Need to Replace my Paradigm Seismic 12

[Cos]

I am in the market to replace my Paradigm Seismic 12

Any suggestions in the 1k to 1.5k price range or lower if you feel that its a better sub?

16x18 Room, rest of my configuration is below, does not have to be paradigm

80%HT 20% Music, though with my new setup I find that I am starting to listen to music more.

 

[shadyJ]

In that price range, the first sub that comes to mind is the Rythmik FV15HP. In third party testing is has proven itself to be a monster, even topping SVS's flagship $2k subwoofer for the most part. There is also the Power Sound Audio XV30, which is huge but should be competitive in performance to the FV15HP. At this price point you ought to think about dual subwoofers and all of their advantages as well, especially since your receiver has Audyssey's SubEQ, which can EQ two subwoofers independently. A great dual setup for 1.5k would be a Hsu VTF3 dual drive. That will get you monster deep bass but can also be configured to more easily work with your room gain. Another great dual system would be two Power Sound XS15 subs, which would likely have more powerful mid and upper bass than the VTF3, but not the deep bass output or tuning features. Room gain might get you some pretty good deep bass with the two XS15s.

 

[theJman]

Along with what's already been suggested a few others to consider are the Rythmik E15HP and F15HP, along with the HSU ULS-15. If you'd like to have something a bit smaller there's also the SVS SB13-Ultra, but that might be just outside your budget.

 

[Cos]

Great suggestions, I do prefer a smaller footprint sub, and the SB13 sounds like a good fit. Also I do like the idea of dual subs, thanks for your input!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

In that price range, the first sub that comes to mind is the Rythmik FV15HP. In third party testing is has proven itself to be a monster, even topping SVS's flagship $2k subwoofer for the most part.

You mean the SVS PB12-Plus. The new $2K flagship is the PB13-Ultra.

 

[shadyJ]

You mean the SVS PB12-Plus. The new $2K flagship is the PB13-Ultra.

No, I mean the PB13 Ultra. You can compare their measurements directly at data-bass.com.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

No, I mean the PB13 Ultra. You can compare their measurements directly at data-bass.com.

Very nice. That Chase Home Theater 18.1 passive sub for $700 looks good too.

 

[3db]

The Paradigm Seismic12 is no slouch of a sub. I'm just curious to see why you want to replace it?

 

[Cos]

I have no problems with the quality of the Bass with the Seismic12 its a great sub, but 2x I had to replace the amp due to it producing a loud hum (I know I can't escape it LOL) In the case of the sub its was the actual amp and not caused by any ground loop or other issues. Its funny even my dealer, who has the sub, is experiencing the same problem, only worse. Granted Paradigm only charged me $75.00 out of warranty + Shipping, but it is a huge pain in the *** to have to unscrew, and disconnect the amp portion, very carefully package it, and wait 3-4 weeks to get it back each time.

I love it's small footprint and it shakes my HT room by itself, but quality has been a problem for me with it. That's why the PB13 Ultra is probably my leader at this point, but still torn on dual subs.

 

[Jeff R.]

I would go with duals....not that I have heard them but the PSA Subs seem to getting glowing reviews from all. Dual XS15s would be very impressive and if you sliding toward music, I greatly prefer the sealed sub sound quality.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I have no problems with the quality of the Bass with the Seismic12 its a great sub, but 2x I had to replace the amp due to it producing a loud hum (I know I can't escape it LOL) In the case of the sub its was the actual amp and not caused by any ground loop or other issues. Its funny even my dealer, who has the sub, is experiencing the same problem, only worse. Granted Paradigm only charged me $75.00 out of warranty + Shipping, but it is a huge pain in the *** to have to unscrew, and disconnect the amp portion, very carefully package it, and wait 3-4 weeks to get it back each time.

That's the reason I will never buy another powered sub with the internal amp. I've always loved unpowered subs (amps are NOT INTERNAL). That way I can use my own amps. Even a new $300 Crown XLS1000 will do the job just fine in most cases (or less if used amps).

I say, (1st choice) get a Funk unpowered sub or (2nd) get a Chase Home Theater unpowered 18.1 sub.

The $15,000 Focal Utopia sub is unpowered. So is the flagship Funk 18.2 sub.

I own 2 Funk, 2 RBH, and 4 Velodyne subs, and all of them are UNPOWERED.

 

[Rickster71]

I have no problems with the quality of the Bass with the Seismic12 its a great sub, but 2x I had to replace the amp due to it producing a loud hum (I know I can't escape it LOL) In the case of the sub its was the actual amp and not caused by any ground loop or other issues. Its funny even my dealer, who has the sub, is experiencing the same problem, only worse. Granted Paradigm only charged me $75.00 out of warranty + Shipping, but it is a huge pain in the *** to have to unscrew, and disconnect the amp portion, very carefully package it, and wait 3-4 weeks to get it back each time.

Sorry to hear you've had problems with the Seismic.
Just curious, did you leave it in Stand by when not in use?

Thanks,
Rick

 

[ACsGreens]

Paradigm Seismic 110....love it and very small footprint.

Seismic™ 110 - Welcome to the New Official Paradigm® Website.

 

[Cos]

Yes I left the Sub switch in the middle position "standby" It has gotten to the point where I was just shutting it on and off because it would take to long to turn off and the hum is annoying. I don't use it for use for music anymore, but for home theater it is fine unless the GF comes over to watch a chick flick.

The Seismic 110 is a nice little sub, but not the best match for my current speaker setup.

 

[Cos]

That's the reason I will never buy another powered sub with the internal amp. I've always loved unpowered subs (amps are NOT INTERNAL). That way I can use my own amps. Even a new $300 Crown XLS1000 will do the job just fine in most cases (or less if used amps).

I say, (1st choice) get a Funk unpowered sub or (2nd) get a Chase Home Theater unpowered 18.1 sub.

The $15,000 Focal Utopia sub is unpowered. So is the flagship Funk 18.2 sub.

I own 2 Funk, 2 RBH, and 4 Velodyne subs, and all of them are UNPOWERED.

That's another point to consider, going with an unpowered sub, but I I have 0 experience working with it, what amps are you driving your subs with? All 7 of my channels are being used.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

That's another point to consider, going with an unpowered sub, but I I have 0 experience working with it, what amps are you driving your subs with? All 7 of my channels are being used.

I'm using ATI amps, but you can use any amps. For example, the $300 Crown XLS 1000 amp is a basic amp w/ Limiter. It has no DSP/EQ, which I never use anyway when I was using powered subs that came with EQ/DSP.

If you must have EQ/DSP, Crown or other brands also have inexpensive amps with DSP/EQ.

Basically when you use unpowered subs, you are using the XO, EQ, DSP of your AVR. Technically the unpowered sub is an active sub because the XO comes before the amp.