Paradigm Signature Sub 1 Review & Comments

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<img src="http://news.images.static-avforums.com/20100611183634.jpg" align="right" width="100" height="120">Reviewed by Russell Williams, 11th June 2010.
Reference Status. There, I said it. You can't mark it down for being hard to move because so is my wife and I still keep her about. Like the wife, in just about every other respect, it's just so damn easy to live with. Whereas other subs may have you fiddling about with separate movie and music settings to bypass their deficiencies, you just plug the Sub 1 in, tune it once, put the microphones away and sit grinning like a nun who's found the soap; for hours on end.
Read the full review...
 
Fantastic review Russell. As someone who has the opportunity to play about with this sub every day at work I can't disagree with any of your points. It really is a spectacular product, especially considering how small it is.

When are you going to review the Sub2 and Seismic 110?
 
Excellent review that, Russell. Nice turn of phrase. ;) by the sounds of it, I'll have to get a couple of Sub 2s for the AVForums home cinema. :eek:
 
Excellent review that, Russell. Nice turn of phrase. ;) by the sounds of it, I'll have to get a couple of Sub 2s for the AVForums home cinema. :eek:

Given that you were at the Bristol Show 2010 and exhibiting right next to the Sim2/Paradigm/Anthem room I am surprised you were not already aware of their capabilities and have not already ordered them. ;)
 
Brilliant review Russell, thankyou. I personally cant get over the fact that something of such generous dimensions can produce such thunderous and deep bass. I can see my current sub is sweating in the corner....
 
...I personally cant get over the fact that something of such generous dimensions can produce such thunderous and deep bass....
That was my point - I've heard small subs (and it isn't that big in the scheme of things) that claim a lot, but this was one that actually delivered beyond what you might expect even if you're cynical like me.

Russell
 
Excellent review that, Russell. Nice turn of phrase. ;) by the sounds of it, I'll have to get a couple of Sub 2s for the AVForums home cinema. :eek:
Or one Sub 2. Of course, I can't state that to be the case until I have one in my grubby mitts!;)

Russell
 
Given that you were at the Bristol Show 2010 and exhibiting right next to the Sim2/Paradigm/Anthem room I am surprised you were not already aware of their capabilities and have not already ordered them. ;)

mmm It's a shame I didn't have chance to look at any other stands - even the one next door. Besides which no system would be able to go loud enough for me to test properly at the Bristol Show ;)

Or one Sub 2. Of course, I can't state that to be the case until I have one in my grubby mitts!;)

Russell
Are you planning to get one for review?
 
Besides which no system would be able to go loud enough for me to test properly at the Bristol Show ;)

They were actually running the Anthem/Paradigm/Sim2 system at reference level for a lot of the demonstrations. How loud do you need to go to test a system properly? ;)
 
They were actually running the Anthem/Paradigm/Sim2 system at reference level for a lot of the demonstrations. How loud do you need to go to test a system properly? ;)

To be fair, a show floor, even a demo from Alan which is always first class, is not the place to demo such an item. I would even argue that a dealers dem room is also not a great place. You can't beat a home demo with a chance to set the thing up correctly for your room. I have to say I thought the Sub 2 at Bristol didn't sound that great in that room IMHO. However, I know not to judge anything on a show floor.
 
A home demo would be nice but where can you actually buy one of these. ?

I have only found one dealer and that is in Edinburgh for instore only.
 
So this is the baby brother of the the model tested in the latest Home Cinema Choice mag? The price of that one is an eye watering ÂŁ7,250.

It does get a "reference" review mind.


The Sub 2 is indeed the beast that was reviewed. 233lbs in weight apparently and over 4000 watts. Structural survey needed before turning this beauty up to 11.:D


I'd love to hear this in action.
 
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A home demo would be nice but where can you actually buy one of these. ?

I have only found one dealer and that is in Edinburgh for instore only.

We are down your way on a pretty regular basis. If you would like to discuss the possibility of a home demonstration then please feel free to give us a call.

Regards,

Chris.
 
So this is the baby brother of the the model tested in the latest Home Cinema Choice mag? The price of that one is an eye watering ÂŁ7,250.

Yes it is, however it retails at ÂŁ6,999.00.

Regards,

Chris.
 
Cool, cheers Chris.



There's a vid on You Tube showing a test of this behemoth.
 
mmm It's a shame I didn't have chance to look at any other stands - even the one next door. Besides which no system would be able to go loud enough for me to test properly at the Bristol Show ;)


Are you planning to get one for review?
Sim2 have mooted a Sub 2 for the near future, although I may have to check back in with reality and review something a bit closer to planet earth in the mean time! At a 105kg, it may have to wait until my hernia op has healed itself anyway - Im not aloud to lift much more than a cup of coffe for the next two weeks.:(

BTW, can you have a word with your man Hinton? I've just noticed the the sub-title to the review. Rotten sod. I know where he lives y'know!:D

Russell
 
So this is the baby brother of the the model tested in the latest Home Cinema Choice mag?
When you say tested, you mean they sat in on a demo.;)

Russell
 
Sub2 and Seismic 110?
See above for the former, but the latter has been promised. Exciting though the Signatures are, the Seismic is a lot closer to the reality that people buy in serious numbers - Without the Seismics of this world, there are no Signatures, so I'm actually looking forward to having a crack at the little spud.

Mind you, I can't lift that either.:(

Russell
 
When you say tested, you mean they sat in on a demo.;)

Russell




You know what, you're right.:eek:

Quoted from the mag.

"Paradigm's public demos were impressive, and allowed me to feel the taut accuracy of the bass and appreciate the room correction system from fellow Canadians Anthem. When lunchtime came I was allowed to play about with it myself."

He does state he tried to find it's weakness with a bass heavy cd but couldn't. :D

Can't really call it a review then, even though the mag states it as such.
 
Looking at the Sub 2 specs...4500 watts RMS.
What is the maximum a 13 amp power socket will provide.

IIRC P=VI

240 x 13 =3120 watts

So will a Sub 2 cause a socket or ringman to overheat?
 
I'll ask about that, but it's worth noting that 120v countries are quoted a lower continuous power. Finally, we have one over on the Americans when it comes to subwooferdom.

FWIW, some of the larger Anthem power amps, from what is effectively the same stable, utilize two power cables. I don't know this to be the case with the Sub 2.

Russell
 
Thanks for that my wife has told me to buy one so I have to make sure I dont need a dedicated spur from the fuse box which adds to the hassle and cost.

I suppose it has to be cranked up to full to pull that amount of power but if its capable of it then it can happen so I need to be on the safe side.
 
Hi Russell,

did you ask the question regarding the power requirements for the sub2? If not I will send them an email.

thanks
 
So when do your 2 arrive Russ?

I mean, a real man needs 2 subs....
 
Readers attention is drawn to the post conclusion addendum added on 28/10/10 with respect to the increased RRP.

Russell
 

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