I am trying to decide between a Paradigm Ultracube 12 or 10 or DSP-3200??
Who has a Ultracube 12?? I have a medium size room, 18' wide, 20' deep open at the back to the kitchen devided by a 1/2 wall. valted ceilings. I have a Denon 889 reciever and Paradigm 330's LCR.

The Ultracube series is really meant for smaller rooms and doesn't really have a lot of depth to the bass, you'd be better off with the DSP series for that size of room.

I had the Dsp-3200 and thought for the extra couple a hundred bucks......pick up the Dsp-3400 instead. I haven't looked back. I can't say enough good things about it. I listened to both the Ultracube's and liked the sound from the Dsp-3200 much more.

Why would you say the Ultracube 12 is for a smaller room?? It has almost double the power of the DSP-3200, and almost the same size. I am confused. I have a DSP-3100 now and it just doesn't have enough. Thats why I am thinking of the Ultracube 12.
Is there anyone out there with a Ultracube 12??

Why would you say the Ultracube 12 is for a smaller room?? It has almost double the power of the DSP-3200, and almost the same size. I am confused. I have a DSP-3100 now and it just doesn't have enough. Thats why I am thinking of the Ultracube 12.
Is there anyone out there with a Ultracube 12??

Power means almost nothing when we talk about subwoofer performance.

The Ultracube is a small subwoofer designed for small rooms.

In other words, the Ultracube 12 will give you even less than the DSP 3100.

Even when the specs are so much more?? My salesman said the DSP-3400 would be too big. I am trying to decide between The Ultracube 12 and the DSP-3400. The 3200 is about 1/3 less in price.

In the world of subwoofers, you can only have two of three things. Output, Small Size and Small Price. The Ultracube line chooses the last two things. An example of a subwoofer chooses the first two is a JL Audio F110, F112, F113 (about $2000-$3500+)

There really isn't such thing as a sub that's too big in the room when taking about bass. It may be too big visually (taking up floorspace), but your room isn't small because it's an open space, and basically the sub has to fill up both your room and the open space as well. Something like the DSP3400 has a much larger driver in a much larger cabinet and can easily reproduce the deep bass with less distortion and without resorting to a powerful amp.

If you are staying with Paradigm id get the DSP-3400. I had the DSP-3100 and just upgraded to the PB13-Ultra. Just wasnt enough output for my movie tastes in the DSP-3100.

If you are staying with Paradigm id get the DSP-3400. I had the DSP-3100 and just upgraded to the PB13-Ultra. Just wasnt enough output for my movie tastes in the DSP-3100.

Funny you mention that. I have the DSP-3100 (my first subwoofer ever) and I am now looking to upgrade and the PB13-Ultra is on my list, however if I go that route I am getting 2.

I was told to get either the Paradigm DSP-3200 or the Ultracube 12 and that the 3400 would be too big for my room. Is SVS just mail order or do they have dealers. I haven't seen them anywhere

I was told to get either the Paradigm DSP-3200 or the Ultracube 12 and that the 3400 would be too big for my room. Is SVS just mail order or do they have dealers. I haven't seen them anywhere

There is NO such thing as a sub too big for a room.

SVS is online only, they don't have dealers in the US.

Chengbin has no idea what he is talking about with the Ultracubes!

So which one will give more and sharper bass?????

The Ultracube will give you more bass, and depth. Sharper??? It is more subwoofage than the 3100. I own 2 Ultracube 12's and am very happy with them!

The Ultracube will give you more bass, and depth. Sharper??? It is more subwoofage than the 3100. I own 2 Ultracube 12's and am very happy with them!

I have to laugh.

I personally have heard the Ultracube. They are great for their size, but largers subs can easily outperform them

Well, Duh! Take a 21" Subwoofer, pair it with a 10,000watt Amp, and it kicks @ss.

Well, Duh! Take a 21" Subwoofer, pair it with a 10,000watt Amp, and it kicks @ss.

It doesn't take a 21'' sub to beat the Ultracube 12. Most ID subs can easily smoke a Ultracube in output.

You have lots to learn, LOTS to learn!!! I'd take that 21" up against any ID sub manufacturer, with "specific" enclosure measurements(don't want to get too technical on you) with "specific" specifications(damping factor) on amplifier configuration and we'll see what happens.:) The point here was the 3100 vs. the Ultracube(to get back on track) and I am advising him to which I believe is the better sub between the two. I have heard these subs in almost every place in a house, and the 3100 is in its own league seperate from the Ultracube.

I own an Ultracube 12. There is nothing wrong with the output or sound. I have an open concept house and the cube sits in the large lower family room. I couldn't imagine needing any more. It sounds great when set up and can easily shake you in your seat.

You have lots to learn, LOTS to learn!!! I'd take that 21" up against any ID sub manufacturer, with "specific" enclosure measurements(don't want to get too technical on you) with "specific" specifications(damping factor) on amplifier configuration and we'll see what happens.:)

???

This is getting hilarious. When did I say ANYTHING about ID vs 21'' subwoofer?

It is you that have lots to learn. A big, ported sub, will almost always outperform a small sealed sub.

I own an Ultracube 12. There is nothing wrong with the output or sound. I have an open concept house and the cube sits in the large lower family room. I couldn't imagine needing any more. It sounds great when set up and can easily shake you in your seat.

Their is nothing wrong with the Ultracube's output in a small room... unless you've heard bass from a better sub.

But if you have a small room, the Ultracube is a fine sub.

Thats why I am on here, I want to learn and see what everyone has to say. I have learned lots already. I think I am going to go with the Ultracube 12, the new Paradigm Reference Sub 12 is about twice the money and needs a seperate 220v line.

The Ultracube 12 has only 1cf of internal volume, which is why it needs such a powerful amp. However it is not sealed it is a PR design which essentially the same as ported.The weight of the PR basically decides of the tuning point, much like the length of a port in ported designs. Based on what Paradigm specs published on their website and my personal experience on 10 different subs I owned, this sub will run out of steam in larger rooms if the user likes to crank things up. I would also agree with chengbin regarding that there is no such thing a too big of a sub when it comes to acoustical output. If I was on the market I would investigate other brands as well including internet direct ones.

I can only exchange, I bought a Paradigm DSP-3100 now and want to go to a Paradigm Ultracube 12. They will exchange only.

You will not be making a mistake customlll.

chengbin, you have fun with your ideals...

i'd get the 3400....it is a way better sub then the ultracube and cheaper.

What makes the DSP 3400 better than the Ultracube 12??? I was set on getting the Ultracube12 over the 3400.

What makes the DSP 3400 better than the Ultracube 12??? I was set on getting the Ultracube12 over the 3400.

The DSP 3400 is a way better sub. It has a much bigger internal volume, bigger driver, and ported.

The Ultracube is for small rooms becaause it is a small sub. There is no way you can beat the laws of physics.

i'd get the 3400....it is a way better sub then the ultracube and cheaper.


+1 for the DSP-3400. I bought the 3200 and took it back for an ultracube12, and after 2 weeks, i exchanged that for the 3400 and i've never been happier. The 3400 is the best $$$$/performance sub out there. IMO:)

So it is between a Ultracube 12 and a DP-3400. Right now it looks like the 3400 is in the lead. At least this week. I still haven't decided!!!!!

If you can fit a 3400, there is NO comparison. The DSP 3400 win hands down.

If there is a place for you to listen to both these subs in the same room, hopefully a large room, do so.

Don't know if you have bought a sub yet. However I have the 3400. It's a great sub, I was going to go with the Ultracube 12 for the longest time. The guy I always deal with wanted me to listen to the 3400. I still thank him every time I go in for that!!