Best BASS From A Tower Speaker? Paradigm Founder 120H Tower Review & Demos

[@louv4437]

I heard the 120H without knowing the price I honestly thought it was a 25k speaker! When finding out a pair is 9k I was STUNNED!!!

[@michaelriter7128]

I have a pair of the 120H’s and they are the best hybrids out there. No need for a dedicated subwoofer with these bad boys unless you’re a big bass head. I previously owned the Golden Ear Tritons, a nice hybrid in their own right. The Founders 120H build quality is a cut above the Tritons. The 120H’s also has Anthem room correction available for great room correction capabilities. Going to add the 70LCR as my center channel to complete my system.

[@TheMills567]

Same here. These replaced my 1R. Those were great. These are a step up in every way. Esp build. The GE are NOT embarrassed by any speaker imho. But the room correction is what sold me on these.

[@shaneducholke364]

Great video, I must say, your writing is too notch, one of the best out there in the Home Theater genre. You can easily feel the warmth in the demos and I would take a warm sounding speaker over a clinically accurate speaker any day of the week as they provide the soul of the artist as in an intimate live show setting.

[@SpecOfTech]

thanks man, I appreciate that. 100%, that is what I was getting from these speakers, they sound a little more real for music. Although, I would say the Legacy speakers were better from HT, they are just so detailed you hear every little nuance in the movie.

[@schoocg]

Nice review. I am really old and have had stereos since the 60s. On my last one now for sure. But it was difficult to find the sound (speakers ) when your ears have gone to crap and I have hearing tinnitus. Certain freq responses can come across as scratching your finger nails across a chalk board in lesser speakers and even more expensive. Sucks getting old. . My speaker budget was around $10k for a pair. I listened to many speakers far above my this price mark and down as low as $5k per pair. Then I heard the 100s. Loved them but knew my room size this was asking a lot from them. But, they didn’t have that bass i so much fell in love with in the 1970s. So I took a chance and ordered the 120H and never heard them. I was counting on the hybrid bass to fill in that gap. Well, it wasn’t a pleasant surprise it blew me away. Amazing amazing sound In every respect. And yes your listening chair will vibrate too. Fit and finish out of this world.

[@scott88m14]

I'd love to hear / feel your system! I can't even imagine the depth it must have. Quality video as usual.

[@SpecOfTech]

Thanks brother, if you are even in the Alberta Canada area let me know.

[@obi1cannoli777]

I can't imagine 24" greatness lol

[@Johnnytrades101]

Awesome video! Just by seeing you, I can see how much you like the Founder 120's! I have listened to the 100F's at Base Electronics. John and I had a great listening session. He was able to play every single track that I wanted. Unrushed, relaxed, and private. As a legacy owner, everything you noticed about the Paradigms is exactly what I took away. Well done! Very few speakers can cause "goose bumps" , that reaction to music we all look for was there in spades with the Founders. One song in particular, by London Grammar, "Hey Now" really was something to behold. I have heard that on my Legacy's many times, her voice on the Paradigms was so silky and real, it didn't have the slight sharper definition that I was used to. It sounded live. On the other hand, the Legacy's have a slightly more detailed presentation, which I really enjoy, but bad recordings are exactly what you get. I would love to have them in my system!! Maybe we can demo the 40B's next to the Legacy's! that would be a great comparison! Cheers!

[@SpecOfTech]

Yeah you nailed it with your statements about both the Legacy and Paradigms. You are welcome any time to come audition the Founders. Chat soon buddy!

[@torrykhaduli1506]

Great

[@vettesweetnos]

I've looked at over 150 brands and narrowed my audition list down to 5. Legacy signature se, paradigm founders, revel performabe, focal sopra, and wharfedale Elysian. Ruled out dali Rubicon, monitor audio gold, aerial acoustics 7t, sonus Faber olympica along with a lot of others. Have either of you heard the legacy signature passive or active? My theater room is 29x18x9 and sound proofed, 2 jtr 4000ulf. A lot of speakers at this price point are weaker than the 5 I listed or over priced like wilson/magico. Any light you can shed on any of those? For theater would you prefer legacy or paradigm?

