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The Paradigm Atom has been majorly remodeled. It is now in a version V status. There is a new cabinet, a new titanium tweeter, a new cream colored polypropolene woofer (looks like a condom, I kid you not!) and a new crossover with higher grade parts.I have been listening to them the last two days and I would like someone else's impressions. In the sub $1000 USA catagory, these seem to me an extraordinary mini-monitor. Here's the trick. They're selling for $210 USA street. I haven't seen anybody posting about them. I'm a little puzzled.
My references are Magnepan MG-3s with ribbon tweeters I have in another system, and some old V2 Atoms, as well as Infinity Primus 150s and Radio Shack Optimus 5s with Lineaum tweeters. I've been listening to the new Atoms with a NAD 150 watt A/B amp, and a 30 watt class A amp in a large room. I have been using them solo and also with an 8 inch, 100 watt Infinity sub woofer.
I find the Atoms extraordinarily revealing of recording techniques and equipment upstream. You can clearly hear differences between active and passive preamps. The new Atoms project a much cleaned up lower midrange from the Atom 2s I have. They have lost the boxiness, and they tweeter seems to to go out to dog ear territory. Imaging is layered and a remarkable improvement over the old Atom and right up there with the Ls3/5a.
Follow Ups:
I could use a pair of bedroom speakers right now and the Paradigms have been recommended. I'm a little hesitant because in a store, not with the best setup, the older versions sounded muddy compared to the NHT SB-series which were admittedly more expensive. (I liked the SB2 the most.)How are the new Titans? I've heard some places that the Titans have been better than the Atom. Although, I've never had a 2-way speaker with a 5" woofer and I might like to try one out. I'd think it might have advantages in the midrange.
I used to have some PSB Image speakers and I was flabbergasted by some qualities of those, the detail especially in the treble. I'm worried that no speaker I can afford now will sound as impressive.
...compared the 150's to the earlier Atoms and thought the 150's a step up (although the Atoms were no slouch at that size/price).
I agree, earlier 2., 3. and 4. Atoms were interesting speakers but were outclassed by the dynamics, speed and weight of the Infinity Primus 150. That said, I always felt the 150s had a little bit of a presence boost that sometimes made them feel a little cold. Also the tweeter never sounded airy or extended to me. The Infinity Primus 150s imaging wasn't as strong as some mini-monitors.The new Atoms tonally are slightly warmer than the 150s, and definitly cleaner and more extended in the highs. They are very detailed, but don't push it at you. I hear the boundaries of the recorded rooms better and layering between players -- in this way their imaging is amazing, and outclasses the Primus 150s. They have also gained a great deal in the dynamics department. They don't reach down as low as the 150s, since they are a smaller box with a smaller woofer, but what they produce is tight and very tuneful. A quick subwoofer works well from about 75 hz on down.
Very well said.I can almost hear the Atoms now in comparison to the infinity.That layer between the instrument,I like that.Good.Must go listen now to Nora and Joni on these speakers.
...that is, the stengths and weaknesses of the 150's relative to the older Atoms and how the new Atoms fill the gaps.
I've been enjoying a pair for about a month now with both Naim and NAD gear and they're just amazing for the money. I've had a lot of well-reviewed budget minis in my system over the years and the refinement in the midrange and treble is miles ahead of anything close to the price. They just sound so relaxed and well, right, that I’m in no hurry to put my Totem Arros back.I don't get the sense of extraordinary extension in the treble that you do or that they resolve more than the competition, but they in no way sound shut in or rolled off. They’re definitely communicators, though. They know how to make music. I've really enjoyed listening to them.
My only gripe is Paradigm's choice of marketing them as playing louder than the competition, or some such thing. They do play plenty loud, but I think most of us will appreciate the fact that they handle dynamic swings and transients with ease, considering of course their size and price.
This is my first set of Paradigms, although I remember auditioning the original Atom and Titan against PSB's Alpha many years ago. The Alpha won me over then, but judging by the current Image series, I doubt that would be the case now.
William
Systems:
Naim CD5i> > Chord Chrysalis> > Naim Nait 5i> > Chord Rumor> > Totem Arro
NAD CD542> > Kimber PBJ> > NAD C320BEE> > Kimber 8TC> > Paradigm Atom V5
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