PerfectBassKit
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Paradigm SUB 1 and SUB 2 subwoofers -- six drivers on three sides for buzz-free bass
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.
Hertz so good -- Paradigm Signature SUB 25 subwoofer review
We've had Paradigm's top-end Signature SUB 25 in our room for quite a while now, but trust us, coming to grips with how this beast performs has been truly challenging. Obviously, it goes really low, really loud -- the combination of a 15-inch front-mounted driver, an amp capable of cranking out 3,000-Watts (if your electrical service is up to snuff), and Paradigm's design and engineering chops pretty much guarantees that much. But after the novelty of cranking up the bass and making everything in the room rattle wears off, you've got to integrate the bass with the rest of your system. How well a sub can pull off this disappearing act is the true test of its worth. Read on to find out how well Paradigm's big dog pulled off this stunt.
Paradigm's Signature SUB 25 maximizes the fun-per-volt
The use of Class-D amplification in subwoofers is nothing new, but Paradigm's new Signature SUB 25 makes use of Power Factor Correction on the supply to grab the most power possible out of mains voltages between 108- and 265-Volts, yielding amplifier performance that can steadily crank out 3,000-Watts (and 7,500-Watt peaks). Put all that power behind a 15-inch driver with 3-inches of travel and you've got a formidable low frequency generator that will definitely expose any room nodes (or loose fillings) you have. And that's just where the Paradigm Perfect Bass Kit (PBK-1) room correction system comes in, using tech from the Anthem ARC-1 to help you tune those problems away. Expect the SUB 25 and PBK-1 in late Q3 for $3999 and $299, respectively.