[@Johnnytrades101]

@@vettesweetnos wow, too many choices lol. I have heard both Legacy and Paradigm. Legacy i owned the Classic HD, and heard the Focus. Very detailed, crisp sharp treble, and a fast hard hitting midrange and bass. The Founders are less sharp, and I found more musical. Both had a very good soundstage, & Imaging. Both are KILLER for home theater!! Note...the legacys can seem a bit too sharp sometimes for me. Placement is critical. Founders are more forgiving. Looks...a huge difference. The founders are drool worthy. Beautiful!! Legacy is almost generic in comparison. Then there is availability.. My legacys took over 6 months. Hope my experience helps.

[@vettesweetnos]

@@Johnnytrades101 appreciate the response, I've heard founders sound similar to the studio line but not quite paradigm signature level. I regret buying those back when i got my v.5. I'm gonna listen to legacy, the founders, and revels. I have some focal aria and ascend acoustics for music in different rooms. The sopra would be great for music but not home theater because the surrounds are $7k a pair, ouch. 14k for 4 surrounds I'll have to pass on lol

[@Menard892000]

Another one!!! In my DJ Khalid voice 😂😂 great video. 👏👏 man I love this channel. Always bringing something new and never copying off other channels like some other channels do 😄 lbvs

[@SpecOfTech]

lol, I appreciate that brother. It's comments like this that help me keep going with the channel...cheers!

[@vincenthebert9688]

Another great video Barrett! Man those 120's look so nice!! Keep up the great work bud!

[@SpecOfTech]

Thanks man, as always, I appreciate the support brother.

[@jesseaylward7469]

Great similes Barrett. The warm blanket on a cold evening. That’s relatable… love it. Can’t recall the term you used to talk about the smoothness of the bookshelves now, but it brought a happy smirk. Entertaining as always my man 👍

[@SpecOfTech]

Thanks brother, I am glad you noticed. I am trying to add a little verbal color to my descriptions.

[@BuildMontage]

Congrats on your speakers mate, they look beautiful. The demos sounded excellent! Hope they serve you well in your home theater.

[@SpecOfTech]

Thanks brother, they are a phenomenal speaker, and have opened my ears to appreciate speakers with a warmer sound.

[@doublet147]

Great review! I actually listened to these & their Premier series. I felt like the Founders did have better (full) low end extension, but the Premier had a better flat (even) response & imaging. The Founder Series does have a "sound" that is quite appealing. I can understand why someone would choose them; especially if one wasn't planning on pairing them with a sub. If one wanted to run their speakers solo, they won't be beat for the price!

[@howardmenkis5252]

They sound even better with subs as I use 6 subs with them in my theatre, also a Avm90 and gen2 amps! They rock!

[@AeroDude73]

Those are incredibly beautiful speakers and sound amazing!!

[@howardmenkis5252]

Got my c8 3lt coupe in that colour 2023 , but my c8 3 Lt. R convertible will be in rapid blue 2024!!!

[@vettesweetnos]

Congrats man. I own a 23 rapid blue Z06 3lz HTC with some mods. Big fan of legacy audio and Paradigm as well.

[@chrisrizzo627]

Lone your channel. I own the 120H and 90 C center channel. I also have an anthem 1140mrx receiver. What amplifier wound you suggest? As you know the 120H have built in amp so amp would just power mid range and tweeter on the 120H. Was considering Parasound JC5 or 21+. Thx

[@SpecOfTech]

The Parasound amplifier would be a great choice.

[@BrettinLux]

Your speakers sound awesome on my system.Michi X5,Klipsch RP-7ii and 2 SVS SB-4000’s😀👍 They are a great looking speaker.

[@SpecOfTech]

Thanks brother. That's a sweet system you got there!

[@josegallardos4265]

Beautiful and well finished, not like the Legacy's you sold.

[@HPMIKE55]

Great job bro & do you think if I get 1 of those subwoofer for my AMBEO soundbar would that be a overkill?

