Any Paradigm Persona 3f and GoldenEar Reference comparisons?

the 3f is super detailed, but I felt would get bright listening at louder volumes.  The 3f in my opinion needs a subwoofer for sure.  It's the more accurate speaker in terms of detail, air etc.

The reference is what it is.  It lacks a little detail, but can pound all day, will work with less expensive electronics really well (even a receiver) as it's not going to ever be too bright and doesn't needs gobs of power as the subs are powered.  

I would want a very detailed DAC and something like a very nice class A amp to drive the top of the reference if I owned them.  

When I compared the DynAudio Contour 60's to the reference, I prefered the Dyn's  - plenty of bass also, but tighter and more defined.  More detail on the top end, but not bright.  

That said, the reference is a rare speaker you could do Home Theater with and probably be just fine without subs.

The 3f lacks low end oomph for sure.  Two very, very different speakers.

dvdboulet17 posts03-30-2018 8:21amNice to hear how well the new Dynaudio Contour 60s compared to the Reference. Would also be curious if anyone has compared the Dyns to the Persona 5f or 7F

The usual caveat, both are good.  The dyns are a fuller sounding speaker IMO, the 5f and 7f have more detail, heck they have just about every detail.  The Dyn's seem to move more air and have a fuller bass sound (but without being boomy).  If you listen for every last detail the Persona is likely more your cup of tea.

The persona's to me are similar to the Focal Sopra line to the brighter side of neutral, but good coherent accurate speakers, but for me they need a subwoofer.

The Dyn's are pretty dead neutral, but with a bit fuller sound.

The Golden Ears to me, are on the warmer side of neutral, with tons of bass, but not as accurate and as punchy as the Dyns.  

I think the Golden Ear Triton 2+ is the sweet spot.  I wouldn't spring for the 1's unless you had a bigger room, and the reference I would think about if you just loved the Golden Ear sound and wanted "more".