Right now I'm down to these two, both are pretty much the same price when I factor in taxes, ship on the SVS, etc. I've read tons of reviews on the SVS and for the most part I'm a believer - but still wish I could hear it in action first.

I heard the DSP-3200 today and wow the guy is right, this sub is an animal! ROAR!!! It was damn impressive and only goes down to 22hz (apparently SVSPB10 is 18hz?)

I asked a couple friends today about these two subs and they both said that the SVS would destroy the paradigm in performance.

Can anyone comment? Which would you go for and why?

What I truly want to know is, a sub that goes as low as 22hz to one that can hit 18hz.....is it going to be a significant difference in terms performance? Cause trust me I could feel the paradigm all right lol.

Another thing is that everyone keeps harping about how great of a value, bang for your buck the pb10 is, but sorry I just don't see it.

For me, since I'm in canada I would have to order from sonicboomaudio and that's $570, plus add $60 shipping and tax making it $670!

THAT'S ALMOST 7 BILLS FOR A FREAKING 10"! I JUST DON'T SEE WHERE THE VALUE IS.

All I can say is, if you get a chance to audition a PB-10, do it. They are amazing performers and have more linearity and extension than anything in their price range. And yes, they often do outperform subs with larger cones and those costing more.
When I had mine, friends were blown away by what these subs are capable of, and they never sounded stressed doing it.

Im thrilled with my SVS and Im glad I let others on the boards talk me into getting it...

Another thing is that everyone keeps harping about how great of a value, bang for your buck the pb10 is, but sorry I just don't see it.

For me, since I'm in canada I would have to order from sonicboomaudio and that's $570, plus add $60 shipping and tax making it $670!

THAT'S ALMOST 7 BILLS FOR A FREAKING 10"! I JUST DON'T SEE WHERE THE VALUE IS.

When we say value we're talking US pricing. The $670 pricing for you is a bummer, sorry for that but that doesn't make it any less of value below the boarder.

If it's the same price as the DSP-3200 I'd still go for the PB10 if you don't need a sub with a smaller form factor or more finish options. I'd also talk to SonicBoom and see what they could do for you on a PB12 NSD since duty, tax and other fees seem to be what's killing you on the pricing you might be able to go with the PB12 for not that much more. Also consider the PC12NSD which should cost about the same as the PB version and usually ships for a little less.

"apparently (the ) PB-10 NSD is flat to 18 Hz?"

Scroll down till you see the FR graph:

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_11_4/svs-pb10-subwoofer-10-2004.html

19-150 Hz minus 1 db

The Paradigm is only rated to 22 Hz.

The answer to your question is that the PB-10 WILL outperform the DSP 3200.

Ok thanks for all the deep thoughts everyone. Ya if I was able to audition the pb10, then I'm sure I wouldn't be so hesistant in getting one.

So the pb10 goes 3hz lower than the DSP3200 - is the difference going to be noticable?

Like I said everyone has told me so far that the PB-10 would destroy the DSP-3200. There must be some truth to it!

And what is SVS failure rate on their subs? Are they reliable long term and with the wear and tear? Does it have a class D amp in the PB-10? If I ever have to get it repaired, I guess I have to pay shipping to AND back from SVS?

Ok thanks for all the deep thoughts everyone. Ya if I was able to audition the pb10, then I'm sure I wouldn't be so hesistant in getting one.

You don't need to worry, they are a quality sub. You could always post in the PB10 thread to find out if anyone lives close to you and would let you come by for an audition.

So the pb10 goes 3hz lower than the DSP3200 - is the difference going to be noticable?

If you play source material with content in the 18 - 20 Hz range then those parts will definitely be louder with the PB10.

22Hz is still pretty good.

Like I said everyone has told me so far that the PB-10 would destroy the DSP-3200. There must be some truth to it!

It would not destroy it; it is better than the DSP in some specs and when in those areas it would be better, but for 22 - 100 Hz neither would "kick the other's butt" and you are likely to find people who for various reasons would prefer each.

I was deciding between a PB10 (from SonicBoom) and a DSP-3100. I got the 3100 and it is an excellent sub and I saved $160; a friend with a PB13 gave it a listen and was blown away with the value.

I have since decided to upgrade to a Rythmik F12, but that's another story.

And what is SVS failure rate on their subs? Are they reliable long term and with the wear and tear? Does it have a class D amp in the PB-10?

They are dependable. No idea what their amp is.

If I ever have to get it repaired, I guess I have to pay shipping to AND back from SVS?

No you would ship back to SonicBoom.

Ok thanks for all the deep thoughts everyone. Ya if I was able to audition the pb10, then I'm sure I wouldn't be so hesistant in getting one.

So the pb10 goes 3hz lower than the DSP3200 - is the difference going to be noticable?

Like I said everyone has told me so far that the PB-10 would destroy the DSP-3200. There must be some truth to it!

And what is SVS failure rate on their subs? Are they reliable long term and with the wear and tear? Does it have a class D amp in the PB-10? If I ever have to get it repaired, I guess I have to pay shipping to AND back from SVS?