[@SpecOfTech]

Thanks man, I appreciate the support. The Ambeo soundbar looks like a great soundbar, but the JTR RS2 would definitely be overkill for it, sorry dude. If I were you, I would be looking for 2 solid 12" or 15" subwoofers with good low end performance. Something like the SVS PB 2000 Pro, HSU or the smaller PSA options.

[@HPMIKE55]

@@SpecOfTech I’m glad you said that I wanted the PSA 15 or the 18 what would it harder the 15 or the 18in? I had the dual rhythmic 12 inch but I didn’t like . Lol

[@HPMIKE55]

@@SpecOfTech TV1512 or S1813 PSA what do you think would work for me and I’m not always going to use a soundbar? Lol

[@SpecOfTech]

@@HPMIKE55 I would opt for the 18" personally. I have made the move to sealed because of their convenient size, but a good ported has better output and is more efficient. If you have the room, go with ported IMO. PSA makes very hard hitting subwoofers, I think you will be pleased.

[@HPMIKE55]

@@SpecOfTech thank you so much I’ve been on the on the fence about watch one to get. I always thought that the ported subwoofers would go down lower but since you have more experience than I do I’ll go with the sealed 18in. 😎👍

[@MrYamaha413]

i still prefer your old speakers more including the look , especially u have that great subs to take care of the bass - just my honest opinion

[@SpecOfTech]

The Legacy's were fantastic speakers as well. I just wish Legacy as a company had operated themselves like a luxury brand company should, but they didn't. Who knows, maybe we can reconcile in the future and move forward.

[@obi1cannoli777]

Beautiful speakers. They look awesome and I'm sure they sound and sound as good as they look. Question, I know you tested the tonewinner amp. Would you recommend tonewinner AD7300+ or Outlaw 7000x?

[@SpecOfTech]

I have not heard the Outlaw 7000, but I have to say the build quality on the Tonewinner amps is top notch, as is the sound quality for its price. I wouldn't hesitate to go with Tonewinner, as a matter of fact I liked them so much I have some other ones coming in for my system. If you do decide to go with the Tonewinner, here is a link, please use it. tinyurl.com/ajx32me6

[@bryanp4827]

Gee whoda thought, a Canadian who loves Paradigm! It's ok bro, I own, and LOVE Paradigm also! 👍👍

[@SpecOfTech]

Haha, I did love these speakers, but I have since sold them. I have to admit that these were my favorites out of all the speakers I have owned so far.

[@bryanp4827]

@@SpecOfTech NICE!👍👍

[@mr.victor7886]

Я русский , тоже фанат Paradigm. У меня дома studio 100v.5 , отличные колонки , мечтаю о серии Founder!

[@keepingupwiththejones2933]

Beautiful intro b roll. Thanks for making great content.

[@SpecOfTech]

Thanks for always supporting the content!

[@andreemilsen369]

Hi Barret😊 Great review as always. I, and probably others too, would like a review as you suggested. Towers only vs tinys + subs. I do wonder about one other thing, and this is a bit different🤪... I have 4 towers in my system (same setup as yours in the front basically), but as my screen is not aucoustically transparent, I have my towers upside down (tweeter and mid underneath the screen). L&R is also fliped (on each their sub) to match height etc with the center. The 120H is downward vented, and I wonder if fliping the vent to the sky will have a big impact in the sound 🤔 Speakers are about 45cm from the floor, if you should feel inclined to test my veird request 🤪

[@SpecOfTech]

Haha, I don't think it would effect the low end performance, but would definitely look strange lol. These speakers are wider at the bottom than they are at the top. I am quite sure you would be fine flipping them upside down, I am not sure I want to try it with mine lol.

[@andreemilsen369]

@@SpecOfTech 🤪 It looks different 🤪 I am used to it though, and do not think it looks strange. 🙊 It sounds a lot better, more uniform than having them the correct way, and tweeter/ mid behind the screen. That is ok too, better than a crapy normal center🙊, but since the sound is more important than looks (to me), they will stay in "the wrong side of heaven" (do you get that one? 🤪 It is dark in the room anyways🙊

[@SpecOfTech]

@@andreemilsen369 Whatever sounds best to you is exactly how you should have it set up, and it sounds like you've done that. I just meant it would strange because these speakers are wider at the bottom than the top, it would look like a reverse pyramid lol.

