Short answer: the Perlisten S5t. It ranks #41 of 226 floorstanding speakers by sound quality, rated 4.5/5, at $15,990; the Paradigm Persona 7F ranks #59, rated 4.4/5, and costs $29,999.98, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Perlisten S5t does well: A slimmer Perlisten S7t with the same beryllium DPC array and two 180mm woofers, rated to 20Hz in room. The catch: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared with ranked speakers.
The case for the Paradigm Persona 7F: A large Persona tower with the beryllium tweeter and midrange over two 8.5” woofers, rated flat to 24Hz on axis. Watch for: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared with ranked speakers.
Buy the Perlisten S5t. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Paradigm Persona 7F and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
About the ratings: neither speaker has been measured yet, so both ratings are estimated from measured siblings and predecessors (likely ranges: Perlisten S5t 4.2 to 4.8; Paradigm Persona 7F 4.0 to 4.8). Treat this verdict as provisional.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Perlisten S5t | Paradigm Persona 7F | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $15,990 per pair | $29,999.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #41 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers Estimated | #59 of 226 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers Estimated |
| Drivers | 1x 28mm beryllium dome tweeter, 2x 28mm Textreme TPCD domes (DPC-Array), 2x 180mm Textreme TPCD woofers | 1x 1” beryllium dome tweeter, 1x 7” beryllium midrange, 2x 8.5” X-PAL woofers |
| Sensitivity | 89.5dB (manufacturer specified) | 92dB room / 89dB anechoic (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) | 8 ohms compatible (manufacturer specified) |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (±1.5dB, manufacturer specified) | 24Hz - 45kHz (±2dB on-axis, manufacturer specified) |
| Dimensions | 44.1”H x 9.4”W x 15.7”D (1119 x 240 x 400 mm) | 52”H x 11.8”W x 20.5”D (1320 x 300 x 520 mm) |
| Weight | 95.2 lbs (43.2 kg) | 143.3 lbs (65 kg) |
| Amplifier Power | 100-300W RMS recommended | - |
| Enclosure | Bass reflex or sealed (switchable) | Bass reflex |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Perlisten S5t:
- KEF Reference 3 Meta vs Perlisten S5t
- Arendal Sound 1528 Tower 8 vs Perlisten S5t
- Perlisten S5t vs Magico A3
- Paradigm Persona 7F vs Magico A3
- Arendal Sound 1528 Tower 8 vs Paradigm Persona 7F
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Perlisten S5t: $15,990 per pair Estimated The Music Room (TMR Audio) eBay
Same family: the Perlisten S4b (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.8/5), the Perlisten S5m (larger bookshelf, rated 4.4/5), the Perlisten S7t (larger floorstanding, ranked higher, rated 4.5/5), the Perlisten S5c (smaller center, estimated 4.5/5), the Perlisten S7c (larger center, rated 4.6/5) and the Perlisten S4s (surround, rated 4.6/5).
Pros: A slimmer Perlisten S7t with the same beryllium DPC array and two 180mm woofers, rated to 20Hz in room.
Cons: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared with ranked speakers. At 43.2 kg each it is heavy, and it is sold through specialist dealers.
Full Perlisten S5t review and specifications →
| Released | 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100-300W RMS recommended |
| Dimensions | 44.1”H x 9.4”W x 15.7”D (1119 x 240 x 400 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 28mm beryllium dome tweeter, 2x 28mm Textreme TPCD domes (DPC-Array), 2x 180mm Textreme TPCD woofers |
| Enclosure | Bass reflex or sealed (switchable) |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (±1.5dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 4 ohms nominal (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 89.5dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 95.2 lbs (43.2 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Paradigm Persona 7F: $29,999.98 per pair Estimated Paradigm eBay
Same family: the Paradigm Persona B (bookshelf, estimated 4.1/5), the Paradigm Persona 3F (smaller floorstanding, ranked lower, estimated 4.2/5), the Paradigm Persona 5F (smaller floorstanding, ranked lower, estimated 4.3/5), the Paradigm Persona 9H (larger floorstanding, ranked lower, estimated 4.4/5), the Paradigm Persona C (center, estimated 4.2/5) and the Paradigm Persona SUB (subwoofer, estimated 4.2/5).
Pros: A large Persona tower with the beryllium tweeter and midrange over two 8.5” woofers, rated flat to 24Hz on axis. SoundStage Ultra called it a benchmark product.
Cons: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared with ranked speakers. At 65 kg each it needs a large room.
Full Paradigm Persona 7F review and specifications →
| Released | 2016 (10 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 52”H x 11.8”W x 20.5”D (1320 x 300 x 520 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 1” beryllium dome tweeter, 1x 7” beryllium midrange, 2x 8.5” X-PAL woofers |
| Enclosure | Bass reflex |
| Frequency Response | 24Hz - 45kHz (±2dB on-axis, manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms compatible (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 92dB room / 89dB anechoic (manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 143.3 lbs (65 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons