Paradigm Speaker Serial Numbers
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Common Questions From Shoppers About Paradigm Home Stereo Speakers
The speakers are the last part of the signal chain in any stereo system, making them very important. Paradigm makes a variety of high-quality stereo speakers with a great look, helping them fit into any home. For more information, check out the following information about Paradigm speakers being sold on eBay.
What kinds of speakers does Paradigm make?Atoms have consecutive serial numbers. From a non smoking home, and sound great. No rips in the grill fabric, or scratches on the boxes. From a non smoking home, and sound great. No rips in the grill fabric, or scratches on the boxes.
Different speakers serve different purposes. To get a quality sound signal, choose speakers that will perform the function they are designed for. Here are a few of the speaker styles Paradigm makes along with their primary functions:
- Sub - This speaker is responsible for the subsonic frequencies. It can either be purchased as a standalone speaker or as part of a larger speaker tower.
- Woofer - The woofer projects the mid-range frequencies, the range where most of the music occurs.
- Tweeter - The extreme high-end frequencies come through this speaker. High-quality tweeters are essential for sonic clarity.
- Center - In a surround system, these speakers sit in the center of the signal as the focal point of the sound.
- Bookshelf - These are smaller speakers in the Paradigm line meant to fit on shelves and blend into a room, not interrupting the aesthetic.
Yes. The speaker towers with tweeters, woofers, and subs all have built-in adjustable crossovers. Use this device to determine which part of the signal goes to what speaker. This functionality is essential for getting a clear sound and preventing speakers from blowing. It is mostly designed to ensure the subsonic frequencies don't bleed into the mid-range, which causes the signal to be muddy and over-driven.
Does Paradigm make speakers for home theaters?Yes. Some models Paradigm manufactures are specifically designed to transmit home theater sound in the form of surround sound. This includes models like the Paradigm Cinema ADP line. Center speakers are also usually used in home theater systems. Shoppers looking for speakers for their home theater system don't have to use cinema speakers, but it will improve the quality of the surround sound in whatever room they are used.
Do they come in different looks?Yes. Paradigm understands that, for some shoppers, the look of the speaker is just as important as the sound. The company offers most of its Paradigm speakers in a few different finishes including black, black ash, cherry, and gloss. The tower speakers come in the biggest variety of finishes.
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post #1 of 28Old06-09-2009, 02:23 PM - Thread Starter
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I'm hoping to hear back from someone who has had first hand experience with either repair or replacement of the woofer(s) in the Paradigm Titan loudspeakers. I purchased these new sometime in the 90's - the ones w/ the spring clips and wooden back. After reading many posts it would seem that these are v1 since later revisions had a plastic cover on the back.
The speakers are now making a popping/crackling sound when there is low bass, even at low to moderate volume levels. This is especially apparent when watching movies. The mid and high frequencies are still crystal clear with no distortion. I've yet to remove the rear cover, or non-removable front grill for that matter, so I'm not sure if it is the foam surround that's bad or maybe the voice coil. Does anyone know if these woofers are proprietary or off the shelf parts like the Vifa tweeters? (couldn't find mention of that on these forums)
I would definitely appreciate any and all opinions on whether or not it is worth trying to find replacement drivers from a company like partsexpress or maybe I should be looking at having them fixed locally. I understand from reading other posts that if Paradigm could repair or replace the woofers that the cost would be prohibitive, especially after factoring in shipping.
Thanks in advance!
The speakers are now making a popping/crackling sound when there is low bass, even at low to moderate volume levels. This is especially apparent when watching movies. The mid and high frequencies are still crystal clear with no distortion. I've yet to remove the rear cover, or non-removable front grill for that matter, so I'm not sure if it is the foam surround that's bad or maybe the voice coil. Does anyone know if these woofers are proprietary or off the shelf parts like the Vifa tweeters? (couldn't find mention of that on these forums)
I would definitely appreciate any and all opinions on whether or not it is worth trying to find replacement drivers from a company like partsexpress or maybe I should be looking at having them fixed locally. I understand from reading other posts that if Paradigm could repair or replace the woofers that the cost would be prohibitive, especially after factoring in shipping.
Thanks in advance!
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post #2 of 28Old06-10-2009, 04:18 PM - Thread Starter
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I would do some troubleshooting first.
1) Is it both speakers or just one?
2) Make sure it's not the source or the receiver causing the problem. If you have an extra receiver or can borrow one, connect them and confirm you still hear it.
