To Jeff Fritz,

I just ordered a pair (Piano Black) after reading your "TWBAS" review of the Paradigm Reference Signature S2 v.3/Sub 2 combo. Question: Should the grilles be on or off for best performance? Thank you.

John Lee

I used the speakers with the grilles off, as I do most everything that comes in for review unless there is a specific instruction from the manufacturer to do otherwise. However, I do know that Paradigm always designs their loudspeakers to perform at a high level with the grilles on. The frames are contoured around the drivers to avoid diffraction. Still, there will always be some high-frequency attenuation with the grilles on. Ultimately, I would suggest you try them both ways to see if you have a strong preference. There is a mesh cover over the beryllium-dome tweeter, so you don’t have to worry too much about damaging that. Congrats on a fine loudspeaker system purchase. . . . Jeff Fritz