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  1. Home
  2. Paradigm Speakers
  3. Passive Bookshelf Speakers
  4. Paradigm Premier 100B
Paradigm Premier 100B Review
Paradigm 100B - Front View

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Main Features

  • 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
  • 5.5" Carbon-Infused Polypropylene Woofer
  • 68-25k Hz Frequency Response
  • 90 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 15-130 watts
  • Weight: 12.89 lbs / 5.86 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 11-3/16"x6-3/4"x9-11/16" / 285.0 x 172.0 x 247.0mm
MSRP: $400 (list price)
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Paradigm 100B Review
Paradigm 100B Paradigm 100B
Check price atAmazon›

Made by Paradigm · Canada · since 1982 · sold through dealers

Paradigm Premier 100B is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by Paradigm. It was released in 2017. It features a 1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.5" Carbon-Infused Polypropylene Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 68-25k Hz and a sensitivity of 90 dB. Paradigm 100B has an MSRP of 800$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Paradigm 100B 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-fieldPoor
Small RoomAverage
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomAverage
Very Large RoomPoor

(* 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 100B  Lifestyle
Paradigm 100B Lifestyle

Paradigm's Premier Series of Loudspeakers

Premier 100B is a member of Paradigm's Premier series of Passive speakers. The Premier range is Paradigm's step-up line, bringing reference-derived technology to an accessible price. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

See all 10 Paradigm Premier models compared »

Paradigm Premier Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Paradigm 800F
Compare
43-25k Hz 92 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
Paradigm 100B
68-25k Hz 90 dB8Ω 1 x 5.5"
Paradigm 700F
Compare
45-25k Hz 91 dB8Ω 2 x 5.5"
Paradigm 200B
Compare
55-25k Hz 90 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
Paradigm 600C
Compare
60-25k Hz 94 dB8Ω 4 x 6.5"
Paradigm 500C
Compare
73-25k Hz 92 dB8Ω 2 x 5.5"
Paradigm Premier 220B v2
Compare
58-23k Hz 91 dB8Ω 1 x 6"
Paradigm Premier 820 v2
Compare
52-23k Hz 93 dB8Ω 2 x 7"
Paradigm Premier 520LCR v2
Compare
75-23k Hz 93 dB8Ω 2 x 6"
Paradigm Premier 120B v2
Compare
62-23k Hz 90 dB8Ω 1 x 5.5"

Frequency Response of the Paradigm 100B Speaker

Paradigm 100B has a Frequency response range of 68-25k Hz and Power Range of 15-130 watts. With a minimum frequency of 68 Hz, it is hard to expect a strong bass response from Premier 100B so depending on your use case, using a subwoofer will significantly help to widen the response range.

Here we have a comparison of how Premier 100B's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Paradigm 100B
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the Paradigm 100B?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 68 Hz low end
  • Powered subwoofers under $1,000 - a similar price range to these speakers
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Among the speakers in our database with a max MSRP price of 1000$ (Pair), these are the 5 Passive Bookshelf speakers that have the deeper bass levels than the Paradigm 100B's 68Hz:

  • B&W 607 S2 with Low Frequency of 52 Hz (Compare w/ Premier 100B)
  • B&W 606 S2 with Low Frequency of 52 Hz (Compare w/ Premier 100B)
  • B&W 607 S3 with Low Frequency of 52 Hz (Compare w/ Premier 100B)
  • Wharfedale EVO5.1 with Low Frequency of 56 Hz (Compare w/ Premier 100B)
  • Wharfedale EVO4.1 with Low Frequency of 64 Hz (Compare w/ Premier 100B)

Impedance and Sensitivity

Paradigm 100B's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 90 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Paradigm 100B
Min
Average
Median

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Paradigm Premier 100B is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

90dB of the Paradigm Premier 100B is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise. Work out how loud the Paradigm 100B plays in your room →

What amplifier does the Paradigm 100B need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 7.5–120 W per channel into 8 ohms. Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery - not just watts.

Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $1,000, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

Premier 100B features Posts type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

Paradigm 100B External Dimensions and Weight

Paradigm 100B has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 11-3/16 x 6-3/4 x 9-11/16inch (285.0 x 172.0 x 247.0mm ).

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 100B is approximately 424.8cm2 / 65.8inch2.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →  ·  Work out where they should sit in the room →

Weight

The Paradigm 100B weighs 5.86kg / 12.9lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Premier 100B's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Paradigm 100B
Min
Average
Median
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $1000
Paradigm 100B
Min
Average
Max
Paradigm 100B  on a Stand
Paradigm 100B on a Stand

How does the Paradigm 100B compare to the Paradigm Premier 200B?

