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Paradigm Persona 3 vs 5 vs Monitor Audio

I just spent a couple of hours comparing the Paradigm Persona 3 and 5. The 3 sounded very good and I was sceptical about whether the 5, for one additional speaker, was really worth 70% more. I expected it to be very similar to the 3 with some added bass. After hearing the 5, I think it offers more than the additional bass. As good as the 3 sounded, the 5 had added depth and realism, even on music without that much bass. I listened to St. Saens 3rd Symphony and Beethoven’s 7th (2nd movement) to hear the bass and Eva Cassidy, Cecilia Bartoli and Brahms Piano Trio #1 for other characteristics.

The 3 is well priced compared the competition and certainly is a good choice. If you can afford the extra $7000, the 5 is definitely better--to me worth the significant price differential.

 To complicate my choice, we then visited another dealer to hear the Monitor Audio pl300ii and it’s an excellent speaker too if you like what I do--wide soundstage, good imaging, realistic rendition of individual instruments. It’s not an easy decision between the Paradigm 5 and the Monitor. To confuse myself further, I’m going tomorrow to hear the third speaker on my short list--the KEF Reference 3 which I’ve liked in prior hearings. I hope to make a decision after that.



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Showing 5 responses by contuzzi

contuzzi
413 posts
 
I've heard all extensively, and I'd say Persona for sure. 

There is something special about having the exact same material mid and tweeter as on the personas.  Once you spend a lot of time with them, you start to realize how much of an advantage that is.  It's hard to appreciate with short auditions.
contuzzi
413 posts
 
I’m sorry, but anyone who thinks the LS50’s sound anywhere near the Persona B... 

Speechless.  
contuzzi
413 posts
 
If you can afford the 5, get the 5.  However the 3 is 80% as good for a lot less money.  Diminishing returns.  When you step up to the 7F, you reverse that curve and I think you get a TON more speaker for only 7 grand more.

I have spent a tremendous amount of time with the entire line.  My good friend has a full 9H surround based system with the matching center and it’s staggering.  Using Anthem STR separates and home theater bypass.  Incredible stereo which happens to also be the best home theater I’ve ever heard.
contuzzi
413 posts
 
So weird that someone who casually listened to a pair of speakers would go out of their way to seek out threads to talk them down.  Pathetic BS post.  FIVE posts, all anti persona.  This forum is a joke.
contuzzi
413 posts
 
This should be common sense, but the fact that he just joined and only posted these things is more than obvious.  

Also, simple industry knowledge tells you that companies/stores do stuff like this all the time.

Even weirder is how you have always been anti persona and HAPPEN to piggyback off all of his posts.  
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