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RE: Infinity Primus P162 vs. PSB Alpha B1 vs. Paradigm Atom Monitor V5

Posted by Tadlo (A) on June 24, 2008 at 05:36:07

In Reply to: Infinity Primus P162 vs. PSB Alpha B1 vs. Paradigm Atom Monitor V5 posted by volumezero on June 24, 2008 at 01:25:36:

Here is some of what Stereophile said about the Primus 162 in a recent review and a comparison with two others, including a Paradigm.

Comparisons
I still had on hand my review sample of the Infinity Primus 150 ($198), as well as the (original) Paradigm Atom v.3 ($189) and the Epos ELS 3 ($350). I compared them all with the Infinity Primus P162 ($298). (All speaker prices per pair.)

As expected, the familial similarities between the Primus 150 and P162 were strong—especially with solo-piano recordings, when the two were virtually indistinguishable. The P162's lower midrange was a bit richer than the Primus 150's, which had a somewhat lighter quality on male vocals. However, the newer, larger P162 had far superior bass extension and high-level dynamic capabilities—the Primus 150 got a bit more congested in high-level passages. Also, the Primus 150 had a bit of upper-bass emphasis; the midbass warmth of the P162 was somewhat lower in frequency.

The Paradigm Atom had an overall darker sound, with less inner detail, and its highs were not as extended as the P162's. High-level dynamics were also inferior, but the midrange was quite natural, and the speaker sounded very balanced.

The Epos ELS 3 was more detailed in the midrange than the Primus P162, with highs that were more extended, detailed, and delicate. However, the Infinity's bass went lower, and its high-level dynamics were better. The Epos's overall sound was lighter, the Infinity's richer.

Summing up
I'm sure you can find a $300/pair speaker that has some characteristics that you prefer to those of the Infinity Primus P162. And I know that there are more expensive speakers that significantly outperform the Infinity overall. But if you're looking for a speaker that will present detailed, uncolored, dynamic, and involving musical and home-theater experiences independent of the type of music or volume level, you can rest easy in knowing that the Primus P162 will satisfy all of your needs, and will likely give many years of musical satisfaction without you ever feeling the compulsion to upgrade. Infinity, you've done it again.

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VH Audio

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