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Paradigm SHIFT™ A2

Powered speaker (Gunmetal Gray Gloss)

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  • Paradigm SHIFT™ A2

    Gunmetal Gray Gloss (pictured with optional Paradigm speaker stand)

  • Paradigm SHIFT™ A2

    Angled front view with grille removed (Gunmetal Gray Gloss)

  • Paradigm SHIFT™ A2

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  • Paradigm SHIFT™ A2

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  • Paradigm SHIFT™ A2

    With grille removed (pictured with optional Paradigm speaker stand)

Item# 819A2GRAY offer details

Item# 819A2GRAY

Review Summary

 
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Paradigm

Our take on the Paradigm SHIFT™ A2

by 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.

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.


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
  • Our 60-day money-back guarantee
 

Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

Features and Specs

Features and Specs
Pieces in System
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1
Wireless
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O
Video Shielded
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No
Tweeter Type
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Dome
Tweeter Size (inches)
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1
Midrange size (inches)
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N/A
Woofer size (inches)
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5-1/2
Woofer Composition
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Aluminum
Powered Subwoofer
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No
Power Output (Watts)
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100
Frequency Response
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55-20,00 Hz
Height (inches)
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11-1/8
Width (inches)
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6-11/16
Depth (inches)
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10-5/8
Parts Warranty
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1 Year
Labor Warranty
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1 Year

Product Research

Product Research
What's in the box?

Download owner's manual

  • 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

Our Product Research Team

At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research team — they open the box, verify contents, check the owner's manual, and record dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies to help people make informed choices.

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.

 

Product reviews from the Crutchfield Labs

Product reviews from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)
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Video: Erica's Home Office Makeover

Erica Simmons
9/21/2012
 

When Crutchfield designer Erica learned that one of her roommates would be moving, she decided to take the opportunity to set up a home office. She wanted a clean uncluttered look, and the ability to...

 

Product Reviews

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Reviews for the Paradigm SHIFT™ A2

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5 out of 5

Very Pleased

Written By TsT, Ocala,Fl on Friday, April 05, 2013
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
To tell the truth . Everyone who comes into my house goes straight for my music room . How does such sound come from something so small and cheap ! Music , sound has always been that way since i was a kid . Money to burn or band 4 the buck u can acquire very good sound . HT-Omega Claro Halo pci sound card . Paradigm Shift A2 and Klipsch SW308 on Auralex mopar stands gave me what i wanted . Clean ,clear and detailed sound. I honestly give 50% of the credit to HT-Omega for a fine SC with exceptional software . The signal is so clean i have 'No' hiss ,hum or pop . But i do also have everything plugged into 1 Belkins surge protector . I wanted a metal tweeter as 'Rocky' would tell you (Great help Rocky was). 80 to 100 hours break-in ,no joke . The Klipsch also . This setup tells you as it burns in when to flatten it out and a gentle adjustment of the sound stage . No Chit man it's that righteous .The Omega software lets me do anything i care to do . No way this old man goes for a USB Dac . Thanks but ya'll use them . People hear my sound and they don't want to leave . Want else you got Tom . Hmmm throw down some 'Sade' and let the drums and deep clean bass steal their souls . Ya , GOOD Sounds
Pros:
Break them in 100 hr's and fill your room with fine sound . Loud or soft the A2's will do it ..I've seen ,read . Some reviewers stone the A2 for the imo very sweet magnetic grill cover .Which i do use cause I like'em . Quality of build . Second to none . The power of the Paradigms is very clean . I fill a 16x18 rm with clean volume you can't speak over . Course i have the SW308 Kicking azz also ..
Cons:
??? I'm very Happy . Txs Rocky . Good advice
Was this review helpful?    Yes | No
 
4 out of 5

Great sound if you can ignore the hiss

Written By Darin P, Kirkland WA on Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Right out of the box these speakers had an impressive presence. The smooth finish and attractive looking drivers really set off the look. The sound is also very nicely composed compared to the Audioengine A5's which I tried just before these. The A2's have significantly clearer highs, but they are almost too "bright" for my tastes and leave my ears feeling fatigued after extended listening. In that regard, I highly prefer the fabric domes of the Audioengine speakers. For bass and mids, the Paradigms are much more refined and extended, hitting a good 2 octaves lower than the Audioengine speakers with enough authority to not need a sub for most applications.

I ran my sound through a NuForce DAC from my iMac using the RCA outputs which significantly improved the sound quality. However, I'm torn on the harshness and bright sounding tweeters. I hope they smooth out over the next few days of break-in. Also, you may have read reviews of a hiss from the tweeters tied to internal amps. It's definitely there and changing gain levels across the DAC, audio card, and the speakers produced no change. If they're on, they're hissing. Only sound output at moderate levels drowns it out. The Audioengine A5's had no hiss and a much warmer sound for my tastes.

I'll give these a few more days to smooth out, but unless they do they're going back. It comes down to taste usually, and the bright sound combined with the hissing might just do me in despite the otherwise great sound.
Pros:
Amazing mid range and bass extension for such a small speaker. Very attractive with nice material finishes and driver composition. Easy and flexible connectivity.
Cons:
The ever-present hiss. Bright blue indicator light. Putting the grilles on dims it somewhat, but not by enough. Harsh and bright tweeter. It makes for very clear definition in the music, but at a cost to my ears.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful
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5 out of 5

Paradigm shift

Written By KerryC, Ft Worth Tx on Thursday, October 18, 2012
Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)
 
Having had paradigm speakers in my home theater setup for the last 11 years I was confident these particular speakers would not disappoint and I was correct! I have them connected to my PC with an audioengine DAC and an audioquest cinnamon cable and the performance is great!. Like anything else in audio you need to tweak things to make them perform and the same goes here. I could not be more happier and the more they get played the better they will sound!
Pros:
Sound and Performance!
Cons:
Price, but you pay for what you get.
6 out of 6 people found this helpful
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1-3 of 3

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Rated 5-stars by consumers

For a more in-depth review and enhanced detailed information on the Paradigm SHIFT™ A2, please visit the Crutchfield website product page (/S-Z2FAXbH1P3U/p_819A2GRAY/Paradigm-SHIFT-A2-Gunmetal-Gray-Gloss.html ).

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  • Gunmetal Gray Gloss (pictured with optional Paradigm speaker stand)

    Paradigm SHIFT™ A2
  • Angled front view with grille removed (Gunmetal Gray Gloss)

    Paradigm SHIFT™ A2
  • Back

    Paradigm SHIFT™ A2
  • Other

    Paradigm SHIFT™ A2
  • With grille removed (pictured with optional Paradigm speaker stand)

    Paradigm SHIFT™ A2