I don't push Audio Note - those who see it that way well chances are are Paradigm owners. There are plenty of high end speaker makers - but until you hear them - then yes Paradigm is certainly high end when compared to JVC ghetto blasters and Ford Stock Radios or Bose.

Come to Soundhounds in Victoria and listen to those Studio 100's against the AN's - if the Paradigms were better why on earth would I have bought AN? And just because you've heard some cheap soft dome speaker - perhaps from Wharfedale - make no mistake that they sound anything like a soft dome from AN. Just as Paradigm's metal tweeter is better than the one in a $12.00 clock radio.

The term high end is meaningless - what is high end to you may very well not be to me and vice versa. There are many speakers I recommend including Paradigms - there are many spekaers I think are overpriced junk - including those from Paradigm.

And maybe before you make assumptions you should go hear the competition first before you claim it isn't as good. Going to different forums and there is much more talk on much better speakers - and you will see that I'm not one guy who happens to own Audio Note or Snell original speakers.

There are lots of other companies making better speakers than Paradigm - the fact you haven't heard ANY of them is your problem.