Replacing Paradigm PDR 10

[Chef Jeff]

First post. I have a 16 year old PDR 10 that started buzzing in the upper registers. The lower frequencies still sounds fine, but the mid to upper base makes an annoying vibrating sound. Could be dry rot on the surround, or a failed glue joint, haven't opened it up yet. Given it's age, I'd like to replace it anyway. Paradigm doesn't seem to make anything at it's $350 price point anymore, so I'm looking for suggestions at that price. It's mostly for music, movies are secondary. Looking for something equivalent in terms of sound quality.
Thanks for any help. Should add it's running with a pair of Paradigm Mini Monitors.

 

[Sef_Makaro]

The Outlaw M8 seems fairly close to the PDR10 specs wise, though it has a smaller driver. Price isn’t bad at $329.

The HSU VTF-1 MK3 has a 10” driver like the PDR10 but has a noticeably more powerful amp. That comes in at $399.

Edit- I took a look at Paradigms website and it looks like they have a few options in that price range.

https://www.paradigm.com/en/subwoofers?q=Price-$-322-439

 

[Chef Jeff]

Thanks for the response. I did see the current offerings from Paradigm. The Cinema, while priced the same, and higher power, has slightly less LFE than the old PDR. If I were to take a guess, it sounds like the driver in my PDR has finally given up the ghost. It's almost 18 years old, so not surprising. Probably just being a little overly sentimental about it. I know I could buy a replacement driver on ebay for less than $50, or a PDR 10 for less than a buck fifty,, but I also know it's old, and sometimes you need to let old things go. I'm also realizing that 18 years ago a $350 sub is more like a $450 sub today. I think the best course of action is probably save a few more pennies to stay in the same class as the PDR. In the meantime, I'll dig out my Monitor 7s, and run without a sub.

 

[everettT]

Bite the bullet and upgrade. You will be happy you did.

 

[nbk13nw]

I had a PDR10 for about 12 years before the woofer surround went out. Rebuilt it and used it another 5 years before I sold it. Replaced it with two HSU subs. Huge difference in response and overall performance. I have since moved them to my main room for music. Running four 18's in the HT now. It is a rabbit hole. Lol

 

[Chef Jeff]

Thanks guys. There seems to be a lot more choice these days then when I bought the PDR. I'm trying to wade through it all. Most reviews I see tend to focus on HT, not music, so it's sometimes hard to know if it's what I'm looking for in a sub for predominantly music use. Elac and Emotiva seem to be brands I would want to audition, just don't know where, lol.

 

[ryanosaur]

because your room is so important on the equation of how a subwoofer actually performs, you need to bring subs to you. Listening somewhere else won't tell you much.
For best value and performance, look at Hsu; very strong mid-bass presence as well as 'musicality'. Speedwoofers have been getting some buzz lately, too. SVS might be the best option because of their return policy... 45 days in-home, free shipping, upgrade within a year... Just some options. I'm certain more will follow.

 

[KEW]

Right now, there is a great deal on Infinity's subwoofers:
https://www.infinityspeakers.com/reference-series-home/
At $150 for the 10" ported sub you might consider a pair!
Unfortunately I have not heard either of these, so you'll have to research them, but Infinity usually uses good drivers!

 

[Chef Jeff]

From the mid 80's to early 90's, I had a pair of Infinity RS 3000s. They were a great pair of speakers in the $350 range, maybe even among the better speakers in that price range. It seems to me, in the 90's they really started shooting for the low end market. Just not sure how I feel about them anymore. I'll look for some reviews, and if they seem solid, i'd be willing to spend the extra $40 to move up to the 12". Thanks for the link.