Paradigm Monitor SE Atom is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by Paradigm. It features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.5" Mineral-filled polypropylene Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 61-21k Hz and a sensitivity of 89 dB. Paradigm SE Atom has an MSRP of 300$ per pair.
Room Size Suitability
The size of the room where you plan to use the Paradigm SE Atom is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:
| Listening Environment* |
Suitability |
| Near-field | Average |
| Small Room | Good |
| Mid-size Room | Average |
| Large Room | Poor |
| Very Large Room | 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.)
Paradigm SE Atom Lifestyle
Paradigm's Monitor Series of Loudspeakers
Monitor SE Atom is a member of Paradigm's Monitor series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.
Paradigm Monitor Series Speakers
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Frequency Response of the Paradigm SE Atom Speaker
Paradigm SE Atom has a Frequency response range of 61-21k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 15-100 watts. With a minimum frequency of 61 Hz, it is hard to expect a strong bass response from Monitor SE Atom so depending on your use case, using a subwoofer will significantly help to widen the response range.
To focus on the subwoofers that are in a similar price range with Paradigm SE Atom, check out the Powered Subwoofers under $300. Alternatively, find the Full list of Powered Subwoofers regardless of the price.
Here we have a comparison of how Monitor SE Atom's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Paradigm SE Atom's Mineral-filled polypropylene Woofer
Paradigm SE Atom's Hard-Dome Tweeter
Impedance and Sensitivity
Paradigm SE Atom's nominal impedance level is
8 ohms and has a sensitivity of
89 dB.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Paradigm Monitor SE Atom is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.
Sensitivity
89dB of the Paradigm Monitor SE Atom is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise.
Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the Paradigm SE Atom:
Input Type
Monitor SE Atom features Post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.
Paradigm SE Atom Back View
Paradigm SE Atom External Dimensions and Weight
Paradigm SE Atom has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 12-3/4 x 7-1/8 x 10-7/8inch (324.0 x 181.0 x 277.0mm ).
Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base area of Paradigm SE Atom is approximately 501.4cm2 / 77.7inch2.
WeightThe Paradigm SE Atom weighs 5.45kg / 12lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Monitor SE Atom's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $300
Paradigm SE Atom on a Stand
Cabinet type and Materials
Paradigm SE Atom has a
Bass Reflex type cabinet and a MDF/Vinyl finish. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.
Speaker Feet
Paradigm SE Atom comes with
8 Rubber feet which you can use to secure your loudspeaker on the surface that you are putting on. It is always recommended to use some kind of feet under all types of speakers. Besides limiting the movement of the speakers, it also compensates for non-flat surfaces and limits the contact surface area of the speaker. Rubber based feet also help isolating the vibrations within certain frequency ranges.
Port Position
Paradigm SE Atom is a rear-firing port speaker so you have to make sure you leave enough space between the back of the speaker and wall or bookshelf so that it has room to breathe.
Available colors
Paradigm SE Atom is available in Matte Black and Gloss White.
Wall Mounting
Monitor SE Atom doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.
Does the Paradigm SE Atom come with a Grille?
Monitor SE Atom comes with grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible.
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
Recommended Accessories
Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Paradigm Monitor SE Atom.
- Speaker Cable and Connectors
- Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators more affordable options too.
- Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.
- Speaker Stands: Stands bring your bookshelf speakers to ideal height (rule of thumb is to have the tweeter level with your ear in your listening position), helps stability and acoustical isolation.
Warranty
5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.