A Christmas Upgrade Advice-- AV Receiver- Please

[greatestboss]

ShadyJ did a review of the X15 and the X12 as well.
SB16 Ultra was reviewed a while back.

They are all well rated. Would you be able to fit two of the X12 or would you be looking at only 1 of any of these models? SVS is popular in North America partly because of their return policy and pricing. I would not recommend the cheaper Paradigm subs but when you move up to the X series the Paradigms are very capable. SVS has good extension for a sealed design and has very low distortion. Paradigm is a ported design, which is generally preferred, and also has very strong mid-bass.

Either would be a good step up from the SuperCube. The rated spec of 13Hz - 200Hz was not accurate and the -3dB point was closer to 27Hz. The X15 and SB16 both have usable output below 20Hz.

I really don't have much space for two if you see the pictures, I thought of the Paradigm as my LCR are all Paradigm and it would match. I would have gone to the SVS PB 16 if it was available (sold out till Mar 2025) but only the SB 16 is available for now.

 

[everettT]

Quick question. I went shopping for Subwoofer because mine is overdue a replacement based on your recommendation and other members too. I found the following

Paradigm Defiance X12
Paradigm Defiance X15
SVS SB 16
Which one is the best choice for my type of setup and room.

If you can't go duals, the SB16 would be my choice. Solid sub, over engineered, and excellent circuit protection for when you really wanna push it, not to mention top notch Customer Service.

 

[greatestboss]

ShadyJ did a review of the X15 and the X12 as well.
SB16 Ultra was reviewed a while back.

They are all well rated. Would you be able to fit two of the X12 or would you be looking at only 1 of any of these models? SVS is popular in North America partly because of their return policy and pricing. I would not recommend the cheaper Paradigm subs but when you move up to the X series the Paradigms are very capable. SVS has good extension for a sealed design and has very low distortion. Paradigm is a ported design, which is generally preferred, and also has very strong mid-bass.

Either would be a good step up from the SuperCube. The rated spec of 13Hz - 200Hz was not accurate and the -3dB point was closer to 27Hz. The X15 and SB16 both have usable output below 20Hz.

Thanks @Eppie for your advice. As you can see from the pictures I posted, there is not much room for 2 Subs although I know it's the preferred choice. I will defintily not opt for the Cheaper Paradigm if I decide on the brand, The X series only. As I'm outside the US, the return policy and pricing are irrelvant in my case. As you pointed out the paradigm are ported which is my preference.
Also the inclusion of arc room correction on the Defiance subs will be a great benefit, doing a lot for me that acccu-eq won't.

 

[greatestboss]

Then it is an easy decision for you, in the US and Canada, the Cinema 30 costs about $1,000 more when not on sale. When on sale, the AVR-X6800H had been down to C$2,999, and that would have been US$2,000!!

So, a big congratulations to you landing one of the best available AVR for $3,730 net.

For subwoofers, I know I am biased, I like SVS as a company so I would recommend the SB16-Ultra. The PB16-Ultra is much more capable but for that you will need a large room and proper space for that gigantic 175 lb.

Update: Denon called me today and offered the AVR-X6800H for $2,900. That's around $850 less that Cinema 30. Regardless of the looks which the winner is clear in my opinion, is AVR-X6800H as good as the C30.
I have second thoughts. Is there anything in the C30 that justify the $830 other than the looks

 

[greatestboss]

If you can't go duals, the SB16 would be my choice. Solid sub, over engineered, and excellent circuit protection for when you really wanna push it, not to mention top notch Customer Service.

Thank you ,
the paradigm are ported, SB16 is not I believe. Yet you prefer SB16, Can you shed some light why?
Also the inclusion of arc room correction on the Defiance subs is a plus, don't you agree.

 

[everettT]

Thank you ,
the paradigm are ported, SB16 is not I believe. Yet you prefer SB16, Can you shed some light why?
Also the inclusion of arc room correction on the Defiance subs is a plus, don't you agree.

For your room size, it's just fine IMHO

 

[PENG]

Update: Denon called me today and offered the AVR-X6800H for $2,900. That's around $850 less that Cinema 30. Regardless of the looks which the winner is clear in my opinion, is AVR-X6800H as good as the C30.
I have second thoughts. Is there anything in the C30 that justify the $830 other than the looks

Do you get 5 years warranty from Marantz over there? If you use the build in power amps, the C30 is a little better but as we all know it will be difficult to feel that less than 1 dB of difference. So imo it is the look, build quality and 2 years longer warranty that may or may not worth the extra $850 that can be spent on a better subwoofer or Dirac Live DLBC license that will make audible difference for sure.