bobsticks
04-27-2006, 10:45 AM
I've been shopping for a new car recently and, I suspect that like many, I tend to over-shop and certainly over-analynze things. The fact that there isn't anything wrong with my current VW also removes any sense of urgency from the proceedings. Anyway, after a couple of hours on the lot I started getting disinterested, and being in the area made my way to my local Hifi dealer.
Over the last few months I have developed a pretty good relationship with these guys. For my part, I have dutifully brought them several new converts into the realm of the AV and in return they have treated me with a great deal more deference than the"average joe" and certainly with more attention than any big box store. The assistant manager and I have regular conversations about jazz and, in fact, has been a guest at social gatherings at my home. Needless to say these are good guys and we have established a level of trust.
Right off I announced that I was done with my HT set-up and was going to concentrate on a secondary two-channel set-up. "No you're not" was the reply. Now understand that these guys have never put the hard sale on me and, point of fact, I have at times felt like Mr. Difficult with my kibbutzing(sp? I probably shouldn't bring the yiddish). So taken aback by the conviction of my new friends, I was led to another room with subwoofers and given a rather complete and dramatic audition.
So, as of yesterday I am the owner of a new Paradigm Servo 15. Having spent a couple of hours integrating this into my room last night I can truthfully say that the difference is huge. The previous sub was a KEF PSW2000 and the Paradigm eats it for lunch!!
Though this sub can presumably shake foundations( I have yet to watch a movie ) the real beauty lies in a more subtle realm. When placed properly, it remains sonically hidden--just waiting to be called on. Without getting into the technical mucketty-muck, this bad boy does just what it is supposed to with great accuracy. To give a specific example, on Diana Krall's Live in Paris dvd's second cut, All or Nothing there is a bass solo that highlights John Clayton's considerable skills. When playing on the high G and D strings the sub reacts with appropriate smoothness. When notes are played on the lower A and E strings the Paradigm mimicks the natural forced attack and pitch with aplomb. Anyone who has experience with a stand-up bass understands that this is not inaccurate but a fundamental characteristic of the instrument. Outstanding.
To sum up, while I auditioned several speakers and subs that day--the 20's and 40's weren't really my cup of tea--the Servo 15 is a great piece of equipment and a welcome addition in my home.
Over the last few months I have developed a pretty good relationship with these guys. For my part, I have dutifully brought them several new converts into the realm of the AV and in return they have treated me with a great deal more deference than the"average joe" and certainly with more attention than any big box store. The assistant manager and I have regular conversations about jazz and, in fact, has been a guest at social gatherings at my home. Needless to say these are good guys and we have established a level of trust.
Right off I announced that I was done with my HT set-up and was going to concentrate on a secondary two-channel set-up. "No you're not" was the reply. Now understand that these guys have never put the hard sale on me and, point of fact, I have at times felt like Mr. Difficult with my kibbutzing(sp? I probably shouldn't bring the yiddish). So taken aback by the conviction of my new friends, I was led to another room with subwoofers and given a rather complete and dramatic audition.
So, as of yesterday I am the owner of a new Paradigm Servo 15. Having spent a couple of hours integrating this into my room last night I can truthfully say that the difference is huge. The previous sub was a KEF PSW2000 and the Paradigm eats it for lunch!!
Though this sub can presumably shake foundations( I have yet to watch a movie ) the real beauty lies in a more subtle realm. When placed properly, it remains sonically hidden--just waiting to be called on. Without getting into the technical mucketty-muck, this bad boy does just what it is supposed to with great accuracy. To give a specific example, on Diana Krall's Live in Paris dvd's second cut, All or Nothing there is a bass solo that highlights John Clayton's considerable skills. When playing on the high G and D strings the sub reacts with appropriate smoothness. When notes are played on the lower A and E strings the Paradigm mimicks the natural forced attack and pitch with aplomb. Anyone who has experience with a stand-up bass understands that this is not inaccurate but a fundamental characteristic of the instrument. Outstanding.
To sum up, while I auditioned several speakers and subs that day--the 20's and 40's weren't really my cup of tea--the Servo 15 is a great piece of equipment and a welcome addition in my home.