Need Advice: SB12-Plus vs Paradigm DSP-3200

[tn001d]

I am thinking about replacing my paradigm ps-1000v2. Its been an awesome sub and had performed remarkably. Lately i've had the upgrade bug, and upgraded my original hometheater for the 3rd time (TV, Receiver, Blu, HDDVD, HD-DVR)

The only two subs that i am considering are the SVS SB12-Plus and the Paradigm DSP-3200. Both are listed for the same price. The paradigm is ported whereas the SVS is sealed. There is also a huge build difference, with the paradigm weighing almost 56lbs. Since i own both paradigm and SVS already i know they both make great products. I am limited on space and cant get anything larger (depth) than my current PS-1000.

I did think about the ELAN THP1200SW subwoofer which is practically identical design as the SVS SB12-Plus (Sealed 12 inch) but seems to have a much better build and finish. Unfortunately there is very little in terms of revies out there on it. Only one professional review: http://hometheatermag.com/compactspeakers/107elan/

So i would like a sub that can perform well with movies and do an adequate job for music when called on. I know there are other subwoofer manufactuers out there, but these are really what i am considering at this point: SVS, Paradigm, maybe ELAN

Thanks

 

[Adam]

Do you have other size constraints other than the depth (which the Paradigm website lists as 20.5" on the PS-1000)?

I ask because I'm wondering if a cylinder sub would work for you, both in size and in personal taste. I was limited in floor space but not height, and I went with an SVS cylinder and love it.

 

[tn001d]

Sorry.. cant do a cylinder. Not only is it too high, but would clash with room too much ".. what the hell is that big tube there."

The PS1000 depth is actually less than the published specs, at least the version i have is like 19.5'' i think.

 

[TheFactor]

Im sure enjoying my NEW SVS PB12NSD but that would probably be to big of a subwoofer because this thing is huge but wow does it sound good. But This is my first real sub I must add not sure if it would be comparable though to your paradigm and so not sure if it would be really a upgrade for you but it was for me and I truly love this SVS and probably one of the only subs i'll own for a long time. That being said MY votes for a SVS

 

[tn001d]

I cant do the PB-NSD12. That thing is a monster. But getting back on topic.. its only the SVS SB-12Plus that i could do. Its much smaller than the Paradigm or Elan, and might reflect its output.

Waiting to hear from the experts

 

[TheFactor]

I cant do the PB-NSD12. That thing is a monster. But getting back on topic.. its only the SVS SB-12Plus that i could do. Its much smaller than the Paradigm or Elan, and might reflect its output.

Waiting to hear from the experts

Then I would go with a SVS SB12Plus for sure because if its comparable to my SVS PB12NSD or better then you'll be happy for sure .

 

[tn001d]

The PB12NSD is definitely not comparable to the SB12Plus. I dont know if anyone could say its comparable to the NSD subs. If anything it might close to the PB-10NSD.

 

[TheFactor]

The PB12NSD is definitely not comparable to the SB12Plus. I dont know if anyone could say its comparable to the NSD subs. If anything it might close to the PB-10NSD.

I could stand corrected but I beleive its the same driver there using now in both the PB12nsd and the SB12plus a 12.3 and the sb12plus has a 100 more watt Amp 425 vs 325 and of course The size of the box on the non ported sb12plus is much much smaller then the pretty big and ported Pb12nsd. Now which one sounds better I cant say because I personally haven't heard or done a comparison although I do know someone that has and they personally recommended the PB12NSD over the SBplus, so it could be just be a matter of taste but I still think you'll be happy with a SVS sub regardless I'd get the SB12PLUS if I were you that was my other choice in the price area was trying to stay in. I know its a tuff desicion I was going crazy trying to pick, I wish you the best of luck on your choice. There a great group of folks here on this forum that helped me tremendously on my choice so im sure they'll chime in : )

 

[tn001d]

There a great group of folks here on this forum that helped me tremendously on my choice so im sure they'll chime in : )

Yes there is, but where are they?

