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PARADIGM INTRODUCES SA SERIES v.2

by April 03, 2007

‘Must have technology’ the focus for upgraded line of in-wall/in-ceiling speakers from high-end Paradigm® Reference.

ONTARIO, CANADA – April 2, 2007 – Paradigm Electronics Inc. is pleased to introduce the latest version of its Paradigm® Reference SA Series of in-wall/in-ceiling speakers. With 25 years of high-end research and development supporting it, the new SA lineup promises easy, low-profile installation and the highly acclaimed sound delivered by its freestanding Paradigm® Reference counterparts.

One of the top ten “Must Have Technology Trends for Homes” in 2007 focuses on technology for entertainment (including multi-room music systems), according to Utz Baldwin, Vice President of the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA). The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) State of the Home Builder survey, conducted by the CEA, revealed that 65% of new homes had distributed audio as a standard or optional feature. That perfectly positions the SA Series to meet this demand; offering homeowners a physically unobtrusive whole-home audio solution backed by performance normally found in only the best-sounding freestanding speakers.

In addition to the impressive advancements in speaker technology (see farther below) across the lineup, the series includes two new models: SA-15R-SM and the SA-15R-30. The SA-15R-SM is a stereo/mono model featuring the company’s proprietary Dual-Directional Soundfield™ — rich dual-channel sound from a single speaker. The S/M model is ideal in smaller areas, or rooms where a stereo pair would not be suitable or is not desired. The SA-15R-30, with its unique high-frequency PhaseArm, features Paradigm’s proprietary Guided Soundfield™ system, allowing the purchaser to guide the sound exactly where they want it in a room. The PhaseArm™ positions the high-frequency driver closer to the plane of the ceiling, resulting in improved phase response as well as improved dispersion, both on and off axis.

High-performance features found in the v.2 line-up include:

  • SA15R-30NEW! State-of-the-Art High-Power 1? (25-mm) G-PAL™ Gold-Anodized Pure-Aluminum Domes. Chosen for their rigidity and tremendous internal damping properties.
  • NEW! State-of-the-Art High-Power S-PAL™ Satin-Anodized Pure-Aluminum Bass/Midrange Cones. Improved sonic performance through enhanced cone rigidity.
  • NEW! Gold-Anodized Solid-Aluminum Phase Plugs increase airflow for improved power handling. Critically shaped to contribute to the accuracy of phase response.
  • State-of-the-Art High-Power Mineral-Filled Polypropylene Bass Cones. Highly damped and extremely rigid, they ensure tight, well-defined, deep bass response.
  • Ultra-Rigid™ Die-Cast Aluminum Chassis or GRIP™ Chassis and Mounting Brackets (varies by model) enhance wall rigidity and reduce the opportunity for unwanted resonances and distortion to color sound.
  • NEW! Lightweight 1? Aluminum or Copper-Clad Aluminum-Wire Voice Coils with ventilated Apical™ formers ensure superb accuracy and reliability.
  • NEW! State-of-the-Art Precision Crossover Networks using two-sided circuit boards have been tweaked for improved frequency and phase response. 14-guage wire or better.
  • NEW! Paradigm-designed PosiGrip™ binding posts.

To combat wall flexibility, which can leave an in-wall or in-ceiling speaker prone to uncontrolled resonances and standing waves, SA speakers have Ultra-Rigid™ die-cast aluminum chassis and mounting brackets. In-wall chassis on this new generation have been redesigned to match their in-ceiling counterparts, boasting deeper ribbing and further recessed grilles. The result is that crucial area around the mounting hole is further strengthened and reinforced. Not only is wall rigidity enhanced but opportunities for unwanted resonances and distortion to color sound is dramatically reduced.

SA Series v.2 includes:

SA-15R-SMSA-10R – Two-driver, 2-way in-ceiling/in-wall: $649 pr
SA-15R – Two-driver, 2-way in-ceiling/in-wall: $799 pr

NEW MODEL! SA-15R-SM – Single speaker system with stereo L/R inputs. 3-driver, 2-way in-ceiling/in-wall: $449 ea

NEW MODEL! SA-15R-30 – Two-driver (mounted at 30 degrees relative to ceiling), 2-way in-ceiling: $549 ea

NEW MODEL! SA-25 – Two-driver 2-way in-wall/in-ceiling: $799 pr

SA-30 – Rectangular two-driver 2-way: $999 pr

SA-35 – Rectangular three-driver 2-way: $1,599 pr

Paradigm® Reference in-wall/in-ceiling speakers are flexible in application and designed for quick and easy “drop-in” installation into existing walls and ceilings. Speaker grilles can be painted to match any décor.

(R = Round) All Prices FMV in US$.

For more information on Paradigm, please visit www.paradigm.com.

About Paradigm
Innovative design, advanced materials, in-house manufacturing, and state-of-the-art engineering have made Paradigm® an international leader in speaker design. With more than 250 industry awards for audio excellence and numerous rave reviews from around the world, Paradigm® is committed to being at the leading edge of speaker technology and consistently achieving the ultimate in sound for music and home theater.

About the author:
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As Associate Editor at Audioholics, Tom promises to the best of his ability to give each review the same amount of attention, consideration, and thoughtfulness as possible and keep his writings free from undue bias and preconceptions. Any indication, either internally or from another, that bias has entered into his review will be immediately investigated. Substantiation of mistakes or bias will be immediately corrected regardless of personal stake, feelings, or ego.

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