the hand of boredom
02-13-2004, 08:25 PM
Hey All,
Hope your musical systems are bringing you countless hours of joy.
I myself have gone up a Paradigm line from the beginning, starting with the Mini-Monitor, then the Monitor 7, Studio 40, and now my roommate owns the latest version of the Studio 100, which by the way all biases aside, is a winner for the price.
As I was looking to upgrade from the 40 and checking out manufacturers of 'music' speakers rather than those targeted for dual HT and music use. I've auditioned Martin Logans, Reference 3A, B&W, Monitor Audios, Maggies, and will be listening to a pair by Joseph Audio next week. Last night I was given an audition of the Signature S2 and, honestly, was quite taken back. Although my memories of the auditions of the aforementioned speakers are not vivid, I can say that I thought the S2 DOES compete.
The build quality follows the true Paradigm Reference philosophy; it's gorgeous. Sonically, it is Paradigm as well, only with a MUCH better tweeter. I didn't think it was as extended as the 3.6R or as 'real' as the Aeon-i, but definitely cleaner than the N805 and on par with the DeCapo (which, before this audition I would buy in a heartbeat), and not as thin as the GR10. The midrange is more lush, silky, wet, and transperent than the Studios. It really reminded me of the DeCapo with its palbability and openness. Bass response was quite adequate. Not as deep as the Aeon, not as quick as the GR10, but solid none-the-less as it filled the listening room with a good amount of bass.
The imaging and soundstaging were both very nice. It was easy to hear and place every piece of the ensemble even at some testing levels.
I liked the S2 so much that I would need to put it up against the DeCapo when I am serious about buying.
Has anybody hear heard the S2? How did you compare it with a) your mains, and b)any similar speakers you have listened to or auditioned?
Reference Discs: Michael Jackson, <i>HIStory</i>, Madonna, <i>GHV2</i>, Diana Krall, <i>Love Scenes</i>, and Martha Argarich, <i>Rachmaninoff's 3rd Concerto</i>.
THOB
Hope your musical systems are bringing you countless hours of joy.
I myself have gone up a Paradigm line from the beginning, starting with the Mini-Monitor, then the Monitor 7, Studio 40, and now my roommate owns the latest version of the Studio 100, which by the way all biases aside, is a winner for the price.
As I was looking to upgrade from the 40 and checking out manufacturers of 'music' speakers rather than those targeted for dual HT and music use. I've auditioned Martin Logans, Reference 3A, B&W, Monitor Audios, Maggies, and will be listening to a pair by Joseph Audio next week. Last night I was given an audition of the Signature S2 and, honestly, was quite taken back. Although my memories of the auditions of the aforementioned speakers are not vivid, I can say that I thought the S2 DOES compete.
The build quality follows the true Paradigm Reference philosophy; it's gorgeous. Sonically, it is Paradigm as well, only with a MUCH better tweeter. I didn't think it was as extended as the 3.6R or as 'real' as the Aeon-i, but definitely cleaner than the N805 and on par with the DeCapo (which, before this audition I would buy in a heartbeat), and not as thin as the GR10. The midrange is more lush, silky, wet, and transperent than the Studios. It really reminded me of the DeCapo with its palbability and openness. Bass response was quite adequate. Not as deep as the Aeon, not as quick as the GR10, but solid none-the-less as it filled the listening room with a good amount of bass.
The imaging and soundstaging were both very nice. It was easy to hear and place every piece of the ensemble even at some testing levels.
I liked the S2 so much that I would need to put it up against the DeCapo when I am serious about buying.
Has anybody hear heard the S2? How did you compare it with a) your mains, and b)any similar speakers you have listened to or auditioned?
Reference Discs: Michael Jackson, <i>HIStory</i>, Madonna, <i>GHV2</i>, Diana Krall, <i>Love Scenes</i>, and Martha Argarich, <i>Rachmaninoff's 3rd Concerto</i>.
THOB