The Paradigm Founder 40B ranks #56 out of 134 total Large Size Bookshelf Speakers for sound quality. See all Passive Home rankings for every top pick.
Brand: Paradigm
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#56 Paradigm Founder 40B: $2,399.98 per pair Audio Advice eBay
Pros: A 6-inch aluminum-magnesium woofer and a 1-inch ceramic dome tweeter in a deep waveguide, with Paradigm’s perforated phase-aligning lenses over both. Toed in 30 degrees as Paradigm recommends, Erin’s Audio Corner measured an exceptionally even listening window, within a 1.7dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz, with low on-axis deviation (0.36) and wide horizontal dispersion averaging 60 degrees, for a preference score of 4.89 that rises to 7.11 with an ideal subwoofer. Sensitivity is a high 89dB anechoic. Measured bass extension of 69.6Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Bass rolls off early for a speaker this size, about 70Hz at -3dB and 44Hz at -10dB, so it works best with a subwoofer or close to a wall. It needs the recommended toe-in: measured straight on, its response is less even (preference score 4.58) and the tonal balance shifts. At about $2,400 a pair it is expensive for a 6-inch two-way.
How it compares: Just above it: Arendal Sound 1723 Monitor S THX - $1000 more, 0.3Hz lower bass extension (-3dB). Just below it: ELAC DBR62 - $401 cheaper, 4.7Hz lower bass extension (-3dB).
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 69.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 14.5”H x 7.8”W x 12.6”D (368 x 197 x 320 mm) |
| Drivers | 6” AL-MAG woofer; 1” AL-MAC ceramic dome tweeter with waveguide |
| Frequency Response | 69Hz-23kHz ±2dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | Compatible with 8 ohms (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 89dB anechoic, 92dB in-room (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.89 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.11 |
| Weight | 24.9 lbs (11.3 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
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