[@howardmenkis5252]

Great speakers im getting one more pair!!!

[@leosalas41ify]

Thanks so much for this review, I've been waiting for a speaker to replace my Infinity Overture powered speakers from 1998 and I think I found them. Looks? Killer which is very important, but sound much more. I can't stand these modern speakers that sound so clinical. Bowers Wilkins started the industry with that particular sound and everybody just seemed to follow. Not that they're bad, the clarity is second to none, but just too cold for me. These sound perfect, very clean, but just the right amount of warmth to make them very realistically musical. Then that bass? Big fan of powered speakers that's why I kept the Infinity Overtures for so long. I want big bass that I can adjust to my taste and not be wanting for more. I'm not a bass head, especially since I listen primarily to music, but I do like dynamics when listening to rock. Only others I really like were from Technics, but at $63,000, way out of budget. Especially on a fixed (retired) income, ha. Thanks again for taking the time for this review, it is really appreciated. New subscriber.

[@SpecOfTech]

Thanks for subscribing, I appreciate it. These 120's really are a huge winner for Paradigm, the tone on them is just about perfect. A very pleasing and relaxing sound, perfect for any music listener. They do a great job at HT too. For their price and what they offer, they are tough to beat.

[@notsure984]

Are you going to keep them? I wonder if you will notice a change in the sound when you start running the upgraded dac's of the avm 90?

[@SpecOfTech]

I sure hope I hear an upgrade in sound when I switch to the AVM90 lol, if not I will return it. I will definitely be keeping them for now. Right now being a smaller channel I don't get a lot of offers to review gear, so I have to keep buying my own to review for you guys, even though I lose money every time. That is why you will see me change my speakers so often, but eventually I will have to stop, it is too expensive. Unless I start getting more support from viewers I suppose, that would help.

[@MitchHowes]

Perilously close to pulling the pin on these beauties. I have a rather huge open spaced area to fill and although the Founder 100 is much better suited to my budget, I cant help to think the Class powered 120H model might have to be the one I go with. My room is approximately 20 by 36 feet by 16 feet high as it is a room that opens up to a loft above. I am (for the moment) Powering my existing speakers with a Bryston 4b and also have at my disposal 2 Hypex Ncore500 Monoblock amps if needed in a bi amping 2 channel configuration. At some point I may opt to change or add some Mcintosh tube gear (MA 352 is on the short list). I have also considered Monitor audio Silver 500 7Gs as well as Polk Audio R700 and Revel F208s with the latter probably being a better option for my Bigger space. What are your thoughts on my speaker considerations? Auditioning all of these probably isn't a real option here on Vancouver Island. Cheers

[@vettesweetnos]

I hope Paradigm comes out with an on wall surround for the Founder series. I'm using older studio adp590 for surrounds with 100F and 90C for living room and rythmik f18s. Going to be building a legacy theater room 29x18x9 at some point with jtr subs.

[@gaetanlarocque1511]

Excellent video as always my friend! I was planning on moving on from my Paradigm Prestige 95f to these but wasn't sure if the Bass module would integrate well with my sub (Funk 24.0). On some forums some have questioned this and say to just get the 100f instead. What's your experience with these on movies for the integration with your subs? Worth it or not? Thanks!

[@SpecOfTech]

I would say if budget is of concern, the 100F's will do an amazing job with the subwoofers. I personally believe that the 120H does offer better midbass above the crossover frequency than the 100F's would offer. But I do believe the difference is well into the realm of diminishing returns. If you got the bucks my friend, I recommend the 120H, they can't be beat at their price IMO.

[@Kiloptero]

Any comporation with a persona 3f? For the price.. the founders 120h are cheaper with more technologies!..

