Bookshelf Speaker Reviews

Speaker: Reference Studio 20 V.4
Type: Two-way, monitor
Tweeter (size in inches, type): 1, gold-anodized pure-aluminum dome
Woofer (size in inches, type): 7, satin-anodized pure-aluminum cone
Nominal Impedance (ohms): Compatible with 8 ohms
Recommended Amp Power (watts): 15–150
Available Finishes: Cherry, Rosenut, Black Ash vinyl
Dimensions (H x W x D, inches): 15 x 8.25 x 12.75
Weight (pounds): 21.5
Price: $450/each

These listings are based on the manufacturer's stated specs; the HT Labs box below indicates the gear's performance on our test bench.

Ratings: Paradigm Reference Studio 20 v.4 Speaker System

Build Quality: 92
• Woofer upgraded from plastic to aluminum
• Tweeter still aluminum, now gold-anodized
• Thick aluminum chassis holds drivers

Value: 98
• High-end performance at a midrange price
• Small rise in price over previous generations is justified by improvements in materials and performance

Features: 97
• Large internal heatsink magnets
• Butyl-rubber mounting decouples drivers from box, thus reducing resonance

Performance: 98
• New tweeter material and location help clarify highs
• Neutral midrange, both on and off axis
• Enough bass to go sub-less

Ergonomics: 87
• Larger than average sub/sat set
• Demands away-from-wall placement for best results
• Vinyl finishes

Overall Rating: 96
Some manufacturers simply turn over their model lines. Paradigm makes theirs better. This fourth-generation rethink of my reference speaker uses better materials and deploys them more creatively. Recommended for the discerning listener with a limited budget.

General Information
Reference Studio 20 v.4 Monitor Speaker, $450/each
Paradigm
(905) 632-0180
www.paradigm.com
Dealer Locator Code PDM