The review system consisted of a home-theater package that was comprised of Monitor 9 front speakers, a CC-350 center-channel, ADP-350 surrounds, and a PW-2200 powered subwoofer. This system is the top-of-the-line home-theater package in Paradigm's Monitor series. The Monitor 9s and PW-2200 were covered with an attractive dark cherry finish, while the CC-350 and ADP-350 were finished in a very durable-looking black "graphite" finish.

The Monitor 9 is a floorstanding loudspeaker that utilizes two 8" polypropylene bass/midrange drivers and a single 1" tweeter along with a forward-radiating port. It is 37" H x 9.25" W x 14.25" D, frequency response is rated at 44Hz to 20kHz +/- 2dB, sensitivity is 90dB, and the recommended amplifier power is 15 to 200 watts. Spikes are included as are provisions for bi-amping or bi-wiring.

A huge Canadian sub PS-1000 has not only the record sizes and mass, but, perhaps, the most curious design. First of all, an acoustic design "bandpass" was used: internal volume of the body is divided into two compartments by a partition, where a 255mm driver is fixed; the bigger one among the compartments, on which the speaker rests against by a rear side of the diffusor, connects with external world through three cylindrical channels - bass-reflex ports. The advantage of such scheme is in the ability to get a high response in narrow frequency band, but for this you often have to pay by the increase of duration of step response that, in turn, causes the effect of coloring. Another highlight is a digital amplifier, which uses pulse-width modulation of signal and allows you to combine compactness and bigger electric power. In addition to standard controls, there are a smooth change of phase (in the range 0°-180°) and signal filtration for satellites. You can even put up with excessive sizes for such magnificence.