3) If it's just one speaker, then you can try to narrow down the problem down to the woofer or the crossover. Take the woofer out of the good speaker and put it in the bad speaker. If you still have the issue it's the crossover. If it fixes the bad speaker then it's the driver.
4) if it is the woofer that is bad, take a look on the magnet on the back to see if there is any manufacturer info. That may help identify it. Also you could take a couple pictures of the driver and post them here.
Hope that helps some.
1) Is it both speakers or just one?
2) Make sure it's not the source or the receiver causing the problem. If you have an extra receiver or can borrow one, connect them and confirm you still hear it.
3) If it's just one speaker, then you can try to narrow down the problem down to the woofer or the crossover. Take the woofer out of the good speaker and put it in the bad speaker. If you still have the issue it's the crossover. If it fixes the bad speaker then it's the driver.
4) if it is the woofer that is bad, take a look on the magnet on the back to see if there is any manufacturer info. That may help identify it. Also you could take a couple pictures of the driver and post them here.
Hope that helps some.
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Just a heads up, I found one site that said to check the center dome of the woofers. Some Paradigm's have problem with them coming loose and buzzing. It seems like you can just glue it down again if that is the problem.
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How do you check the center domes on speakers with glued on grilles - without basically destroying them?
I can't envision any scenario where it wouldn't be better to just replace them with something of better quality.
I can't envision any scenario where it wouldn't be better to just replace them with something of better quality.
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I still use a pair of Paradigm 9se's that I bought in 1991. I have had to replace one of the woofers, and it wasn't that bad or expensive. Go to your local Paradigm dealer, give them the serial number of your speaker, and they can order you an exact replacement directly from Paradigm. You may even be able to call Paradigm directly and do the same thing, but I think the shipping from them is higher than going through a dealer. I think I paid $87 for the woofer, no shipping charge. This was in 1999, but I doubt things have changed that much with dealers.
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Quote:Originally Posted by PD50U
How do you check the center domes on speakers with glued on grilles - without basically destroying them?
How do you check the center domes on speakers with glued on grilles - without basically destroying them?
I'd assume you could remove the speaker from the inside through the rear cover.
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Working on original Titans is a pain, but it can be done. Remove the screws around the perimeter of the back panel, and then the fun of trying to remove the sandwiched-in MDF rear panel begins. More than likely it is an adhesive problem, as jettore mentioned, but it may also be one of many other things that cause buzzing/popping/crackling. Best of luck in getting them apart safely. Once you do that, though, you'll be in the clear! Once you find out what the cause is, check with your local Paradigm dealer for service or ordering a replacement woofer from the factory (it is an in-house built driver).
'What's better? A great 2D movie or the worst 3D movie?' - Stephen Colbert
post #9 of 28Old06-11-2009, 12:08 PM - Thread Starter
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@jettore: thanks for the info. I'm looking forward to trying your suggestions
@PD50U: these have been great speakers imho.. hoping to have them repaired
@WhiteSoxFan: $87 ea. - ouch.. I think that's about what I paid for one new
@TDI Driver: thanks for your input. haven't had need to remove back of speaker until now (what am I getting myself into here?)
Family coming to visit today so it will be a few days before I can see if I can determine/troubleshoot what the problem may be.
I'm still wondering if anyone has ever replaced woofer w/ one of another brand (like ones sold at partsexpress) and if so, what your experience has been?
@PD50U: these have been great speakers imho.. hoping to have them repaired
@WhiteSoxFan: $87 ea. - ouch.. I think that's about what I paid for one new
@TDI Driver: thanks for your input. haven't had need to remove back of speaker until now (what am I getting myself into here?)
Family coming to visit today so it will be a few days before I can see if I can determine/troubleshoot what the problem may be.
I'm still wondering if anyone has ever replaced woofer w/ one of another brand (like ones sold at partsexpress) and if so, what your experience has been?
post #10 of 28Old06-13-2009, 12:38 PM - Thread Starter
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Well, I'm making progress.. thanks again to jettore and others for the tips :-)
I just happened to have a vintage RS receiver from the 70's packed away in the basement, so I checked to make sure it wasn't my main amp going bad before I started taking apart my beloved Titans. Sure enough, both speakers were behaving in the same manner - same popping sound as before. So since one seemed a little worse than the other, I decided to disassemble that one first. After removing six screws, the back cover and the interior insulation, I could see right away that the foam surround had deteriorated.
