Paradigm Premier 500C espresso finish

Introduction to the Paradigm Premier 500C Center Speaker

The Paradigm Premier 500C is a high-end center speaker designed to deliver clear and precise dialogue at the heart of your Home Theater setup. Manufactured in Canada at Paradigm’s state-of-the-art facilities, it features proprietary technologies and renowned acoustic expertise for exceptionally pure sound reproduction.

Cutting-Edge Acoustic Design

The Premier 500C speaker features a 3-way, 4-driver configuration in an acoustic suspension cabinet. This allows it to accurately and dynamically reproduce the entire midrange frequency band, crucial for voice intelligibility. The frequency response ranges from 73 Hz to 25 kHz (+/- 3 dB) with a low cutoff frequency at 47 Hz.

The 102 mm midrange driver with an anodized X-PAL cone is equipped with the patented PPA (Perforated Phase-Aligning) lens technology. This element enhances directivity and phase coherence for a stable and holographic sound image.

The two 140 mm bass drivers use carbon-infused polypropylene cones with the patented ART (Active Ridge Technology) surround. Molded directly onto the diaphragms, it allows for large linear excursions for deep, defined bass free from distortion.

High-Quality Craftsmanship

Entirely designed and assembled in Paradigm’s Canadian workshops, the Premier 500C speaker receives special attention at every stage of its production. The 19 mm MDF wall thickness and strategically placed internal bracing eliminate any cabinet coloration.

The 25 mm smooth MDF front baffle is shaped to minimize acoustic diffractions. The hand-selected and matched drivers are mounted in precisely cut openings with tight tolerances. Each speaker undergoes rigorous quality control with individual response curve measurement.

Easy Integration into Your Setup

With its compact size (H 18 x W 50 x D 29 cm) and weight of 10.6 kg, the Premier 500C center speaker easily fits on a piece of furniture or can be wall-mounted under a screen. Its 8 Ω impedance is compatible with any Home Theater amplifier. A power range of 15 to 120 W is recommended.

The gold-plated screw terminals accept thick cables, spade lugs, or banana plugs. Fine-tuning is possible thanks to the dual pairs of connectors for bi-wiring or bi-amplification. The removable front grille, made of acoustically neutral fabric, attaches with invisible magnets.

Elegant and Discreet Style

With its sleek lines and harmonious proportions, the Paradigm Premier 500C speaker integrates stylishly into any interior. Available in black vinyl or satin white finish, it blends in to let the music and movies take center stage.

The speakers are protected by minimalist-profile grilles that highlight the quality craftsmanship. The Paradigm logo, subtly integrated on the front, underscores its association with this renowned brand. Every detail has been carefully crafted to combine acoustic performance with timeless aesthetics.

What are the main differences between the Premier 500C speaker and an entry-level center model?

The Paradigm Premier 500C speaker stands out from a basic model due to the quality of its drivers (X-PAL cone, ART suspension), its 3-way design, non-resonant cabinet, and meticulous craftsmanship in Canada. This results in a significantly superior sound in terms of clarity, dynamics, spatialization, and realism, without coloration or distortion.

Can the Premier 500C speaker be used in stereo for music listening?

Although the Paradigm Premier 500C speaker is optimized for reproducing dialogue in a Home Theater system, its 3-way design allows it to cover a wide frequency range from 73 Hz to 25 kHz. It is therefore perfectly suitable for occasional stereo music listening when paired with another identical speaker. Its precise and dynamic sound will enhance both vocals and instruments.

What are the advantages of the Perforated Phase-Aligning (PPA) lens technology?

The PPA (Perforated Phase-Aligning) technology uses a slightly concave lens with multiple openings in front of the midrange driver. This blocks out-of-phase sound waves that degrade precision and coherence. The sound gains clarity and realism, with a stable sound image and precise localization of performers. It’s a unique refinement at this price level.

Technical Specifications

Design

• 3-way center speaker, 4 acoustic suspension drivers
• 2nd order electroacoustic crossover:
  • 2.5 kHz (tweeter / midrange)
  • 600 Hz (midrange / bass)

Drivers

• Tweeter:
  • 25 mm X-PAL (X-Polymer Aluminum) dome
  • Perforated PPA (Perforated Phase Alignment) waveguide
  • Ferrofluid cooling
• Midrange driver:
  • 102 mm black anodized X-PAL cone
  • Perforated PPA waveguide
• Bass drivers:
  • 2 × 140 mm carbon-loaded polypropylene cones
  • ART (Asymmetrical Rubber Technology) surround

Acoustic Performance

• Frequency response:
  • On-axis: ± 3 dB from 73 Hz to 25 kHz
  • 30° off-axis: ± 3 dB from 73 Hz to 20 kHz
• Sensitivity:
  • Closed space: 92 dB
  • Free field: 89 dB
• Bass extension: 47 Hz (DIN standard)

Amplification

• Recommended power: 15 to 120 W
• Power handling: 80 W
• Nominal impedance: 8 Ω

Physical Characteristics

• Dimensions (H × W × D): 18 × 51.5 × 32 cm
• Weight: 11.8 kg