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Paradigm Premier 500C Review
Paradigm Premier 500C

Main Features

  • 1" X-PAL dome with PPA (Perforated Phase-Aligning) lens Tweeter
  • 4" black anodized X-PAL with PPA lens Midrange
  • 2 x 5.5" carbon-infused polypropylene Woofer
  • 73-25k Hz Frequency Response
  • 92 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 15-120watts
  • Weight:26.00 lbs / 11.82 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 7-7/16"x20-1/16"x12-11/16" / 189.0 x 510.0 x 323.0mm
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Paradigm 500C Review
Paradigm 500C Paradigm 500C
See at AMAZON

Paradigm Premier 500C is a 3-way Passive Acoustic Suspension Center Channel speaker by Paradigm. Center channel speaker is an important component of a home theater system set-up as it delivers the listener significant part of the on-screen dialogue from your television. It features a 1" X-PAL dome with PPA (Perforated Phase-Aligning) lens Tweeter, 1 x 4" Midrange and 2 x 5.5" carbon-infused polypropylene Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 73-25k Hz and a sensitivity of 92 dB. Paradigm 500C has an MSRP of 850$.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Paradigm 500C 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's Premier Series of Loudspeakers

Premier 500C is a member of Paradigm's Premier series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

Paradigm Premier Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Paradigm 700F
Compare
45-25k Hz 91 dB8Ω 2 x 5.5"
Paradigm 100B
Compare
68-25k Hz 90 dB8Ω 1 x 5.5"
Paradigm 200B
Compare
55-25k Hz 90 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
Paradigm 800F
Compare
43-25k Hz 92 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
Paradigm 600C
Compare
60-25k Hz 94 dB8Ω 4 x 6.5"
Paradigm 500C
73-25k Hz 92 dB8Ω 2 x 5.5"


**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.

Frequency Response of the Paradigm 500C Speaker

Paradigm 500C has a Frequency response range of 73-25k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 15-120 watts. Here we have a comparison of how Premier 500C's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.

Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Paradigm 500C
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
Paradigm 500C
Min
Average
Max

Impedance and Sensitivity

Paradigm 500C's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 92 dB.

Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Paradigm 500C
Min
Average
Max

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Paradigm Premier 500C is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

92dB of the Paradigm Premier 500C is considered a high sensitivity compared to average stereo speaker which makes Premier 500C an easy to drive from Sensitivity perspective. If you are planning to power your speaker with a Tube amp which are generally very low power, the Paradigm 500C will be a good choice.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the Paradigm 500C:

  • Integrated Amps under 750 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 1000 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 1500 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

Premier 500C features Binding post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.
Paradigm 500C Back View
Paradigm 500C Back View

Paradigm 500C External Dimensions and Weight

Paradigm 500C has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 7-7/16 x 20-1/16 x 12-11/16inch (189.0 x 510.0 x 323.0mm ).

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 500C is approximately 1647.3cm2 / 255.3inch2.

Weight

The Paradigm 500C weighs 11.82kg / 26lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Premier 500C's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
Paradigm 500C
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Center Channel Speakers under $1000
Paradigm 500C
Min
Average
Max

Cabinet type and Materials

Paradigm 500C has a Acoustic Suspension type cabinet. Acoustic Suspension loudspeakers aka Sealed speakers have no openings such as ports or slots.. They can be designed smaller, the bass is more accurate and tighter compared to ported designs but doesn't go as low on the lower end in general.

Available colors

Paradigm 500C is available in Gloss White.

Does the Paradigm 500C come with a Grille?

Premier 500C 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 500C  with Grille
Paradigm 500C with Grille

What's in the Box of Paradigm 500C?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Premier 500C:
  • Center-channel loudspeaker
  • Grille
  • 2 Binding-post jumpers (pre-installed)
  • 4 Rubber feet
  • Owners Manual
  • Online Registration Card
  • Recommended Accessories

    Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Paradigm Premier 500C.

    • 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 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.

    User's Manual

    For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Paradigm Premier 500C, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
    Download User Manual for Paradigm 500C

    Official Brochure

    Here is a link to download the official brochure for the Paradigm Premier 500C speaker:
    Official Brochure for Paradigm 500C

    Official Product Page

    Official manufacturer's product page for the Paradigm Premier 500C speaker can be found below:
    Official Product Page for Paradigm 500C

    Warranty

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

    Paradigm Premier 500C Alternatives in Passive Center Channel Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    Paradigm 600C
    Compare
    3-way 94 dB 8 ohms 60-25k Hz
    SVS Ultra Center
    Compare
    3-way 87 dB 8 ohms 45-32k Hz
    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 100B
    Compare
    2-way 90 dB 8 ohms 68-25k Hz
    Paradigm 700F
    Compare
    3-way 91 dB 8 ohms 45-25k Hz
    Klipsch RP-600C
    Compare
    2-way 97 dB 8 ohms 58-25k Hz
    Klipsch RP-500C
    Compare
    2-way 96 dB 8 ohms 60-25k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about Paradigm Premier 500C
    What is the External Dimensions of Paradigm Premier 500C
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of Paradigm Premier 500C
    is the Paradigm Premier 500C an easy to drive speaker?

    Paradigm 500C Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandParadigm
    Full Model NameParadigm Premier 500C
    Speaker Type3-way Center Channel
    Power Range15-120 watts
    Sensitivity92 dB
    Impedance8 ohms
    Frequency Response73-25k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size5.5-inch
    Woofer Compositioncarbon-infused polypropylene
    Tweeter Size1-inch
    Tweeter TypeX-PAL dome with PPA (Perforated Phase-Aligning) lens
    Midrange Size4-inch

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector TypeBinding post
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height189.0mm ( 7-7/16-inch)
    Width510.0mm ( 20-1/16-inch)
    Depth323.0mm ( 12-11/16-inch)
    Height189.0mm ( 7-7/16-inch)
    Weight11.82kg ( 26.00 lbs)
    EnclosureAcoustic Suspension
    Available ColorsGloss White
    Mounting BracketNo
    GrilleYes
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 Years
    Labor Warranty5 Years
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