[@SpecOfTech]

I imagine these would be quite close to the 3F. Where the 3F might have the advantage is in a more detailed crisp top end, with their beryllium tweeter. I imagine the bass would be better in the Founder 120H.

[@alcozar5905]

Nice video!

[@tonezou3918]

Do they sound balanced on low volume levels as well? What speaker amp do you recommend for hybrid speakers? Also, it is a dumb comparison given the price difference, but if I consider upgrading my Klipsch RP-8000F with those 120H - what difference would I expect (except the much better bass on the 120H)?

[@SpecOfTech]

They are very balanced at all volumes IMO. Since these are a hybrid, you won't need a lot of power to drive the tweeter and midrange driver. I am using some solid Class D which are coupled with a Class A module. But pretty much any amp or AVR will run these 120H's. Switching from the 8000F you will notice big differences. The treble will be smoother and not as forward as it is with the Klipsch horn tweeter. You will also notice a substantial difference in midrange. These speakers have a very rich and inviting midrange. It will definitely take some getting used to, coming from Klipsch, but definitely worth it IMO.

[@peterwood2633]

People think they want neutral as though it's some technological ideal that they should like. Yeh that's called a monitor to mix music but are boring AF to listen to music with. These 120hs are epic. They sound warm and luscious to me. Lots of meat on the bone non fatiguing. 'end game' and expensive speakers for sure. I'd love the 100fs. Might wait till they go EOL and get a deal though. The red cherry finish is what I'd get too, just amazing. In person these speakers look boutique. They have a real presence

[@SpecOfTech]

Exactly, the flat sound is not something that everyone is after. These speakers are fantastic, and their sound character is part of the reason for that.

[@bkrhino1]

I have the 100F’s and 90C in Midnight Cherry in my inside room. I am getting the 120h’s and 90C for my other space. Did you do a review of the 90C?

[@SpecOfTech]

No sir, I never did use their center channel. I used the 120H as a center channel. I saw your setup on FB the other day, looking good brother.

[@bkrhino1]

@@SpecOfTech - Thank you. Keep up the good work as you introduced me to the Paradigm Brand.

[@vibeinstalls9890]

Alberta Strong ! Thanks Spec for your well put together videos. Was a nice surprise that you are an Albertan ? I’m up in EDM , so need to come down and experience in 4D . I’m a Paradigm man myself but on a Soundstage budget. What do you think of AR , Acoustic Research ?

[@SpecOfTech]

Haha what a small world. To be honest I don't habe any experience with AR. I have seen them online etc, but never heard or had a pair myself. Is there a dealer for AT in Edm?

[@fred215]

Really nice looking speakers. 👍

[@edwinabuel324]

Hi Barrett! Do you think the Paradigm Founder Series 120H is better choice than the Arendal 1723 THX Tower speakers for Hometheater use. I'll planning to upgrade my bed layer speakers. My set up is 5.2.4 I have Energy speaker system that I bought from the late 90's.My front channel is Energy Audissey A5+2 bipolar speakers and there line up series for Center and Surround sound . My in ceiling speakers are Definitive 8IR and my subwoofers are 2 Rel's 1508 Predator . I'm hoping you can help me to decide which one to get. Thank you in advance and have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 🥂

[@SpecOfTech]

Merry Christmad and Happy New Year. If you want a more neutral speaker, that would be Arendal. Arendal would also go louder while remaining distortion free. No question the 120H would have better bass. They lean to the warm side, so not quite neutral. They definitely take the looks department too. I hope that helps...cheers.

[@edwinabuel324]

@@SpecOfTech Thank you so much Barrett😉

[@djslim10]

Do these require dedicated 20a outlets? So dope! Would love a pair in Midnight with a nice integrated amp like a NAD M33 to truly simplify a hi-fi music setup.

[@SpecOfTech]

I wouldn't say they require a dedicated 20A circuit no. They are a 1000 watt RMS Class D amplifier, a 15A circuit should be just fine for them. Good idea man, that would be a great and very simple 2 channel setup. That would be especially easy with these, because you wouldn't need a ton of power to power just the tweeter and midrange from the integrated.

