Paradigm Monitor SE 3000F

The Monitor SE 3000F is the entry floorstander of the range, sold as a pair: a three-way reflex design with four drive units, namely a 25 mm tweeter, a 140 mm midrange and two 140 mm woofers in a column one metre tall.

Monitor SE 3000F: the design

Unlike the standmount, this model gives voices and bass their own drivers. A 140 mm midrange looks after the middle of the band, while two woofers of the same diameter handle low frequencies. All three use cones of mineral-filled polypropylene, a light and stiff material, with inverted dust caps and downroll surrounds. The second-order crossover hands over at 800 Hz and at 3 kHz.

At the top is the 25 mm X-PAL dome in pure aluminium, with ferrofluid to damp and cool it. The perforated PPA lens mounted ahead of the dome is a Paradigm patent: it behaves like a phase plug, holding back many out-of-phase frequencies so that output is both higher and more even, with no colouration added. It doubles as a guard for the dome.

On-axis response spans 55 Hz to 21 kHz within ±3 dB, with bass extension to 44 Hz (DIN). In-room sensitivity of 91 dB and an 8 ohm compatible load allow amplifiers from 15 to 130 W. Each column measures 100.4 × 23 × 28 cm and weighs 15.8 kg. Behind the design lies the acoustic research Paradigm conducts with Canada's National Research Council. More than one finish is offered.

Specifications

• Type: three-way floorstander with 4 drive units, reflex-loaded
• Crossover: electro-acoustic, second order, 800 Hz and 3 kHz
• On-axis response: 55 Hz to 21 kHz within ±3 dB
• Response 30° off axis: 42 Hz to 17 kHz within ±3 dB
• Tweeter: 25 mm X-PAL dome behind a PPA lens, ferrofluid for damping and cooling
• Midrange: 140 mm cone of mineral-filled polypropylene with inverted dust cap
• Woofers: a pair of 140 mm units, mineral-filled polypropylene cones on downroll surrounds
• Sensitivity: 91 dB in room, 88 dB anechoic
• Bass extension: 44 Hz (DIN)
• Recommended amplifier: 15 to 130 W
• Maximum power input: 100 W
• Impedance: 8 ohm compatible
• Dimensions (H × W × D): 100.4 × 23 × 28 cm
• Weight: 15.8 kg each
• Supplied: sold as a pair
• Finishes: black, white