When a manufacturer the stature of Paradigm has an entirely
new series of products ready for the market, you’ve got to sit up and take notice.
That's just we did with the new Studio v.5 series.
From the outside in, the all-new Studio series features
real-wood veneers (rosenut, cherry or black-stained) with seven coats of lacquer over a
restyled cabinet that looks a lot like the ones used for Paradigm's more expensive
Signature-series speakers. In fact, some of our team thought the Studio speakers looked
better.
The v.5 midrange/bass-drivers' surround is now made with
Santoprene and has a more elliptical shape, which Paradigm says reduces distortion and
permits tighter and deeper bass response. And in a nod toward those who like a grilleless
speaker, the Studio v.5 speakers have been designed to have the same performance clothed
or naked.
Paradigm has also added a new model to the line: the Studio
10 (left). This little tyke measures only 15"H x 8 1/4"W x 12 3/4"D, but
according to Paradigm it "packs a powerful punch for music or home theater." If
the company’s much-loved Atom speaker is any measure, the Studio 10 should drop more
than a few jaws when it arrives in stores. Keen-eyed observers will notice in the price
listing below that the stand-mounted Studio 40 has been discontinued, but three
center-channel speakers and two subwoofers round out the line.
The Studio v.5 speakers are available now. Prices per
speaker are: Studio 10, $399; Studio 20, $599; Studio 60, $999; Studio 100, $1499; Studio
CC-490, $799; Studio CC-590, $1199; and Studio CC-690, $1499. [www.paradigm.com]
