the 9se (even if they were a weensy bit over my budget) I initially used them with a NAD 7020e reciever (also bought in 1990) This little reciever has only 20 wpc, but it sounded (and still sounds) great! I was able to achieve >100 dB SPLs with this combo - much to the consternation of housemates and neighbors. I had always assumed that the hardness/harsh sound I was getting at these very loud levels was due to the poor 'lil NAD running up to and beyond its limits, however I had the oportunity to use them with a Bryston .5B/4B combo (200 wpc) and still heard the same harshness. At more sane levels - about 80 - 85 dB the 9se's were very nice sounding. They have a slightly plasticky "sniffy" sounding soft dome tweeter. This was most evident when playing vinyl: lp crackles and pops gained a somewhat "thwaky" kind of sound. Also cymbals never sounded quite right - but this is the case with most loudspeakers I've heard. These are minor shortcomings. The NAD/9se combo could prodce jawdropping performance on Zappa's "The Yellow Shark", or on the John McLaughlin Trio's album "que allegria" Soundstaging was quite good on these albums, although image depth was somewhat foreshortened compared with the best sounding systems I've heard. Bass was always a treat. The two aforementioned recordings have some very good bass that'll knock the unwary listener on his ass! also other recordings with nice big fat bass like Phish's "rift" or The Allman Brothrs Band at the Fillmore Eastwere allways reproduced satisfyingly. Watching movies was also a thrill, explosions (True Lies), stomping dinosaur feet, and other brobdignogian bass blasts were reproduced with aplomb. These speakers have better "slam" and "punch" than my current setup (Newform Research R630 loudspeakers - review forthcoming - and a Paradigm Servo 15 sub) Yes, I replaced the 9se's in 1998, but I can still hear them - I gave then to my two grateful parents. Every time I go and visit them I am still impressed with the 9se's. Very highly reccomended if you can find a used pair!

Will take a quite a bit of power,excellent at low range as well.

Bass has a little punch to it,can get kind of tinny at high end

I have owned these speakers for about 10 years now And I have never had a complaint(been through alot of party's and loud experiences).They always seem to push a little more then you would expect them to.The only down fall I feel is that the bass will sometimes punch whn you put a little to much energy into them,the easist solution to this problem wa buying a good clean subwoofer.This way I eleiminated the levels of bass on these speakers.Problem solved.I have nothing but good things to say about these speakers.Like I said i have had these for 10 years and never ever had problem.I am Pushing them with a sherwood 7090r a/v reciever and I have titans for rears ,Great sound for theater exp.or just analog music.

Similar Products Used:

Jbl

Outstanding Sonic Quality for the money

None for this price range

Paradigm makes some of the best speakers in the industry for cheap. These speakers have never let me down. My friends heard them and they all went out and bought Paradigms as well because they were so blown away by them.

Soon I will have a complete Paradigm matched-system with equal cones. I can't wait. I just picked up the CC-370 and Mini-Monitors to go with my 9seMKIIIs.

The only speaker I've ever heard that sound better than Paradigms are B&W ($$$) and Paradigm Reference. You will not regret purchasing these speakers.

If you're in the market for speakers in this price range, there is no substitue. The Monitor 9's are the current model version of the 9seMKIIIs with a few upgrades. Go buy them.

I will only buy Paradigms for the rest of my life. I am that sold on these speakers.

Similar Products Used:

B&W, Klipsh, Pioneer, MTX, BIC

Great performance,totally transparent, very good stereo imaging, good construction.

Difficult speaker to push. Can get a bit grainy at excessive volmues.

I'm very happy with my 9se's. I bought them in 1991 after a great deal of research and listening. They were and remain a "sleeper" product. The true test is the fact that after more than 10 years I still enjoy the color-less sound they produce. My surround system consists of a Technics SADX-1040, pushing an Energy Centre, my 2 9se mains and two Titan rears, with a D-box 300 sub. I love the sound this all-Canadian system produces.

My only beef with the 9se is the fact it can be a difficult speaker to push. I had a Denon AVR 610 and when I went to the Technics SAX-1040 I noticed and immediate difference in authority and prescence. At high volumes they can also get a bit grainy or shrill. Overall, a great speaker. They've lasted me 10 years and I consider myself to be rather picky about my audio.

Similar Products Used:

Cerwin Vega, BJM, JBL

Awesome - I think the pre-mkIII is better; better presence, sound field, separation and density. Not to mention the subtle bass ranges that always suprise me.

My 1990 model 9se speaker's (woofers) were made with the "bad glue" on the cone edge. I had them replaced with factory spec replacements (non-mkIII) but with good glue. I promptly sent the "bad" woofers to the factory.

I think Paradigm's first product line continues to be the best. All the NR/BiPolar (manic-depression?) stuff is going too far beyond the original design...mostly for financial reward.

Great speakers (3-9-11se's) - really, I can't be more happy...for almost 10 years - my speakers still sound great and always get great review from visitors/guests.