Paradigm Reference Signature Series V.3 - First Look

Paradigm  unveiled a 3^rd version of its flagship Reference Signature Series which are claimed to be the highest output, most dynamic high end loudspeakers ever produced.  Contributing to v.3’s 50 percent increase in output (3dB more sensitive) are extensive modifications to the bass/midrange drive units. Signature v.3 bass/midrange drivers are fitted with extreme low-density NLC^™ (Non-Limiting Corrugated) TPE surrounds, FEA*-optimized and overmolded onto the cone. Paradigm claims 10 times more effective than standard thermoplastic elastomers in damping vibrations and resonances and the new corrugated design has increased peak-to-peak cone excursion from 20-mm in earlier versions to a full 30-mm. A new long-stroke split-coil motor system takes advantage of the extreme excursion by doubling the linear portion of the stroke without requiring a larger magnet. The redesigned motor also keeps mass and inductance of the voice coil low for breathtaking midrange clarity.

Bass cones on Signature v.3 speakers were re-engineered for increased stiffness and better equipped for higher output with new NLC^™  Santoprene^™ surrounds. To support the extended excursion, the motor structure was also redesigned, increasing the linear portion of the stroke through voice coils almost double the original in length. New core parts including a yoke and pole piece were retooled and FEA-optimized and even the magnets were thickened to accommodate double-distance cone travel.

Value-conscious audiophiles will appreciate the option of Paradigm Reference G-PAL^™ (gold-plated pure-aluminum) dome tweeters on the compact S1, C1 and ADP1 models, making the Reference Signature experience even more attainable.

Upgrades to Signature v.3 Bass/Midrange and Bass Drive Units

• Overmolded NLC non-limiting corrugated TPE (Santoprene^™ for the bass
  drivers) surrounds
• Redesigned Nomex^™ Spiders
• Redesigned die-cast aluminum heatsink chassis with AVS^™ cooling
• Advanced split-coil motor system (bass/midrange drivers)
• Cutting-edge long-stroke motor system (bass drivers)
• Thickened permanent ceramic (hard ferrite) magnets with focused-field geometry
• Retooled magnetic pole piece and metal top plate (bass drivers)
• Metallized high-integrity dust caps (bass/midrange drivers)
• Injection-molded mineral-filled polypropylene bass cones boast a 30% increase in mineral content

The Signature v.3 lineup (prices shown are cherry finish, U.S. FMV):

• S1 G-PAL^™ – Two-driver 2-way compact bookshelf, G-PAL (gold-plated, pure-aluminum) domes - $599/ea
• S1 P-Be^™ - Two-driver 2-way compact bookshelf, P-Be (pure berrylium) domes - $799/ea
• S2 – Two driver 2-way bookshelf - $1,299/ea
• S6 – Four-driver 3-way floorstanding - $2,599/ea
• S8 – Six-driver 3-way floorstanding - $3,499/ea
• C1 G-PAL^™ – Four-driver 3-way center, G-PAL (gold-plated pure-aluminum) domes - $1,099/ea
• C1 P-Be^™ - Four-driver 3-way center, P-Be (pure berrylium) domes - $1,299/ea
• C3 – Four-driver 3-way center - $1,999/ea
• C5 – Six-driver 3.5-way center - $3,499/ea
• ADP1 G-PAL^™ – Five-driver 3-way surround, G-PAL (gold-plated pure-aluminum) domes - $999/ea
• ADP1 P-Be^™ - Five-driver 3-way surround, P-Be (pure berrylium) domes - $1,299/ea
• ADP3 – Five driver 3-way surround - $1,599/ea

Initial Impressions

Ribbed.  It’s not just for her pleasure anymore.  Paradigm has carried this ribbed/corrugated butyl rubber surround theme into their entire Signature product line for a claimed 3dB more efficiency and higher output over its predecessors.   Nick Platsis, Anthem Product Manager, gave me quite a lecture on the merits of their new series, particularly the S2s which piqued my interest into contacting them after the show to line up a review.  We’ve always been impressed with the quality of Paradigm speakers so we are confident these won’t disappoint.

For more information, visit:  Paradigm

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.