Back to square one...

[Unregistered]

In all seriousness though how can you expect a speaker company to best a subwoofer only company? It is not a likely occurance.

 

[Rob Babcock]

I have always heard over and over again how good Hsu and SVS subs are. I have a Paradigm PW-2200 v2 and I have always been curious how my sub compares. I know of no one who has a Hsu or SVS to hear for myself. If you have any information I would like to hear it. I'm only talking about pure performance and not performance per dollar. Thanks.

Hsu's own website has links to several reviews in their entirety. You can also find reviews with detailed measurements at EcousticsEcoustics. SVS's website will also have many reviews in, too, with 3rd party mearsurements (at SVS) . My own measurements show well over 115 dB @ 20 hz, but that's with a pair and in my room (with room gain). I lacked the courage to run them any harder, but they had more in the tank. I use a parametric EQ to smooth out bumps caused by my room. In sheer amount of bass, I believe the SVS subs have a slight edge over even this. But I can't comprehend why I'd ever need > 110 dB anyway, so I'd only "upgrade" if I found something that I felt sounded better (as opposed to just being louder). A pair of TN1220's gives me all the headroom I need.

I've heard the sub you have, but it would be hard for me to really compare them. I've heard it only in a dealers setup, and then of course I've never really listened to just one of my TNs alone- I've always had them set up in tandem. I can say I've never heard the level of bass I have now, in terms of quality or quanity. Not that I've heard 'em all, of course.

I know your frustration- I had only reviews to go on as I hadn't been able to find any locally, either. I read every review and anecedotal reference about the TNs I coud get my hands on for 2 years (while I auditioned everything I could in my area). Hsu was great to deal with, and you can often speak with the good Doctor personally. They offer a no-questions asked return policy if you don't like them. That was key to me: all the better direct mail places have liberal return policies, otherwise no one would take the risk.

I'm a little uncomfortable banging the drum for them. It's funny- if you recommend something you own, you look like a shill. But if I recommend something I wouldn't buy myself, what does that say for my opinion? I would recommend trying them if you can. Although back when I bought mine I'd never heard of SVS. There's a lot of good stuff out there now, and I'd like to try one of theirs too someday. And rumor has it that Hsu will be replacing the TN subs with an even more potent tube, but neither Sasha Goodman nor Dr. Hsu will spill the beans...

I do prefer passive subs with an outboard amp, for reliability & flexibility. Any other questions, let me know!

 

[cam]

In all seriousness though how can you expect a speaker company to best a subwoofer only company? It is not a likely occurance.

I did not say anything about my pw-2200 besting a Hsu or SVS sub. I was just curious if Rob knew how my sub performed against what everybody always recommends, Hsu and SVS. And just to let you know a subwoofer is a speaker so if a speaker company builds a subwoofer, that's a good thing. And also, Paradigm builds such formidable subs such as the seismic 12 and their signature servo that can and will compete and maybe even beat an only subwoofer making company. Cheers! And thanks Rob.

 

[Rob Babcock]

Paragdigms Servo 15 was long a reference sub of many pro reviewers. I think it's a very good sub, too.

I admit that I'm biased- I much prefer passive subs. So often, if you read the warrent info, you'll see "5 years woofer, 1 year electronics," or something to that effect. An amp mounted in the sub enclosure is subjected to a lot of vibration and it usually harder to cool properly. Plus, if the amp does fail (and most of the time, the amp is more likely to crap out than the driver in my experience) the whole thing it down. I've used my Hsu's with several different amps (just to try it out) and it's nice to know I can run them with whatever is at hand.

No knock on powered subs, I just like the flexibility of a passive sub.

 

[cam]

Paragdigms Servo 15 was long a reference sub of many pro reviewers. I think it's a very good sub, too.

I admit that I'm biased- I much prefer passive subs. So often, if you read the warrent info, you'll see "5 years woofer, 1 year electronics," or something to that effect. An amp mounted in the sub enclosure is subjected to a lot of vibration and it usually harder to cool properly. Plus, if the amp does fail (and most of the time, the amp is more likely to crap out than the driver in my experience) the whole thing it down. I've used my Hsu's with several different amps (just to try it out) and it's nice to know I can run them with whatever is at hand.

No knock on powered subs, I just like the flexibility of a passive sub.

The plain jane paradigm servo 15 is being phased out. With the pw-2200 now having 400 watts rms, the same as the servo, and the introduction of the siesmic series, and the new signature servo, the old servo was being crowded out. Speaker company, subwoofer making company, it doesn't matter because Velodyne beats the *** off of everyone with their new DD1812. I heard it was $15,000!!!!!!!!! Most people have a 12 inch sub (or smaller) for all the bass. This thing has a 12 just for the upper bass and an 18 for all the low bass. Can you say 2500 watts RMS. Damn I want one.