Hertz so good -- Paradigm Signature SUB 25 subwoofer review
By Steven Kim 
posted Jun 9th 2009 11:22AM
posted Jun 9th 2009 11:22AM
Initial impressions
There's just no way to make a 23x18x20-inch box look small, but as you'd expect from a Paradigm Signature product, the fit and finish were superb. Good thing, too, because cranking out 20Hz (and lower) tones will quickly expose any mechanical flaws. The SUB 25 is sturdy and Paradigm even took efforts to make it handsome for what it is. The smooth curves on the side and top panels all blend seamlessly together and the milled aluminum back panel with its smoothly-operating switches will remind owners that they're living the good life.
The SUB 25 has continuous controls for basic sub adjustment -- level, phase and crossover frequency, and there's also a mini-USB port for automated tuning via Paradigm's Perfect Bass Kit software. As you might expect for a reference sub, there's both RCA and XLR connectivity, and eco-conscious folks will like the fact that the SUB 25 can be set to switch on by either auto-sensing signal or a 12V trigger. It's worth noting that power cycles are silent -- no scary thumps here!
Manual setup
If you're like us, getting a new toy like the SUB 25 just demands some initial playing around. Before we started proper setup, we schlepped it in place next to our reference sub, set the level at about 1/3, plugged it in and ran some music as a "smoke test." The Paradigm logo on the front lit up very faintly in blue and we got way too much bass. After backing the SUB 25's level down, we broke out our SPL meter and jumped into some test tones.
This sub dives deep.
Deeper than we could hear, in fact. Even at low volumes, stuff on our walls was rattling, the pets were running for cover, and our SPL meter told us something was a-going on. So yeah, the SUB 25 does at least 17Hz, but we didn't hear it in our ears.
Having a subwoofer that is separate from your primary speakers is advantageous for two reasons, really. First, producing really deep bass requires either a lot of power or a lot of volume, neither of which you probably want to saddle your L/R speakers with. Second, being able to position your subwoofer independently from your mains allows you to optimize the bass response in your room. Especially at low frequencies, the room has a dramatic effect on sound quality -- ever notice how you hear more bass when you're standing next to a wall than in the middle of the room? Before setting loose any electronic/signal processing magic on your sub, it's best to try and simply find the best place to put it in your room. You can search the web for various subwoofer placement practices -- even if your choices for sub placement are limited, use one (we're partial to the "crawl for bass" approach).
Some people just have a knack for setting speakers up. For the rest of us, there's room analyzer software (we used Room EQ Wizard) to help. We spent a good amount of time listening to test tones and looking at the resulting graphs to dial in the SUB 25 level, phase and crossover controls, and ended up with a pretty smooth transition from our main speakers to the SUB 25. We should mention that we're not big fans of rear-panel controls, and the SUB 25's are no exception. Tuning the sub involves reaching behind, twiddling a knob, and then assessing the change. It's a minor gripe, especially since most users only do the setup once, but it's a lot of back and forth that's made worse by the fact that it's hard to see the knob settings since they're around back. Remote controllable knobs or a separate knob control panel (maybe even use that USB connection) would make setup so much easier.
The Perfect Bass Kit
Paradigm was kind enough to send along the $300 Perfect Bass Kit (PBK-1). If you're going to cough up $4,000 for a SUB 25 and you don't have some other form of room correction in your system, we'd suggest you get with the times and pick up the $300 PBK-1 as well. It's unlikely that an AV enthusiast considering the SUB 25 won't have some room correction in their receiver/processor, but we suspect that dynamic shifts significantly when music-only shoppers get involved.
The PBK-1 includes a mic stand, calibrated USB microphone and software (Windows only) that borrows room correction technology from Anthem, a sister company of Paradigm. Plug the SUB 25 into one USB port of your computer, the calibrated mic into another, and fire up the software. Then you can take from 5-10 sweep measurements from around the room and the calculated room corrections are sent to the SUB 25.
This approach is interesting for a few reasons. Because the SUB 25 only accepts an analog input signal, it must be digitized before the PBK-1's EQ/filtering can work its magic. The tin-foil hat crowd might not like the idea of one more analog to digital roundtrip, but we're just talking about the subwoofer signal, here. Another concern might be any additional delay induced by the roundtrip. Again, sub effects are much more forgiving of any delay than, say, the dialog channel, and Paradigm uses IIR (infinite impulse response) filters which have less latency than FIR (finite impulse response). Finally, the PBK-1 only deals with modifying the SUB 25's signal -- there's no highpass breakout on the SUB 25 to send filtered audio back to your main channels. In other words, the $300 PBK-1 won't give you the full-range room EQ that the Anthem Room Correction software in conjunction with a Anthem processor will.
