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Paradigm Signature Sub 25 Eliminates Power Conditioners

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Summary

  • Product Name: Signature Sub 25
  • Manufacturer: Paradigm
  • Review Date: January 06, 2009 15:10
  • MSRP: $3,999 + $299 for optional room correction system
  • First Impression: Pretty Cool
  • Design: USB port, patented built-in Ultra-Class-D™ power isolation amplifier with Power Factor Correction, single high-excursion driver, sealed enclosure
  • Amplifier: High-Current, Discrete Output (7500 watts Dynamic Peak / 3000 watts RMS Sustained)
  • Amplifier Design Features: Auto-On/Off, Trigger-On/Off, soft clipping, thermal protection, electrical shorting protection
  • Subwoofer Bass Driver(s) 76-mm (3 in) 8-layer bifilar voice coil, high-temperature composite former, 37-lb (16.8 kg) triple ceremic / ferrite magnet / motor structure, massive aluminum shorting ring, oversize FEA-optimized elliptical surround, AVS die-cast heatsink chassis, 380-mm (15 in) RCR mineral-filled co-polymer polypropylene cone, dual spiders
  • Low-Frequency Extension: 9 Hz (DIN)
  • Subwoofer Cut-Off Frequency: Variable 35 Hz - 150 Hz; Bypass option
  • Sub. / Sat. Phase Alignment: Variable 0 - 180 degrees
  • Line-Level Input: RCA (S/E) Left and Right or Sub-Out / LFE or Balanced XLR. From Sub-Out / LFE-Out of Preamp/Processor or other Line-Level Source
  • Line-Level Input Sensitivity: 100 mV Mono
  • Line-Level Input Impedance RCA: 10 k ohms; XLR: 20 k ohms;
  • Internal Volume: 65 L / 2.3 cu ft
  • Universal Input Power: SUB 25's Universal Input Power feature allows the subwoofer to operate connected to any line voltage between 108 volts and 265 volts. However, in order to achieve maximum continuous performance Paradigm highly recommends connecting to a 240-volt line.
  • AC Voltage: 240v - 50/60 Hz or 120v - 50/60 Hz (use on a dedicated circuit, 20-amp recommended)
  • Height, Width, Depth: 51.0 cm x 46.0 cm x 55.0 cm
  • 20-1/16 in x 18-1/8 in x 21-5/8 in
  • Weight (unpacked): 51.7 kg / 114 lb each
  • Finishes Cherry, Natural Maple, Piano Black

Paradigm Electronics Inc. has started shipping its most powerful and intelligent subwoofer ever: the Signature SUB 25. Recognizing that on-demand power is the essence of subwoofer performance, Paradigm has designed the SUB 25 to effectively harness and optimize AC line current for optimal performance.

All AC line voltages are not created equal, and some A/V equipment has more robust power demands than others. Paradigm has equipped the SUB 25 with universal input power, which allows the subwoofer to operate intuitively on a 120 V or 230 V circuit. This is possible because the SUB 25 can handle the load from any line voltage between 108 V and 265 V.

This flexibility to accept a range of line voltages is welcome, but how this power is managed is even more critical. The SUB 25’s Power Factor Correction technology shapes the AC line input current to be sinusoidal and continuous in time. A unit without Power Factor Correction can only draw about 60 to 70 percent of the maximum available power because the current only flows at the peaks of the line voltage, essentially “choking” the line. The use of Power Factor Correction allows the SUB 25 to accept the maximum possible amount of input power, while its high-efficiency Ultra-Class D amplifier, rated at 7,500 watts Dynamic Peak and 3,000 watts sustained RMS, allows the maximum amount of output power. By combining both, the SUB 25 delivers the most power that can be obtained from the AC line.

The SUB 25’s new high-power 15-inch driver with three-inch peak-to-peak cone travel, improved high-efficiency motor assembly, massive shorting ring and all new FEA-optimized elliptical surround offer high linearity, greater excursion, lower distortion and greater effective cone area.

Sub25-ampAn optional yet valuable add-on for the SUB 25 is Paradigm’s Perfect Bass Kit (PBK-1) interface, a room correction system derived from sister company Anthem Electronics’ ARC-1 system. PBK-1 uses proprietary processing to compute in-room frequency response of up to four different SUB 25s before computing a target frequency response for each, yielding optimized in-room reproduction of low frequencies.

All this adds up to an internal power conditioner for the sub and an add-on room correction system. The sub is gorgeous to look at and its 15" driver is quite a sight to behold.

The Reference Signature SUB 25 has a U.S. FMV of $3,999. The optional PBK-1 interface has a U.S. FMV of $299. For more information please visit www.paradigm.com.

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About the author:
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As Associate Editor at Audioholics, Tom promises to the best of his ability to give each review the same amount of attention, consideration, and thoughtfulness as possible and keep his writings free from undue bias and preconceptions. Any indication, either internally or from another, that bias has entered into his review will be immediately investigated. Substantiation of mistakes or bias will be immediately corrected regardless of personal stake, feelings, or ego.

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