Paradigm Shift Soundtrack 2 SoundBar Preview

It tells you something about a product when a company releases a follow-up. It really tells you something about that product when that follow-up looks exactly like the original. It tells you that the company believes in the old saying - "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Well, broke or not, technology moves on and products need to be updated or risk being hopelessly out of date. Some AV products like amplifiers and subwoofers haven't changed much in years and therefore stay relevant. Other products, like receivers, displays, and sources, need new versions in order to incorporate the latest technology.

We talked about Paradigm's Shift Soundtrack when it was first released in January of last year. When Paradigm announced the shipping of the Soundtrack 2, we thought it was the same product. Check out this stock image from the original Soundtrack and compare it to the one at the top of this article:

Yep, looks the same to us

At first we thought that Paradigm had just taken a year to start shipping the Soundtrack. But when we noticed the "2" on the end, we realized they had come out with a new version. The old Soundtrack and the Soundtrack 2 have a lot in common. They feature the same driver configuration (1" tweeter, 4" mid/bass driver, 4.5" passive radiator) for each of the two channels. The form factor is obviously the similar as well. The Soundtrack soundbars feature a wireless subwoofer with dual ports and an 8" laminated composite cone driver with a 1-1/2" high-temperature aluminum-wire voice coil. Both the original and the Soundtrack 2 subwoofers were rated at 100 watts though the original had a 300-watt peak while the Soundtrack 2 has a 250-watt peak. They are probably identical though the measurement parameters may have changed affecting the rating.

The Soundtrack 2 has added Bluetooth streaming to its list of inputs. It features Bluetooth with aptX streaming technology and has a 2-channel Music Mode and multichannel Movie modes with Dolby Digital and Paradigm Virtual Surround. This virtual surround is achieved by adjusting the phase of the two channels to trick your ear into thinking that the sounds are coming from behind you.

The main Soundtrack 2 soundbar has 25 watts RMS sustained and 60 watts peak power per channel (Class D amplification). The driver cones are constructed of mineral filled polypropylene for the woofers and satin-anodized aluminum for the tweeters. Both channels are isolated in the enclosure. There are digital optical inputs, RCA analog inputs, and an auxiliary input (likely 3.5mm) to compliment the Bluetooth streaming. The soundbar can be mounted to the wall with included hardware or set on a shelf with snap-in feet. The on-board interface controls Power, Volume and Synching of the subwoofer with the soundbar. The system can learn power on/off, source select, volume up/down and mute from the television’s remote so that both Soundtrack 2 and the TV can be controlled with just one remote. Discrete HEX codes are also available.

Now you see it, now you don't

The subwoofer is designed to be nearly invisible in your home. Paradigm suggests that it can even be placed in an AV cabinet. While this will certainly increase the perceived output of the sub with all the boundary reinforcement, it is unlikely to make it sound any better. Keeping the sub out of a cabinet and close to a wall or corner will likely produce better sonic results. 

While most users will likely opt for the wireless connection between the bar and the subwoofer, we like that Paradigm has included a wired option. For those that experience interference, or just don't want to have to rely on a wireless connection, this is an invaluable option. The Soundtrack 2 subwoofer does have a DSP signal-processing engine to help shape the sound (and likely protect the subwoofer).

The Soundtrack 2 rated down to 140Hz while the sub is rated down to 40Hz. The Paradigm Soundtrack 2 soundbar is 5 by 36 by 3 inches (approximately) and 7.4 pounds. The included sub is 14 by 18 by 6 inches (again, approximately) and weights 12.5 pounds. The new Paradigm Soundtrack 2 will retail for $899.99, which is $100 more than the previous model.

Conclusion

If the Paradigm Soundtrack was a hit, and the fact that they have released a successor indicates that it was, there is every reason to believe the Soundtrack 2 will be one as well. While Paradigm has done little more than bump up the price by $100 and add Bluetooth streaming, for many it will be enough. The small form factor of the bar, the wireless connection to the sub, and the slim profile of the sub so that it can be placed under couches is sure to attract many customers.

For more information, please contact www.paradigm.com.

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