Paradigm is an internationally renowned Canadian loudspeaker manufacturer. In my previous article, I told you how Scott Bagby founded his company and became a respected leader in the sale of products benefiting from cutting-edge research and development, surpassing his competitors in just a couple of decades. Paradigm is now in its 43rd year of existence, and I'd like to share with you my assessment of Paradigm's latest series, the Founder named in honor and recognition of Scott's contribution to the music reproduction industry. 

Setting the scene :

Audiophiles know that the loudspeaker can make or break an ensemble. Bad units will destroy all the flavors and nuances of musical listening. A speaker is very important. Paradigm was founded on the premise that the results of simple listening by the public were not enough to fine-tune a new product. It therefore relied on experimental studies and the most advanced scientific measurement tools.

Paradigm therefore called on engineers from the Canadian research agency, the CRNC, to develop their own research center, the PARC, followed in 2001 by the construction of the largest anechoic test chamber in the northern hemisphere. The results are in, with the best value for money on the market today!

Choice = Paradigm's trademark.

Paradigm has millions of fans of their product ranges, but what exactly are they? Here are just a few examples.

• MONITOR This is the entry-level range, at affordable prices for products designed in Canada, but manufactured in the Orient to exacting standards. 5-year warranty.
• The PREMIER : Exceedingly competitive product combining technologies derived from the brand's two largest high-end series, the Persona and Founder.

• The FOUNDERs The Founder range is the most affordable loudspeaker for the serious audiophile.
• PERSONA This range is the flagship of the brand, using the finest materials available, and is even a world exclusive! It's worth noting that, in this field, these loudspeakers remain a bargain compared to the competition, which offers similar products at twice the price...

A separate article on this audiophile delight will follow!

LET'S TALK FOUNDER!

Every now and then, something special comes along and changes the rules, and that's exactly what FOUNDER offers. But this doesn't happen by chance: for over 40 years, the company has been using the very best technology to design its products. Numerous tests have led to the perfection of the following:

• Reinforced case.

A good loudspeaker should blend into your room. The sound should be nothing other than that emanating from the musicians. In addition to introducing distortion, a poorly designed loudspeaker will add the sound of resonance from the cabinet and diaphragms. Although the "look" here is attractive, it's the result of structural studies to distribute the internal pressures coming from the active elements as evenly as possible. In addition, the angular cascade of internal supports creates monolithic rigidity, resulting in tighter bass and uncolored midrange. Communicating openings attenuate counter-pressure.

• The tweeter (treble) is a source of precision.

A good high-frequency transducer needs to be very light yet rigid. Paradigm uses a special "AL-MAC" alloy of aluminum, magnesium and ceramic. The result: clear, silky highs.

To ensure that these highly directional frequencies reach your ears without diffraction, a spherical oblate waveguide directs the delicate frequencies. This 1-inch driver is inserted behind a "P.P.A." grid to keep the sound waves in phase. The result is the impression of hearing wider than the distance between the two columns!

• The midrange with its dispersion technology.

As with all the other components, lightness and rigidity are the order of the day. The same techniques are used for the midrange transducer as for the treble. The P.P.A. front grille ensures straight diffusion of the ultra-light Alu/Magnesium/Ceramic diaphragm. The 2" coil is ventilated. To reduce the coloration induced by the resonance of the cabinet, a damping system attaches the saladier (speaker frame) to the cabinet.

• The woofer (bass) is powerful, with a huge magnet and a choice of exotic materials.

Paradigm is a master in the design of bass drivers, notably used in the "Defiance X", "Defiance XR" and other subwoofers.

The more the driver can move freely, the deeper and more powerful the bass it can generate. The patented* "ART" (Active Ridge Technology) contoured driver design features a reinforced rubber surround for the longest possible projection without distortion. Greater excursion translates into a measured output gain of 3 dB, with a 50% reduction audible distortion compared to conventional woofers.

In the Series 40 and 80 models, the AL-MAG material is used, diffusing a combination of bass and treble. A PPA diffuser is added to reduce phase cancellation. For larger models, such as the 100 and 120H, a carbon X diaphragm is used in a formation without a center-coil motor cover. In short, there's no center cap, and it diffuses more predictably without wave breakup. The "ART" suspended contour is^3rd generation and benefits from several years of refinement.

Like the mid-range drivers, these are fixed to the chassis by an elastomer absorption system that eliminates any resonance that might cause coloration.

The watchword for all these elements: Rigidity and lightness in a massive case.

• Adjustable feet.

Founder column loudspeakers include feet that decouple the loudspeaker from the floor, in two stages, for extremely effective vibration decoupling. Interchangeable hardware is included for carpets and hard surfaces. The feet can be adjusted from above to level the column easily. No need to buy insulating feet from other high-reliability manufacturers.

