The audio industry is craving new blood, as the typical audiophile grows in age and isn't replaced by new kids and their damn music. The bombastic turntable-driven hifi rigs of yore have been replaced with portable players with cheap and mostly horrible-sounding earbuds.
Paradigm is looking to court the youth with their new line of audio products, first shown at CES in Las Vegas, called, appropriately enough, Shift. Everything starts with the A2.
The Active Atom, otherwise known as the A2, is a powered bookshelf or tabletop speaker that can be used as a close-field monitor or as a regular speaker. Bi-amped at 100 watts per speaker, the A2 has no shortage of power.
On the back are RCA inputs and a 3.5mm stereo jack. If you prefer wireless, there's even space on the back to attach an AirPort Express.
The Shift line will expand to headphones, earbuds, and gaming headsets later in the year. Shift has its own section on Paradigm's site.
Not forgetting about their core audience, Paradigm also announced the PDR-W100, a high quality wireless subwoofer. The 10-inch woofer is powered by a 120-watt RMS (360-watt peak) amp, and is rated to down to 29 Hz.
The wireless transmitter has a 48 kHz sample rate at 16 bits of depth, and can transmit to the sub up to 50 feet away. The PDR-W100 will sell for $499.
Also announced was the Millenia LP, an on-wall speaker with a decided in-wall aesthetic. An LCR design, the Millenia LP is only 1.5" deep and has Paradigm's S-PAL satin-anodized aluminum dome tweeters and polypropylene mid-range drivers. No specs or pricing available, but the Millenia LP should be available this spring.
More Information:
Where to Buy:
