Paradigm Signature S4: Any info please

Personally, the Sig 4 were not my cup of tea and I knew it immediately. I was listening to them in comparsion to Linn Espek and JM Lab 927. I prefered the Linn's and JM Labs to the Paradigms.

In my opinion, the Paradigm's looked great & did well in individual areas, but failed to have a cohesive sound. It was hard to described, but it just didn't work for me. Of the three speakers mentioned, I found the JM Lab 927 to be the most enjoyeable. They were very dynamic with a great mid range. The Espeks were very nice & probably a great speaker if you want a more forgiving setup.

The best advice is to go hear them & trust your own ears. If you like them at the dealer, try to audition them at home. I also questioned something mentioned above ...it bothers me that someone indicates he is going out listening to various speakers & later states about great values on line. If you are using dealers to hear their products, ethically you should be buying from one of these dealers.

I agree with Macct assesment. They were wonderful at certain things, but were not as musical to my ears. They were wonderful at the things they did well like detail, neutrality etc.

I heard the S4 setup side by side with the 805 Signature and the Dali Helicon 300 all driven by classe gear, and I thought the S4 was in third place. It has nice clarity and separation, but soundstage was limited and just didnt move me.

I love the S2's and the S4's, hadn't had a chance to listen to the S8 yet. They are hands down the best (monitor) value for the money. They even beat out some floor standers I've listened to B&W 805's, MBL 121 compact, Thiel 1.6,and 2.4.
I think they have a best over all sound than all of the above.

They also need the right equipment. I've had the benifit of
trying different cables in my system(I own the S2) by renting them from usedcable.com. I's amazing how the wrong cable combination can affect the sound.

The best cable combination (for me)
Audio Qwest Granite speaker
Audio Qwest Jaguar(DBS)interconnect

I myself have purchased the S8 and am waiting for them to arrive and for my move into a house at the end of the month where I get my own sound room. For music only. The S8 is going to be driven by a new Bryston 14B SST. Frankly, I cannot wait.

The B+W 803D was the most direct competitor, but I found the cost to be absurd. I got the S8 on sale, and the 803D was almost TWICE the price, and the salesman was not going to dicker on the price. The sound was nice, but the Paradigm, to my ears, was better. I have had Paradigms for 15 years (but a modest, entry level pair) that has done well. If an entry level speaker can last 15 years through university parties, then the S8's will hold up as long as the amp.

Paradigm is made all in house. So cost is minimized. Shipping for B+W is a factor. Gas is not cheap nor is shipping anymore (and you can bet it is being passed on...). I tried other brands, Energy, Mordundt Short, etc.. but nothing was as pleasing as the S8. I intend to run it full range as the amp I have is more than low-end capable. The idea of running the S4 came up, but I do not use a sub now and decided that if I spent the difference on the mains, then I would not need one. I do not think I will. But if I do, then oh well.

The only downside to the S4 is the fact you need a sub, and crossing one over is not going to be easy or seamless unless done right and with careful testing and gear. The tower systems allow for seamlessness in this regard. But for the money, I cannot see many competing. Paradigm is not the most high end name you think of, but my old towers are made of particle board and I have yet to have a screw back out, rubber surround pack it in or any part fail in the 15 years I have had it. Makes me happy knowing they will last and sound good for a long time.

I am deliberately not making any comments on sound peticulars, in the sense that sound perception is just that, perception. What I find pleasing someone else will find horrid, but based on fit and finish and quality, the S4 is well worth the money.