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Paradigm SUB 1 and SUB 2 subwoofers -- six drivers on three sides for buzz-free bass

Steven Kim
Updated ·4 min read

Paradigm doesn't move models in and out of its Reference Signature lineup very often, and the SUB 25 was introduced less than a year ago. Progress never stops, though, and the SUB 25 has been displaced as top dog by the SUB 2 and its "little" brother SUB 1. These new designs feature six drivers (10-inches in the SUB 2, 8-inches for the SUB 1) arranged in three radially symmetric stacked pairs -- the end result being a lot of effective radiating area with in-cabinet forces that balance each other out. In the real world, that means more boom and less buzz, especially with the kilowatt range Class D amps Paradigm includes in these subs. Yeah, we want one too, but even with just six drivers this isn't going to come cheap. The $3,500 price tag on the SUB 1 is comparable to the outgoing SUB 25, but the SUB 2 will sink your wallet to a $7,500 crush depth. Pick yourself up off the floor and read the full release after the break if you're interested.


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October 1, 2009 – Paradigm Electronics Inc., an international leader in speaker design and manufacturing, introduces the Reference Signature SUB 1 and SUB 2 as the flagship models in its growing line of high-performance, smart subwoofers. The SUB 1 and SUB 2 models are more powerful than any other Paradigm speaker to date; they are completely unique both in their internal elements and aesthetic qualities; and they represent the best in audio bass technology and highest performance characteristics in the subwoofer category.

The SUB 1 and SUB 2 cabinets offer virtually no shaking despite moving vast amounts of energy via the drivers and 3000W "Kilomax" amplifier platform which is capable of 4500W when connected to a 208V or 240V line. The SUB 1's six high-excursion, low-distortion 8-inch (10-inch for SUB 2) woofers are arranged in stacked pairs and geometrically aligned so the resultant force vectors, producing up to 7,500 watts of dynamic peak power, cancel each other out. Even a full glass of water placed atop the SUB 1 or SUB 2 will barely ripple. This radial alignment concept is successful because the pressure waves inside the cabinet generated by each driver as the cone and voice coil move in and out are effectively cancelled, leaving a silent and distortion-free cabinet.

Another benefit to the new models' woofer design is their compactness. In the SUB 2, six 10-inch drivers move as much air as a pair of 15-inch or a single 21-inch woofer in a smaller, more compact form factor. Handsome finishes and eye-catching but not overbearing design elements support the ability of these subwoofers to be hidden in plain sight. With the added flexibility conferred by Paradigm's Perfect Bass Kit (PBK) room correction, staggering performance is assured in just about any listening area.

Advanced scientific features such as AC line voltage detection, power consumption monitoring, and a universal power supply on the SUB 1 and SUB 2 ensure that the subwoofers are fed a diet of clean, unadulterated energy.

SPECIFICATIONS
Paradigm Reference Signature SUB 1
Design

  • Six high-excursion eight-inch drivers, patented built-in Ultra-Class-D™ power amplifier, USB port, sealed enclosure

Amplifier

  • 3,400 watts Dynamic Peak/1,700 watts RMS Sustained

  • Auto-On/Off, Trigger-On/Off, soft clipping, thermal protection, electrical shorting protection

Bass Drivers

  • 38-mm (1.5-inch) four-layer voice coil, high-temperature composite former, 4.7-lb. (2.1 kg) ceramic/ferrite magnet / motor structure

  • Oversize FEA-optimized Pleated LCS™ Linear Corrugated surround

  • AVS™ die-cast heatsink chassis, 203-mm (eight-inch) RCR™ mineral-filled co-polymer polypropylene cone


Paradigm Reference Signature SUB 2
Design

  • Six high-excursion 10-inch drivers, USB port, patented built-in Ultra-Class-D™ power isolation amplifier with Power Factor Correction, sealed enclosure

Amplifier

  • 120V - 50/60Hz (20amp dedicated circuit recommended): 7,500 watts Dynamic Peak/3,000 watts RMS Sustained

  • 208V/240V - 50/60Hz (30amp dedicated circuit recommended): 9,000 watts Dynamic Peak /4,500 watts RMS Sustained

  • Auto-On/Off, Trigger-On/Off, soft clipping, thermal protection, electrical shorting protection

Bass Drivers

  • 76-mm (three-inch) 10-layer voice coil, high-temperature composite former, 12.6-lb. (5.7 kg) triple ceramic/ferrite magnet / motor structure

  • Oversize FEA-optimized elliptical surround

  • AVS™ die-cast heatsink chassis, 254-mm (10-inch) RCR™ mineral-filled co-polymer polypropylene cone, dual spiders


The SUB 1 has an estimated US FMV of $3,499 including PBK, and SUB 2 has an estimated US FMV of $7,499 including PBK. Both subwoofers will be shipping by the end of October 2009.