Paradigm Seismic 12 OR SVS PCi 20-39 Plus ?????

[Dizastical]

I am torn between the two. Theater room is 13x19. 85% movies 15% music. Please help me decide!

Dave

 

[Andreas]

see link to reviews....seismic is apparently a monster

http://www.paradigm.com/website/SiteReferenceProduct/RReviews/Reference/AudioIdeasGuide/aig_seismic12.pdf

http://www.paradigm.com/website/SiteReferenceProduct/RReviews/NewRefSubReviews.html

 

[Sheep]

20-39.

SheepStar

 

[j_garcia]

20-39 no question. If you said Servo 15, that might be a different story, but aside from it and the PW2200, SVS would be my choice.

 

[abboudc]

I am torn between the two. Theater room is 13x19. 85% movies 15% music. Please help me decide!

Dave

The PCi and Plus are two different (albeit similar) subs.

20-39 PCi: $599
20-39 PC-Plus: $825

I've never heard the Paradigm, but the biggest difference between these subs is probably the form factor.

 

[kgb540]

The Seismic 12 is no slouch. it is a great theater sub, not the best for music though. either one would work as well as you'll ever need so I guess the integration into the room needs to be considered. The SVS is pretty big and takes up quite a bit more real-estate than does the Paradigm.

 

[Sheep]

The SVS is pretty big and takes up quite a bit more real-estate than does the Paradigm.

Only 16inch Diameter for the SVS.

SheepStar

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

I've demo'd the Servo 15, and a very good friend has the PW2200. I was personally disappointed in the Servo (had high expectations for its price). The PW2200 is steps down from the Servo line. I also paid a visit to the SVS factory. I would take the cylinder over any of the Paradigm subs (especially due to service issues, let alone performance), but I can't say enough about their box subs. For home theater, I've yet to hear anything as impressive as SVS. The Martin Logan Descent is up there with the dual boxed SVS units (the ML are much more attractive, but twice the price). Can you fit the PB12 NSD in your room, or is that out of the question? I've found the cylinders to go extremely low, but they had a different type of bass than the boxed units.

 

[Dizastical]

I have plenty of room for a sub. Keep in mind that the theater room is in my basement. The theater room is completely finished (sheetrock walls, padding and carpet, R13 insulation in all the walls and ceiling). I know subs tend to not play too well on a concrete floor. Any info on how to get the most out of what ever sub I choose would be great. The ceiling is 8'. Right now I have a Paradigm PW2500 (15" 1200 watt max) sub behind the couch on the back wall. It is under a huge shelve that I built that extends from wall to wall behind the couch. So the sub is hinden and completely enclosed behind the couch. Its great when the bass hits the couch vibrates and hits really hard. BUT.............. If you get off the couch you loose almost all the presents of the bass due to it being concealed behind the couch and under the shelve. The box is HUGE so I really dont want it up front. Its like 25x22x19 or something like that. So I need a good sub for up front that will fill the room and play great on a concreat floor. I will be getting rid of the 15. Thanx for your time guys!

Dave

ps-Will a square piece of MDF the size placed underneath of a sub that is downfireing help spread the bass throughout the room better in my situation?

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

How does the 2500 sound up front where you plan on putting the new sub? It sounds like placement is your real issue. You need to decide which sub will look better if its out in plain view.

 

[Dizastical]

I cant fit the 2500 up front. BUT the seismic 12 or 2039 plus will both fit fine and I dont mind how they look.

Dave

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

I cant fit the 2500 up front. BUT the seismic 12 or 2039 plus will both fit fine and I dont mind how they look.

Dave

I just meant to try it there until you purchase your new sub. I'd roll the dice with the 2039+. If you hate it, you're only out a small shipping charge. IMHO, the Seismic doesn't have the internal volume to put out proper room filling bass to pressurize your listening area. It's only a 14" cube, and I've never been a fan of these cubes for HT. They're fine for audio.

 

[j_garcia]

You also need to know that in the basement, where you have a lot more dense materials, strong bass will be more difficult to achieve.

 

[kgb540]

Yes the SVS is 16" in diameter, I know that, but it is also almost 40" tall. It consumes quite a bit more area than does the Seismic. Floor space is not the only thing to consider, but Dizastical made it pretty clear that this isnt an issue anyhow.

 

[j_garcia]

The 20-39 is surprisingly small to be honest, at least it was when I went to a friend's to see it. Maybe that is because mine is 48" tall and 18" in diameter? The 20-39 does occupy more space, but it doesn't take up any more floor space.

 

[kgb540]

j garcia, I agree with both you and Sheep the the SVS isnt THAT big but the Paradigm can possibly be hidden out of sight. The SVS WILL most likely be seen. But as the original poster already stated it wont be a problem. Not to jump off topic, but how about the new Ultras from SVS going to be even BIGGER than the current models. Good God!!!! Do the bigger SVS box subs come with casters as well as spikes for help with placement? I had to move my Fathom a few times to get it set in place and it is a back breaker. I would love to own, but hate to move, the new Ultras!!

 

[j_garcia]

I kinda like the way my sub looks in the corner at my new place *ominous* I will probably take pics sometime soon....before and after paint. (fixed link to pic of sub, click on Tempest)