I own the S8s. It's the most under-appreciated and under-respected best deal in audio. Many reviewers and owners, me included, have opined that the S8s sound as good as many other so-called high end speakers costing multiples more. The trick is that Paradigm manufactures pretty much everything in house. Costs are also lower because R&D and fixed overhead is spread over a huge product line. Perhaps the most significant tech improvement is the beryllium (sp?) tweeter. The damn thing is flat out to almost 40 kHz!! For all I know, it may even produce ozone.
ATC Monitors vs. Paradigm S8?
I'll be moving into a 1 bedroom loft apartment soon w/ a 40'x20'x16' living room where I plan to have my system. I'm probably 60/40 Home theater to music these days.
I had a set of SCM-11 speakers paired to a Bryston 3B-ST which I always really enjoyed but always thought they lacked low end. I've recently sold them in preparation for the move (no way they could be used in such a huge space when already lacking low-end) and began using my Paradigm S2's which I've been happy w/ overall. Each speaker has been paired w/ dual Velodyne SPL-1500's, which I love for both music and HT.
Before my move I had been on a voracious search for active ATC SCM20-2A monitors based on what I heard about them, how beautiful they were, and that they were supposed to keep high end detail but much better mid and lows. I had also always had a soft spot for Paradigm S8's which I heard a while back at a local dealer and always thought were the best speakers I had ever heard (I'm not claiming to be the most versed audiophile, just stating what I've heard), but they were way overkill for my room. I've like the highs and detail of the ATC's better than the Paradigms but Paradigm has performed better for me overall, in my current room w/ the music I listen to.
Now that I'm moving into a huge loft the S8's are definately in play but I'm left wondering if I would be able to get away w/ the active ATC monitors and the dual subs. The monitors will be cheaper and easier to deal w/ (placement and footprint) but will they lack something in such a large room? I enjoy music at fairly high levels and tight low-end is important.
I had a set of SCM-11 speakers paired to a Bryston 3B-ST which I always really enjoyed but always thought they lacked low end. I've recently sold them in preparation for the move (no way they could be used in such a huge space when already lacking low-end) and began using my Paradigm S2's which I've been happy w/ overall. Each speaker has been paired w/ dual Velodyne SPL-1500's, which I love for both music and HT.
Before my move I had been on a voracious search for active ATC SCM20-2A monitors based on what I heard about them, how beautiful they were, and that they were supposed to keep high end detail but much better mid and lows. I had also always had a soft spot for Paradigm S8's which I heard a while back at a local dealer and always thought were the best speakers I had ever heard (I'm not claiming to be the most versed audiophile, just stating what I've heard), but they were way overkill for my room. I've like the highs and detail of the ATC's better than the Paradigms but Paradigm has performed better for me overall, in my current room w/ the music I listen to.
Now that I'm moving into a huge loft the S8's are definately in play but I'm left wondering if I would be able to get away w/ the active ATC monitors and the dual subs. The monitors will be cheaper and easier to deal w/ (placement and footprint) but will they lack something in such a large room? I enjoy music at fairly high levels and tight low-end is important.