Tin-foil hats notwithstanding, in the real world the PBK-1 delivered as promised. The measured responses that we got after the PBK-1 treatment were smoother than our manually-tuned results. Particularly, dips and peaks at around 30, 55 and 90Hz were much smoother. A narrow 90Hz crater that we have in our room was still present, but much better after using the PBK-1. Most importantly, things sounded slightly clearer after room correction with the PBK-1.
Listening
Finally, we were ready for serious auditioning. We expected a lot from the SUB 25 -- it is perched at the top of Paradigm's subwoofer food chain, after all. We're happy to report that after getting the setup dialed in, the SUB 25 did not disappoint. For perspective, our personal subwoofer also features a 15-inch driver in a big sealed cabinet, and it moves 20Hz waves across our living room. So we know what deep bass sounds like, and the Paradigm never once made us feel like we had taken a step backwards in performance.
On music-only content, we really prefer the subwoofer to be almost invisible. Subwoofers that are boomy or have a strong peak (like less well-designed ported models) in their response tend to stick out and emphasize certain instruments. The SUB 25 did not show these kind of flaws -- the bass response was tight, quick and punchy when necessary (bass drums, for example), but also able to give plenty of "purr" to instruments like plucked stand-up bass. Of course, if you want to give your living room a little more of a club feel, just dial up the SUB 25's level and break out the glowsticks -- it'll do a fine job of that, too.
But we imagine most of you are here for HT content -- you know, explosions and other manly fare! Don't fret -- the SUB 25 will do your soundtracks justice, too. Listening to the "Ice Field" scene from Titan AE is always good for a subwoofer workout, and the SUB 25 made us appreciate how wonderfully ridiculous this hobby is. But besides obvious show-off material, we really appreciated the effortless kind of bass the SUB 25 turned out in less over-the-top circumstances. There's surprisingly deep bass tucked away in sections of "The Incredibles," for example, that really does add a lot to the overall feeling of certain scenes. "Dark City" has bass effects that -- when not in your face -- do add to an ominous feeling that is different from the typical "shock and awe" demo material.
Summary
Okay, so it's no surprise that the SUB 25 can deliver the goods. Honestly, we'd expect nothing less from a Paradigm Signature product. For most setups, this is way more subwoofer than is needed, even if you stick to vanilla 120V, 15A service and the included NEMA 6-15 plug (250V, 15A) stays in the box. The SUB 25 starts and stops on a dime, and delivers all the small Hertz in your music and soundtracks with no apologies. Think of it as a ninja bodyguard packed full of bass -- you won't even know it's there until it's called upon, and then things get done with quick, effortless precision before it disappears again. Honestly, that's about the highest praise we can lay on a sub.
At $4,000, however, it is very expensive. No doubt, that money has gone into first rate fit and finish, solid engineering, and yes, a name that's trusted and (relatively) well known. Purchasers of Paradigm gear know that it's backed by a company that will be around for the long haul for service and support. Let's be honest, even if you don't know anyone who can afford a SUB 25, it's obvious that they're out there. In the crazy world of audio gear, the SUB 25 is definitely high-end, but not exotic expensive -- in other words, familiar territory for Paradigm's Signature speakers. This is the most expensive sub Paradigm makes, and products that carry a "statement" label have a few roles to fill; not all of them have to do strictly with performance. Considering that the SUB 25 can probably run with the best subs out there -- we haven't listened to them all -- $4,000 feels about right for this kind of luxury level product. Not many will buy it, but those that do are willing to put some price on the fact that all their gear is Paradigm, and they can rest assured that it's the best sub Paradigm knows how to make.
For the rest of us, there's probably a better value proposition right within the Paradigm lineup -- a pair of SUB 12s. Taming those pesky room response problems is way easier with two subs, and we imagine most folks can live with the SUB 12's response of "only" 16Hz. If you're willing to look outside the Paradigm brand, then your options open up even more.
Sounds like an impressive beast, it's not every day you hear a subwoofer referred to as, "...a ninja bodyguard."
Im a huge fan of Paradigm, but when it comes to Subs, I went with SVS. The PB13 Ultra is a beast and i paid about 1500 for it. It would be interesting to see how it compares to this. Im guessing it could hold its own....
Those cylinder subs are utterly insane. I have a _low-end_ one, and it just totally owns the room when there are explosions.
I once had a Sunfire Super Junior sub (which is about a quarter the price of this beast) but even then the sound was well, ridiculous. You could literally shake things at your neighbors house.
And I know I know, it's not all about shaking things. But it sure as hell is a good way to gauge a bad ass sub vs a mediocre one that is just big.
