SVS PB12-ISD/2 vs Paradigm PW2200

[Crackerballer]

Hey everyone, I am new here, and relatively new to HT. I just ordered a Yamaha RX-V2500 reciever, and will be going next week to pick up my Paradigm Studio 20's. After this, I need a sub. I am going to be running a 2 channel Sub/Sat system, that will see HT use and music. I am a "bass head" I love to listen to rap and I love bass that hits me in the chest. With all that being said, I need to figure out my sub choice.

I heard the PW2200, and it sounded great. But it is $900. If I am going to spend that much (I am in college) I want the best I can get for that price. I live in a house, but will probably be in an apartment/duplex next year, so for the next 2-3 years, I imagine the sub will be in a room no greater thatn 15x15 or so.

Would I be just as suited to pick up a cheaper SVS sub? I want something thats gonna make Gladiator, Master and Commander, Hero, and any movies with good action and guns and explosion sound like my house is going to rattle down. I would lvoe advice from those who have heard the 2 side by side. Thanks

 

[Kris44]

Well..... I have had both subs and the ISD/2 is the better of the two. It goes lower louder and is tighter. The PW2200 seems to call attention to itself more and the ISD/2 (when calibrated properly) disappears and shows up only when called upon. That is my 2 cents worth.

Kris

 

[MacManNM]

Both of thos subs are WAY more than you need. The SVS is supeior of the two. Sounds to me like all you really need is a PB10. That is going to fill a 15x15 room pretty good. The PB12-ISD would be way more than you need, but you could make it work. The IDS/2 is going to be huge in a room that small.

 

[Crackerballer]

Yea but I plan to buy this sub to keep forever. Once I graduate college, I may require this sub to fill a much larger room, depending on where I move and what size house I buy. I want to buy large, as I can always set the sub down some, and then have the power on tap when needed.

My main question is between those 2 brands, which one would you recommend. If I could still get away with just getting a PB12-ISD and you think it could fill a say, 25x25 with the same hit you in the chest force, then thats fine.

To put it simply, I had 2 AudioBahn AlumQ 12's in a ported box that took up my entire trunk in a 2 door escort. I had a Memphis 1100 watt rms amp (2000 peak) with a 1 farad cap. Had the system about 6 months, and right when I took it out of the car I was thinking of ways to get another 12 and amp to fit. I LOVE BASS.

 

[j_garcia]

The 12/2 is BIG too, which may be the only downside. The 2200 compares more to the PB-12, though I still think the PB-12 is a better sub. Based on the kind of bass you are used to in a car, you will probably want the 12/2. Hit you in the chest bass usually means a particular band is over emphasized, so you may not get that, but you WILL get good performance with one in a room like that.

 

[Crackerballer]

Thanks J, I imagined I would need to spend the $900 to get the kinda performance I want. My amp and subs and cap in my car was right at $1100 installed (should have done it myself) so I am not above paying for the sound.

Edit*Good God, it weighs 125 pounds, that is awesome.

 

[Sheep]

Thanks J, I imagined I would need to spend the $900 to get the kinda performance I want. My amp and subs and cap in my car was right at $1100 installed (should have done it myself) so I am not above paying for the sound.

Edit*Good God, it weighs 125 pounds, that is awesome.

Your never going to get car audio performance from home audio equipment, unless it is in a car.

The SVS PB-10 is a stellar performer, but if you move into a larger room, it might need help. The ISD/2 would do the job, so would 2 PB-10s. Depends on how much space you have/want to give up.

SheepStar

 

[j_garcia]

My room is 19x20 with high ceilings and when I contacted SVS about upgrading, their first suggestion was to get a second PB-10.

 

[Crackerballer]

Yea I could jsut get the PS-10 now. I guess this will be determined by how quickly I can save money. Its hard with so many new Jordans coming out this spring and trying to save for a Falt screen and a DVD Burner/DVR. I might just get the PS12- ISD for $600. That $300 difference would buy my DVR, or pay about 1/10th of my TV

 

[BassHead]

Well..... I have had both subs and the ISD/2 is the better of the two. It goes lower louder and is tighter. The PW2200 seems to call attention to itself more and the ISD/2 (when calibrated properly) disappears and shows up only when called upon. That is my 2 cents worth.

Kris

I dont know what your talking about the isd svs is a far better sub than that isd your talking,I dont have a pw2200 but my friends love them so much,How can you say the paradigm seems to call attention to it self,the pw2100 and the 2200 are subs that you wouldnt even hear or point out location that they are in your room,Checked with my friend and he said they sounded almost the same so i guess they are a match,But my question would be which one is built better,I my self would say Paradigm by far.

 

[jfabes]

i have the pw2200, and while i haven't heard the other subs mentioned here, it suited my 18x21 room with 2 story ceiling just fine - at 2/3 volume. i too listen to a lot of rap (and house) and that's why i liked the pw2200. now granted, it was 4 years ago, perhaps i would think differently if i heard them side-by-side now. another thing to consider - and not sure where you are located - but i bought my pw2200 from audio-video unlimited in vancouver, bc for around $650 shipped with the extended warranty. that's the other reason why i chose it

 

[Crackerballer]

No ****, they want $900 for it at my local audio store. Does that include a factory warranty or is it through Audio-Video Unlimited?

 

[jfabes]

No ****, they want $900 for it at my local audio store. Does that include a factory warranty or is it through Audio-Video Unlimited?

yea, my local dealer was the same way. then it occured to me that they may be cheaper in canada since that's where they are made. i bought all my speakers at av unlmtd - the monitor series. the store i bought them from said they do a lot of business with na customers casue of the pricing. he told me that alot of peeps upgrade to the studio series from him for the price of the monitor series in the states. i chose to stay with the monitor series and bank $1k ....which i did - even after shipping.

the addt'l warranty - i'm told - is is the regular paradigm warranty. 3yrs for electronics/amps/subs, 5 yrs for everything else. even if its through av unlmtd, that's cool because they are a great place to do business with. let me know if you want the particular store i used and i'll send you the number.

 

[Crackerballer]

Yea shoot me a PM with the info, I found their site, but I don't see an online catalogue.

 

[BassHead]

i have the pw2200, and while i haven't heard the other subs mentioned here, it suited my 18x21 room with 2 story ceiling just fine - at 2/3 volume. i too listen to a lot of rap (and house) and that's why i liked the pw2200. now granted, it was 4 years ago, perhaps i would think differently if i heard them side-by-side now. another thing to consider - and not sure where you are located - but i bought my pw2200 from audio-video unlimited in vancouver, bc for around $650 shipped with the extended warranty. that's the other reason why i chose it

For $650 with a extended warranty for sure would be an open package or demo on a pw2200 unless its the old model.Would never be V2.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

For $650 with a extended warranty for sure would be an open package or demo on a pw2200 unless its the old model.Would never be V2.

It's the older model. They look quite different now. $650 shipped for the original version is still a great deal. That is one deep, heavy box.

 

[BassHead]

It's the older model. They look quite different now. $650 shipped for the original version is still a great deal. That is one deep, heavy box.

thats what i thought it would be the older model,The newer v2 is cleaner and tighter with a different amp,I think the best price i could get was $850 PW2200 V2 and $700 pw2100V2 both brand new sealed.But i still say the svs is built better !