As the curtain descends on Servo-15 after its long and phenomenally successful run, two new powerhouse Reference subs move to center stage: SUB 12 and SUB 15.
Paradigm Electronics Inc., an international leader in speaker design and manufacturing, proudly introduces its Reference SUB 12 and SUB 15. Natural evolutions in Paradigm’s lineup of award-winning subwoofers, these new models benefit from the company’s years of research into the mechanics of producing louder, lower-frequency, lower-distortion bass. In fact, those three “Ls” are the driving force behind Paradigm’s ongoing commitment to refine and improve subwoofer performance with each new generation.
Although Paradigm’s popular and successful Servo-15 subwoofer is now officially “retired” (as is the earth-shaking Seismic 12), the company has achieved servo-level performance even without the servo; as a result, the SUB 12 and SUB 15 possess higher playing ceilings and so much more. The new models’ unique amplifier/driver configurations allow them to play “louder and lower” than any other subwoofers in their price range, and they still cost less! And unlike many designs on the market, not a hint of low-frequency extension or output was sacrificed to keep their size compatible with today’s living spaces.
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| Paradigm SUB 12 | Paradigm SUB 15 |
The new models’ proprietary, state-of-the-arthigh excursion bass drivers, first seen in the Signature SUB 25, were designed, engineered and manufactured by Paradigm in North America. The 12-inch driver in the SUB 12 and the 15-inch driver in the SUB 15 each include mineral-filled co-polymer polypropylene cones with RCR™ Resonance Control Ribs, powerful dual voice-coil designs (three-inch high-temperature aluminum voice coils and dual oversized spiders), multi-layer polyurethane-composite elliptical-shaped surrounds, large aluminum shorting rings situated around the voice coils, proprietary AVS™ Airflow Ventilation System cooling and large 35-lb FEA-optimized magnet assemblies.
Dual Ultra-Class-D™ Amplifiers deliver a small form factor that nevertheless generates big power. Designed, engineered and manufactured in North America, both amplifiers are housed inside a single cabinet. Each amp is attached to the side of a unique “T-shape” aluminum center extrusion, FEA-optimized for exceptional heat dissipation, which means less heat, more power, and no noise. The amps deliver 3,400 watts Dynamic Peak Power and 1,700 watts RMS Sustained Power (850 watts each amplifier).
Other features of the amps include switched mode power supplies, low-noise, high-power transformers, the highest-quality MOSFET transistors, noise suppression networks, advanced control circuits, full-bridge Ultra-Class-D design output stage, precision components and dual-sided military spec (FR-4 rated) glass/epoxy circuit boards, and advanced short-circuit protection. Their Paradigm-designed Digital Signal Processing means sophisticated mathematical algorithms “shape” frequency response to ensure accurate, consistent and musical bass performance.
Input and control facilities include low-level inputs (RCA and Balanced XLR), auto on/off and trigger on/off, subwoofer cut-off with bypass option, subwoofer level control, phase alignment, and a USB Port for future upgrades and for use with the optional Paradigm Perfect Bass Kit (PBK-1), which compensates for a room’s negative sonic effects on a subwoofer’s performance.
Low frequency extension in the SUB 15 is 12 Hz. In the SUB 12, it is 16 Hz.
The SUB 12 retails for $1,999 and the SUB 15 retails for $2,799. Both are now shipping with the full line of Paradigm Reference Studio Series v.5 speakers.