Steve, you are just as bad as Drawbaugh with the dust. Why oh why do you guys have girl friends and wives?!? Put them to use man!
Anyway;
Wouldn't it be better to get two - three smaller and less power hungry subs to sorta even out the bass in a room?
Even though this is a very potent sub, you still have to worry about speaker placement to find the sweat spot. with Multiple subs you will have of an issue finding a sweat spot.
http://www.axiomaudio.com/ep400.html
I don't know about anyone else, but MY "sweat" spots are in my armpits.
LOL... that's why I should not be doing this thing at work.. Trying to type fast so the boss won't see what I'm doing = stupid mistakes.
For the first time, JL Audio has a competition for the best subwoofer in the world!
I have JL Fathom F112 and it's awesome!
I would love to see this thing and F113 compared since they are about the same price range.
The title for the best subwoofer under $5000 goes to....
May the better sub win! Perhaps it's a tie!
You ain't heard SVS, Epik or eD subs my friend. JL and Paradigms are this uppity boutique brands or uppity boutique people - no offense.
that should be :"for uppity boutique people"
I am not sure I would say that Paradigms are an uppity brand. When I think of uppity brands, I think of stuff like Martin Logan, B&W (can't say I wouldn't mind their 800 series, just don't want to pay for it) or Bose (for some reason), stuff that seems more about the status quo for people then just good speakers. All my friends that aren't into home theater have never heard of Paradigm.
Paradigm seems like a real down to earth company with a lot of value to their products. In the speaker creation process, they do almost everything in house, including making their own speakers and a lot of the other electronic parts. This helps drive down costs, but also allows for them to control quality a little more. The only way they could drive down their speaker costs would for them to go to direct internet sales. They also have a wide range of products, from what I would call affordable in the entry level to some pretty high end stuff in their signature line.
Speakers are the most important part of your audio system and should consume most of the cost of your budget. They are what will most affect your sound quality. While there are some over priced speaker companies out there, like Bose, they are not a value you for what you get, I think most speaker companies are and the old adage of you get what you pay for, really apply.
Zargon: Completely agree with you here. The bottom line is that the move to HT and away from the dedicated stereo model has forced a lot of audio companies to move into more affordable price brackets -- even B&W and ML you mentioned have stuff at lower prices these days. Paradigm Signature is pricey, but like I said in the review, not stratospheric; and they've got stuff covered down to much lower price points. Just because a Paradigm Cinema system costs more than a HTIB you can find at Best Buy doesn't mean it's not worth the trouble to find a place to audition a Paradigm setup. And don't forget the fact that if you start out with Paradigm, you've got a whole lineup to support your upgrades through the years. Onkyo makes a good HTIB, but if you upgrade pieces of it at a time, you're hard-pressed to stay with the brand (read: voicing).
It'd be interesting to see what an internet-direct Paradigm would be like. I imagine it might be something like Axiom or Aperion. Also remember that Paradigm came up during the heyday of hi-fi. While "heritage" and "legacy" might not be significant to current-day performance, the research/engineering facilities that Paradigm built up during the hi-fi days serve it well today. I think a modern internet-direct startup would be hard pressed to access those kind of facilities.
Perhaps even more than displays, speakers are a component where you've got to trust your own senses. But to my ears, Paradigm is worth the money.
I personally love Paradigm products and wouldn't classify them as boutique either. I think overall they are one of the best values for speakers. Their studio series is one of the best values around, IMO. But for some reason their subs are too expensive. There are better values to be had, and possibly better performance, from the subs kevon27 mentioned.
I agree with all of you guys. Paradigm is FAR from being an "uppity" brand.
For example:
Wilson Audio XS Sub $17,000
Krell Master Reference Sub $28,000
JL Labs do make one high end model called Gotham at $12,000 though.
I bought my JL Labs Fathom F112 for $1750 slightly used. Oh man, is it worth it! :)
Is that 3,000 watts PEAK power or RMS?
From Paradigm's website:
7500 watts Dynamic Peak / 3000 watts RMS Sustained
Real companies don't report peak. RMS is far more important. As far as watts go, that is - which in-and-of-themselves, really aren't all that important either.