[@djslim10]

@@SpecOfTech got it so dedicated 15amp per speaker or the pair is sufficient? Im really considering them as I save up for an end game AIO setup for “me”. Love the channel.

[@SpecOfTech]

@@djslim10 I appreciate that support brother. I wouldn't say that you would NEED 2 dedicated 15A circuits for these. You certainly would if you are going to be pushing them to their max limits all the time. If you plan on listening at reasonable to fairly loud levels, you will be fine on 1 15A circuit.

[@djslim10]

Why cant I find that “brooklyn and the bridge track”??

[@Breakinlife007]

They are nice looking, sound good but are they worth the serious price increase over the SVS... how much was changing them out for your viewers and wanting something different vs. actually a performance upgrade?

[@SpecOfTech]

It's tough for me to say what is worth it and what isn't worth it to any other individual but myself. For me personally, yes the upgrade was worth it. These speakers sound phenomenal, are full range, have INCREDIBLE bass and they are probably the nicest speakers I have ever seen. That being said, I do like to keep my equipment fresh a new. I do this partially so I can share the information and my thoughts with all of you, and partially because new stuff is fun and exciting lol.

[@bric7244]

Man those are beautiful 😍 Brother...

[@satasia]

Great video. Just curious why did you not go with JTR speakers (when you already have JTR subs) and instead went with Paradigm? What was the main factor for the pick? Music vs Movie use?

[@SpecOfTech]

I have always wanted to try Paradigm speakers. The release of the Founder series, made me even more intrigued. But ultimately it came down to these being a hybrid speaker and the absolutely gorgeous finish.

[@montekore374]

@@SpecOfTech Now You must listen to their flagship Signature Sub 2 subwoofer at this Base ElEctronics store :))) . Surely this store has them and may even rent them for you to test at home! Paradigm has a unique bass, has a different character to the competition. It's not just about power, but how the bass is built. In fact, it is a warm, cushion-like, velvety, fat, multi-layered bass. And these features, combined with a 4500W power supply (9000 peak), makes it unmatched! It is worth investing in a 120 to 230V converter so that the SUB 2 achieves about 50% more powerful effect and deeper bass, the difference is huge! (With a typical American 120V electrical installation, SUB 2 achieves max 3000W RMS and 6000W peak and noticeably less deep bass! Only at 230V it spreads its wings!) If you are impressed with such more bass from 120H, the bass from SUB 2 will have an electrifying effect!

[@howardmenkis5252]

Great speakers!

[@BruceLayR8]

They are immaculate towers, I adore them. But what are the benefits of using towers for your front 3 speakers?

[@SpecOfTech]

I made a video explaining it in detail, here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJbMlXpshs-nrck

[@benfits8768]

I have the 120h aswell. Im wondering if you have the crossover set to 80hz or lower ?

[@SpecOfTech]

I still have the crossover set at 80hz. I just want the 120H to handle the nice punchy "midbass" frequencies. Even though the 120H have astonishing bass for a tower, my JTR RS2 subwoofers do a much better job of the low end.

[@benfits8768]

@@SpecOfTech Thanks for that, appreciate it. I would like some JTR subs.

[@sethpettman5491]

Great review, I'm very curious how the PSB synchrony T600 stack up against these. Would be a fun showdown comparing two long time Canadian speaker manufacturers 😎 those 120s seem like they'd be tough to beat though! Great review man 👊

[@SpecOfTech]

Thanks man. I would love to hear the PSB T600's. Looking at their specs and driver configuration, I don't think they would compete in the bass department. That said, bass isn't everything, especially when you have capable subs. The T600 have a very nice simplistic design though, I will have to reach out to PSB again to possibly get some of their speakers for review.

[@sethpettman5491]

@@SpecOfTech good luck man! Yea that founder is definitely cool, crazy that those 8s pound so hard!

[@audiophilefool]

The PSB T800 would be a better showdown. I know there were not out when you posted this.

