"a stylish and affordable launch into the world of high-performance audio"

Maybe we shouldn't be surprise.  Think of the speakers in the OP post like a Toyota Camry - perfectly fine at around 30K.  Then there are the supercars (or super cars) that are around 300K.  I don't think the supercars are 10X better than the Toyotoa Camry, but then if I were able to afford the Ferrari, the reason why I paid 300K for the Ferrari because I thought it's probably 100X better than the Camry.

:-)

generally creepy

I understand,these are not world class speakers by any stretch of imagination. I have no problem with someone having the means to drop $200K on a pair of speakers. There is also a place for people that don't have the means to have some choices. At this price point they are surely entry level. No doubt. However some folks will ultimately upgrade,And hopefully keep this hobby alive. Am I wrong in thinking this way? 

I very much agree with big_greg when he says, "quote of a pile of marketing stuff and that kind of hyperbole shouldn't be taken seriously".

I'm not passing judgement on Paradigm or these speakers. I've never heard them and even if I had, your tastes are different than mine. IMHO, all the marketing hype about this special kind of tweeter, that special woofer made of unobtainium, etc. That's all very nice but the proof is in the pudding, as the saying goes. Decades ago i heard some speakers I thought were fantastic. Nothing special about the materials as I recall, just two way speakers with paper cones. I've heard speakers with Heil air motion tweeters. They were ok. I've heard speakers with polypropylene cones. Also just OK. The gimmicks didn't make the speaker sound fantastic. Careful engineering and attention to detail along with the desire and ability to make an excellent speaker are what's most important, IMO.

I also am skeptical of a review of any equipment on a site that sells that equipment. Also, don't rely on audio publications for reviews. They, too, have their biases. Their reviews sell equipment. The equipment reviewed is also being advertised in their pages by the manufacturers. These magazines are not public services. Advertisers keep then in business and the magazine is out to make a profit and as much as possible.

There is ONE source you CAN trust: your own ears. Get thee to a local audio store and listen for yourself, or order speakers from a web site that has a generous return policy.

If Bob stole money from Joe to pay for a 200K of speakers, then it might be a problem.  But if Bob honestly made the money himself, then by all means.  In fact, I want as many people to purchase $200K speakers as many as possible.