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Paradigm SHIFT™ A2 Powered speaker (Vermillion Red Gloss)

Item # 819A2RED

Whether you play them on your desktop as near-field monitors or crank 'em up to fill your entire room,...

Whether you play them on your desktop as near-field monitors or crank 'em up to fill your entire room,...

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1 question - 5 answers

Item # 819A2RED

Shop all Paradigm Computer Speakers

About the Paradigm SHIFT™ A2

Dave Bar

Rock your desktop, or your entire room

Whether you play them on your desktop as near-field monitors or crank 'em up to fill your entire room, Paradigm's A2 powered speakers deliver powerful, engaging sound that brings your music to life. From crisp, clear guitar notes, to breathy saxophone solos and smooth, accurate vocals, the A2s will place you right in the middle of your favorite recordings. They're a great choice for plugging in an iPod®, or pairing up with your PC. (To really show off what they can do with your digital music sources, we recommend adding an outboard digital-to-analog converter.) Or add Paradigm's BD1 Bluetooth® audio receiver to play music wirelessly from your tablet, smartphone, or compatible portable player.

Rock your desktop, or your entire room

Whether you play them on your desktop as near-field monitors or crank 'em up to fill your entire room, Paradigm's A2 powered speakers deliver powerful, engaging sound that brings your music to life. From crisp, clear guitar notes, to breathy saxophone solos and smooth, accurate vocals, the A2s will place you right in the middle of your favorite recordings. They're a great choice for plugging in an iPod®, or pairing up with your PC. (To really show off what they can do with your digital music sources, we recommend adding an outboard digital-to-analog converter.) Or add Paradigm's BD1 Bluetooth® audio receiver to play music wirelessly from your tablet, smartphone, or compatible portable player.

Paradigm A2 in red

Praise for the Paradigm A2 from The Absolute Sound

"A 2012 Golden Ear recipient, the [Paradigm] Shift A2 is more than just a cleverly named loudspeaker. Compact, internally powered, and equipped with DSP bass management and enough back-panel inputs to connect to almost any source, this is what 21st century entry-level high end is all about. A combination of sound and value, it extends the welcome mat to budding high-enders who may have felt they couldn't afford the entrance fee."

The Absolute Sound 2013 Guide to high-performance loudspeakers


"The Paradigm Shift A2 represents a very high order of value and performance — incredibly versatile for small-room, family-on-the-go, and impromptu listening anywhere there's an outlet."

— From Neil Gader's review in The Absolute Sound, July/August, 2012


Great looks and a solid build

The A2's 1" pure aluminum dome tweeter and 5-1/2" satin-anodized pure aluminum cone woofer are each powered by their own separate 50 watt RMS amplifier for impressive control and output. Sophisticated built-in digital signal processing helps ensure the utmost accuracy and clarity, even when you're listening to your music at high volume levels. All components are housed in solidly built wood cabinet with your choice of beautiful finishes.


Versatile connections for your setup

Connections built into the back of the speaker make it easy to hook up a portable music player like an iPod, iPhone®, or the headphone output of a computer. Rear RCA line inputs let you connect another audio source, such as a network music streamer, CD player, or DAC. The A2 can be used alone as a single mono speaker, but they sound so good you'll want at least a pair. Rear-panel RCA and minijack outputs let you daisy chain two or more together for an incredible high-performance sound system. A built-in AC outlet lets you power up accessories like a charger for your player or Paradigm's Bluetooth audio receiver.


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Product highlights:

  • powered bookshelf speaker
  • bi-amplified operation with two built-in 50-watt RMS amplifiers
  • sophisticated digital signal processing keeps sound accurate, clear, and musical
  • frequency response: 55-20,000 Hz (±2 dB)
  • each speaker features:
    • one 1" anodized pure-aluminum dome tweeter
    • one 5-1/2" satin-anodized pure-aluminum woofer
  • back-panel volume control
  • RCA and minijack inputs for connecting audio sources
  • RCA and minijack outputs for connecting additional A2 powered speakers
  • AC convenience outlet for powering accessories such as USB chargers and Bluetooth receivers
  • compatible with optional Paradigm A2 stainless steel desktop stand for enhanced looks and performance
  • weight: 11.6 pounds
  • 6-11/16"W x 11-1/8"H x 10-5/8"D
  • warranty: 1 year
  • MFR # 1100000007

What's in the box:

  • Powered speaker
  • Detachable grille
  • 69" AC power cord
  • 6.5' Stereo audio minijack cable
  • 4 Self-adhesive rubber feet
  • Owners Manual
  • Quick Start Guide
  • "Using An Airport Express" instructions
  • Paradigm Shift brochure card

Customer reviews for Paradigm SHIFT™ A2

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Average review:

5.0 out of 5 stars
8 reviews

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More details on the Paradigm SHIFT™ A2

Stacey B.

Features & specs

Connections
USB Port No
Aux Input No
RCA Input No
XLR Input No
Phono Input No
Digital Input No
HDMI Input No
Headphone Jack No
Subwoofer Output No
Wireless Features
Bluetooth No
Wi-Fi No
Wi-Fi Bands No
Driver Details
Tweeter Size (Inches) 1
Tweeter Type Dome
Tweeter Material Aluminum
Midrange Size (Inches) ---
Midrange Type ---
Woofer Size (Inches) 5.5
Woofer Type Aluminum
Audio Specs
Watts RMS (Continuous) 100
Watts Maximum (Peak) 160
Frequency Response 55-20,000
Max. Digital Audio Bit Depth N/A
Max. Digital Audio Sample Rate N/A
Control
Handheld Remote No
Control by app N/A
Amazon Alexa No
Google Assistant No
Other Specs
Width (Inches) ---
Height (Inches) ---
Depth (Inches) ---
Parts Warranty 1 Year
Labor Warranty 1 Year

Product Research

Features
Controls
Connections

Features

Powered Speaker: The Paradigm Shift A2 Powered Speaker features a two-way speaker design and a built-in amplifier with digital signal processing. With two analog inputs you can connect your TV, computer, laptop, tablet, or portable MP3 device. The two analog outputs allow you to daisy chain multiple A2 powered speakers for a stereo speaker configuration in one room or a mono speaker configuration in multiple rooms.

