The
Paradigm Signature
SUB 25 looked small enough in the back of the freight truck, but by the time it was at our front door, all 150-pounds of it seemed appropriately intimidating. If you're fortunate enough to have one of these $4,000 beasts delivered to you, we recommend you get a friend to help with setup. All the better if that friend happens to be an electrician -- have them install 15A, 250V service to the living room so you can make use of that other power cord and test out the
3,000-Watt amplifier spec. The SUB 25 is menacingly handsome in glossy black and built like a tank; unfortunately, the grille is also fixed, so no pics of the 15-inch driver. Around back are RCA and XLR inputs and adjustment controls, but we'd recommend you spring an extra $300 for the Perfect Bass Kit and automatically get your SUB 25 dialed in via its USB port. Even though it's nowhere near cheap, that doesn't mean the SUB 25 can't present value to well-heeled bassheads, and we'll try to suss that out over the coming weeks. Feel free to peruse the photos after the break while we grab some ibuprofen for our aching backs and alert the neighbors (not necessarily in that order).
posted Apr 11th 2009 2:17PM
I would like to see how this sub compares to the JL audio Fathom f113 sub
These 2 subs are on my short list for my home theater.
I know the grill is technically not removable...can you guys remove it for us and take pictures of the woofer?
Me gusta
That thing is worth more than my car, and almost as big.
Save your money and get this great 15" subwoofer:
av123 MFW-15
http://www.av123.com//index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=265&category_id=9&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=37&vmcchk=1&Itemid=37
Not even close!!
That is 1/10 the sub at 1/5 the price!
That MFW-15 is a fantastic subwoofer - it is much more than 1/10th of a SUB25. Is it a $4,000 subwoofer? Of course not, but there are many subs out there that will lay waste to that SUB25 for 1/2 the price.
The MFW-15 is also have huge issues with amps failing on it, and they've had to redesign the amp and they don't know when it will ship. My friend has a pair, and they're great, but I'd wait to see how the new amps are before ordering one, and you'd have no idea when it will ship.
Stay away from ALL AV123 products until it is determined whether or not they will still be in business.
Holy crap that is a lot of money for just bass.
I have the (many generations) previous version of this - and it's amazing! So much impact when required but subtle as well.
I just don't understand KIM. This guy seems to only love these super expensive (rich people only) stuff.
Dude, come on, review the stuff people can really afford. TSC t250 ($250) and t300($350) Subs.
We ain't all rich like you bub.
Great plug for thespeakercompany.com - they make excellent products that are very reasonably priced.
SVS is the answer
http://www.svsound.com/index.cfm
They have subs to cover about every price range and they produce incredible bass output. I don't think I've ever read about someone with an SVS who was disappointed... other than those that wish they could afford 2!
TheSVS PB13 Ultra is an extremely potent sub and should give the SUB25 a real run for its money. If you have the room, 2 Ultras would still be $1,000 less than the SUB25 and give you much more even coverage if you located them in opposite corners (as a general matter), or an additional 6 decibel boost if you co-located them.
Internet direct brands have a lot of value offer.
I was sitting on the toilet and this revelation came to me (I have my best moments on the toilet for some reason).
Most reviews Steve Kim does are FAKE!!! Well sorta.
See, he does these reviews of High End audio stuff not because he is doing it "for the Engadget HD readers". He has to submit a review if he asked companies like Paradigm and Theil for a review piece and they actually send him something.
I think his main goal is to use the review product for His own personal pleasure.
You think after the review, those subs are going back to Paradigm any time soon? You think he is going to disconnect the subs, re-box them as just leave them in a corner till he get a chance to send them off? Heck no. He is gonna use these things as long as he can (for free).
Look how long Drawbaugh takes to send review stuff back. Please, they are playing with these things like they bought them.
Think about it. Why would someone review a $4000 subwoofer on engadget HD aka (a Gizmodo copy cat). If this site was Sound and Vision, that sub review would have been appropriate. But not Ehd. 99% of EHD readers cannot afford such hardware, so reviewing it here is kinda a waste of time for the reader ,"but not the reviewer though :)"
Sorry, kevon27, I think you should have left those ideas in the bathroom.
If you look closely in picture 4, you'll see the sub I personally own already in the background -- a 15-inch ACI unit that does reach down to 20Hz -- so I don't need the Paradigm SUB 25. Also not shown in these photos is the fact that the THIEL SCS4s I reviewed a few months ago are not in the system; my primaries are speakers that I again, personally own.
I will admit that I try to review gear that I personally find interesting -- but that's because it makes for more interesting and better reviews. The only thing Engadget reviewers are guilty of is putting a high personal priority on gadgets. In my case, I put a high portion of my disposable income into audio equipment.