[@stefankosev8009]

how can it be explained that the bass speakers do not move at the same time. What caused this. I mean the time from 11.35 to 11.54 seconds of the video. It is clearly noticeable at slow speed.

[@SpecOfTech]

For the most part they do appear to moving at the same time. But weird things can happen with camera frame rates and things moving at a fast speed. What a normal camera picks up on fast moving objects can't always be trusted to be accurate.

[@chrissheldrick4073]

Well you know those 40b's didn't sound sound to bad in there own right...would make great surround's i'm sure.....Thanks for the demo...

[@SpecOfTech]

Thanks for watching. The 40B's are an incredible little bookshelf. They are essentially the 120H's minus the amp and 3 bass woofers. Very smooth, with a pretty decent bass presentation. Stay tuned on the channel, I have an exciting upgrade coming up in the next few months regarding the 40B's.

[@coreyeiss8094]

How would you compare the paradigm 40b vs legacy studio hd vs kef R3

[@SpecOfTech]

I have not heard the Kef R3, sorry I can't speak to that. The 40B's vs the Legacy studio, they are a warmer sounding speaker. The Legacy have a neutral almost cool sounding midrange, that provides great details, especially in the highs with that AMT. If you want a cooler sound and pronounced clarity go with the Studios. If you want a warmer speaker with great clarity, just not on the same level of clarity as the Studios...go with the 40b's. I also had much better luck with the quality control on the Paradigm speakers than I did with the Legacy Studios.

[@coreyeiss8094]

@@SpecOfTech thanks for the detailed response… I own the paradigm studio 100 v5, and love the sound! Unfortunately in my space the new speakers have to be placed in a bookshelf… if you have any recommendations please let me know.

[@cryptonator1988]

Damn if these sound better in person then on this video im definitely buying these.. cause on my end they sound exactly like i want my speakers to sound. Can i use 3 of these and use the middle one as a center channel?

[@cryptonator1988]

Also how much are these for a pair?

[@SpecOfTech]

They are a beautiful sounding speaker in person. You can definitely use a third one of these as a center channel, that is exactly how mine are set up.

[@junior-OG]

but if the amp die can you still go down to 22hz with a power amp?

[@SpecOfTech]

If the amp dies then you would need to use the warranty to get it fixed.

[@doublet147]

@@SpecOfTech and if the warranty is out, can it still go down to 22hz?

[@Herofmine]

How is it compared to SVS Ultra towers?

[@SpecOfTech]

These are well over double the cost of the Ultra towers, so not really fair to compare. As you would suspect these Paradigm Founders are better in every way, better detail, richer midrange, better bass, cleaner and in my opinion look nicer. That said, the ultra towers offer a great value, they sound great, look great and offer fantastic bass for their price bracket.

[@JulioCastrejon04]

The Persona 9H will still output more bass than these. Have you ever listened to those?

[@SpecOfTech]

I have heard the 9H at the retailer before, but never in my space unfortunately. I have no doubt they would out perform these 120H's. Do you own the 9H?

[@JulioCastrejon04]

@@SpecOfTech No, I wish I had.

[@jamiesmith8307]

Did you demo any other speakers that got a build in amp for the output that gives this speakers all the bass?

[@SpecOfTech]

I did not demo any other speaker with built in amplification. There aren't that many tower speakers on the market that have built in amps, at least not enough of them to make them easy to find and demo.

[@jamiesmith8307]

So really you have nothing to compare them too. Thanks

[@SpecOfTech]

@@jamiesmith8307 Lol, it was obvious you were trying to go somewhere with that question, and here we are. I have plenty of speakers to compare them too. Just because other speakers don't have built in amplification, doesn't mean they can't be compared to these. For example, they could be compared based on similar price points, they could be compared based on sound signatures etc etc. So you think that a speaker can only be compared to another speaker based on IDENTICAL amplification status? That seems pretty limiting, why corner yourself inside such a confining box...to each their own I guess.

[@jamiesmith8307]

Yes they 100% have to be comparable. Apples with apples to be fair. These speakers have 2 different sources of power so if others have only 1 then how would this be comparable? You can't say an item is the best you heard when it's the only 1 your heard with of that type. But ya to each their own.

