Paradigm Monitor SUB 12 Preview

Paradigm, one of the most loved names in home theater, has introduced three new subwoofers to their line-up. The Monitor SUB 8, SUB 10, and SUB 12. The number, of course, corresponds with the size of the driver. The specs and all the specifics (including the amps) are nearly identical, excepting low frequency extension, so we are going to focus on the largest of the group, the SUB 12 in this preview. You can find information on the others on the Paradigm website listed below.

The Monitor line of subs have been designed with two things in mind: compact footprint and uncompromising bass output and extension. This means that they are trying to get the most performance they can out of their driver in the smallest box possible. We think these are fairly admirable goals and should garner them a lot of buyers if they succeed. Given their track record, we expect them to.

The SUB 12 inhabits a small 15-1/8" by 13" by 14-1/2" box. While not the tiniest enclosure we've seen, it certainly is small based on the size of the driver. The 12" woofer features a carbon-loaded polypropylene cone,  a non-limiting corrugated "Santoprene" surround, a 2", 4-layer copper-clad aluminum voice coil, 2 Nomex spiders, a 6.5 lb ferrite magnet, and an AVS die-cast heatsink chassis. As the picture above clearly demonstrates, the driver takes up nearly all of the front baffle and the Santoprene surround has a unique ribbed (for your listening pleasure) texture which allows for a full 1.5 inches of excursion on the SUB 12 (slightly less on the others).

Paradigm is touting their 900 watt Class D amp in the SUB 12, though that is dynamic power. Continuous power is rated at 300 watts. From the cutout pic, we see that the enclosure is well dampened with polyfil and looks to have a very thick wall, including a double-thick baffle. In such a small box, it isn't surprising not to see an internal cross brace (there's almost no room), but corner bracing is also effective at this size.

The Paradigm SUB 12 has a DIN low point of 16Hz. DIN is an in-room (calculated) estimation of the anechoic response of a sub. Regardless, it seems apparent that Paradigm designed this sub for a truly tactile experience. At less than a grand, sub-20Hz frequency response would be very impressive but it remains to be seen if their sub 20Hz spec is at meaningful output levels. Paradigm has also built in compatibility with their PT-2 Wireless Transmitter for easy placement ($149) and their Perfect Bass Kit ($99) for active room correction. 

Glancing at the back of the SUB 12, you'll find volume, phase, and crossover knobs. The USB port is used for the Perfect Bass Kit and the PT-2 Wireless Transmitter (obviously, not at the same time). While there are RCA inputs, we were surprised that Paradigm didn't include speaker level inputs. This means they are expecting this system to be used with the crossover of an A/V receiver and not with satellite speakers running "through" an internal crossover. We were also disappointed that only a black ash finish is available (since they didn't specify, we're guessing it is a vinyl wrap). But is it really does reach down to 16Hz, all will be forgiven. Just as soon as we put the pictures back on the wall.

Conclusion

The new Monitor SUBs from Paradigm, headed up by the SUB 12, look to provide impressive performance for the money. For $999 you can get the 12" SUB 12 with a 16Hz low point. For $849 you can get the 10" SUB 10 with a low point of 17Hz or for $699 the SUB 8 with a 19Hz low point. All of these sound like great values. You'll have to give up speaker level inputs and custom finishes but, and we reiterate, UNDER 20HZ performance! That's an incredible value for the money. We can't wait to get one of these on our test bench to verify their performance claims. If they are true, and the subs are linear, we could be looking at the next big bang-for-buck sub.

For more information, please visit www.paradigm.com.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.