This subwoofer isn't pretty. Come to think of it, not many (if any) subwoofers are. The plain black box is 50 cm X 42 cm X 55 cm and weighs around 35 Kgs. The driver is a 12" polypropylene unit with anti-resonance ribs molded in. It has the usual controls with adjustable level, crossover and phase with auto on/off. The built in amplifier is a dual hybrid design offering up to 750 Watts (RMS). Crossover is a third order design giving an impressive 18 dB / Octave roll off at 80 Hz.

 All these figures mean bugger all of course, the real killer is the fact that this sub's -3dB point is 18 Hz and delivers over 105 dB SPL under 20 Hz. This thing makes the M&K MX-125 sound like a pussycat!

All this low frequency gut wrenching stuff is fine for movies, but how about music? Pretty good actually, on Mike Oldfield's "Millennium Bell" the bass lines were tight with no lingering bass overrun. Giving the new ELO DVD "Zoom" a workout, the opening synth. notes move enough air to cure any thoughts of constipation that might have been lurking.

The majority of subwoofer companies get their drivers and amplifier modules manufactured elsewhere and just screw the bits and pieces together. Paradigm make everything in house (including the dies for their drivers) thereby lowering costs and allowing for running changes and upgrades. The Canadian exchange rate also helps here, with M&K and Velodyne being bought in US Dollars and REL in Pounds the Paradigm subs are about the best value imports on the Australian market.

The Paradigm range of speakers and subwoofers have always received rave reviews and now I know why, the only downside is the size of the box - maybe I'll put a fern on top and pretend it's a planter box. This subwoofer will replace my current M&K V125II at home as my reference unit. It's that good. Retail is around $2295 - call for current pricing.