Joew made the greatest argument for the 7nt over the Ref. 80 of any contributor when asking why buy a Rolex when a Casio will do? Following that argument, why buy a Paradigm Reference when a Paradigm Monitor will do?! They both emit sound right?
The difference between the 7nt's and the Ref. 80 is all in the details (sonically and technically). I went through the same quandry you are but threw in some Def Techs, Sonus Fabers, and Vandersteens to really mix things up. It came down to the 100's (not the 80's) and the 7nt, both terrific speakers. I've been a musician for 29 years and played everything from jazz to alt rock. I think I know what particular instruments sound like. Bottom line is that the 7nt's transient response proved faster, the mid bass was significantly cleaner and more accurate, and the highs proved nothing short of remarkable in detail and extension. The 100's were more dynamic for sure and very musical. They are not fatiguing in any way. I recommend, however that rap your knuckles on the 7nt and the 80's, check out the cabinetry too. Check for visual as well as sonic details.
For me, the question came down to pure emotion. Pick your favorite track and see which one really excites you. Which gets your adrenaline going and makes you whisper "Wow" to yourself. For me it was the 7nt's. By far. In everything in life, it's the little things that separate the ordinary from the extraordinary.
Good luck and have fun.
The difference between the 7nt's and the Ref. 80 is all in the details (sonically and technically). I went through the same quandry you are but threw in some Def Techs, Sonus Fabers, and Vandersteens to really mix things up. It came down to the 100's (not the 80's) and the 7nt, both terrific speakers. I've been a musician for 29 years and played everything from jazz to alt rock. I think I know what particular instruments sound like. Bottom line is that the 7nt's transient response proved faster, the mid bass was significantly cleaner and more accurate, and the highs proved nothing short of remarkable in detail and extension. The 100's were more dynamic for sure and very musical. They are not fatiguing in any way. I recommend, however that rap your knuckles on the 7nt and the 80's, check out the cabinetry too. Check for visual as well as sonic details.
For me, the question came down to pure emotion. Pick your favorite track and see which one really excites you. Which gets your adrenaline going and makes you whisper "Wow" to yourself. For me it was the 7nt's. By far. In everything in life, it's the little things that separate the ordinary from the extraordinary.
Good luck and have fun.