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Paradigm Persona series

I'm beginning to poke around and gather opinions and information about a "super speaker" to replace my aging Thiel 2.4s.  I like the idea of bass dsp room correction and I am a bit of a point source type imaging nut (thus the Thiels).  So among other choices I've been looking at the Paradigm Persona series specifically the powered 9H with room correction for the bass.  However I'm skeptical of the "lenses" i.e. pierced metal covers on the midrange and tweeter specifically because of Paradigm's claim that such screens "screen out" "out of phase" musical information.  The technology in the design seems superlative but I just can't get past the claim re out of phase information and the midrange and tweeter covers.  What could possibly be the science behind this claim?  It just seems like its putting a halloween moustache on the mona lisa given the fact that the company is generally a technology driven company.
pwhinson
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
1,621 posts
 
Yysantabarbera, remember we have been saying right from the get go that these speakers are very amplifer sensitive and when used with the right stuff they sound magnificent and in many way outperform speakers that are way more expensive.

When we were setting up our 9H we tried numerous combinations of electronics, digital and power conditioners before we hit magic.

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ Persona, Coda, Krell, Anthem dealers
benzman's avatar
benzman
55 posts
 
Glad to see a few folks giving the Personas a chance. I am enjoying the heck out my 5f’s. Sound better all the time as they have a long break in time. Electronics on the warmer side and you will be rewarded. 
Cabling is also very important. Cerious Technologies Matrix line is a great match. Replaced the Audience AU 24SX at half the cost and really a perfect cable for the the Personas. 
dep14
139 posts
 
Well,

Demo'd these a few times.  (and a few speakers in the persona line-up)

If you like detail, I mean LOTS of detail they have it in spades.  The first 10-15 minutes at moderate volume - holy crap, if it's in the recording they will reproduce it.

After 10-15 minutes with the volume cranked up a bit, no thank you for me.  Cymbals, Cymbals, and more Cymbals... but I listen to rock, blues, and reggae.  

IF you are interested I absolutely make sure you demo them long, hard, and a few times WITH the electronics you are going to use.

I could see someone loving them who listens to Jazz, female vocals, and loves to analyze the recordings and every micro detail at moderate volumes.  They do it, and they do it well.

For a listener who likes to add a little gas and have a little fun - man I would make sure your electronics are WARM and your room is damped.  

I'm sure they measure really, really well.  
nitewulf
277 posts
 
There are no 9Fs, I see someone keep mentioning them. 9H and 7F. Personally I wasn't a fan of the 3Fs, but the 9Hs were fantastic. I would get the 5Fs if that's what you auditioned...unless you also auditioned the 3Fs and liked them.
benzman's avatar
benzman
55 posts
 
From Stevie Ray to Daft Punk the Personas Rock. I heard  the 5f’s at  Axpona with the Macintosh 600 watt monos do 1 k peaks and filled a 30x60 room with 14 ft ceilings  without a quiver We where sitting 15 ft away measuring 100 dB peaks.  The Personas have beautiful midrange and delicate highs.  The speakers you hear demoed at the dealers(most) are not a true representation of how good the Personas can be.  I  sit in a pretty much near field with mine and the micro detail in these speakers are exceptional.  With their high efficiency they will work with a number of amps, tube or SS
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