22023X vs NP1916N — Compare
SABIAN 20" AAX Suspended vs Sabian 19" Paragon Chinese
The SABIAN 20" AAX Suspended is a versatile, even-responding cymbal built for concert bands and orchestras that need mid-bright projection across all dynamics, while the Sabian 19" Paragon Chinese is an extremely thin, highly sensitive cymbal designed for rock and progressive music that rewards expressive, dynamic playing. Choose the AAX Suspended for ensemble consistency; choose the Paragon Chinese for dramatic responsiveness and edge.
No sales tax on orders shipped outside California — total cost beats national retailers that charge sales tax in nearly every state.
Specs side by side
| SABIAN 20" AAX Suspended | Sabian 19" Paragon Chinese | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $424.99 | $434.99 |
| Brand | Sabian | Sabian |
| Cymbal Type | Suspended | Crash |
| Cymbal Size | 20" | 19" |
| Condition | New | New |
Why choose SABIAN 20" AAX Suspended
- ✓ Even response across full dynamic range—reliable at soft rolls and aggressive crashes
- ✓ Mid-bright tone with enhanced projection suits band rooms, orchestras, and professional venues
- ✓ 20" size provides authority and sustain in ensemble settings
- ✓ Handcrafted B20 bronze with rich harmonic complexity
Why choose Sabian 19" Paragon Chinese
- ✓ Extremely thin profile with remarkable sensitivity—responds to light finger contact
- ✓ Dark, agitated character with dirty overtones ideal for rock and progressive music
- ✓ Steeply angled bow and aggressive HHX hammering deliver dramatic dynamic range
- ✓ Designed by legendary Rush drummer Neil Peart for expressive, responsive playing
Frequently asked questions
Which cymbal works better for jazz or worship music?
Neither is ideal for those genres. The AAX Suspended is designed for concert bands and orchestras, while the Paragon Chinese is explicitly not recommended for jazz or worship applications. Both are optimized for ensemble and rock contexts respectively.
What's the main tonal difference between these two?
The AAX Suspended delivers a mid-bright tone that balances warmth and brightness for ensemble projection. The Paragon Chinese produces a darker, agitated sound with dirty overtones, tuned for rock dynamics and edge.
How do they respond at lower volumes?
The AAX Suspended maintains even response at soft dynamics, though the 20" size shows less sensitivity than smaller cymbals. The Paragon Chinese is extremely responsive even at light touch—it activates effortlessly with minimal force.
Which is better for live performance?
Both excel in live settings but in different contexts: the AAX Suspended suits concert bands and orchestras needing reliable projection, while the Paragon Chinese is designed for rock and progressive live performance where dynamic expression is paramount.