Paradigm Signature S8 v3 - experiences? Are they as good as the reviews say they are?

[jhandus 1]

Doing some research on this speaker.  I see good reviews.  Anyone here have real experiences with this Signature P8 product line from Paradigm they would like to share?  I have a set of Paradigms but they are older (Monitor 11) and am really happy with the way they sound.  I'm now looking at upgrading and moving the old ones to another room.  The dealer does not stock the S8s, only the S6s so I can't "have a listen".

 

What I can tell from the reviews (I think):

1) good dynamic range

2) efficient - can be driven with min. power.  (I'd be using the 500t)

3) good for my kind of music (classic rock)

4) stands up to speakers in a much higher price range and wins some listens over (good value)

5) bass on these speakers are much better than my current set  (6 drivers on each and a deep cabinet)

 

 http://www.paradigm.com/products/products-by-category/floorstanding/signature/signature-series/signature-s8

 

 Would like to hear from someone that has owned a set or has listened to them to get their opinion. 

 

 

 

[Nahash5150 10,999]

Please find a dealer who sells Monitor Audio - give a listen to the RX8 model. I guarantee you will fall in love with them.

 

I have a personal bias vs Paradigm...sorry.

[Guest RodH]

I've owned dozens (really!) of pairs of Paradigm's offerings.

From their budget series up to the sig's.

Listen to a set thoroughly before you commit.  Their house sound may not be what you are wanting in the long run - or maybe it is.

It's wasn't for me.

[jhandus 1]

 

 

I've owned dozens (really!) of pairs of Paradigm's offerings.

From their budget series up to the sig's.

Listen to a set thoroughly before you commit.  Their house sound may not be what you are wanting in the long run - or maybe it is.

It's wasn't for me.

 

RodH, what do you recommend in the place of Paradigms S line (for the same kind of money)?

[Guest RodH]

Honestly, I gave up on the newer stuff a while back.

Most of my gear I buy on the used market.

Been happy with the higher end B&W stuff, but it's pricey new.

Was never truly happy with any speakers until I got my Amazings.

 

Disclosure: I've gone full circle from being a music lover to a rabid gear-head and am now back listening to the music and not the equipment. When you do stumble across what really works for you, you won't be asking others for their opinions. You won't care!

 

Get out there and listen....

 

It can be a long journey.

[Nahash5150 10,999]

Shopping for speakers is fun...if you have the guts for it.

[jhandus 1]

Shopping for speakers is fun...if you have the guts for it.

 

I'm seeing a lot of post on B&W, maybe I'll give them a listen too.  It looks like some good speakers used at a reasonable price.  I'm sure speakers are like cars... a lot of followings due to brand and personal experience?  Like Carver   or like a good woman... once you find a good set you stick with that brand

[Nahash5150 10,999]

Yep. Brand loyalty is common even with speakers. I like B&W - what they don't spend on marketing they put into their speakers.

[oldtexasdog 2,492]

I spent a long time shopping for speakers. Found the B&W's I liked then spent a long time shopping for them.

Never looked back.

[jhandus 1]

 

 

I spent a long time shopping for speakers. Found the B&W's I liked then spent a long time shopping for them.

Never looked back.

 

I see one of the local Best Buys have the CM9s for  $1500 ea.  Is that a good price?  Was wondering if they go on sale someplace else or that is the standard price (i.e. upper brands don't go on sale)?  

 

 

 

 

[Nahash5150 10,999]

Monitor Audio Dealers near you!

 

:D :D

[oldtexasdog 2,492]

I spent a long time shopping for speakers. Found the B&W's I liked then spent a long time shopping for them.

Never looked back.

 

I see one of the local Best Buys have the CM9s for  $1500 ea.  Is that a good price?  Was wondering if they go on sale someplace else or that is the standard price (i.e. upper brands don't go on sale)?  

 

 

 

 

 

I have not auditioned the newer ones. I bought a used pair(Had to drive to Austin and back) as the seller would not ship I got a good price on a pair of 805S's with B&W stands filled with lead shot and sand for 1300.00 5 years ago. Find a pair you like and buy used for half the price. I have 2 subs and have actively taken the low end  HZ off of the B&W's so I just love it. So you see compromises vers funds can be made and make you happy. The other one I just loved was a pair of Vanderstieens 3s Sig. They were just ugly and I had 3 young children and their cat living with me at the time.

But I would still consider a pair.

 

Here is my search

http://www.avsforum.com/t/1112689/my-quest-for-the-perfect-sub-1000-00-bookshelf-for-music