In this review, we will be comparing SE 8000F and SE 3000F, two Passive Floor-standing speakers by Paradigm
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Paradigm SE 8000F and Paradigm SE 3000F first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Paradigm SE 8000F Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" Tweeter
- 6.5" Midrange
- 3 x 8" Mineral-filled polypropylene Woofer
- 45-21k Hz Frequency Response
- 95 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:15-150watts
- Weight:31.36kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 1169.0" x 11-3/4" x 17-3/4"( 1169.0 x 299.0 x 451.0mm )
Paradigm SE 3000F Key Specs
- 3-way Design
- 1" Tweeter
- 5.5" Midrange
- 2 x 5.5" Mineral-filled polypropylene Woofer
- 5.5" Midrange
- 55-21k Hz Frequency Response
- 91 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:15-100watts
- Weight:15.91kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 1007.0" x 8-15/16" x 10-15/16"( 1007.0 x 228.0 x 278.0mm )
SE 8000F and SE 3000F are members of Paradigm's Monitor series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
Paradigm Monitor Series
History
What size room are the Paradigm SE 8000F and Paradigm SE 3000F speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision
factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size
and max power parameters:
| Listening Environment* |
Paradigm SE 8000F |
Paradigm SE 3000F |
| Near-field |
Bad |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Poor |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Good |
Poor |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Bad |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2,
Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: >
400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual
listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening
position, speaker locations, etc.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Paradigm SE 8000F and Paradigm SE 3000F compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both SE 8000F and SE 3000F are 3-way speakers.
| Driver |
Paradigm SE 8000F |
Paradigm SE 3000F |
|
Driver Setup
|
3-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
1 x 6.5-inch |
1 x 5.5-inch |
|
Woofer
|
3 x 8-inch
|
2 x 5.5-inch
|
SE 8000F features a 1" Tweeter , a 6.5" Midrange and 3 x 8" Mineral-filled polypropylene Woofer . On the other hand, the SE 3000F features a 1" Tweeter , a 5.5" Midrange and 2 x 5.5" Mineral-filled polypropylene Woofer .
Frequency Response
SE 8000F has a frequency range of 45-21k Hz whereas SE 3000F has a frequency range of 55-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 45Hz, the SE 8000F can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the SE 3000F's min frequency of 55Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Floor-standing class in our database.
Low Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
High Frequency
Floor-standing Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
SE 8000F and SE 3000F have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. SE 8000F sensitivity is rated at 95 dB and the SE 3000F's is at 91 dB. This 4 dB difference makes the Paradigm SE 8000F a more sensitive speaker compared to Paradigm SE 3000F, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Floor-standing Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using
an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the
max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
SE 8000F can handle a max power of 150 watts RMS from the amp the whereas SE 3000F has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 50 watts less than the SE 8000F.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
SE 8000F features Post type posts and SE 3000F has a Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Paradigm SE 8000F's Post terminals
Paradigm SE 3000F's Post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both SE 8000F and SE 3000F have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Paradigm SE 8000F's and Paradigm SE 3000F's external dimensions. Paradigm SE 8000F has external dimensions of 1169.0 x 299.0 x 451.0mm ( 46 x 11-3/4 x 17-3/4inch) whereas Paradigm SE 3000F has external dimensions of 1007.0 x 228.0 x 278.0mm ( 39-5/8 x 8-15/16 x 10-15/16inch) .
Paradigm SE 8000F is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 71mm wider, 162mm taller and 173mm deeper than Paradigm SE 3000F.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the Paradigm SE 8000F is approximately 1348.5cm2 / 209.0inch2 and base area of the Paradigm SE 3000F is approximately 633.8cm2 / 98.2inch2. The SE 8000F requires 113% more surface area than the SE 3000F which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The Paradigm SE 8000F weighs 31.36kg / 69lbs and the Paradigm SE 3000F weighs 15.91kg / 35lbs. This makes the SE 8000F 97% heavier than the SE 3000F.
Here is a comparison of how SE 8000F and SE 3000F's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Floor-standing class.
Weight
All Floor-standing Speakers
What's in the Box of Paradigm SE 8000F?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SE 8000F:
Floorstanding loudspeaker
4 Rubber feet
4 Spike feet
Owner's Manual
Online Registration Card
Unboxing Instructions
What's in the Box of Paradigm SE 3000F?
Here are the items that come with the SE 3000F:
Floorstanding loudspeaker
4 Rubber feet
4 Spike feet
Owner's Manual
Online Registration Card
Unboxing Instructions
 Max Input Power |
150 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Sensitivity |
95 dB
vs
91 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
8 inches
vs
5.5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
|
Number of Woofers |
3
vs
2
|
More woofers |
|
Low Frequency Response |
45 Hz
vs
55 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
1007mm
vs
1169mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
633cm2
vs
1348cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
700USD
vs
1700USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| General |
Paradigm Monitor SE 8000F |
Paradigm Monitor SE 3000F |
| Brand |
Paradigm |
Paradigm |
| Speaker Type |
Floor-standing speaker |
Floor-standing speaker |
| Power Range |
15-150 watts |
15-100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
95 dB |
91 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
45-21k Hz |
55-21k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
3 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
5.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Mineral-filled polypropylene |
Mineral-filled polypropylene |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
6.5" |
5.5" |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
1169.0mm (46") |
1007.0mm (39.6") |
| Width |
299.0mm (11.8") |
228.0mm (9") |
| Depth |
451.0mm (17.8") |
278.0mm (10.9") |
| Weight |
31.36kg (69lbs) |
15.91kg (35lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Vinyl |
MDF/Vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Black |
Black |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |