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The Paradigm Premier 220B v2 is a large passive bookshelf speaker built around a 1-inch ceramic-dome tweeter and a 6-inch mid/bass driver. In ecoustics reviewer Ian White’s listening, it delivered an open, precise presentation with convincing scale—but its brighter balance is not for everyone. Canadian listings also use different prices and units, so check whether an offer is for one speaker or a pair before comparing it with your budget.
What the Paradigm Premier 220B v2 is
Paradigm describes the Premier 220B v2 as a two-driver, two-way bookshelf speaker with a ported enclosure. It is passive, so it needs an amplifier or receiver; it is not a powered speaker with amplification built in. The official Paradigm bookshelf catalog lists the model in that category.
Drivers and design
The speaker combines a 1-inch (25 mm) AL-MAC ceramic dome tweeter with a 6-inch (152 mm) AL-MAG cone mid/bass driver, according to ecoustics and Canadian retailer Audio 5.1. The ecoustics review says the tweeter is ferrofluid damped and cooled, and sits behind Paradigm’s PPA lens and OSW waveguide. The design aims to control and shape the tweeter’s output; the available evidence does not establish how that translates into a measured response in every room.
Size and support
These are substantial standmounts, not compact speakers that disappear onto a shallow shelf. Ecoustics gives each speaker’s dimensions as 14.6 × 8.3 × 12.9 inches (37.1 × 21.1 × 32.8 cm, height × width × depth), including the grille, and weight as 20.1 lb (9.1 kg). Check shelf depth and load capacity, or use a stable speaker stand. The review reports using matching stands, but the available specifications do not establish exact stand compatibility dimensions.
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#1 Best Overall
- manufacturer: Springfield Speaker
- Item Trademark: SPRINGFIELD SPEAKER
- Item Weight: pounds, pounds, 1.00, 1.00
- Item Category: Speakers
What they sound like in the review
Ian White’s ecoustics review characterizes the 220B v2 as clear, fast, open and precise, with focused imaging and an ability to convey scale. Those are his listening impressions, not standardized measurements or a guarantee of the same result in every room and system.
Clarity and vocal character
In the review’s comparison, White heard greater edge and definition from the Paradigm on Nick Cave’s “Avalanche” than from the Wharfedale Super Denton. He described the Wharfedale, by contrast, as having more tonal weight and fleshiness on male vocals. He also placed the Q Acoustics 5020 and Wharfedale on the warmer, more romantic side of the contrast. These comparisons describe the reviewer’s reported listening, not a fully specified controlled test.
The practical distinction is tonal preference: the Paradigm may appeal if you value explicit detail, separation and image focus; a warmer-voiced alternative may suit you better if vocal body and a softer presentation matter more. White’s own summary was, “The tonal balance will not work for everyone.”
Rank #2
- X-PAL Pure-Aluminum Dome Tweeters with patented Perforated Phase-Aligning (PPA) Lens
- High-performance mineral-filled polypropylene bass/midrange driver
- Beautiful Monitor SE speaker cabinets, with their unmistakably European fit and finish
- Built on research, conducted by Paradigm in conjunction with the Canadian National Research Council
Specifications and amplifier matching
Audio 5.1 publishes the following figures for the speaker. They are retailer-listed specifications, not independent measurements verified here.
| Specification | Published value |
|---|---|
| On-axis frequency response | 58 Hz–23 kHz, ±3 dB |
| 30° off-axis frequency response | 58 Hz–20 kHz, ±3 dB |
| Low-frequency extension | 36 Hz (DIN) |
| Sensitivity | 91 dB room / 88 dB anechoic |
| Compatible impedance | 8 ohms |
| Suitable amplifier power | 15–130 W |
| Maximum input power | 80 W |
The 15–130 W figure is Audio 5.1’s stated suitable amplifier range; it is not a recommendation to drive the speaker at the maximum. Confirm that your amplifier is comfortable with an 8-ohm load and use sensible levels. The review describes bi-wiring- and bi-amping-capable binding posts, but those connection options do not make the speaker active or remove the need for amplification.
Canadian price: compare the unit, not just the number
The cited Canadian pages do not establish one definitive current market price, and their listed amounts are not directly comparable without checking the unit. The ecoustics review states $1,099.98 per pair. Audio 5.1 lists $649.99 each, meaning per speaker. Trutone Electronics lists $1,299.99 for a bookshelf-speaker listing, but the extracted price information does not make clear whether that amount is for one speaker or a pair. Check the retailer’s live offer before buying.
Rank #3
- X-PAL Pure-Aluminum Dome Tweeters with patented Perforated Phase-Aligning (PPA) Lens
- High-performance mineral-filled polypropylene bass/midrange driver
- Beautiful Monitor SE speaker cabinets, with their unmistakably European fit and finish
- Built on research, conducted by Paradigm in conjunction with the Canadian National Research Council
| Source | Published price | Unit stated or established |
|---|---|---|
| ecoustics review | $1,099.98 | Per pair |
| Audio 5.1 | $649.99 | Each, or per speaker |
| Trutone Electronics | $1,299.99 | Not clear in the listing’s extracted price information |
These are Canadian seller or review figures, not a verified live-price survey. They show why “under $1,500” can be a plausible framing for the cited listings, but they do not establish a single price available everywhere or a consistent per-pair price.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Finishes and Canadian availability
Paradigm’s bookshelf catalog listed Black Walnut as “Coming Soon” on the page accessed. Trutone’s model listing offered black, walnut and black/walnut selections. Retailer listings can differ from the manufacturer’s catalog, so confirm the finish and stock with the seller before ordering.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Trutone says its Premier v2 lineup can be heard in its Mississauga showroom, ships free across Canada and is backed by a five-year warranty. These are Trutone’s stated terms, not universal availability, shipping or warranty terms for every seller.
Who should consider the 220B v2?
- Consider it if: you want a passive standmount whose reviewer-reported strengths are clarity, openness, image precision and scale, and you prefer a more explicit balance to a warmer one.
- Think carefully if: you are sensitive to brighter treble or prioritize warmth and vocal weight. White found the Paradigm brighter and less warm than the Wharfedale Super Denton and Q Acoustics 5020.
- Plan the setup: allow for the cabinet’s depth and weight, provide a stable support, and pair it with an amplifier suitable for an 8-ohm speaker.
- Before paying: confirm the live price, whether the listing is for one speaker or a pair, finish, stock, and the seller’s delivery and warranty terms.
For a tonal decision, auditioning is more useful than treating the review’s preference as universal. Trutone says its Mississauga showroom carries the Premier v2 lineup for listening; contact the retailer to confirm the specific model and current arrangements.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
