Paradigm Subwoofer

[RMarsh83]

Just getting started with my home theater/audio setup. After thoroughly perusing the various forums and reviews I determined that the Yamaha RX-V 2500 and a pair of Paradigm Sudio 20s (I ended up with the v2) would be the best starting system for under $1,000 (thanks to the Audioholics forums I got it done for less than $900). Althought I just got it set up a few days ago and it sounds great, I wouldn't mind a little more bass extension. Is it worth it to add a sub, and if so which one?

 

[j_garcia]

It is absolutely worth it to add a sub. What would be the sub budget and room size? Paradigm is not where I would look for a sub unless you are looking at the PW-2200 or Servo15.

 

[RMarsh83]

Current room is tiny (8' x 12'), a constraint I should have mentioned. However, I will be moving to a larger space TBD at the end of June and would like to be able to use anything I buy now in a larger setting as well. Would it be better to wait until I'm in a bigger space? Budget is flexible around $500 and I am willing to buy used. What about the Seismic line? Is it ok to mix a non-Paradigm sub with Paradigm fronts (currently the Studios)?

 

[ParadigmDawg]

A sub is night and day compared to just the Studios. I borrowed an inexpensive Klipsch sub-12 for 3 days before I got my servo and it even made a huge difference. Buy the one you will need for the future (just get one of the big ones from HSU or SVS) and you will be happy. You do not need a specific brand of sub to match your speakers.

 

[jcPanny]

Sub options

No need to match the sub with the speaker brand. Check out the 10" and 12" models from HSU and SVS in your price range. Also, Onix (av123) has some B-stock UFW-12 subs for $600.

 

[dpnaugle]

I was just looking at subs last night at my local Paradigm dealer and he was steering me away from the Seismic also, suggesting it is more of a HT sub and not so great for music.

I really like the Velodyne's, a little pricey but the DD-12 is a piece of art with a lot of extras, only thing is that you pay for it. I also looked at the SPL 1000R about half the price and still sounded like it would do the job and more.


Good Luck

DN

 

[dobyblue]

I would definitely agree on the views of the Seismic. If you like music and you're thinking of the price range of the Seismic then you should just spend the extra few hundred and go with the Servo 15v2.
It's an amazing sub for music and still has huge balls when it comes to HT. The power that it has when it comes to deep passages below 25Hz is pretty stunning and it's lightning quick as well.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I was also unimpressed with the Seismic; my Servo-15 is out of this world. I was listening to some bass heavy Jazz last night at a pretty good clip and it almost made me physically sick; I felt like I might hurl! ( I also had eaten some Peanut butter cookies my S.O. had made which had the same lot number as the PB with E-Coli so that may have been the cause) However; I feel like you can get the same outcome from one of the 2 ID companies that sale subs for a fraction of the cost. I went with the Servo-15 because I had too. If it was up to me; I would have saved the money.

 

[dobyblue]

I didn't have to go with the Servo 15v2, but I wouldn't swap it for anything.
So incredibly deep and powerful.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Oh don't get me wrong; you couldn't pry it from my hands at this point but I was just saying; from a benefit to cost ratio, I might would've picked something else.

 

[RMarsh83]

Sounds like the Servo 15 v2 is a great way to go. Being a sucker for quality, I think I might hold out until I can get the Servo, or maybe the Velodyne DD-18 ... Unless you think that there is a suitable compromise between the high-quality of these subs and a reasonable budget? Most of the SVS subs I looked at seemed to lack something unless you were back in the ballpark of the servo again.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

The servo-15 has a list price of $2500 and the big dog from SVS is ~$1200. I would consider the SVS or HSU if the size isn't a constraint. If the size is an issue or if money is no big deal, by all means, get the Servo. I can't believe how tight and accurate it is for music and then slap in a movie and it will kick you in the stomach so hard you will feel sick!

 

[j_garcia]

Most of the SVS subs I looked at seemed to lack something unless you were back in the ballpark of the servo again.

Are you kidding? Lack something? Did you actually hear any of them? The Plus line is already in the same realm of output as the Servo15 (likely more at the bottom), and I can't imagine what a Plus/2 would do in my room. The Servo15 is a solid sub, but it won't be in the same league with the top offerings from SVS or HSU.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Not sure what JC is saying here but he knows more about this stuff than me and has helped me make a lot of my choices.

It seems to me that the numbers support that the Servo will easily keep up with the top dog SVS so in my opinion; it's about the money.

My listening room is over 8,000 cubic feet and I have the volume on the servo turned 1/3 of the way up for movies and less for music. If it feels up my large room at a fraction of what it will do then I normal size room, it will be plenty. Do the math, look at your constraints and figure out what's best for you. There is no way I would pay $2500 for any sub; the wife dictated the size and wanted everything purchased locally so SVS and HSU were out. I got $1000 off the Servo so it made sence to get it.

 

[j_garcia]

What I am saying is, I've heard the Servo15 and DD-15 and they don't have the same impact as the larger SVSs down low. They are fine subs, don't get me wrong, they are just different than what you get with a big vented sub when it comes to low end rumble. Unfortunately, you also generally end up with a much larger sub physically. My 15" is not exactly easy to hide

 

[pbarach1]

Just getting started with my home theater/audio setup. After thoroughly perusing the various forums and reviews I determined that the Yamaha RX-V 2500 and a pair of Paradigm Sudio 20s (I ended up with the v2) would be the best starting system for under $1,000 (thanks to the Audioholics forums I got it done for less than $900). Althought I just got it set up a few days ago and it sounds great, I wouldn't mind a little more bass extension. Is it worth it to add a sub, and if so which one?

It would definitely be worthwhile to have a sub--does that Yamaha have a subwoofer output? I have a 12' x 13' room and use an M&K V75 sub that is MORE than adequate. In fact, I just bought a closeout (new) V75 sub from their website for $500 for a much larger room, and it gives all the bass extension and output I want, even for classical organ.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

RMARSH,

I got the chance to try out a PB12-Plus/2 at my house last night and I am keeping the Servo-15. In my opinion the Servo seemed a little better for music (I mainly listen to Jazz) and the Plus/2 seemed a little better for movies. It was really a close call and I wouldnt be able to say there was a hands down winner. If I had to pick one over the other and pay MSRP; I would get the PB. Since I didnt pay MSRP and I already have the Servo...it's a keeper.

 

[RMarsh83]

Thanks Greg, that's a very helpful comparison. I was also looking at SVS' 16-46 PC-Plus Cylinder sub. Any thoughts on that one, vs. the PB12-Plus or Plus/2? I don't suppose you have any hints on getting a Servo-15 for under retail? I've looked around on the internet and its hard to even find them used, let alone discounted.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Nope; I got lucky here in Texas.

I have not listened to any PC's but one of the guys on this site lives not too far from me in Texas and invited me to listen to his; since I already bought something else, I am not going to.

 

[j_garcia]

You got REAL lucky That was a heck of a deal.