Based on the responses I've received, I think there are readers who are interested in high-end gear. Certainly, it's not for everyone -- but then again, what single gadget is?
Finally, I have reviewed less pricey stuff. I did reviews on the Paradigm Cinema system and a ZVOX soundbar, for example. And this week, I'm hoping to review a $500 HTIB system.
Wow...Kevon...It took me awhile to stop laughing,...so you know whats appropriate for a review...apparently Dr Amar Bose came up with his ingenious revelation in the same sitting position and found a Direct/Reflection of his brains in the water....and no lows and highs behold,..he came up with rear drivers....but only his proctologist knows for sure....Yeah there are good subwoofers in the cheaper range but some of us like to indulge in something that has real authority,..and Paradigm delivers....I love bass and I'm willing to pay for it....Kim wasn't fake when he found something personally interesting...and share it with us....but maybe you just need a good flush before you can think clearly...but we know you're not fake....if you can't afford it then the rest of us should not afford it either...right...especially when we know what end you talk out of....
Well.. its pretty safe to say that 99% of readers can't afford such hardware...but it is sort of fun to listen to such people and their brain-farts after they remove their suppositories...but it would be more clever if you'd say something more attonishing than a mere evacuation or just a jowell movement...but I'm not worried...you could never be a brain donor...its a facade...or a pagan ignorance of real intelligence...I mean your best thoughts are just a load of "Waste"....but you can carry your thoughts where ever you go...like so many...it just "Depends"...how long you want to wear them....
I lust after equipment like this. I have an SVS that literally rattles the windows and china so I'm not exactly hurting for quality bass by any means, but I'd still like to demo subs like this. Anyway, I really like Paradigm equipement, it always looks so nice. I'm currently looking to upgrade my HT speaker with Paradigms, just need to find a good deal.
Think you meant add 20 amp service, the two cords shown is one 15 amp and one 20 amp.
Sam -- can you tell me how to spot the difference between a NEMA 6-15 and 6-30 plug? I'm unfamiliar with either.
I stand corrected, they are both 15 amp cords, one is the standard 15 amp 120v (NEMA 5-15) the other 15 amp 250v (NEMA 6-15). I went to this site http://www.stayonline.com/reference-nema-straight-blade.aspx to find out more info. (Google NEMA 6-15)
Paradigm Rocks, I have the Towers, Huge Center & Bi Polar Rears which are Amazing, for the sub I have a SVS which Kicks A**
*SVS Subs are Awesome, I have mine turned 1/4 of the way up & it hits so hard, Sounds so Good, Definitely worth the Money.
I would also Love to hear this sub Rock, Which I'm sure it does!
Sorry, but this thing looks like it's either going to clean my shoes or make me some french fries.
Yeah...you are sorry all right...maybe you should just shop for Bose speakers...they're good for boat anchors..made by that proctologist with your Patent...a Direct/Reflection of your brains behind those suppositories...but if you're dum enough to spend 4000.00 dollars to get your shoes cleaned....heres your sign...
Why are you getting so defensive Greg? I was not referring to its sound quality which I'm sure is amazing! I haven't heard the sub yet so I cannot possibly comment on the sound. I was just looking at the picture and commenting purely on the design. No reason to get offensive.
Kalle -- I think maybe Gregory confused you with Kevon27. Either that, or Greg's having a rough Monday morning.
I just ordered one of the SUB 25s and a Signature C3 to complement my S4 v1s. I am not poor and am certainly by no means rich. I just spend a good chunk of my income on audio. Some people need to lighten up. This is a tech site for cripes sake. I was searching all over the net for a review and came across this site. So far, other than the porno sub pics and Greg's stellar sense of humour, there isn't anything worthwhile here. Keep it up man. Steven, I look forward to your follow up. Greg, write some more please.
Hugh weee...now I am jealous...I have two servo-15's from Paradigm and one signature 15 and they are terrific...I am planning on getting the new signature sub 25 to add to my main home theater room. I do spend a rediculous amount of my income on audio..I'm retired Air Force Special Forces recently...was in since 1977...and sent home six times from injuries so my commander says no more....so audio is my world..and of course picking on people...sometimes...and I work for westathome customer service in my house to keep up with my toys...though I do make my girlfriend buy her own batteries for hers...but I am intrigued by the porno sub pics...sounds like a sub I can get really get excited about....good pictures too...I think...I've been looking for reviews on this new Paradigm 25...but I don't think Paradigm has ever had a bad review...so I'm not worried..I also have the Anthem 50 and planning on getting the Anthem Statement D2...I hope you have insurance on your foundation....take care....