Paradigm isn’t a particularly well-known name on the hi-fi scene here in the UK, but it has been around for 30 years. With products like the Paradigm Shift A2 speakers and the recently-reviewed Paradigm Shift E1 earphones, Paradigm is slowly creeping towards the mainstream UK audio fan. The Paradigm Shift A2 active speakers are a bit too much fun to be considered serious studio monitors, with a clear emphasis on the bottom and top ends of the frequency spectrum. However, if you’re after a more casual active speaker that’s quick to setup and happy to be swapped between sources from musical instruments to MP3 players, it’s a good-sounding solution that looks the part too.
Powered Speaker: The Paradigm Shift A2 Powered Speaker features a two-way speaker design and a built-in amplifier with digital signal processing. With two analog inputs you can connect your TV, computer, laptop, tablet, or portable MP3 device. The two analog outputs allow you to daisy chain multiple A2 powered speakers for a stereo speaker configuration in one room or a mono speaker configuration in multiple rooms.
Digital Signal Processing [DSP]: Sophisticated mathematical algorithms shape the Paradigm Shift A2's frequency response so that even when you're listening at loud levels not only is the bass intense, the overall sound from the A2 is unbelievably accurate, clear, and musical.
Bi-Amplified: The Paradigm Shift A2 features a built-in 100 watt [RMS] amplifier. The amplifier sends 50 watts [RMS] to the tweeter and 50 watts [RMS] to the woofer.
Two-Way Speaker Design: The Paradigm Shift A2 Powered Speaker features a two-way driver design for exceptional sound.
- Tweeter: A 1" anodized pure-aluminum dome tweeter provides a high frequency response up to 20,000 Hz.
- Woofer: A 5.5" satin-anodized pure-aluminum cone woofer provides a low frequency response down to 55 Hz.
Acoustic Suspension Cabinet: The Paradigm Shift A2 features an acoustic suspension [sealed] cabinet for tight, accurate bass response.
Rubber Feet: The powered speaker comes with 4 self-adhesive rubber feet for added stability. The rubber feet add approximately 0.375" to the height of the speaker.
Optional Stainless Steel Stand: You can add the Paradigm Shift Stainless Steel Stand [819STAND, sold separately] to the A2 powered speakers for a more sophisticated, sculpted look.
ControlsPower Switch: The Paradigm Shift A2 Powered Speaker's main power switch is located on its rear-panel.
Volume Control: The A2 is designed for use with various audio devices. However, audio sources have different output levels. The A2's rear-panel rotary volume control allows you to adjust the powered speaker's input level to match the output level of your device. Once you have set the A2's volume level, you can use your connected source's volume control to raise and lower the volume of the system.
Stereo/Mono Switch: The Paradigm Shift A2 can be used as a mono speaker, or as a stereo pair when connected to another A2 powered speaker [sold separately]. There is a rear-panel switch to designate weather its being used as a mono speaker or a left/right stereo speaker.
ConnectionsAnalog Inputs: The Paradigm Shift A2 Powered Speaker features two rear-panel analog inputs; a stereo RCA input and a stereo minijack [3.5mm] input for connecting your external audio devices.
Analog Outputs: The A2 Powered Speaker features two rear-panel analog outputs; a stereo RCA output and a stereo minijack [3.5mm] output. These outputs can be used to connect multiple A2 speakers and/or a powered subwoofer.
Optional Bluetooth Receiver: The optional Paradigm Shift BD1 Bluetooth Receiver [819BD1, sold separately] allows you to wirelessly stream music from your Bluetooth-enabled device to the A2 powered speaker. The BD1 Bluetooth receiver connects to the A2's rear-panel 3.5mm input.
Auxiliary AC Input: The Paradigm Shift A2 is fitted with a rear-panel two-prong AC power input to power an external portable audio source, such as an Apple Airport Express [sold separately].
Paradigm have been making high-quality audio equipment for a long, long time. But last year, they launched their new Paradigm Shift line to bring their revered technologies to the masses at more accessible prices. Enter the A2 powered monitors. Do they live up to the family lineage?
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What Is It?
Paradigm Shift's A2 Bookshelf Monitor Speakers are a powerful, compact pair of noise boxes that produce sound far beyond their price tag.
Who's it For?
The target audience here are going to be people who make and listen to music on a serious level. Listeners who want more than flat, tinny sound out of their TV or stereo but don't really need or care about a surround system powered by steroids.
Design
Nothing out of the ordinary as far as bookshelf speakers go. Black, wood-grain speaksers that are are compact and rectangular.
Using It
The beauty of using powered speakers is minimal setup. Connect one speaker to another, and then to the TV audio out, and you're good to go. Once they're fired up, they sound amazing. Stereo mixes ping from one speaker to another about as well as a sound designer or engineer could imagine. Bass is clean, but not overpowering, and not once did the speakers wilt under the duress of loud noices. Advanced A/V nerds might scoff at the lack of custom tweaking one can make to their sound setup, but anyone looking for a quality, hassle-free sound setup will be elated.
The Best Part
For a pair of speakers without a sub, the A2s can deliver big volume and big sound with virtually no distortion thanks to its digital signal processing. Audio felt downright immersive during movies [not to mention BBC's Life] and the imaging of lows, mids and highs were excellent.
Tragic Flaw
Volume is independently controlled on each speaker. Aside from initial setup, it's not so much of a problem if you're hooked up to your computer or any other device with volume control. But if your television takes away volume control when external speakers are plugged in [like my TV], this is a supreme pain in the ass.
This Is Weird...
The A2s were marketed as having some special AirPort Express docking station. In reality, there's just a power outlet on the back of the speaker. Having optical-in would be nice.
Test Notes
I used these speakers over the span of a couple months in a room that is roughly 30'x 15 with vaulted ceiling. Long story short, there's a lot of space to fill. I don't think I once had the A2s turned up more than 50 percent.
Should You Buy It?
On performance alone, yes, you should. But though these speakers sound fantastic, the reality is that these things still cost $560 for a pair, which is fine if you're serious about music. Will 75 percent of you notice the jump in quality from a $150 pair of speakers? Or even a cheaper pair of Audio Engine speakers? Probably not. But for those who obsess of concepts such as the soundstage and imaging that a speaker can produce, you'll be hard pressed to find a better speaker at a comparable price.