Paradigm Reference Studio 100 Floorstanding Speakers

Paradigm Reference Studio 100 Floorstanding Speakers 

DESCRIPTION

3-Way Floorstanding Speaker - Two 8" Filled Polpropylene Cone Woofers, 6.5" Mica-Polymer Cone Midrange Driver, 1" Pure-Aluminum Dome Tweeter

USER REVIEWS

Showing 11-20 of 202  
[Dec 19, 2003]
bjanda
AudioPhile

Strength:

Just about everything for me. Movies are awesome, music WAY better.

Weakness:

Heavy as hell. Not easy just to move around any old time. NOT REALLY A WEAKNESS.

These are the best sounding speakers I have ever owned. I recommend getting or having a good receiver/amp to get the best sound, obviously. They played these with some Sony receiver at the store. Yes, they were a return. I was told the guy didn't have the room for them. They were cosmetically perfect and sounded great. Brought them home, hooked to better equipment, and wow, a felt like I made out and for $500, I think I'm right. Would I have liked to have them new? Sure. But, for this price, I couldn't back down. Very happy with this purchase.

Similar Products Used:

Everything from crap to excellent at one time or another.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Nov 28, 2003]
McIntoshMC275
AudioPhile

Strength:

Flat response from the 30hz area to beyond audibility. Extremely dynamic, quick response...no "overshoot". 100% Non fatigueing!

Weakness:

Sounds so good it makes you want to just listen to it 24 hours a day! And I mean it. You'd get nothing else done, but you'd have a HUGE GRIN!

My system consists of the Paradigms, driven by a McIntosh MC275 tube amp & C22 pre-amp. FM tuner is a tube McIntosh MR71 with the Richard Modafarri modfication. A Planet 2000 is used for CDs & a Music Hall MMF-7 as the primary 'table. The alternative table is an old Technics, with a vintage Shure V-15 III cartridge. I have not had a visitor listen to the system without exclaiming how REAL the music is. Vocals are THERE, in the room with you. I have the MSFL Beatles box set and the music is incredible! There are no words to describe how superior it sounds. I have a lot of MFSL & DCC gold CDs. I believe that I have yet to reach the limit of great sound. The better my source, the better it sounds. The tubed MC275 amp (75 watts per channel)has more than enough "horsepower" to deliver any amount of loudness I need. Jeff Beck's "Space for the Papa" blows you away. I have various tracks that, when played on this system, send shivers up your spine...the goose bumps on your arms are as real as the music. It doesn't get any better.

Similar Products Used:

None,anymore. Got rid of the other 'pretenders'....

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Oct 31, 2003]
Jim
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Vocals are uncolored, great mid range, great finish n build. An all around pleasure to own. Smooth and detailed. Play loud with out changing quality of the sound.

Weakness:

None to think of

It would be hard to imagine a pair of speakers in two channel mode sounding better than my 100 v2's.I listen to a very varied cd collection and I dont have to consider how they will sound playing through these as I used to with my previous Klipsch'sYes they were efficient, my Adcom 5500 used to make them scream up top but they were hard on the listener in the mid n upper mid. These Paradigm 100 v2's are so musical, very involving. In my 7.1 system I use the 100's , studio cc, 20 v2's, ADP's and a B&W sub. Rotel RSX 1065 Reciever, Rotel RCD 1070 cd player, Pioneer Elite 47AI DVD, Rotel RB 1070 amp, Adcom 5500 amp. In 7 ch. stereo mode the 7 Paradigm speakers present me with a sound I can only describe as heaven!! Sound tracks on DVD in 7.1 are unbelievable... I have used the best cables available to me and bi wired all speakers. I can say that I am very satisfied with the Studio 100 v2 in every respect. Good clean power is all they need. Hats off to Paradigm for being a dedicated speaker manufacturer and putting these in my living room, affordably!!

Similar Products Used:

Klipsch,Polk

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Aug 20, 2003]
liquid527
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Everything, these speakers are the most real-sounding speakers I've ever heard.

Weakness:

My right foot After sitting the speaker on it while trying to position them! These things are heavy! But Heavy is a good thing in this feild of business

Alright, I'm the type that usually only read's reviews, and never rights them. But I just had to after owning these new v.3 speakers. They are slightly over a month old, and now nicely broke in. My god, the sound that comes from these things is pure delight. You really must have good quality componets though... I have tried 2 older recievers of mine (onkyo 777, and sony str-825 or something like that) and 2 older dvd players (toshiba,pioneer). I even threw in my computer for sound comparision (Audigy 2 platium with the digital connections) And to sum it up, the sound was etheir to sharp, or muffled, or just not right. But with my current system, which consists of a Marantz SR8200 receiver, and a Denon DVD-2900 hybrid Player, Kimber Monocle X speaker wire, the sound is simply amazing. They did take about 10-20+ hours of playing before they sounded really nice... They sounded nice right out of the box, but to my satisfaction they just kept sounding better and better! Paradigm did it again folks.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Aug 11, 2003]
Migel
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Sound stage Power handling Great low end

Weakness:

None so far.

