Any DIY project similar in sound to Paradigm Atom?

manxam · 29th December 2003, 09:54 PM

Whilst I finish deciding (with all of your much appreciated help) which speakers I'm going to build for my audio setup, I want to start another project...

My neighbour has a set of Paradigm Atoms v3's (much like myself)and wants to complete a small HT setup. He knows i'm getting back into the DIY audio and is wondering if there are any kits out there that sound similar enough to the atoms to build a center and rear set to compliment them. Or even similar enough that these can be moved to the rear and new ones built for the front.

Budget is very low due to the cost of the 'off-the-shelf' atoms ($199 CDN / pair).

I know they use a Vifa 3/4" tweeter but do not know which. I assume that I can find a vifa mid that sounds similar enough to the paradigm's driver.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

molecules · 21st March 2007, 03:34 AM

Has anyone responded to your post ? I was also looking for replacement woofer for a paradigm atom.

PoorSound · 21st March 2007, 02:17 PM

Paradigm uses vifa? what else do they use? i thought they made all their own components

warnsey · 22nd March 2007, 09:48 AM

Yeah i thought paradigm made their own drivers.

Spasticteapot · 22nd March 2007, 05:03 PM

I know Paradigm uses a Vifa tweeter in the Atoms.

For $200CDN, check out the Modulas - they're supposed to be marvellous, and while VERY different (aluminum woofer and tweeter), they should come in just under budget.

joe carrow · 22nd March 2007, 05:29 PM

I've built the Modula MT, and spent less than $400 doing so- including buying the premade cabinets. If you already have tools for making cabinets and can get wood cheaply, then you can build a pair for well under $300.

They have excellent midrange, and even though I haven't heard the Atom, I can tell you that their bass absolutely destroys the Atom. How could it not? The atom uses a 5.5" woofer, and the Modula MT uses a 7" woofer with relatively long Xmax. I may be exhibiting some prejudice here, but I don't think anybody who's heard both will take issue with it. The Modulas have been compared favorably with far more expensive speakers.

Oh yeah- so, are they similar in sound? I don't know, I guess if you want something that's similar in sound, there are things out there that use small poly cone woofers and 3/4" tweeters... but if I had the space, no way would I switch from what I've got now.

joe carrow · 22nd March 2007, 09:39 PM

Actually, if budget is a concern, you could check this project out- http://zaphaudio.com/audio-speaker13.html

Shopping at Solen might make things easier, since you're in Canada.

29th December 2003, 09:54 PM	#1
manxam diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Ontario	Any DIY project similar in sound to Paradigm Atom? Whilst I finish deciding (with all of your much appreciated help) which speakers I'm going to build for my audio setup, I want to start another project... My neighbour has a set of Paradigm Atoms v3's (much like myself)and wants to complete a small HT setup. He knows i'm getting back into the DIY audio and is wondering if there are any kits out there that sound similar enough to the atoms to build a center and rear set to compliment them. Or even similar enough that these can be moved to the rear and new ones built for the front. Budget is very low due to the cost of the 'off-the-shelf' atoms ($199 CDN / pair). I know they use a Vifa 3/4" tweeter but do not know which. I assume that I can find a vifa mid that sounds similar enough to the paradigm's driver. Any suggestions? Thanks!

21st March 2007, 03:34 AM	#2
molecules diyAudio Member Join Date: Mar 2007	paradigm atom Has anyone responded to your post ? I was also looking for replacement woofer for a paradigm atom.

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21st March 2007, 02:17 PM	#3
PoorSound diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: brandon	Paradigm uses vifa? what else do they use? i thought they made all their own components

22nd March 2007, 09:48 AM	#4
warnsey diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2006	Yeah i thought paradigm made their own drivers.

22nd March 2007, 05:03 PM	#5
Spasticteapot diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Wisconsin....what did you expect?	I know Paradigm uses a Vifa tweeter in the Atoms. For $200CDN, check out the Modulas - they're supposed to be marvellous, and while VERY different (aluminum woofer and tweeter), they should come in just under budget.

22nd March 2007, 05:29 PM	#6
joe carrow diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: San Francisco	I've built the Modula MT, and spent less than $400 doing so- including buying the premade cabinets. If you already have tools for making cabinets and can get wood cheaply, then you can build a pair for well under $300. They have excellent midrange, and even though I haven't heard the Atom, I can tell you that their bass absolutely destroys the Atom. How could it not? The atom uses a 5.5" woofer, and the Modula MT uses a 7" woofer with relatively long Xmax. I may be exhibiting some prejudice here, but I don't think anybody who's heard both will take issue with it. The Modulas have been compared favorably with far more expensive speakers. Oh yeah- so, are they similar in sound? I don't know, I guess if you want something that's similar in sound, there are things out there that use small poly cone woofers and 3/4" tweeters... but if I had the space, no way would I switch from what I've got now.

22nd March 2007, 09:39 PM	#7
joe carrow diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: San Francisco	Actually, if budget is a concern, you could check this project out- http://zaphaudio.com/audio-speaker13.html Shopping at Solen might make things easier, since you're in Canada.

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