One of the natural alternative to the Paradigm 100B is the Premier 200B which is located one step higher in Paradigm's Passive Bookshelf selection.

Check the Detailed Comparison of Paradigm 100B vs Premier 200B for more details.

Cabinet type and Materials

Paradigm 100B has a Bass Reflex type cabinet and a MDF/Lacquer 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 100B comes with 4 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 100B 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 100B is available in Gloss white, Espresso and Black.

Wall Mounting

Premier 100B doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.

Does the Paradigm 100B come with a Grille?

Premier 100B 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.

Paradigm 100B  with Grille
Paradigm 100B with Grille

What's in the Box of Paradigm 100B?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Premier 100B:
  • Bookshelf loudspeaker
  • Grille
  • 4 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 Premier 100B.

  • Speaker Cable and Connectors
    • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
    • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
    • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find 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.

User's Manual

For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Paradigm Premier 100B, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
Download User Manual for Paradigm 100B

Official Brochure

Here is a link to download the official brochure for the Paradigm Premier 100B speaker:
Official Brochure for Paradigm 100B

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the Paradigm Premier 100B speaker can be found below:
Official Product Page for Paradigm 100B

Warranty

5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

Paradigm Premier 100B Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
Paradigm 200B
Compare
2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 55-25k Hz
Paradigm 800F
Compare
3-way 92 dB 8 ohms 43-25k Hz
Paradigm 700F
Compare
3-way 91 dB 8 ohms 45-25k Hz
Paradigm SE Atom
Compare
2-way 89 dB 8 ohms 61-21k Hz
Paradigm 600C
Compare
3-way 94 dB 8 ohms 60-25k Hz
Paradigm 500C
Compare
3-way 92 dB 8 ohms 73-25k Hz
KEF Q150
Compare
2-way 86 dB 8 ohms 51-28k Hz
ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2
Compare
2-way 87 dB 6 ohms 44-35k Hz
Frequently Asked Questions about Paradigm Premier 100B

What amplifier do you need for the Paradigm 100B?

Paradigm rates the Paradigm 100B for 15-130 watts of amplifier power. It is an 8-ohm speaker, the usual nominal load, so almost any amplifier or receiver can drive it.

Is the Paradigm 100B easy to drive?

The Paradigm 100B has a sensitivity of 90 dB. That is high: it goes loud on modest power, so it suits low-powered amplifiers, including valve/tube designs.

Does the Paradigm 100B need a subwoofer?

The Paradigm 100B reaches down to 68Hz (full range 68-25k Hz). That leaves the lowest octaves out, so a subwoofer will make a clear difference for films and bass-heavy music.

What drivers does the Paradigm 100B use?

The Paradigm 100B is a 2-way design using a 1" Hard-Dome tweeter and a 5.5" Carbon-Infused Polypropylene woofer.

Is the Paradigm 100B sealed or ported?

The Paradigm 100B uses a Ported enclosure. A ported design uses a tuned vent to get more low-end output from the same driver, but it wants some breathing room behind it.

Can the Paradigm 100B be bi-wired or bi-amped?

No. The Paradigm 100B has a single pair of terminals, so bi-wiring and bi-amping are not possible. It uses Posts terminals.

Can the Paradigm 100B be wall mounted?

The Paradigm 100B does not include a wall-mount bracket or keyhole, so it is designed to sit on a stand, shelf or the floor.

Does the Paradigm 100B come with grilles?

Yes. The Paradigm 100B comes with removable grilles.

How big and heavy is the Paradigm 100B?

The Paradigm 100B weighs 5.86kg / 12.9lbs each and measures 11-3/16 x 6-3/4 x 9-11/16inch (HxWxD).

How much does the Paradigm 100B cost?

The Paradigm 100B has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $800 per pair.


Paradigm 100B Detailed Specifications

General
BrandParadigm
Full Model NameParadigm Premier 100B
Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
Power Range15-130 watts
Sensitivity90 dB
Impedance8 ohms
Frequency Response68-25k Hz
Release Date2017
DRIVERS
Woofer Size5.5-inch
Woofer CompositionCarbon-Infused Polypropylene
Woofer SurroundRubber
Tweeter Size1-inch
Tweeter TypeHard-Dome
Port Positionrear

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypePosts
Biamp InputsNo
Port Positionrear
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height285.0mm ( 11-3/16-inch)
Width172.0mm ( 6-3/4-inch)
Depth247.0mm ( 9-11/16-inch)
Height285.0mm ( 11-3/16-inch)
Weight5.86 kg (12.9 lbs)
EnclosureBass Reflex
FinishMDF/Lacquer
Available ColorsGloss white,Espresso,Black
Mounting BracketNo
Recommended Stand Height28-32
GrilleYes
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
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