Paradigm Defiance x15 or SVS SB16 Ultra

[gnorthern]

I asked this question in the beginning Audioholics thread since I see I know far less than most, but I figured I should ask here also. If this is uncool, tell where to erase my post.

I have a 5200 sq foot great room with a hallway off to the side, and my subwoofer (Klipsch R-12SWi), just doesn't seem to do as well as it did in a smaller room. Just two seats about 11 feet from the TV. I am thinking I just need a bigger sub.

Due to wife constraints (to the left of the left front speaker, can't touch the grill, and can't stand out past the entertainment center) and budget constraints ($2000) the top two options are the Paradigm Defiance x15 and SVS SB16 Ultra. The SB16 is on sale within my budget. The store selling the Paradigm wants $150 to install it, which puts installation above my budget.

Which would you get? I am assuming the SVS sale will end soon.

Thank you in advance for all answers.

 

[gnorthern]

Other information if it is important.
Receiver - Marantz SR6013
Front two speakers - Klipsch RF-82 II
Two side and two rear speakers

 

[NMG]

I have the Defiance X15 and it’s great. I’m in Canada though so pricing is always attractive here with Paradigm being a Canadian company (works out to about $1,500 US MSRP).

I have mine in a medium sized room and after running ARC it’s basically flat to about 18Hz. Has more than enough output for my room and have never found its limits. 5.1.2 system that I use for HT and music. The SVS probably digs a bit deeper if that matters. The Paradigm may have a bit more output higher up in the frequency range.

I wouldn’t pay for install. It’s heavy, but pretty easy to setup if you spend a bit of time.

 

[Cos]

I asked this question in the beginning Audioholics thread since I see I know far less than most, but I figured I should ask here also. If this is uncool, tell where to erase my post.

I have a 5200 sq foot great room with a hallway off to the side, and my subwoofer (Klipsch R-12SWi), just doesn't seem to do as well as it did in a smaller room. Just two seats about 11 feet from the TV. I am thinking I just need a bigger sub.

Due to wife constraints (to the left of the left front speaker, can't touch the grill, and can't stand out past the entertainment center) and budget constraints ($2000) the top two options are the Paradigm Defiance x15 and SVS SB16 Ultra. The SB16 is on sale within my budget. The store selling the Paradigm wants $150 to install it, which puts installation above my budget.

Which would you get? I am assuming the SVS sale will end soon.

Thank you in advance for all answers.

$150 to install it????

What are they doing, it's a box with two cables one to the outlet and one to the 6013, are they doing anything else?

 

[gnorthern]

I have the Defiance X15 and it’s great. I’m in Canada though so pricing is always attractive here with Paradigm being a Canadian company (works out to about $1,500 US MSRP).

The X15 is $1999 and the SB16 is $1699.

 

[shadyJ]

The X15 will get louder and be a bit punchier. The SVS's only real advantage is that the app has a few more bells and whistles. The SVS is also built like a tank.

 

[NMG]

Are you close to the border? Could probably get an X15 in Canada for less than the SVS if so (pending duties, etc.).

 

[gnorthern]

Are you close to the border? Could probably get an X15 in Canada for less than the SVS if so (pending duties, etc.).

Great idea!

If I could save $500 I would visit since I like visiting Vancouver BC. I'm just hesitant since I drove through Canada this summer to Alaska (Alcan hwy) and I felt really hassled at the border. I have no idea how much they would charge me. I am contacting a dealer to see if they know.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Imo the X15 is an easy choice. While the svs MAY reach deeper, it will be at levels too low to matter. At 20hz, it can take as many as 4 sealed subs to equal the same output as a comparable ported sub.
The app only matters if you’re a constant tweaker. If you’re set and forget, the app isn’t worth much.