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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.



brownsf

Showing 4 responses by brownsf

brownsf OP
11 posts
 
Just heard the KEF 3 again.  Again I liked the wide soundstage, the tight bass, the positioning of solo instruments, the fact that the speakers disappeared and the sound seemed to be coming from a wide stage a couple of feet behind the speakers.  
But...my wife, who has better hearing than me, felt that the KEFs were harsh at times and that violins in particular didn't sound natural. I noticed these things too.  Help!! Someone tell me what to do with the three speakers on my short list--KEF Reference 3, Monitor Audio PL300ii and paradigm Persona 5 (just kidding).  I'm not sure what to do next but, at the risk of wearing out my welcome at the store, I may go back to hear  the Persona 5's one more time.  

brownsf OP
11 posts
 
Audiotroy-Appreciate your input.  After hearing the Persona 3 and 5, the Monitor Audio PL300ii and the KEF Reference 3 multiple times,  I narrowed it down to the Persona 5 (despite the big up charge). and the KEF.  Wish I could hear the KEF Reference 5 but it's not displayed anywhere in my area.  Tough call for me among the remaining two.  I do like the wide soundstage and imaging of the KEF.  Seems that I like whichever I'm hearing at the time.   I'd say that I'm leaning toward the KEF right now (and I'm not listening to anything) despite the positive things about the Persona 5.  I checked out the Aeris and it appears to be an active speaker which requires AC power, which won't work for me.  
brownsf OP
11 posts
 
Just saw demo Blades--not Blades 2-- for sale at a dealer for 20,000.  Problem is the WAF.  Some say that the KEF Reference 3 actually sounds better than the more expensive Reference 5.  As mentioned, I haven't been able to hear the 5.  My equipment is Audio Research tube amp and preamp. 
brownsf OP
11 posts
 
The dealer did move the Persona 5s further apart and it made a positive difference in the soundstage.  As for my wife's comments about the strings sounding harsh on the KEF Reference 3, we played the same CDs on several other speakers--Gamut, Persona 5 and my current Proacs.  Guess what?  Same issue.  Clearly that problem is with the source material. Maybe I should use different CDs or vinyl for auditions. Wish I were a little closer to NY but I'm not and have no planned trips.  
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