In this review, we will be comparing two different type of speakers by Paradigm. Paradigm Monitor SE Atom is a Bookshelf speaker whereas the SE 3000F is a Floor-standing speaker.
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Paradigm SE Atom and Paradigm SE 3000F first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Monitor SE Atom 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 Atom 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:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Paradigm SE Atom 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.
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Drivers
One of the fundamental differences between these two speakers is that Monitor SE Atom is a 2-way design whereas the SE 3000F is a 3-way speaker. 3-way designs utilize a midrange driver in addition to the tweeter and woofer on 2-way designs. Designing a crossover for a 3-way speaker is a complicated process and generally increases the overall cost of the speaker.
| Driver |
Paradigm SE Atom |
Paradigm SE 3000F |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
3-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
1 x 5.5-inch |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5.5-inch
|
2 x 5.5-inch
|
Monitor SE Atom features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.5" 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
Monitor SE Atom has a frequency range of 61-21k Hz whereas SE 3000F has a frequency range of 55-21k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 55Hz, the SE 3000F can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Monitor SE Atom's min frequency of 61Hz.
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 Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf 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
Monitor SE Atom and SE 3000F have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Monitor SE Atom sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the SE 3000F's is at 91 dB. This 2 dB difference makes the Paradigm SE 3000F a more sensitive speaker compared to Paradigm SE Atom, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf 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.
Monitor SE Atom and SE 3000F has the same power range of 15-100 watts.
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
Monitor SE Atom features Post type posts and SE 3000F has a Post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Paradigm SE Atom's Post terminals
Paradigm SE 3000F's Post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Monitor SE Atom 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 Atom's and Paradigm SE 3000F's external dimensions. Paradigm SE Atom has external dimensions of 324.0 x 181.0 x 277.0mm ( 12-3/4 x 7-1/8 x 10-7/8inch) 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 3000F is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 47mm wider, 683mm taller and 1mm deeper than Paradigm SE Atom.
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 Atom is approximately 501.4cm2 / 77.7inch2 and base area of the Paradigm SE 3000F is approximately 633.8cm2 / 98.2inch2. The Monitor SE Atom requires 21% less surface area than the SE 3000F which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
What's in the Box of Paradigm SE Atom?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Monitor SE Atom:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers
2 Grilles
8 Rubber feet
Owner's Manual
Online Registration Card
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