Introduction Paradigm is known for building great-sounding speakers that entry-level music and home theater enthusiasts can actually afford and can definitely enjoy. Unlike most loudspeaker manufacturers, Paradigm actually makes, designs and tests their speakers without significant help from outside agencies. They have the largest anechoic chamber in North America at their testing facilities, along with enough engineers to start a "Star Trek" convention. Paradigm designs and makes their own drivers, cabinets, hardware and more. With this level of control over the design and manufacturing process, they are able to hold a top position in the highly competitive world of under $2,000 loudspeakers. The Focus v.3 is the latest addition to Paradigm’s Performance Series, priced at $299. The newest Focus is a two-way, bookshelf or stand-mounted speaker, featuring a rear-firing port. The Focus has a 6.5-inch cone mid-woofer and a one-inch dome tweeter driver complement. The Focus’ mid-woofer utilizes an all-new metallescent, polymer cone material. The cone is ...

Introduction When I found out that PSB speakers were redesigning their most affordable line of speakers, I signed up for a review. It is easy to write glowing reviews of cost-no-object speakers (just see my review of the MartinLogan Ascent and Theater speakers), but more down-to-earth speakers offer greater challenges with greater rewards, considering that most of our readers can realistically afford the less pricey systems. The system I reviewed consists of one pair of Alpha B’s ($249 per pair) for the left and right positions, an Alpha C ($229) in center, a pair of Alpha S ($399) for surrounds, and a SubSonic 5 ($449) performing in the .1 subwoofer position. The entire system is priced at a reasonable $1,326. The Alpha B’s reviewed were finished in a light cherry wood gran finish over an MDF cabinet. The front panel features a black metal grille and polymer baffle. The rear of the speaker sports ...

Introduction The Proceed PMDT is a $5,995 modular DVD-Video transport and video processor built by Madrigal, the parent company of brands like Mark Levinson, Madrigal Imaging, Revel and Audio Access. Unlike nearly all commercially successful high end DVD-Video players, the Proceed PMDT as a transport is built from the ground up for performance, not a repackaged Japanese OEM player with a bunch of tweaks made under the hood. The advantage of such an approach is complete freedom to deliver amazing functionality. The disadvantage is, as DVD-Video has developed into the most successful AV technology ever (that’s right more successful than CD) the technological road has been far from smooth including DVD authoring issues, disc reading issues as well as the looming DVD-Audio format to consider. To date, the Proceed PMDT attacks the challenge of reproducing DVD-video discs at the highest level with nearly no competition other than Meridian’s $16,000 800 DVD machine. There are three key areas ...

Introduction The Proceed PMDT is a $5,995 modular DVD-Video transport and video processor built by Madrigal, the parent company of brands like Mark Levinson, Madrigal Imaging, Revel and Audio Access. Unlike nearly all commercially successful high end DVD-Video players, the Proceed PMDT as a transport is built from the ground up for performance, not a repackaged Japanese OEM player with a bunch of tweaks made under the hood. The advantage of such an approach is complete freedom to deliver amazing functionality. The disadvantage is, as DVD-Video has developed into the most successful AV technology ever (that’s right more successful than CD) the technological road has been far from smooth including DVD authoring issues, disc reading issues as well as the looming DVD-Audio format to consider. To date, the Proceed PMDT attacks the challenge of reproducing DVD-video discs at the highest level with nearly no competition other than Meridian’s $16,000 800 DVD machine. There are three key areas ...

Introduction One of my criticisms of AudioRevolution.com -- and nearly every other AV publication for that matter -- is the fact that every time a new issue comes out, there are hardly ever any write-ups on affordable components. While we are raving about $16,000 AV preamps and $24,000 speakers as if they are the Second Coming, it can be easy to forget that not everyone goes to the stereo store every month to get a five-figure AV fix. But we all are junkies to some extent, aren’t we? This is why we are always looking for a great-sounding CD or a DVD that looks amazing because it was transferred from 70 millimeter film – right? That is the fun of owning a great AV system. Well, I have found a good upgrade for those who are looking to mainline a little audio-video ...