Paradigm Shifts Its Core Range with Premier v2

The Canadian manufacturer is framing the update as a trickle-down exercise, pulling materials and design concepts from its higher-tier Founder Series into a more accessible lineup. That’s a familiar playbook in this segment, but here it appears to extend beyond cosmetics, with meaningful changes across drivers, cabinet construction and acoustic tuning.

Paradigm says the v2 has been reworked to lower distortion and improve overall neutrality, with the aim of delivering something closer to a “reference-grade” sound, but without pushing pricing into true high-end territory.

At the centre of the redesign is a revised driver platform. Paradigm is introducing its AL-MAC high-frequency unit, a composite of aluminium, magnesium and ceramic, alongside AL-MAG midrange drivers and Carbon-X unibody bass cones. These are paired with the company’s established PPA (Perforated Phase-Aligning) lens and OSW waveguide, both aimed at improving dispersion and maintaining a consistent listening window across different room conditions.

Dig into the specs and it looks like a pretty thorough reset, but the thinking behind it is classic Paradigm, focusing on controlled directivity and measured performance rather than chasing big numbers.

The range itself arrives as a complete system play. Premier v2 spans six models, including two floorstanders (720F v2, 820F v2), two standmounts (120B v2, 220B v2), a centre channel (620C v2) and a flexible LCR option (520LCR v2), covering both two-channel and home theatre applications without stepping outside the family.

Floorstanding models also adopt new outrigger isolation feet, designed to decouple the cabinet from the floor and reduce low-frequency smear, a detail more commonly associated with higher-tier designs, and one that hints at where Paradigm sees this series sitting within its broader lineup.

The focus here appears to be on the step-up buyer. Rather than targeting entry-level systems, Premier v2 is aimed at listeners moving beyond their first setup, those looking for greater resolution and room consistency without stepping into flagship pricing.

Speaking ahead of the launch, PML Sound International Managing Director John Bagby described the goal:

With the Premier v2, we wanted to make a reference-grade acoustics platform available at a more attainable price point. By using some of the technologies and materials developed for our award-winning Founder Series and tuning them for this new line, we’ve delivered a shocking level of value and an experience that we are incredibly excited to share with our dealers and fans.

CEO Badar Qureshi framed the series as a pathway into higher-performance audio without the traditional cost barriers:

We designed the Premier v2 for the enthusiast who is ready to move into a higher tier of performance without the typical high-end cost. This series represents the future of our brand by proving that truly exceptional audio can be both approachable and attainable. We are committed to ensuring that Paradigm remains the standard for performance in its class, giving our customers a clear path to owning a world-class listening experience.

The category has grown more competitive in recent years, particularly with the wider adoption of “trickle-down” flagship technologies. Premier v2 builds on a series that has been a strong performer in its class.

Paradigm’s Premier Series v2 is set to arrive globally from June 2026. Pricing starts at US$400 | A$1,499 for the 120B v2, climbing to US$550 | A$1,999 for the 220B v2, with floorstanding models priced at US$1,000 | A$3,720 and US$1,300 | A$4,599 respectively. For home theatre setups, the 520LCR v2 comes in at US$900 | $1,599, while the 620C v2 is listed at US$1,300 | A$2,299. 

For more information visit Paradigm