Paradigm E80-IW v2
Overview
The Paradigm CI Elite E80-IW v2 represents the culmination of decades of acoustic expertise, offering audiophile sound quality in an elegant in-wall format. This high-end wall speaker combines cutting-edge technologies and robust design to deliver an exceptional listening experience while seamlessly integrating into your interior.
A Design Engineered for Acoustic Excellence
The CI Elite E80-IW v2 stands out with its meticulous design focused on audio performance. Its cast aluminum baffle, a rarity in the world of in-wall speakers, provides exceptional rigidity that minimizes unwanted vibrations. This solid structure is complemented by an advanced SHOCK-MOUNT system, which effectively isolates the speaker from wall vibrations, ensuring pure and precise sound reproduction.
The frameless grille, with its sleek design, can be painted to perfectly match your interior decor. This attention to aesthetic detail allows the CI Elite E80-IW v2 to blend discreetly into your living space while delivering sound performance on par with the best traditional speakers.
Cutting-Edge Audio Technologies
At the heart of the CI Elite E80-IW v2 are high-tech acoustic components, the result of Paradigm’s research and development. The 20.3 cm mid/bass driver features an AL-MAG aluminum-magnesium cone, offering an optimal balance between rigidity and lightness. Its overmolded ART (Active Ridge Technology) suspension allows for greater excursions while reducing distortion, resulting in deep and articulate bass.
The 2.5 cm tweeter, a true technological feat, is made of aluminum-magnesium-ceramic (AL-MAC). This unique composition provides an extended frequency response and exceptional clarity in the highs. The perforated phase-alignment lens (PPA) optimizes sound dispersion, while the Reduced Edge Diffraction (RED) technology minimizes interference, delivering a wide and precise soundstage.
Sound Performance That Defies Conventions
Despite its in-wall format, the CI Elite E80-IW v2 delivers audio performance comparable to the best traditional speakers. Its extended frequency response, from 57 Hz to 22 kHz (±3 dB), ensures faithful reproduction of the entire audible spectrum. The bass extends down to 33 Hz, providing a solid foundation for the most demanding tracks.
The high sensitivity of 92 dB (in-room) allows the CI Elite E80-IW v2 to perform fully, even with moderately powered amplifiers. Its ability to handle up to 180 watts continuously ensures impressive dynamics, capable of reproducing the subtlest nuances as well as the most intense passages without compression.
The 3rd-order electroacoustic crossover, with a cutoff frequency at 2.0 kHz, ensures a smooth transition between the woofer and tweeter, contributing to the overall sonic coherence of the system.
Versatile Use Cases
The CI Elite E80-IW v2 adapts to a wide range of use cases. In a high-end home theater system, it can serve as a main front speaker or a center channel, offering perfect sound coherence with in-ceiling speakers for surround effects.
For music enthusiasts, a pair of CI Elite E80-IW v2 speakers provides a discreet yet powerful stereo system, capable of faithfully reproducing the nuances of the most demanding recordings. In large open spaces or multifunctional living areas, these speakers create high-quality listening zones without compromising the room’s layout.
Home automation integrators will appreciate the ability to incorporate the CI Elite E80-IW v2 into sophisticated multiroom audio systems, delivering consistent sound quality throughout the home.
Technical Specifications
Design
- 2-way in-wall speaker
- Advanced SHOCK-MOUNT system
- Cast aluminum baffle
Acoustic Components
Midrange/Bass Speaker
- 20.3 cm AL-MAG cone in aluminum-magnesium
- Overmolded ART surround
- Advanced Shock-Mount system
- 3.8 cm high-temperature voice coil
- Ultra-rigid cast aluminum basket optimized by finite element analysis
Tweeter
- 2.5 cm AL-MAC tweeter in aluminum-magnesium-ceramic
- Perforated phase alignment lens (PPA)
- Reduced Edge Diffraction (RED) technology
Audio Performance
- 3rd order electro-acoustic crossover at 2.0 kHz
- On-axis frequency response: ± 3 dB from 57 Hz to 22 kHz
- 30° off-axis frequency response: ± 3 dB from 57 Hz to 18 kHz
- Low-frequency extension: 33 Hz
- Room/anechoic sensitivity: 92 dB / 88 dB
Electrical Specifications
- Recommended amplification power range: 15-180 W
- Maximum input power: 120 W
- Impedance: 8 ohms compatible
Physical Specifications
- Cutout dimensions: 29.3 × 20.5 cm
- Minimum mounting depth (behind a 1.3 cm partition): 8.6 cm
- Dimensions H × W × D (including grille): 32.1 × 23.4 × 10.2 cm
- Weight: 3.9 kg
- Finishes: Paintable white grille, black speaker
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the CI Elite E80-IW v2 and a traditional speaker of the same range?
The main difference lies in its in-wall format, which allows for discreet integration into walls. The CI Elite E80-IW v2 uses specific technologies to optimize performance in this configuration, such as the advanced shock-mount system and the phase-alignment lens, which address the acoustic challenges of wall installation.
How does the CI Elite E80-IW v2 handle low frequencies, given its compact format?
Despite its relatively compact size, the CI Elite E80-IW v2 offers bass extension down to 33 Hz thanks to its 20.3 cm AL-MAG woofer and ART suspension. Additionally, wall installation can naturally amplify low frequencies, a phenomenon Paradigm has accounted for in the speaker’s design to maintain optimal tonal balance.
Can the CI Elite E80-IW v2 be used as a center speaker in a home theater system?
Absolutely. Its extended frequency response and optimized sound dispersion make it an excellent center speaker. For maximum sound coherence, it is recommended to pair it with other models from the CI Elite range for the front and surround channels.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.