I plan to call Paradigm on Monday to see how much it will cost to have the drivers repaired by them. Hopefully they are not so old that they say, 'We don't refurb those any longer.' In the meantime, does anyone have any experience with online shops that repair speakers and approx. how much they charge?
I just happened to have a vintage RS receiver from the 70's packed away in the basement, so I checked to make sure it wasn't my main amp going bad before I started taking apart my beloved Titans. Sure enough, both speakers were behaving in the same manner - same popping sound as before. So since one seemed a little worse than the other, I decided to disassemble that one first. After removing six screws, the back cover and the interior insulation, I could see right away that the foam surround had deteriorated.
I plan to call Paradigm on Monday to see how much it will cost to have the drivers repaired by them. Hopefully they are not so old that they say, 'We don't refurb those any longer.' In the meantime, does anyone have any experience with online shops that repair speakers and approx. how much they charge?
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i repaired 2 of these last week. The replacement woofers were about $75. Just take it to your local paradigm dealer and when they get it in they will replace it for you.
post #12 of 28Old06-13-2009, 09:15 PM - Thread Starter
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Quote:Originally Posted by Bigred7078
i repaired 2 of these last week. The replacement woofers were about $75. Just take it to your local paradigm dealer and when they get it in they will replace it for you.
i repaired 2 of these last week. The replacement woofers were about $75. Just take it to your local paradigm dealer and when they get it in they will replace it for you.
was that $75 for both?
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If that is $75 each (ie $150, which is what my guess would be, but I don't know) you are half-way to a much better pair with a new 5yr warranty and much easier to repair in the future. However, if it is $75 for both, that would be different.
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I just bought a pair of Titan's and Atoms this morning. Mine have the non-plastic back but have the binding posts instead (I can use banana plugs). What version do I have?
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The surrounds of that driver seem to be falling apart (whatever is left of it). You'll just have to replace the driver.
post #16 of 28Old06-20-2009, 05:14 AM - Thread Starter
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Quote:Originally Posted by nguyendot
I just bought a pair of Titan's and Atoms this morning. Mine have the non-plastic back but have the binding posts instead (I can use banana plugs). What version do I have?
I just bought a pair of Titan's and Atoms this morning. Mine have the non-plastic back but have the binding posts instead (I can use banana plugs). What version do I have?
@nguyendot: I believe that you also have v1 Titans. It is my understanding that some Titan's had binding posts instead of spring clips - I assume that these were produced toward the end of the v1 production cycle (serial #'s would provide a clue) since all later revisions have binding posts also. Starting with the v2's, they have plastic rear covers and more rounded fronts.
What is the serial number of your speakers? (should be 6 or 7 digits - ex. 111155) Do your Atom's have binding posts also?
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I'll get the serial numbers tonight. Yes both the Atoms and Titans have the same look, both have binding posts. Sound great. Bass output is impressive with and without a subwoofer. Paired with a CC300 and my old school AR sub, makes for a great home theater.
post #18 of 28Old06-22-2009, 09:13 AM - Thread Starter
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Quote:Originally Posted by nguyendot
I'll get the serial numbers tonight. Yes both the Atoms and Titans have the same look, both have binding posts. Sound great. Bass output is impressive with and without a subwoofer. Paired with a CC300 and my old school AR sub, makes for a great home theater.
I'll get the serial numbers tonight. Yes both the Atoms and Titans have the same look, both have binding posts. Sound great. Bass output is impressive with and without a subwoofer. Paired with a CC300 and my old school AR sub, makes for a great home theater.
cool - I can't remember exactly but I'd say my v1 Titans are probably 15+ years old and don't have a scratch on them - they still look brand new! As I stated earlier in this post, the foam surrounds have deteriorated and I just found out that a local speaker repair company wants $45 each to repair them (the local Paradigm dealer said that sending them to the factory would be too expensive). I haven't read where anyone has commented on what a speaker sounds like after they get new foam surrounds - I assume they sound the same but am not sure. Also it's probably just a matter of time before the tweeter or crossover start having problems..
I'd like to get some opinions from other AVS people whether I should have these repaired for ~$90 or would it be better to take that money and apply it to the purchase of new(er) ones? I've been looking around at used ones and am also considering the v6 Atom for ~$300 pair.
What would be the best speaker to get for $300 or less.. anyone?
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Yeah I took mine apart and the surrounds are still good. No idea how old they are. Still forgot the serials.
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Quote:Originally Posted by linux247
I'd like to get some opinions from other AVS people whether I should have these repaired for ~$90 or would it be better to take that money and apply it to the purchase of new(er) ones? I've been looking around at used ones and am also considering the v6 Atom for ~$300 pair.
