Toronto – Paradigm Electronics expanded its active-soundbar selection with its highest-priced soundbar to date, the 42-inch Soundscape 5.1 at $1,499.
The black-gloss speaker joins the Soundtrack 2, which shipped earlier this year at $899 to replace 2013’s sole active soundbar.
Paradigm entered the active soundbar market early in 2013 as part of an effort to broaden its demographics beyond traditional purchasers of in-room and custom-installed speakers.
The soundbar features Dolby Digital decoding for connection to TVs lacking digital PCM output, dedicated music and movie modes, Paradigm Virtual Surround, Bluetooth with AptX technology, and an included wireless subwoofer receiver for use with optional powered subwoofers.
For direct connection of sources, the soundbar features two optical S/PDIF inputs, one coaxial S/PDIF input, and one analog RCA input. An analog output is also available to add a wired subwoofer.
The driver complement consists of seven drivers separated into three isolated chambers. The center driver complement consists of a tweeter surrounded by a woofer on each side. A tweeter-woofer pair is positioned at the left and right ends of the bar. All drivers are powered by their own amp.
Total system power is rated at 7×25 watts RMS sustained and 7×50 watts peak.
The soundbar measures 5.25 inches by 42 inches by 5.25 inches.
Other features include IR learning to learn the on/off, source select, volume up/down and mute commands from a TV’s remote, enabling one remote to control the soundbar as well as the TV.
The product also features Bluetooth AVRCP (audio/video remote control profile) to enable control of Bluetooth sources from the bar’s remote or from the bar’s onboard controls. Soundscape also offers specific EQ modes, one for on-wall placement and one for placement on a flat surface.
