Sorry I was under the impression that one buys a sub for the low end of the frequency response and the one that goes lower and louder is the better sub assuming they are both accurate/linear with respectable THD values. Also, I don't believe that the data you presented is necessarily an accurate portrayal of the Servo's capabilities.
Well, considering both subs were reviewed by the same person, in the same room, using the same microphone and recording programs, I think its pretty frigging close. The difference isn't going to give you another 5Hz of extension.
That is a test done by one person in room with certain characteristics and both of the subs are EQ'd. Just the direction the sub is firing can cause differences in sound wave interference and could explain why the Servo is only extending to 19Hz at -3dB in his test.
Yes, but the SVS sub is using a build in EQ, IE: something that COMES with the subwoofer. The Paradigm is using an outboard, EQ, that is more bands then the SVS EQ, and is subsequently better. The driver orientation doesn't affect low frequencies. The SVS extended lower because it can. Any room anomaly would affect them both, not just the paradigm.
There are too many variables to let one test tell all about the subs performance even when only looking at the frequency response of the sub. On the Paradigm website they claim a 12Hz low frequency extension at -3dB, not 19Hz and if it can truly do this(which I'm assuming it can) while remaining accurate and loud I think your statement about ported boxes slaughtering sealed box designs at low frequencies is flawed due to ignoring many other variables that make a good sub.
Maybe, Paradigm lied? No, couldn't be, there must be some other magical flaw that caused this to happen.... Yep.
What are these other variables that you keep mentioning? I mean, the THD is is fine, the subs were both measured using the same equipment in the same room, and used the same sweep... what am I missing? Maybe the subs were different... well, the cheaper one should have lost.
Again, I don't like to argue about which is better, etc, etc, but I just don't agree with the idea that a ported design will always extend lower and be louder than a sealed design when ignoring every other variable. I agree that a ported enclosure is more efficient, as in the amount the driver actually has to move to go lower and louder, but which one actually gets lower has less distortion and is more accurate/linear is something that is not explained by this.
Well, ported systems play well up to the tuning point. Then the the output drops quickly, and THD rises quickly. Sealed subs gradually roll off and gradually gain THD. Difference? It's easier to get a ported sub to play lower.
It could easily be a sealed design in many cases that extends lower and gets louder. It may be at the expense of using more electricity for stronger amps and require a larger/better driver, but that doesn't necessarily equate to a higher cost because there are many other factors that go into the price, especially shipping in the case of SVS.
Take that same amount of money and put into a ported design and I'll bet it goes lower, and plays louder until its -3dB point.
Sure a ported box may give you better results with all else equal except enclosure design, but when comparing the Servo and SVS there is hardly anything equal about them. After the shipping cost is added to the SVS, or after working with a dealer on the price of the Servo, I'm guessing you can probably get them for relatively similar prices with a deviation of a maybe a few hundred dollars.
Well the PB-12plus costs $1000 shipping is ~150? Paradigm is $2200 and shipping would be ~70? Doesn't look that close to me. Considering you can still get the PB-12plus/2 for less, and have even more output, as well as extension and lower THD, seems like a simple choice.
But that's just my opinion.
SheepStar
