Paradigm
PARADIGM CI Elite E3-LCR v2
Best high-end in-wall speaker for dedicated home theater enthusiasts.
Experience premium audio with the PARADIGM CI Elite E5-LCR v2 in-wall speaker, meticulously Crafted in Canada. Designed for custom installations, it delivers exceptional sound powered by advanced X-PAL™ pure aluminum drivers and oversized voice coils. The integrated back box ensures consistent, high-fidelity performance by managing wall cavity acoustics. For cinematic perfection, the selectable Screen Compensation Switch maintains acoustic transparency when placed behind projection screens. Its robust construction and user-friendly design simplify installation for an elevated home theater experience.
$3249.99
More CI Elite Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
151
/ 6550
#151 in Speakers
Price vs Category Average
+122%
Above average
Design
43
/ driver, dual passive radiators, way, shallow enclosure in-wall
Who it's for
- Professional installers and DIYers valuing efficient, vibration-free mounting
- Audiophiles seeking high-end performance from an architectural speaker
- Home theater enthusiasts prioritizing seamless, invisible room integration
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for entry-level home audio solutions
- Homeowners with shallow wall cavities or limited installation space
- Listeners who prefer the flexibility of repositioning their speakers
Performance breakdown
Acoustic Precision
X-PAL drivers and PPA lenses deliver exceptional clarity and sonic detail.
Installation Versatility
Integrated back box and shallow design simplify complex custom wall mounting.
Cinematic Integration
Screen compensation switch ensures perfect audio transparency behind projection surfaces.
Build Integrity
Die-cast aluminum chassis provides a rigid, resonance-free foundation for sound.
Low-Frequency Output
Dual passive radiators provide punchy bass despite the shallow enclosure depth.
Aesthetic Finish
Bezel-free magnetic grilles offer a clean, modern look for any room.
Key Specs
Design
4 driver, dual passive radiators, 3 way, shallow enclosure in-wall
Frequency Response
82 Hz - 22 kHz
Sensitivity
94 dB
Impedance
8 ohms
Maximum Input Power
150 W
Dimensions
43" H x 9.5" W x 4.125" D
Weight
34.0 lbs
Driver Configuration
1" tweeter, 6.5" midrange, two 6.5" low frequency drivers, two 6.5" passive radiators
Features
- Integrated back box for consistent sound
- Screen compensation for acoustic clarity
- Advanced X-PAL™ tweeter with PPA™ Lens
- ART™ surrounds for greater driver excursion
- Rigid die-cast aluminum chassis
- Easy installation with pocketed screw holes
- Bezel-free grilles with magnetic attachment
- Premium components for superior audio
- Reduced Edge Diffraction (RED™) Technology
- Custom installer performance-oriented solution
What customers say
The Paradigm CI Elite E3 LCR v2 is highly regarded as a premier architectural speaker for serious home theaters. Reviewers consistently praise its exceptional sonic clarity and dynamic range, noting it rivals freestanding audiophile speakers. A major highlight is the speaker's ability to deliver crystal clear dialogue even during intense scenes. Users also appreciate the robust build quality and engineering that achieves deep bass extension without distortion. The soundstage imaging is lauded for its precision, creating an immersive front experience. While the price is premium, customers agree the genuine high fidelity performance justifies the investment for those seeking top tier invisible sound.
Know before you buy
No, the CI Elite E3-LCR v2 features an integrated back box. This design ensures consistent sound quality regardless of the wall cavity's size or construction.
This switch adjusts the high-frequency output to maintain acoustic transparency when the speaker is mounted behind a projection screen. It prevents the screen material from muffling the audio, ensuring clear dialogue and detail.
With a depth of 4.125 inches, this speaker is designed for shallow enclosures, but you should verify your specific wall depth. It is best suited for standard residential wall construction that can accommodate its 43-inch height.
Reduced Edge Diffraction (RED™) technology minimizes the sound waves that bounce off the edges of the speaker baffle. This results in a cleaner, more accurate sound with less distortion.
Yes, the bezel-free magnetic grilles are designed to be painted. This allows you to blend the speaker seamlessly into your room's decor for a minimalist look.
These speakers have a sensitivity of 94 dB and can handle up to 150 watts of power. They are efficient enough to be driven by most high-quality home theater receivers, though a dedicated amplifier will provide more headroom for cinematic peaks.
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