PARADIGM introduces the brand new FOUNDER series. Founder is no ordinary loudspeaker, importer Penhold already reports
In Penhold’s press release, the importer is already enthusiastic about the newcomers. The text below is taken from it, by the way. So you can’t judge us on this enthusiasm… But hey, new speakers are always welcome! Paradigm treated every part, from large to small, as if it were the most crucial part of the whole. Each component has been thoroughly evaluated, designed, developed and tested. Not only are the drivers completely new, but also their mounting hardware, the internal structure and shape of the enclosure, and even the feet. By leaving no part untouched, Paradigm has created something far greater than the sum of its parts.
Precision
When we say “precision,” we mean the nuance, detail and realism achieved when a speaker “gets it right”. The FOUNDER series incorporates many new advances in design, materials and engineering to provide class-defining levels of performance.
Aluminum Magnesium Ceramic (AL-MAC) High Frequency Driver:
The FOUNDER’s tweeter dome is made lighter and stronger with the special combination of aluminum, magnesium and ceramic material. It has a natural resistance to uncontrolled resonances making it much more accurate and responsive than other designs. Not only does it sound good on paper, it performs in the real world.
Aluminum Magnesium (AL-MAG) Midrange Driver:
The FOUNDER’s midrange driver was developed with listener sensitivity in mind. In many ways, the midrange is the most important driver of any speaker design because it produces the most familiar and natural sounds, such as the human voice. By using aluminum and magnesium, Paradigm has improved its realism and accuracy.
Ultra-large-excursion CARBON-X Unibody bass driver:
To maintain clarity in the lowest frequencies, Paradigm has created an ultra-rigid, ultra-strong bass driver made of mineral-infused carbon fiber. It is molded in one piece to maintain control at the highest volumes. Combined with our patented ART Surround, it is both detailed and powerful.
Control
Bringing incredible technology together in a speaker means nothing if you don’t notice the benefits. By tackling every component, Paradigm’s engineers ensure that you can hear the results of their hard work in any environment.
- Oblate Sherical Waveguide (OSW): Paradigm’s research into the evolution of modern home interiors led her to the OSW Waveguide. This uniquely shaped component is used in the tweeter and midrange drivers of the FOUNDER series. By keeping the auditory focus on the listening area, less sound “leaks” to the sides where it can be colored by reflective surfaces. This makes FOUNDER perfect for large, open spaces with reflective surfaces such as windows and hardwood floors. OSW™ gives you better sound where you want it, and less distracting noise where you don’t. Real solutions for real life.
- Perforated Phase-Aligning (PPA) lens: To protect the tweeter and midrange driver cones of the FOUNDER series, the Perforated Phase Aligning (PPA) lens was developed. Not only does it look beautiful, it also ensures that all frequencies reach the listener’s ears at the same time. This contributes to the realistic and accurate presentation of the FOUNDER speakers. It also makes them ideal for listening from further away without losing the sound quality and detail in the room.
- Cascade Fusion Bracing: Speaker enclosures are mostly something you should look at and not hear. To ensure that the output of the drivers is free of coloration, Paradigm has developed Cascade Fusion Bracing. This patented manufacturing technique uses a reinforced and sealed longitudinal brace with tiered supports, which serves as the foundation of the enclosure. The “skin” or “sleeve” is then wrapped around it and “forged” into an ultra-rigid enclosure, free of unwanted resonances and vibrations. You don’t have to hear it to believe it.
- Advanced Shock-Mount System: to reduce distortion and further maximize driver performance, Paradigm has developed the Advanced Shock-Mount System™ for both the driver mounting hardware and the cabinet feet. The drivers are mechanically isolated from the baffle and the feet are decoupled from the cabinet. In this way, no vibrations are transmitted from driver to cabinet, or cabinet to driver, or between the cabinet and the floor. The feet can even be adjusted from above without moving or tilting the speaker, so you can set it up perfectly level on any surface. Interchangeable hardware is included for both carpet and hardwood floors.
- ARC Genesis: Paradigm has spent decades refining its industry-leading Anthem Room Correction (ARC) into the latest version, ARC Genesis. During that time, it has collected thousands of data points to figure out how rooms and speakers interact. Today, we can use ARC Genesis to virtually eliminate the negative effects of your room, maximize performance to create cleaner, more accurate sound in any listening environment. Find out how Paradigm has deployed this award-winning technology in our new flagship FOUNDER series!
Dynamics
Detail, clarity, accuracy, fidelity – these are terms often used to describe the quality of sound, but what about quantity? Re-creating a live performance requires dynamics, but also the ability to reproduce soft passages, loud sounds and everything in between.