I'd like to get some opinions from other AVS people whether I should have these repaired for ~$90 or would it be better to take that money and apply it to the purchase of new(er) ones? I've been looking around at used ones and am also considering the v6 Atom for ~$300 pair.
As as example, an Ascend CBM-170 will thoroughly out-class an Atom - I know because I have both. The Atoms are v2, but I can't imagine that would make much difference assuming v6's are still 5.25'
The 170's can be had for ~$300 if you catch a special. If not, they are more in the $340 range. The downside is they don't have any finish options other than matte black. But, if sound is a priority they are outstanding.
There is also the Emotiva ERM-1 with dual 5.25'. On closeout, they would come in at $300/pr as well.
Personally, I don't think Atoms are good bang for the buck at $300/pr.
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post #22 of 28Old06-27-2009, 09:29 AM - Thread Starter
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Quote:Originally Posted by PD50U
As as example, an Ascend CBM-170 will thoroughly out-class an Atom - I know because I have both.
As as example, an Ascend CBM-170 will thoroughly out-class an Atom - I know because I have both.
Thanks for your input. I was not familiar w/ the Ascend CBM-170 or the Emotiva ERM-1 and am reading about them now.. are they sold through b&m dealers or just online? I'd like to audition my next pair of speakers if possible.
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Quote:Originally Posted by linux247
Thanks for your input. I was not familiar w/ the Ascend CBM-170 or the Emotiva ERM-1 and am reading about them now.. are they sold through b&m dealers or just online? I'd like to audition my next pair of speakers if possible.
Thanks for your input. I was not familiar w/ the Ascend CBM-170 or the Emotiva ERM-1 and am reading about them now.. are they sold through b&m dealers or just online? I'd like to audition my next pair of speakers if possible.
Online (ID). However, you have 30 days to audition them in your home and ship them back at your expense if you don't like them, which is typically the case with ID.
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Old thread, I know, but you do not need to replace drivers with rotted foams. The foam surrounds can be replaced, for about $20 for both, if you do it yourself.
Cheers,
Alec
Cheers,
Alec
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Quote:Originally Posted by Alec124c41
Old thread, I know, but you do not need to replace drivers with rotted foams. The foam surrounds can be replaced, for about $20 for both, if you do it yourself.
Cheers,
Alec
Old thread, I know, but you do not need to replace drivers with rotted foams. The foam surrounds can be replaced, for about $20 for both, if you do it yourself.
Cheers,
Alec
This! i have repaired several pairs of titans over the years since we use them alot in bars with our coin op juke boxes.
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Quote:Originally Posted by linux247
Well, I'm making progress.. thanks again to jettore and others for the tips :-)
I just happened to have a vintage RS receiver from the 70's packed away in the basement, so I checked to make sure it wasn't my main amp going bad before I started taking apart my beloved Titans. Sure enough, both speakers were behaving in the same manner - same popping sound as before. So since one seemed a little worse than the other, I decided to disassemble that one first. After removing six screws, the back cover and the interior insulation, I could see right away that the foam surround had deteriorated.
Well, I'm making progress.. thanks again to jettore and others for the tips :-)
I just happened to have a vintage RS receiver from the 70's packed away in the basement, so I checked to make sure it wasn't my main amp going bad before I started taking apart my beloved Titans. Sure enough, both speakers were behaving in the same manner - same popping sound as before. So since one seemed a little worse than the other, I decided to disassemble that one first. After removing six screws, the back cover and the interior insulation, I could see right away that the foam surround had deteriorated.
There you go. Your noise is essentially your voice coil contacting the magnets of the driver. Don't continue to run the drivers in that condition as it causes damage to the coil.
Two options:
1) Refoam the surrounds (there's usually a couple of places in a metro area that will do it for you (for a fee), or you can ship them somewhere like 'Speaker Exchange' here in Tampa to have them refoamed.
2) Replace the drivers. Reach out to Paradigm and you may get lucky.
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Option #3: refoam the drivers yourself. Not too hard, with instructions on the net.
Cheers,
Alec
Cheers,
Alec
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Originally Posted by knik
The surrounds of that driver seem to be falling apart (whatever is left of it). You'll just have to replace the driver.
WRONG. He only needed to remove his old rotting foam surrounds and install new ones. It's a shame that he got the wrong advice and probably threw away his perfectly fine old woofers..
Last edited by drewk2; 06-14-2016 at 02:39 PM.
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