• Exterior finish.

There are 4 finishes available. Midnight Cherry" is the most popular choice, a cherry wood lacquered with a gloss finish, followed by black lacquered with a piano finish. These two finishes create a fascinating mirror effect of great class and richness. A delight for the eyes!

More traditional, natural or black-stained walnut is sure to please!

NEW FINISHING OPTIONS!

Just in time for the Montreal audio show (Audiofest Montreal 2025), Paradigm will be on hand with a limited edition of Founder in 3 brand-new colors. They will be available in Icy Ruby Red, frosted Charcoal grey and Winter Azure Blue. You can also see them at selected Sonxplus retailers, including CHAMBLY!

Available models:

Founder 40B

This bookshelf model will give you all the benefits of avant-garde design in a less bulky format. The range reproduced is clear and crisp, with a bass level that's surprising given its small size.

The secret, of course, is the ART-type woofer, which delivers a 3 dB gain in bass.

Founder 80F

This column delivers astonishing performance in a small package. It doesn't take up any space and is surprisingly powerful. The author of these lines has already owned a pair and is totally satisfied (now a Founder 100F user).

At $4,799 per pair, it doesn't get any better than this, period!

Founder 100F

The 100F takes the design of the 80F to the next level. Paradigm has added more woofers (3). They are larger, and a dedicated AL-MAG midrange is present in a slightly larger column than the smaller 80F. The result is deeper bass, improved dynamics and greater clarity and realism. For those who want an even better experience, the 100F is the perfect choice. Ideal for heavy rock or dynamic techno. Rhythmic jazz doesn't scare it, either!

Founder 120H

The Founder 120H hybrid features an amplified bass section that does the "heavy lifting" for you and your amplifier. Adding an extra 1000 watts of amplification is the equivalent of adding a subwoofer, but with even higher sound quality. And it's even better, because Paradigm's engineers have created a well-tuned whole.

Think about it: it's generally impossible to have a uniform response curve when two separate audio devices are working together. Too little or too much bass, poorly combined, produces an unsatisfactory result for those seeking to faithfully reproduce the original.

To complete the picture, having a linear (flat) sound box, Paradigm engineers have integrated calibration software to "neutralize" the room environment. Thanks to the ARC GENESIS software, which takes actual measurements in your room to adjust the bass response to your specific situation. This takes bass performance to a new level, allowing your amplifier to concentrate its energy on the critical midrange and high frequencies. To achieve this, use the microphone and tripod included with each pair of Founder 120s. The 120H offers truly uncompromising performance in a very reasonably sized package. Not to be overlooked is the increase in available power, which now reaches an additional 1000 watts...

Other parts available for cinema.

For the home theater enthusiast, two center speaker models are available, as well as two EXTREME subwoofers! The XR11 and XR13 with 1100 and 2200 watts R.M.S respectively, and a dynamic range of 2200 and 4400 watts peak!

This model, available from our Sonxplus dealers, and on display at Chambly, features cutting-edge technology, rigidity in a closed cabinet for excessively deep bass with zero interference. Come and listen!

Overall impression of this range:

I offer you my experience as a dealer, but above all as a lover of good sound.

First observation: the workmanship is of the highest quality and everything is carefully assembled, leaving no detectable rough edges. The shapes are squared off, with diagonal lateral forms from the side, while from the front, the loudspeaker takes on a slightly downward flared form. The front surface is black-tinted brushed metal with chrome accents surrounding the various elements. Behind, there are four solid terminal blocks, enabling bi-amplification connections if desired.

The sound signature is very spacious, allowing us to visualize the musicians' positions. The box delivers impactful piano notes and harmonically rich brass. As for the bass, it's truly phenomenal, with an extraordinary capacity. You can push them to the limit, and they'll always reproduce with intensity the work they're asked to do.

The new colors, which are very attractive but not garish, blend easily with any interior decor, adding a touch of life, like a trinket in the room!

The last word.

• I look forward to meeting you at the Salon de l'audio de Montréal to give you a chance to listen to these magnificent Founder speakers, and I hope I've tickled your curiosity. With the advent of high-resolution audio files like DSD 512, it's becoming increasingly relevant to have speakers that can transport you to a world reserved for musicians not so long ago. The show runs from March 28 to 30, 2025, and the SONXPLUS team and I, Christian, will be at the Bonaventure Hotel. In the meantime, stop by our store for a personalized listening session, free tickets to the show, AND... a special price (25%) on Paradigm demos and Anthem amplifiers, plus tax paid on all new units in stock or on order!

  Stay tuned!

  • Christian