Paradigm/Anthem: Made in Canada!
The Pulse Cinemas/Invision team recently led a delegation of UK integrators on a trip to the Paradigm/Anthem HQ in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, to discover what enables this innovative brand to deliver some of the best AV experiences on the planet.
Dean Sutton, General Sales Manager at Pulse Cinemas, explains:
“We wanted to showcase what ‘Made in Canada’ actually means and how this not only benefits performance but controls the design and production process. By understanding how performance can be built, rather than simply outsourcing to third-party overseas manufacturers, our aim was to demonstrate how control over performance and design decisions directly improves results. This, of course, also has financial benefits. By cutting out unnecessary and often bloated middleman costs, Paradigm can deliver defined, measurable performance without the usual price tag.”
All of this is underlined and reinforced by recent international uncertainty around trade and logistics. Keeping as much control in-house as possible minimises the possibility of disruption, keeping the supply chain reliable for integrators.
Dean adds, “We also wanted to highlight the design and production process all the way through to system and speaker demonstrations, so our dealers can make informed choices when selecting speakers, processing and amplification for their projects. We also felt that a greater understanding of the range would be beneficial. From standard and custom soundbars, two-channel and cinema, to outdoor experiences, Paradigm offers an extensive range that boasts excellent performance specifications and power while maintaining a palatable price point across multiple experience levels.”
The heart of Canada
Based in Mississauga, part of the Greater Toronto Area known for its diverse cultural population and importance as a business centre and transport hub, the team sampled local nightlife in and around Toronto.
The Paradigm and Anthem Experience Centre was located very close to the hotel selected for the trip for added convenience, and all guests reported being extremely well looked after.
From Paradigm, the trip was hosted by John Soden, Vice President, and Michael Nielsen, International Sales Manager. The group enjoyed some local Canadian delicacies and a few of John Soden’s favourite culinary haunts – no one will forget the cinnamon bun! Wine and whisky tasting also proved popular. A trip to witness the power and majesty of Niagara Falls was another big hit.
There were many important takeaways from the visit, but Simon Gibbs, Head of Projects and Sales at Pulse Cinemas, highlights in particular, “The sheer attention, care and commitment to audio performance and the lengths Paradigm goes to in ensuring everything is made in-house. It’s really impressive. This element of control is very evident in the performance standards they can achieve through their patented processes.”
Dean adds, “Regarding Anthem, we were seriously impressed with the red circuit boards – they’re military grade! Also, some were surprised to learn that ARC is already built into a large percentage of subwoofers, delivering easier setup, smarter bass correction and system-wide integration across many types of projects.”
Both Dean and Simon are keen to underline that if Paradigm and Anthem are not already part of your regular AV line-up, the advantages of the brand are many.
Dean says, “Performance delivered for the price is a big consideration in any purchase, and we feel this is unmatched in the industry. Paradigm speakers evoke an effortless audio experience – no distortion at impressive SPL levels – along with a non-fatiguing experience that is full of detail, clarity and extended dynamic range.”
Simon adds, “When paired with Anthem, you have a combination that has literally been made for each other. It’s personal preference, but Anthem and ARC software offer huge bang for the buck. It remains highly intuitive yet offers extended calibration capability when compared to its peers. As these brands are developed by the same parent company, they’re clearly engineered to work in harmony. Both rely on science-based design principles – including blind testing and anechoic chamber testing – so it’s very much an engineering and performance-first philosophy.”
Dean underlines, “With this combination, you can achieve accurate, neutral, revealing sound – not something ‘hyped’, just to sound impressive in a short showroom demo. These products have longevity, are fully optimised and sound highly engaging and ‘true’, thanks to their science-backed engineering. We feel the combination of Paradigm and Anthem is compelling for users who want high-end audio experiences with less guesswork and a system that competes more favourably with others costing much more when pieced together from different brands.”
Integrator insight
The beauty of this type of visit is that each integrator enhanced their knowledge of the brands depending on their existing level of insight. For some, it was learning more about the manufacturing process, while for others, it was the range and the attention to detail or the consistency across the brands. Everyone was impressed with the knowledge and passion displayed by those bringing these technologies to market.
Martin Wakefield says, “Getting to know some of the key team members at Paradigm and seeing the passion behind product development was a highlight. Seeing the products and manufacturing in the flesh – the passion and the quality – has made me want to make Paradigm our only in-ceiling brand and also install a new demo room to showcase an in-wall cinema.”
A worthwhile experience all around – and this won’t be the last of its kind. Look out for future trips featuring associated Pulse Cinemas/Invision brands.