 

[TheFactor]

Yes there is, but where are they?

There probably lurking wright now as we speak, circling like sharks do just before they attack

 

[tn001d]

---- > bump <----

 

[TheFactor]

Free bump to da top

 

[TheFactor]

Up Up And Away

 

[Adam]

Well, the SB12-Pluses are shipping for free right now, although their no-risk free return shipping offer appears to be over. Not much financial commitment involved with checking one out to see what you think. Is there a place that will let you can audition that Paradigm sub at home for a couple of days? If so, you could check both of them out.

 

[TheFactor]

Theres a sb12 plus in b-stock now too but dont know if theres free shipping on that so depending on the discount that will determine how good the deal

 

[tn001d]

I was leaning towards the paradigm, when i saw someone had posted a link in another thread about epik subs.

There cheapest is the Epik Vanquish for $699 and its seems to run circles around the SVS SB-12Plus

Sealed audiophile low-Q design
12" aluminum cone driver
Exclusive 600w RMS amplifier
Custom sculpted grill with traditional black fabric
Compact CAD designed cabinet
Precision CNC machined in-house
Environmentally friendly finish
Frequency response: 20 - 500 Hz +/-3 dB anechoic
True 17 Hz or lower in-room extension
1500w short-term RMS
Weight: 75lbs. shipped
Size: 14.5 H x 14.5 W x 14.5 D (15.5 w/ grill)


Anyone have any experience with these subs? Are the good for movies, music or both? Are they "boomy" or "tight"?

Thanks

 

[TheFactor]

Nice looking sub and if it runs circles around the SVS sb12 plus it must be amazing "IF" that is : ) but that grill is fricken uggly lol

 

[Sheep]

I'll send Nomo an PM, he has an SB-12plus.

Here is some unbiased measurements on the SB-12plus. In room performance will be better (More output, 3-5Hz deeper extension).

http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/subwoofer-tests/5769-svs-sb12-plus.html

I wouldn't go spec for spec when comparing subwoofers. Wait until someone measures it. They say a True 17hz, but they don't give you the dB down. More power is only relevant if it's needed. The SVS subwoofer is probably more efficient.

SheepStar

 

[wafflebird]

The Epik would be the best compromise

Looks like the new Epik Vanquish would be the best bet without any real compromise. The sealed Vanquish looks to be a slam dunk for you. It is small and will have some substantial output down low. Since size is a real concern I am aware of NOTHING out there that is this same size with the output this thing has for anywhere near the same price or even twice the price actually.

It is usually VERY expensive to go small and loud so to speak. For the price this Vanquish looks to be the perfect fit for you. The SB12Plus is a great little sub but it runs out of gas well before 20 Hz, it falls sharply below 25 Hz.

Really the Epik would be the way to go. There have been a lot of negative comments about them on a lot of the forums as they were no longer taking orders etc. It looks like we know why now. They were revamping and changing their line-up. It looks like they have become a little more size friendly and still are making performance their chief concern. You would have to spend BIG $ to get the performance that these new subs will be supplying.

Good luck.

 

[Nomo]

I'll send Nomo an PM, he has an SB-12plus.

Here is some unbiased measurements on the SB-12plus. In room performance will be better (More output, 3-5Hz deeper extension).

http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/subwoofer-tests/5769-svs-sb12-plus.html

I wouldn't go spec for spec when comparing subwoofers. Wait until someone measures it. They say a True 17hz, but they don't give you the dB down. More power is only relevant if it's needed. The SVS subwoofer is probably more efficient.

SheepStar

I just got back from an icy winter's drive.
My SB-12 fills my 3500 cu ft or so room pretty well. drops to -3db at around 21Hz. I'm not a complete basshead but it does well for me. It beats every small size sub I've heard Klipcsh, Polk, it even keeps pace and then some with the smaller Hsu's.
I do like the look of the Epiks but don't know a thing about them.