Steve, don't return that Paradigm sub just yet. How about doing a comparison review with the
Sub 25 against these:
http://www.epiksubwoofers.com/portedconquest.html
http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-pb13ultra.cfm
http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-cyl-pcultra_new.cfm
What a comedy show Kevon....superior performance means we're uppity boutique while you want us to compare Paradigm with three cheap subwoofers...I know you'd like us to join you in your boutique in the slums with your low life friends,...but some of us like to better ourselves and get out of your low life boutique you admire so much,....and Mr Moore,...real companies don't list peak power and the watts aren't that important either,...you must work for Bose,...because they don't think we should know how bad their specs are,...and the real reason their speakers are the worst except in certain circles where people think bad sound is nice...peak power is very important for low frequency reproduction to make sure during extended bass performance their is no clipping of the amplifier to damage the driver and have very clean bass performance at all times....I still cannot believe this Bose mentality still exists in the 21st century,...when you know what you're talking about instead of giving your uneducated opinion about things you're clueless about,...you're wouldn't make such rediculous remarks to completely discredit yourself....but I'm sure Dr Amar Bose will back you up,...he came up with rear drivers with a Direct/Reflection of his brains in the toilet...Patent/Pending....so remove your suppositories and let your brains breath...tootles...
http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_41&products_id=606
and this monster
http://www.edesignaudio.com/index.php?cPath=2_119
Lets see if this $4000 boutique sub can compare.
meaning the Paradigm sub.
How does the Paradigm compare to your own sub Steve?
Steve:
Back in the days when Paradigm was a start-up, they had access to the labs at the National Resource Council in Canada. I got the impression that any company would be hard-pressed to find such access in any other country besides Canada. That was where the did most of their research in the early days until they were finally able to afford to build a lab of their own. IMHO, this gave Paradigm an advantage.
IMHO, Paradigm's engineers know what they are doing, too. I am biased, of course, since my first HT setup consisted of Paradigm Monitor series speakers with a Server-15 MK I when it first came out.
Speaking from experience with the Servo-15, it, too, was a sub that is easily controlled so that it sounds musical, yet makes movies like Godzilla 2000 a completely different experience.
As to price, when I bought the Servo-15, it was $1,500, and IMHO, it was well worth it. Since I am fortunate enough to have a good job these days, $4,000 for the Sub-25 is something that I would consider, however, when I upgrade in the next year or two, I'll probably go with the Sub-15.
I am troubled by the high prices of some of the other brands. As I see it, I am willing to bet that the Sub-25 would easily compete in a blind test with any of the stratospherically priced subs out there because, as I see it, it all comes down to engineering. Though Paradigm makes their own parts, parts are parts. So, assuming every manufacturer has access to the best quality in terms of parts, the cost of those parts is relatively equal. Thus, IMHO, brand x's 6-digit priced sub is unlikely to have significantly better parts than brand y's 5-digit priced sub. Many manufacturers out there price thing at the points that they do because they can even though they build in a lot of bling. I don't think Paradigm has much bling in their products; however, I do think that they have high-quality R&D and engineering and that is, to me, where Paradigm has an edge.
As well, there is a scientifically proven psychological effect of price on perceived quality. I recently read a study on wine. If people were told ahead of time that a $10 bottle of wine really costs $100, and they were also told that a $100 bottle of wine cost $10, they rated the real $10 wine as tasting better than the real $100 wine.
IMHO, the image of companies like B&O and Krell go a long way in why people pay high prices to own their equipment. I'm willing to bet that if someone did a test similar to the wine test and asked people to rate equipment in a blind comparison, even audiophiles would be hard pressed to find differences between flagship lines from most manufacturers.
Paradigm, on the other hand, seems to be interested in delivering a high-quality product without taking people to the cleaners.
Then again, I think it is time to don my flame suit. LOL!!
Yes, Paradigm and a handful of other companies took advantage of Canada's NRC facilities back in the day; interestingly on the internet-direct angle, so did Axiom. There's certainly a group of Canadian speaker companies that all turn out great products! I am sure that a good part of the pricing scheme on Paradigm's Signature gear is about marketing; as the top of the line, Sig speakers have to legitimize Paradigm's placement among the "big boys" in speakers. It's definitely better than the Studio lineup, but you are paying more per unit of extra performance. For some people -- sound like you and me, included -- that extra performance is worth it (my previous speakers were Signature 100s).
@Steven Kim
Great review. I'm no audiophile but I like reading about stuff I can't afford. I'm surprised that Paradigm wouldn't put a remote control on this sub. Seems crazy to offer a $300 perfect base kit and no easy way to adjust the sub controls.
Thanks for mentioning that Room EQ software, never heard of it before. Sounds interesting.
My beautiful Chinese girlfriend and I really enjoy my uppity Home Theater,...the best Paradigm speakers and Anthem's best processor...we're not afraid to spend a little bit of money and not make excuses for bad performance...but I'm sure your little comments on this site are good enough for your girlfriend for your bad performance....just can't get it uppity anymore can we.....but like Matthew says...parts are parts....but some of us have parts that work alot better than others....and believe me I don't mind being uppity.....