Paradigm Signature W5 On-Wall Loudspeaker Reviewed

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HTR Product Rating

Performance: 5 Stars
Value: 4.5 Stars
Overall: 5 Stars

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Getting reference-grade or, in the case of Paradigm, signature-grade sound in a compact on-wall package is no easy feat. Many have tried and few have succeeded, so I was apprehensive when I demoed Paradigm's new Signature W5 on-wall loudspeaker, which claims to pack all of the glorious Paradigm Signature sound into a compact, elegant and affordable design. Did they succeed? Yes, and then some.

Retailing for $2,999 each, the Signature W5 looks like an LCR, meaning it can pull double duty as a main, as well as a center channel. However, Paradigm offers the Signature W5 in a center channel called the W5 C. For a seamless multi-channel system, I would recommend using multiple W5 Cs as surrounds in either a 5.1 or 7.1 configuration. The Signature W5 comes in three finishes, Cherry, Natural Maple and Piano Black, with the requisite hardware to wall-mount it out of the box.

Additional Resources
• Read more on-wall speaker reviews from HomeTheaterReview.com.
• Explore similar solutions by reading reviews of sound bars.

This is a six-driver, three-way loudspeaker, featuring a single one-inch pure beryllium dome tweeter, mated to a single four-and-a-half-inch midrange driver, two seven-inch bass/midrange drivers and dual seven-inch bass drivers. All six drivers combined give the Signature W5 a reported frequency response of 70Hz-45kHz and a surprising efficiency rating of 94dB into a stable eight-ohm load. Paradigm does claim low-frequency extension to reach 44Hz, but I wouldn't forego a sub or two if I was building a home theater around the Signature W5. You'll be glad you did.

Click on Page 2 to read the High Points, the Low Points, and the Conclusion.

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