I've been a Paradigm owner for about 12 years. I recently upgraded my original Monitor 3's to the Monitor 9v3's (I've owned only the Monitor line previously) I loved the 9's but recently I had the opportunity to upgrade once again. I really like the Studio 80's, which for my smallish family room would have been more than enough, but I couldn't find them. So in the end, I got a great deal on the 100's. To say that these speakers are big is an understatement. They stand taller, wider and weigh twice what the Monitor 9's did. I was wondering just how big a difference in sound quality they would be over the Version 3 9's and I can tell you, even without the break-in period, the difference was astounding! I can honestly say that hands down these are the best sounding speakers I have ever owned. I can only compare their sound quality to the Tannoy's from my friend's professional Recording Studio I used to frequent. They sound that good. My amp doesn't even come near to testing their limits (Sony Str-da7es, 120 wpc) however even at low volumes they sound amazing. The sound stage blows away what I used to think was optimum sound. I agree that it's not fair to compare the 100's to Martin Logans, or other speakers that cost thrice their price. But it does certainly say something that they are even in the running with these $10,000+ speakers. Should Paradigm ever decide to encase these speakers in a piano finish, they can bump their price to $10,000 a pair, then perhaps some of those so-called audiophiles will actually consider them as contenders. Until then, for those of us in the real world, if you can justify spending a couple of grand on mains, you won't find a better sounding speaker in the world. Cheers!

Similar Products Used:

Paradigm Monitor series (9v3/mini/cc370/ps1000)

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Aug 07, 2003]
deepdiver
AudioPhile

Strength:

excellent value for the buck

Weakness:

lacks detail & depth of superior speaker systems

I am presently in the market for high end speakers. I have just finished a 2 hour comparison, in store, between the Paradigm studio 100 v.2 and the B&W 803's. The source equipment consisted of a Denon dvd and a multi-channel Rotel receiver(120w/ch x 2). Both speaker systems used same wiring to give each an equal platform for comparison. First listening was done on the 100's, using a number of test cd's to determine high end response, bass & vocals. I found the sound from the paradigms to be excellent, the bass was fairly tight, & the midrange was exceptional.I think these speakers are a fantastic value for the money. However, to compare the 100's to the 803's is like comparing a corvette to a lambourgini. Using the same test material & equipment the 803's blow away the 100's. The depth & detail of the B&W's is far superior to the 100's. And I guess it should be, considering the variance in the prices of each speaker, the 100's being around 1/3 the cost of the 803's. Both speaker systems have had sufficient burn in. If I am harping on the 803's it is only because a number of the reviews made a comparison between the B&W's and the Paradigms. Anyone comparing these speakers & suggesting they are close in musicality is working with a heavy tin ear or their source components are not up to snuff. The response of the B&W's was lightning quick compared to the good response of the 100's. These were of course the v.2 paradigms that were tested, not the newer v.3's. My audio guru assures me he will have the v.3's in for testing soon, so I may have to re-evaluate. lol My system currently consists of a bryston 4b sst amp & bp-25 pre-amp. My cd player is a Copland 289( a beautiful cd deck). Interconnects & wiring are in line with the source components. I am sad to say, I will not be able to save myself around $4500 by buying the paradigm 100's, I will have to go the extra mile & buy the B&W 803's. If you have the cash I would suggest a close look at the 803's, if you are penny conscious go with the 100's.

Similar Products Used:

B&W 803's

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
5
[Aug 06, 2003]
gmood1
AudioPhile

Strength:

Bass,Midrange,Tweeter is a little smoother

Weakness:

Only comes in black.Still need a high current amp to get the best out of them.

Well all I can say is what an improvement the v3s are over the v2s.The v3s seem more integrated..even with the extra woofer.These speakers have good depth and soundstage is pretty good as well.Highs seem smoother than the v2s.It sucks they only come in black but I guess this was done to keep from raising the price too much over the v2s.Still not quite as refined as some others I have listened to but very good for the price.

