Siblings in Paradigm's Premier series, so they share a family sound. It comes down to size, output and price.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass | A | Paradigm 700F digs deeper - 45Hz against 75Hz. |
| Amplifier needs | B | Paradigm Premier 520LCR v2 is more sensitive (93dB vs 91dB), so it goes louder on the same amplifier. |
| Size | depends | Paradigm Premier 520LCR v2 is easier to place; Paradigm 700F is bigger, which usually goes with fuller bass. Your room decides. |
| Type | depends | A Passive Floor-standing against a Passive Center Channel - a different job rather than a better one. |
| Cabinet | depends | Ported vs Sealed. Sealed is tighter and happier near a wall; ported digs lower but wants space behind it. |
| Expandability | A | Paradigm 700F: bi-amping. |
| Price | B | Paradigm Premier 520LCR v2 is cheaper - $900 against $1,700, about 47% less; arguably a different class. |
A Paradigm 700F B Paradigm Premier 520LCR v2
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both speakers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
Paradigm 700F is ahead, but only on 1 of the measured areas, and it costs about 89% more. That is a lot of money for a narrow margin on paper - Paradigm Premier 520LCR v2 looks like the sensible buy unless something else about the Paradigm 700F appeals to you. If a subwoofer is in your plans, the bass gap largely stops mattering - you would be crossing over above 75Hz anyway, which makes the cheaper Paradigm Premier 520LCR v2 much easier to justify. In a large or open-plan room, Paradigm 700F has the cabinet volume to fill it more easily; in a small room, near a wall or at desk distance, Paradigm Premier 520LCR v2 is the easier speaker to get right.
And remember what a spec sheet cannot show: how each looks in your room and whether the finish suits it, what dealer support and warranty are like where you live, and how they actually sound to you. If you can hear them first - ideally with your own music - that will tell you more than any number above.