[@SpecOfTech]

@@jamiesmith8307 Let me get this straight, in your mind you can only compare a hybrid tower with another hybrid tower with equal amplification? What if the hybrid tower costs less than the passive tower, in your mind you can't compare them, because the passive tower is passive? What about a fully internally amplified tower, you can't compare that to a hybrid tower either? Why are you so limiting on what you think makes a good comparison? Why do you think your way of comparing is the only valid way? What if I bi-amp a passive speaker, would that fit in your little box of comparison rules? It would have 2 sources of power. In which case its apples to apples as you said. I can 100% say that these towers have the best bass for any tower I have heard, because they do. That statement compares them to other TOWER speakers, regardless of their power, I was talking about bass. But you can't please everyone.

[@sawwas4677]

how do they do at low volumes?

[@SpecOfTech]

Fantastic at all volumes really. Because the bass section is self powered I believe it helps with low volume dynamics for the mid and tweeter section. Whatever amp you drive them with will only be powering the tweeter and mid woofer.

[@markpommett5712]

How does it compare to Legacy Focus?

[@SpecOfTech]

They are very different speakers. The Focus SE are very detailed, transparent and flat, at least from my experience. The Paradigms aren't quite on the same level when it comes to detail and transparency, but they offer a more accurate tonality and much better bass IMO. I feel like the Focus SE were better for HT because of the next level detail, and the Paradigm are more pleasing for music because of the tonality and warmth.

[@markpommett5712]

@@SpecOfTech I was fortunate enough to demo the Legacy Whispers. It’s the best speaker I ever heard, totally lifelike. It made the Focus sound small haha

[@SpecOfTech]

@@markpommett5712 WOW, that must be some speaker, because the Focus SE sounded very large. I would love to hear more of their line-up one day!

[@markpommett5712]

@@SpecOfTech haha yeah. They are on my wishlist!

[@tweedpenguin712]

JTR 215RT: hold my beer.

[@SpecOfTech]

Haha, I would love to give those a try one day. You just have to make sure you have the space for those monsters.

[@tweedpenguin712]

@@SpecOfTech I wish I did I only have a 10x11 room.

[@bingdong8571]

Ummm i think you have enough low end at this point buddy, your gonna need some super tweeters to balance that range out. 😆

[@SpecOfTech]

lol yeah, at this point I just have a ton of headroom for really demanding scenes, or for those times I want to show off the capabilities of the subs. The system is very well balanced now though, ARC does a great job at that.

[@cdd7012]

Persona 5F

[@nodoubt1616]

You should try out the Goldenear triton 1 for really killer bass

[@SpecOfTech]

I would love to hear those speakers too, but I think the 120H would give them a run for their money. These have some pretty hefty bass response in my room, enough to rattle walls.

[@96thundercat]

@@SpecOfTech I own the Triton Reference's. I would like to compare the two. Much more speaker than the Triton 1. Great channel btw!

[@SpecOfTech]

@@96thundercat Goldenear is one of those brands I would love to try. I imagine they have amazing transparency with that ribbon tweeter.

[@tweedpenguin712]

Too bright

[@SpecOfTech]

I'm not sure where you are getting that from, these speakers are not bright, if anything they are warm.

[@tweedpenguin712]

@@SpecOfTech everyone says paradigm are bright because of the aluminum tweeters. Maybe it’s your recording equipment.

[@SpecOfTech]

@@tweedpenguin712 I think Paradigm has made some bright speakers, but the Founder series took things in a little different direction. The whole premise behind the Founder naming is that they took things back to the original sound, which in this case is a little warmer. They are very smooth to listen too, and don't cause any fatigue.

[@tweedpenguin712]

@@SpecOfTech that’s great news I always liked them just always heard mixed things. They are truly beautiful man.

[@maya_coqsalonga]

The Prestige series from Paradigm was a very bright speaker. The founders series replace the Premier series and are a much warmer speaker.