Bookshelf Speakers — Paradigm Electronics Monitor SE Atom

The Monitor SE Atom is the bookshelf model of the Canadian maker Paradigm Electronics' Monitor SE range, a ported two way model with a pair of drivers, sold in high gloss white or matte black. Paradigm frames the series as suited to both music systems and movie playback. Paradigm lists it at USD 399.98 per pair, and the remainder of the series is made up of the 8000F, 6000F and 3000F floorstanders and the 2000C centre channel, which leaves the Atom as the sole bookshelf model of the range.

Key specs that matter

On axis response is 61 Hz to 21 kHz within plus or minus 3 dB, and at 30 degrees off axis the same tolerance covers 55 Hz to 17 kHz. Low frequency extension reaches 45 Hz on the DIN method. Paradigm gives two sensitivity figures, 89 dB measured in a room and 86 dB anechoic. Nominal impedance is 8 ohm, Paradigm recommends amplifiers of 15 to 100 W and maximum input power is 50 W. Each cabinet is 32 cm high, 18 cm wide and 27 cm deep and weighs 5.4 kg.

Engineering and use context

Treble duty falls to a 25 mm X-PAL dome, made of pure aluminium, and it is damped and cooled with ferrofluid. In front of it sits a Perforated Phase-Aligning (PPA) lens, which Paradigm says works like a refined phase plug, blocking out-of-phase frequencies so that output rises and becomes smoother, and the lens guards the dome against damage. The 140 mm woofer has a cone of polypropylene with mineral filler, which Paradigm calls lightweight and rigid. Its centre carries an inverted dust cap, and the surround rolls downward for a low profile look. A second order electro-acoustic crossover divides the two drivers at 2.3 kHz. Paradigm states that Monitor SE models draw on its fundamental research, and it names a partnership with Canada's NRC for ongoing studies of sound and human hearing.

Pairing

The easy nominal load and modest recommended power allow modest integrated amplifiers and AV receivers to drive the Atom, while its maximum input caps what it can take from with more powerful electronics. For a home cinema front stage, the Monitor SE 2000C is the centre channel of the same series, and Paradigm pitches Monitor SE cabinets to suit modern interiors.

Alternatives

The Paradigm Premier 200B belongs to the Premier line of Paradigm, a two way stand mount using a larger 165 mm woofer with a carbon infused polypropylene cone.