Let’s take a look at how the FOUNDER series creates the widest and most powerful dynamics. Speakers that can truly “play loud” do so because they have no audible distortion. Distortion is what makes a speaker sharp and fatiguing. FOUNDER Series technologies eliminate these undesirable factors, allowing you to turn up the volume. With greater usable output, FOUNDER can not only reproduce the subtlest nuances, it can really rock when you want it to.
Power is nothing without control
High output, high efficiency components: “Power is nothing without control.” This famous quote stands behind everything Paradigm does. All driver components are designed for maximum power handling and high output. High power density magnets, large-range cone edges and multi-layer voice coils work together to create the widest dynamic spectrum possible. Liquid-cooled tweeters are in control during the most demanding musical passages or intense action scenes. Our driver designs have a larger usable cone area while being the same size as competitive products. More output and less mass can only be a good thing.
Bi-amp or bi-wire
Suitable for bi-amp + hybrid design: all models in the FOUNDER series can be bi-amped or bi-wired to get the most out of the power of your electronics. The FOUNDER flagship model even includes an internal amplifier of a whopping 1,000 watts to drive its three massive bass drivers. This leaves the power amplifiers of your audio system free to drive the mids and high frequencies with less effort. The built-in power amplifier also allowed the engineers to integrate ARC Genesis to tune the bass to the room independently of the rest of the system. This allows the user to use any brand of electronics they wish. But we know they will make the right choice and choose an Anthem….
The FOUNDER Series of Premium Speakers
All models in the new series at a glance:
FOUNDER 40B Monitor speaker: There’s a lot to love here, even in such a compact enclosure. With almost every technology from the larger floorstanders, the 40B monitor is the perfect way to experience the magic of the FOUNDER series with a minimal footprint. Available in 4 stunning finishes, the 40B is the perfect way to add stunning sound and looks to any room. Available in black walnut, walnut, black high gloss and midnight cherry high gloss Retail price € 1,349 each
FOUNDER 70LCR Left/Center/Right channel speaker: The smallest centre channel option in the FOUNDER range is also one of the most versatile. Not only is the 70LCR designed to be used as a powerful center channel where space is at a premium, but it is equally proficient when used as a front or surround channel. With equally stunning performance whether set up vertically or horizontally, the 70LCR is the perfect solution for getting consistent, high-quality sound wherever you want it. Available in black walnut, walnut, black high gloss and midnight cherry high gloss Retail price €1,899 each
FOUNDER 90C Centre channel speaker: The most ideal centre channel is to use the same speaker as is used for front left and right. This is not always practical, especially when floorstanders are used. The FOUNDER 90C is designed to match the overall performance, dynamics and realism of the larger floorstanding models, but in a design that is more practical to set up under a TV or projection screen. Available in black walnut, walnut, black high gloss and midnight cherry high gloss Retail price € 2,999 each
FOUNDER 80F Floorstanding Speaker: The 80F takes up less than 100 cm2 of floor space and is an incredibly accessible entry point into the world of high-end reproduction. With all the new FOUNDER Series technology on board, the 80F is a stunning, premium speaker that rivals much larger and more expensive models. With the 80F, you experience the dynamics and scale that a floorstander is capable of, while still being relatively unobtrusive in a living room. The 80F: maximum performance in a minimum footprint. Available in black walnut, walnut, black high gloss and midnight cherry high gloss Retail price € 2,199 each
FOUNDER 100F Floorstanding Speaker: The 100F takes the 80F design to the next level. We’ve added more larger-diameter bass drivers and a dedicated midrange to a cabinet only slightly larger than the smallest 80F. Deeper bass, improved dynamics and more clarity and realism. For those who want an even better listening experience, the FOUNDER 100F is the perfect choice. Available in black walnut, walnut, black high gloss and midnight cherry high gloss Retail price € 2,999 each
FOUNDER 120H Floorstanding Hybrid Speaker: A number of features have already been listed for the top model in the FOUNDER range, such as the built-in high-performance power amplifier and ARC Genesis. As with the state-of-the-art Paradigm Persona 9F, thanks to the built-in power amplifier for the low end, the electronics of the audio system are relieved of their load, and thanks to the advanced room correction, you can put a ruler along the low-end response. The FOUNDER 120H is the best Paradigm has to offer in this series in transparency, range, dynamics and resolving power (point). Available in black walnut, walnut, black high gloss and midnight cherry high gloss Retail price € 4.799,- each The first deliveries of the FOUNDER series models are expected in mid-April. Please consult the Paradigm dealer list at www.lookenlisten.nl for a dealer in your area for a convincing demonstration. Penhold b.v. Geldermalsen, 3 March 2021
