B&W vs. Paradigm

August 31, 2009

I'm considering the B&W CM-1 or Paradigm Studio 10 v.5 for a two-channel system, likely with a sub. I'm looking for good soundstaging, detail, imaging, accuracy, smoothness, etc., and reviews are great for both of these small bookshelf speakers. I have owned Studio 20 v.2s in the past and currently have Studio 60 v.2s in a 5.1- and two-channel setup, so I am familiar with the v.2 sound. I live in a small town hundreds of miles from audio stores, so auditioning is difficult. Would you suggest the CM-1 or Studio 10 v.5 for two-channel music listening? The price difference is not an issue up to around $1000.

Thanks,

James Jorgensen

We reviewed the Paradigm Studio 10 v.5 here, but not the B&W CM-1. But by looking around, we too have found positive reviews about the CM-1. Based on that, it’s hard to imagine going wrong with either. However, these two speakers certainly won’t sound identical -- no two speakers ever do -- and the differences, even if they’re small, will have people preferring one or the other. The only thing we can really tell you is that for the traits you’re looking for (soundstaging, detail, imaging, accuracy, smoothness), Paradigm’s Studio 10 v.5 fits the bill.

New foam?

August 25, 2009

I have a pair of speakers from the '70s and I noticed that the foam on the drivers is cracked. Is this worth fixing?

Thom Nasone

Your problem isn't uncommon -- the foam used in driver surrounds back then deteriorates over time. Obviously, one choice is to fix the drivers, while another is to throw the speakers out. There are companies that fix foam surrounds, so just do a Google search and see what you come up with. Whether it's worth fixing will depend mostly on the price they quote you and how much you like these speakers. You can get some very good, brand-new speakers for just a couple of hundred bucks.

Better cables?

August 18, 2009

Great review on the DH Labs cables. Is there reason to spend more?

Kyle Wilson

Possibly. Jarrett Dixon, who reviewed the DH Labs Silver Sonic White Lightning cables, is currently reviewing some interconnects that cost about six times as much. When the review is published, you can decide if there's reason enough to spend more or stick with what DH Labs is offering.

Break-in vs. warm-up?

August 14, 2009

Many reviewers talk about a break-in period for components. Is this like a warm-up time?

Tom Ramsey

No, they're different. Warm-up refers to components reaching an optimal operating temperature, not unlike warming up a car. This often happens in minutes, and generally does not exceed one hour. Warm-up occurs every time a component is powered on. In general, tube-based electronics take longer to warm up than solid-state electronics. Speakers and cables don't warm up, unless they've been subjected to cold temperatures for a time.

When a component breaks in, it refers to physical changes in the product. One example is a speaker driver, which certainly changes over time. For example, woofers produce better bass after the speaker has been playing music for a while versus when it is brand new, fresh out of the box. From speaking with driver manufacturers, I’ve found out that this has to do with the surround and spider material simply loosening up. This is the sort of thing that break-in can refer to. Some people believe that electronics, even cables, require break-in before they're at their best, although, admittedly, the reasons for that haven't been explained as well as with speakers.

Used or new?

August 11, 2009

Given the choice of buying new or used speakers, which would you go for? I can buy some used Dynaudios, but I'm also looking at new PSB Imagine Bs.

Carl Watson

There's no easy answer to this because there are many factors that come into play. Plus, you’ve not given me enough information. For example, part of it would depend on the price, but I don't know what you're paying either. Another thing would be the condition of the used equipment, both outside and inside. Has it been abused or misused? These are things that one would need to know to make an informed choice.

What about Mirage?

August 5, 2009

I would like an update on Mirage. I know this Canadian company from way back and I am wondering about its status today. Are they still around?

Trevor Leek

Yes, Mirage is still around, but they're not really Canadian anymore. The Mirage name that you probably knew well when they were owned by Audio Products International (API) -- a large Canadian speaker maker that not only owned the Mirage brand but Energy, Athena and others -- is no more. A few years ago, US-based Klipsch bought Audio Products International and all the brands under that umbrella. Klipsch still offers the Mirage brand and you can find them online at www.miragespeakers.com, although I'm pretty sure the API design team that worked with them for a time is now gone.