Introduction The CM4 ($1,500) is the top-of-the-line speaker in B&W’s new moderately-priced CM line. The CM line consists of three speakers: the stand-mounted CM2, the CMC center channel and the floor-standing CM4 reviewed here. The CM4 speaker weighs in at 40 pounds and is fairly compact at 35.8 inches high, 7.8 inches wide and 11.5 inches deep. The CM4 has a very compact, clean and modern appearance. The well-executed cabinet comes with a real wood veneer of either maple or rosenut. The review samples were a light maple. Upon first glance, it is immediately evident that the design team paid attention to aesthetics. The speaker starts out as a tall, narrow, well-finished maple box with a simple black cloth grille. Once the grille is removed, things get exciting. Beneath the grille is an aluminum baffle with three drivers. The tweeter is on top. Directly beneath the tweeter is the telltale yellow Kevlar midrange with a ...

Introduction The MartinLogan Ascent ($4,195 per pair) and Theater ($2,595) loudspeakers are part of the latest lineup from veteran electrostatic speaker manufacturer MartinLogan. The Ascent replaces the older SL3 in the MartinLogan product line and incorporates trickle-down technology found on the ungodly expensive $70,000 per pair MartinLogan Statement E2 and the more sensible $11,000 per pair MartinLogan Prodigy speakers. The Theater is MartinLogan’s top-of-the-line center channel speaker. The Theater is the replacement for the Logos center channel and accompanies the Cinema to complete MartinLogan’s center channel speaker lineup. The Ascent shares the new aesthetic design of the Prodigy speakers. The ESL portion of the speaker is detached from the woofer and slightly forward from the cabinet. There is also a small red led light visible through the bottom of the panel’s grille. The bottom border of the grille features a small, attractive stylized silver M. Other than the above, the Ascent is aesthetically similar to past MartinLogan ...

Introduction Paradigm has long been known for quality speakers at reasonable prices. This tradition is kept alive with this new Paradigm system, attractively priced at $1,496. The individual speakers are available separately, so the consumer can pick the speakers best suited to the individual’s needs. The system is comprised of Phantoms for the main channels, the CC-170 center, ADP-170 surrounds and the PS-1000 subwoofer. The Phantoms ($399) are small tower speakers with two 6.5 inch drivers and a .75 inch dome tweeter. The review samples were finished in dark cherry; light cherry and black graphite finishes are also available. The ADP-170 surrounds are available is white as well. The Phantom’s entire front panel is covered with a nonremovable black grille, with a small Paradigm logo near the bottom. The simple grille, along with the Phantoms' demure 32 inch height and narrow profile, will allow the Phantoms to fit unobtrusively into a variety of rooms. The ...

Introduction For years MartinLogan has produced electrostatic loudspeakers that have been considered by many to be at the top of their respective classes. The Prodigy is MartinLogan’s top-of-the-line speaker under their very-respected Statement E2 loudspeaker system. The Prodigy has been in production for close to 18 months. Although it utilizes technology from the Statement Loudspeakers, it does so at a much-reduced price. The Prodigy measures 67 inches tall, 16 inches wide, 28 inches deep and weighs a hefty 133 pounds per speaker. The MartinLogan Prodigies retail for $10,995 per pair in standard wood trim finishes. It’s hard to deny that MartinLogan loudspeakers have a unique look. The upper two-thirds of the loudspeaker consists of a thin transparent perforated panel, with the bottom portion of the loudspeaker containing the low-frequency enclosure. The Prodigy shares a similar size and position in MartinLogan’s speaker lineup with the ReQuests of the past, but that is where all similarities end. The ...

Introduction The Final 0.3 ($2,399) is Final A.I.P. of The Netherlands first speaker to be released in the United States. The Final 0.3 is an electrostatic hybrid design, utilizing a 48-inch electrostatic panel and a seven-inch metal alloy woofer. (For more on the pros and cons of metal woofers see the RBH review.) The review samples were finished in anodized aluminum, with the panels suspended at a seven degree reclined angle between two brushed aluminum posts. The cylindrical woofer cabinet sits behind the panel and fires upward and forward at thirty degrees. The Final 0.3's must be used either with bi-wire speaker cables or jumpers, both of which must be terminated with banana plugs. Comparisons between the Final electrostatics and those of Martin Logan are inevitable. There are significant notable differences between the two, even before listening begins. The Final 0.3's are shipped unassembled. The user must attach the panel to the woofer cabinet with a ...