The Bottom Line
Pros
- Ultra Rigid system reduces rattles and vibrations
- Good bass response even without a subwoofer
- Speaker sensitivity of 96dB means they can be used with amplifiers from 15-250 watts
Cons
- Somewhat expensive at $1599/pair
Description
- Excellent mounting system
- Noteworthy bass response
- Good detail and overall transparency
- Dimensions (H x W, inches): 20-1/16” x 9-1/16”
- Price: $1599/pair
Guide Review - Paradigm SA-35 v.2 In-wall Speaker
Paradigm, a Canadian manufacturer, is well known for their line of floor standing speakers and now offers a full line of in-wall models. The Paradigm SA-35 v.2 is a beefed up version of the company’s SA-35 with an Aluminum bass/midrange cone, upgraded from Mica-Polymer for greater rigidity, and a Polypropylene cone woofer with stronger and lighter voice coils and formers.
The mounting system is one of the most important parts of an in-wall speaker. It secures the speaker in position and a good mounting system couples the speaker to the wall reducing wall vibrations and preventing sound coloration particularly in the bass. A typical mounting system uses multiple clamps or dog-legs that grip the inside of the wall. Although they work, I prefer a more muscular mounting system and the Paradigm Ultra-Rigid™ system is one of the best I’ve seen. The die-cast Aluminum mounting bracket, secures the speaker to the wall around most of its perimeter ensuring a secure seal. It’s a one-piece system where the bracket is inserted through the cut-out in the wall and tightened with eight screws.
A few years ago I reviewed the original SA-35 and noted their well-balanced sound quality, good bass and mid-bass performance (although a sub is still needed for room-rattling bass) and a keen sense of acoustic space and presence. I would add transparency and detail to the descriptions of the SA-35 v.2 model, likely due to the upgrades noted. $1,599/pair.