Digital Signal Processing (DSP): Sophisticated mathematical algorithms shape the Paradigm Shift A2's frequency response so that even when you're listening at loud levels not only is the bass intense, the overall sound from the A2 is unbelievably accurate, clear, and musical.

Bi-Amplified: The Paradigm Shift A2 features a built-in 100 watt (RMS) amplifier. The amplifier sends 50 watts (RMS) to the tweeter and 50 watts (RMS) to the woofer.

Two-Way Speaker Design: The Paradigm Shift A2 Powered Speaker features a two-way driver design for exceptional sound.

  • Tweeter: A 1" anodized pure-aluminum dome tweeter provides a high frequency response up to 20,000 Hz.
  • Woofer: A 5.5" satin-anodized pure-aluminum cone woofer provides a low frequency response down to 55 Hz.

Acoustic Suspension Cabinet: The Paradigm Shift A2 features an acoustic suspension (sealed) cabinet for tight, accurate bass response.

Rubber Feet: The powered speaker comes with 4 self-adhesive rubber feet for added stability. The rubber feet add approximately 0.375" to the height of the speaker.

Optional Stainless Steel Stand: You can add the Paradigm Shift Stainless Steel Stand (819STAND, sold separately) to the A2 powered speakers for a more sophisticated, sculpted look.

Controls

Power Switch: The Paradigm Shift A2 Powered Speaker's main power switch is located on its rear-panel.

Volume Control: The A2 is designed for use with various audio devices. However, audio sources have different output levels. The A2's rear-panel rotary volume control allows you to adjust the powered speaker's input level to match the output level of your device. Once you have set the A2's volume level, you can use your connected source's volume control to raise and lower the volume of the system.

Stereo/Mono Switch: The Paradigm Shift A2 can be used as a mono speaker, or as a stereo pair when connected to another A2 powered speaker (sold separately). There is a rear-panel switch to designate weather its being used as a mono speaker or a left/right stereo speaker.

Connections

Analog Inputs: The Paradigm Shift A2 Powered Speaker features two rear-panel analog inputs; a stereo RCA input and a stereo minijack (3.5mm) input for connecting your external audio devices.

Analog Outputs: The A2 Powered Speaker features two rear-panel analog outputs; a stereo RCA output and a stereo minijack (3.5mm) output. These outputs can be used to connect multiple A2 speakers and/or a powered subwoofer.

Optional Bluetooth Receiver: The optional Paradigm Shift BD1 Bluetooth Receiver (819BD1, sold separately) allows you to wirelessly stream music from your Bluetooth-enabled device to the A2 powered speaker. The BD1 Bluetooth receiver connects to the A2's rear-panel 3.5mm input.

Auxiliary AC Input: The Paradigm Shift A2 is fitted with a rear-panel two-prong AC power input to power an external portable audio source, such as an Apple Airport Express (sold separately).

AC Power: The Paradigm Shift A2 Powered Speaker operates off of standard household AC current (100-240V~50/60Hz, 1.5W) using the supplied 69" detachable AC power cord.

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Customer Q&A

1 question already asked

Q
How do you like the A2's.? How's the bass?
georg  Mar 22, 2014
5 answers
A
are they a pair at that price or a piece?
matthew  Aug 20, 2014
A
I will say I was pleasantly surprised with lower frequency response. And for now, they suit my set-up fine. I do feel these would be best paired with a small sub and will probably do that in the near future however. For the size, and power, they do put out a generous level of sound. The design, fit & finish, flexibility of inputs and quality is pretty outstanding. They are a beautiful addition to my office! I'm happy with the purchase
robert  Mar 29, 2014
A
I am really enjoying the Paradigm A2's, for me the base is just fine. Don't think you can go wrong with these. Enjoy
harry  Mar 26, 2014
A
The bass is better than the audio engine 5 More detailed than most bookshelf speaker. You can follow the rhythm and an intricate bass line. The bass hits you about chest level. So, it is just fun to listen to by getting a peak into .the drive and attack of the bass. Imaging of drums is very good giving you a sense of the drive and attack. I mostly hook my Squeezebox to it via a DAC. Instead of using the stereo mini-plug between the I use Wireworld rca cable between them using a 16 ft run so that I can have my equipment on the side close to my desk. Don't think it made much of a difference in bass response over the mini stereo plug wire. May hook up a pre-amp to adjust bass and treble. The squeeze box has a volume bar.. May upgrade to Wireworld OASIS rca cable for better bass. But good as it is. The woofers have a fast .excursion rate,so the music is not layed back. Has a fun live feel. Presents a stage. Read the review on Hometheaterreview for more info. The music sticks in your head because it's more digital than tubelike. The DSP digital amp might provode more base than hooking up a good amp to a plain paradym or similar bookshelf. Sound is more moving and fun than something to enjoy quietly while working.
james  Mar 24, 2014
A
No need for a separate sub. Trust me. These little guys are champs. Most my music is bottom heavy and these preform.
john  Mar 24, 2014

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