Paradigm Reference Signature S1 Ultra-Compact 2-Way Bookshelf Speakers Series v.3

How do you achieve the performance caliber of Paradigm Reference Signature in such ultra-compact models as the Signature S1? Enclosure design must play a critical role.

All parts (baffle, rear and shell) on these compact cabinets are die-cast aluminum. The die-cast design also functions as an effective heatsink.

Bass/midrange baffles and chassis are physically integrated allowing space for a powerful 6" / 155mm driver. Cabinet interiors reveal heavy wall construction and extensive internal bracing. Constrained Layer Damping (CLD), a technique used extensively and with great success across aviation and naval platforms, is used in conjunction with a sophisticated Permacote Linacoustic to completely subdue stray residual vibrational energy within the cabinets.

The end result? All of the high-end performance found in a much larger Signature Series speaker, in a significantly smaller package.

P-Be™ Pure-Beryllium Tweeter Domes. Pure beryllium was chosen for its exceptional thermal, physical and mechanical properties: lighter than diamond or aluminum with unmatched rigidity. Response is instantaneous and extraordinarily uniform. Elevating the dome promoted optimal off-axis dispersion.

ARB™ Aperiodic Resonance Breakup Fins. Die-cast aluminum fins in rear damping chamber capture and quickly disperse residual internal resonances, rendering them inert.

Co-PAL™ Cobalt-Infused Anodized Pure-Aluminum Midrange Cones. Combine high stiffness-to-mass with superior internal damping for an even greater degree of accuracy. The result is smooth, uncolored frequency response.

Dual ATC™ Asymmetrical Tapered Channels. Precision die-cast aluminum chamber with tapered dual interior channels provide optimal volume. The asymmetrical design dissipates the back wave while the center of the chamber is direct-coupled to the huge magnet structure, providing an efficient thermal escape path for heat generated by the voice coil. Strategically positioned cooling fins on the rear of the chamber transfer heat away from the motor.

Paradigm Reference Signature S1 Ultra-Compact Bookshelf Speakers (v.3) Reviews

SoundStage! by Doug Schneider - December 2007 (V.2 reviewed)

... a wickedly innovative take on the traditional two-way speaker design that proves you can have good looks and not sacrifice a thing when it comes to sonic performance and price.

An exceptionally pure-sounding speaker ... ultra-revealing, ultra-controlled ... the stage they cast defied their small size. They had great articulation down low -- for as low as they go, anyway - about 60Hz or so ... give them enough juice and you should be astonished at what kind of performance you achieve given their size and price.

Many speakers priced much higher can’t match the midrange and high-frequency transparency and detail of these little fellas.

Exceptional build quality, great looks, fantastic sound, and a very reasonable asking price -- to my eyes and ears, the S1 v.2 is not just the new entry point but the jewel in Paradigm’s new Signature line.

Audio Ideas by Andrew Marshall - July 2008 (V.2 reviewed)

The little Signature S1 pair were still surprising after measurements for their dynamics and lack of distortion at levels few small loudspeakers could endure. They’ll happily handle power, and have little “signature” sonically except accuracy. I found them free of listening fatigue.

As a mini-monitor, you couldn’t expect better ... these are just about the best small monitors I have auditioned, equal to or better than any alleged professional monitor I have ever heard.

Home Theater Review by Andrew Robinson - February 2010

Tonally the S1s sound a lot larger than their meager size and shape ... they possess startling bass performance for their size ... the S1's bass performance is very tuneful, rich, agile and detailed, which is more than I can say for much of the competition. The midrange, a Paradigm hallmark, is close to if not as good as the larger S2s, which I called my reference bookshelf for over two years. It is extremely natural, uncolored and airy ... making every other speaker sound slow and bloated in comparison.

The top end of the S1's performance is truly something special thanks in part to its Beryllium dome tweeter. Beryllium dome tweeters are all the rage these days among most high-end speaker manufacturers, though I'm not sure any of them build one quite the way Paradigm does. I can say the before-mentioned statement because unlike other speaker manufacturers Paradigm designs and builds all of their drivers, including their Beryllium dome tweeters, completely in house. The S1's tweeter is refined, extremely quick and detailed with wonderful air and extension

Overall if you're looking for a small, non obtrusive, affordable but still high end bookshelf or mini monitor loudspeaker that sounds even better than it looks, then look no further than the Paradigm Signature S1.

Paradigm Reference Signature S1 Ultra-Compact Bookshelf Speakers (v.3) Specifications

Design 2-driver, 2-way ultra-compact bookshelf / stand-mounted
Crossovers 3rd-order electro-acoustic at 2.1 kHz
High-Frequency Driver 25-mm (1 in) P-Be™ dome, ferro-fluid damped / cooled, rear damping chamber with ARB™ fins and integrated heatsink, dual super-neodymium ring magnets, die-cast enclosure / integrated heatsink chassis
Bass / Midrange Driver 155-mm (6 in) Co-PAL™ cone, overmolded NLC™ surround, 38-mm (1-1/2 in) split voice-coil, super-neodymium ring magnet, integrated AVS™ baffle / die-cast heatsink chassis
Low-Frequency Extension* 43 Hz (DIN)
Frequency Response:
On-Axis
30° Off-Axis
±2 dB from 65 Hz - 45 kHz
±2 dB from 65 Hz - 20 kHz
Sensitivity - Room / Anechoic 90 dB / 87 dB
Suitable Amplifier Power Range 15 - 175 watts
Maximum Input Power† 100 watts
Impedance Compatible with 8 ohms
Height, Width, Depth 27.0 cm x 17.0 cm x 22.0 cm
10-1/2 in x 6-3/4 in x 8-3/4 in
Weight (Unpacked) 5.8 kg / 12.5 lb each

* DIN 45 500. Indicates -3 dB in a typical listening room.
† With typical program source, provided the amplifier clips no more than 10% of the time.