Similar Products Used:

Soliloquy,Sonus Faber,Martin logan,Vienna Acoustics,Deftecs,Maggies,Equations,Meadowlark,(PSB really sucks)

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
[Jul 23, 2003]
warmstone
AudioPhile

Strength:

Though they lack the volume of my heresy's they can play very loud with thunderous bass . vocals are beautifully reproduced conveys emotion with dignity and pride. Again bass is rock solid

Weakness:

They lack the dynamic range and impact I'm used to with klipsch. Suck up the power, same amps volume at least 40% higher for approx same level

I recently retired my klipsch speakers to the basement(regretably) and replaced them all (I have six heresy's with a klipsch center and klipsch sub) with Paradigm Reference speakers. I went to the store and all they had were studio 60's I listened these and thought yeah I'm getting oler and it's time to give up the klipsch. So on listening to the studio 60's I ordered a pair of studio 100's five studio 40's and two servo 15's. I put these speakers with the stereo in place of the klipsch and was amazed the bass was astounding the clarity was unreal the impact was missing the sound was surreal. I love them I hate them all in the same. They do wonderfull things yet they lack an overall balance and impact something the klipsch shone in. Pure and absolute impact. p.s. all of my klipsch bar center and sub I'd owned for nearly twenty years. All of these speakers are hooked up through my trusty DSP-1 (yeah Yamaha) which I love and would never part with, I run my guitar through these. I love these paradigm speakers they have such depth yet my children ask for the klipsch back and some days so do I. I am driving these with a Robertson 60-10 a nikko alpha 450 and two luxman m-02's driven by a dsp-1 and a mcIntosh pre and other equipment substituted as I feel. inc. luxman c-02 harman kardon hk-825 and other pieces. So the sound is pristine the cables would be too lengthy.

Similar Products Used:

Bose 901 Bose 601 Bose 301 Peavy bass bins Magnaplanar smg Quad esl-63 Fender PA's Klipsch heresy's cerwin vega jbl and more

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
[Jul 12, 2003]
ramirezv
Audio Enthusiast

Strength:

Detailed sound. Good balance (if you like that).

Weakness:

Laid back and poor dinamics. Boring sound.

A friend asked me to go and listen the new Paradigm Reference Studio 100 v.3. Three years ago he got a complete set of Paradigm Reference speakers with Studio 20's as mains and matching center and ADPs and has been very dissapointed with their performance (specially with movies). We both agree that their main problem is their lack of dinamics and thier laid back presentation. That makes them boring. I went to audition the Studio 100 v.3 to see if that speaker could fix the problem. I listened for about an hour using my own CD's. The Studio 100 sound was very detailed and balanced, sort of. However, they still sound very laid back and lack dinamics. At some point I felt that I was listening to background music or that the musician was playing tired. Anyways the point is that they sound boring (even with the Aragon 8008x3 that was driving them). After that, I went directly to the B&W dealer and played the same CD's. The CDM-1NT with a matching sub and using a Rotel receiver was MUCH more alive and fun. This time, the same musicians were playing with all their heart. I also auditioned the Martin Logan clarity speakers and found them much better than the Paradim. But their bass is not as good without the Descent subwoofer. Construction quality is another concern with the Studio 100. Cabinet and drivers are not at par with the price tag ($2,200). The studio 20's of my friend lost their cap after two years (all of them!!!) In summary, I believe that the most important thing about music is to entertain. Music must be fun. That is what makes me stop and listen. If the Paradigm cannot do that, they dont serve their purpose.

Similar Products Used:

B&W CDM and Nautilus, Martin Logan. JM Lab, Linn and many others.

OVERALL
RATING
3
VALUE
RATING
2
[Jul 02, 2003]
John Lee
AudioPhile

Strength:

Can play LOUDLY without any strain. Deep wide soundstaging. Deep, tight, detailed extended bass. Imposing dynamics. Very neutral with realistic timbres. Superb imaging. Excellent detail resolution.

Weakness:

Not the last word in transparency and detail resolution compared with BW Signature, but in absolute terms quite excellent. Does need power/current. Anthem PVA5 (125 w/ch) could not drive them (bloated bass). Probably due to low impedance at low frequencies. Probably best with 200 watts/channel. HOwever, my Mark Levinson integrated (100 w/ch) which has high current capabilities drove these quite well. Moral: needs QUALITY amplification.

I have been reading the reviews below, and I can't help but to set the record straight. People makes comments such as this speaker doesn't have enough midbass, or bass, or the soundstage is laid back etc. I have owned the Studio 100's for about 2 years. I own and have used them with the Denon AVR5800, Mark Levinson No.383, and Anthem AVM20/MCA50. I also own B&W Signature speakers and Infinity Intermezzo 2.6. I also have used various cabling, including Kimber Select, Harmonic Tech, Audioquest as well as Power Cords from PS Audio (Lab II and Statement) as well as Kimber Palladium. I can state unequivocally that everytime I switched out the amplification, interconnects, power cords, power conditioners, the sound produced changed appreciably! Folks, this is a very neutral and revealing speaker and whatever deficiencies you may be hearing are much more likely to be the result of upstream equipment!

Similar Products Used:

see above

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
Showing 11-20 of 202  

(C) Copyright 1996-2018. All Rights Reserved.

audioreview.com and the ConsumerReview Network are business units of Invenda Corporation

Other Web Sites in the ConsumerReview Network:

mtbr.com | roadbikereview.com | carreview.com | photographyreview.com | audioreview.com