Initm, Paradigm gets a fair share of reviews. Their flagship 9H had a kind cover story review and a few, more realistic comments from audio show reviewers. While reviews can be descriptively helpful how most things audio react and compare in your listening space can be worlds different.
https://www.stereophile.com/content/paradigm-prestige-95f-loudspeaker
Like jsl1234 I'm a previous owner (Paradigm Studio 100s versions 1 and 2 and in home audition their S8s). In MY subjective opinion and with respect to the Audio Doctor's, Dave, Paradigm has a definite house sound that I continued to hear with the 9H at a brick and mortar store detailed in the 9H thread below. Yes, in MY opinion they are a bit bright but more importantly, FOR ME, they didn't make music FOR ME.
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/paradigm-personas-a-first-listen?page=3
I didn't understand speaker presentation until the Paradigm V2s, S8s, and my current and more expensive used Avalon Eidolons were in the house to compare at the same time. How one comes to the rationale of listening to the music and not the system simply must be experienced. For everybody in my family and I it was a night and day difference. Beware of what retailers and fanboys may have to say and most importantly beware of your own listening ability especially in an unfamiliar environment.
I would trust a manufactures suggestion of run in time at least as a baseline. In the end I find the whole system needs to settle in with any change.
As to your questions regarding playing loud, most will agree there are many factors that can damage speakers. Keep in mind this is home audio not extreme duty pro (public address) audio. You may want to consider powered speakers which may have a more tailored design between amplifier and drivers and consequently may be more durable. These might be interesting to you.
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/full-range-loudspeakers-2017-09-06-speakers
https://www.stereophile.com/content/paradigm-prestige-95f-loudspeaker
Like jsl1234 I'm a previous owner (Paradigm Studio 100s versions 1 and 2 and in home audition their S8s). In MY subjective opinion and with respect to the Audio Doctor's, Dave, Paradigm has a definite house sound that I continued to hear with the 9H at a brick and mortar store detailed in the 9H thread below. Yes, in MY opinion they are a bit bright but more importantly, FOR ME, they didn't make music FOR ME.
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/paradigm-personas-a-first-listen?page=3
I didn't understand speaker presentation until the Paradigm V2s, S8s, and my current and more expensive used Avalon Eidolons were in the house to compare at the same time. How one comes to the rationale of listening to the music and not the system simply must be experienced. For everybody in my family and I it was a night and day difference. Beware of what retailers and fanboys may have to say and most importantly beware of your own listening ability especially in an unfamiliar environment.
I would trust a manufactures suggestion of run in time at least as a baseline. In the end I find the whole system needs to settle in with any change.
As to your questions regarding playing loud, most will agree there are many factors that can damage speakers. Keep in mind this is home audio not extreme duty pro (public address) audio. You may want to consider powered speakers which may have a more tailored design between amplifier and drivers and consequently may be more durable. These might be interesting to you.
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/full-range-loudspeakers-2017-09-06-speakers