I would contact SVS and ask about their repair policy. Typically with internet direct subwoofers the company talks to you on the phone to make a diagnosis. After that they send you a new driver or amp, then you return the defective part to SVS using the packaging material they used to send you a replacment part.

The reason for this is that a lot of the popular subwoofers sold internet direct are so big and heavy shipping them both ways is a very expensive proposition.

Just think how much it would cost to ship a PB-13 Ultra to SVS and back to you. You're talking hundreds of dollars.

You don't need to worry, they are a quality sub. You could always post in the PB10 thread to find out if anyone lives close to you and would let you come by for an audition.



If you play source material with content in the 18 - 20 Hz range then those parts will definitely be louder with the PB10.

22Hz is still pretty good.



It would not destroy it; it is better than the DSP in some specs and when in those areas it would be better, but for 22 - 100 Hz neither would "kick the other's butt" and you are likely to find people who for various reasons would prefer each.

I was deciding between a PB10 (from SonicBoom) and a DSP-3100. I got the 3100 and it is an excellent sub and I saved $160; a friend with a PB13 gave it a listen and was blown away with the value.

I have since decided to upgrade to a Rythmik F12, but that's another story.



They are dependable. No idea what their amp is.



No you would ship back to SonicBoom.

I could get a brand new 3100 for $400CDN. I was tempted, considering its $270 cheaper than the 3200 or SVS. Do you think the PB10 is worth the extra $270? I was very close to settling on the 3100 but I wanted more power (300 vs 200 watts). I figure since im spending this kind of money on a new sub, I want not just a difference but a BIG imrprovement.

I could get a brand new 3100 for $400CDN. I was tempted, considering its $270 cheaper than the 3200 or SVS. Do you think the PB10 is worth the extra $270? I was very close to settling on the 3100 but I wanted more power (300 vs 200 watts). I figure since im spending this kind of money on a new sub, I want not just a difference but a BIG imrprovement.

The 3100 is no slouch, and $400 is a great price (I thought I did well at $455).

I don't know what you're replacing, but it was a HUGE improvement for me. And there is plenty of power, I have the sub volume at about 1/2.

To me, the PB10 wasn't worth the upcharge from $455 (let alone $400); plus it was there, no delivery wait. But everyone's decision process is different.

But I decided I wanted even cleaner and lower bass, which is why I'm getting a Rythmik F12 - but that is almost twice the money.

For music or HT? Music it may not big a HUGE improvement. For HT in the right size room = small-med you would only tell the difference with the shaking of the room in certain scene's.

The only Paradigm sub I've heard is the Seismic. It was a very good performer, but was priced that way. Not a bargain sub. If Paradigm is like Velo, good upper end subs, crappy low end subs (in general), then the DSP's might not be too good. You've heard the 3200, and got testimony that the 3100 was good at the price. Since you can probably pick up the 3200 locally, I would go with that. Once you get it home, you may or may not find it performs as well as at the store. Should be easy enough to return it if that is the case and go for the PB10 or 12.

Where is Canada are you?

The 3100 is no slouch, and $400 is a great price (I thought I did well at $455).

I don't know what you're replacing, but it was a HUGE improvement for me. And there is plenty of power, I have the sub volume at about 1/2.

To me, the PB10 wasn't worth the upcharge from $455 (let alone $400); plus it was there, no delivery wait. But everyone's decision process is different.

But I decided I wanted even cleaner and lower bass, which is why I'm getting a Rythmik F12 - but that is almost twice the money.

Well the 3100 is $400 only for a couple more days here on clearance - and that's why I wanna jump on this deal ASAP.

Hey I thought about this deep and hard last night and decided that I'm just gonna save the $270 and get the paradigm DSP-3100. From what everyones told me 200watts Rms should be plenty (my current sub is 8" 100rms) and I get lots of juice from that but I just want a sub that hits deeper in movies.

Since this sub is only capable hitting 24hz do you think that ill be able to feel it in movies? Is 24hz low enough? Cause I was told that it has to hit 20hz in order for a human being to feel it? Not sure how true that is.

I'm sure some of you are wondering as to why I'm choosing the 3100 over the 3200 or SVS. Well like I said, I'm saving $270+ since the price that I was quoted on for the 3200 was about the same as the PB-10. And if I had to choose between the 3200 and SVS I WOULD get the SVS.

But I just don't think the extra 100watts and 5hz lower is worth $270 more. Maybe I'm wrong? I'm gonna go back to the store today to have a listen to the 3100 and if it sounds anything like the 3200 yesterday ill take it.

For music or HT? Music it may not big a HUGE improvement. For HT in the right size room = small-med you would only tell the difference with the shaking of the room in certain scene's.

Well what I wanna know is how much 18 to say 24hz content is there in movies these days?

That being said this sub will be used mostly for music (60/40).

Right now I have the spherex 5.1 sub. Its 100 rms and can go as low as 24hz with the max boost tech.

If someone would be nice enough, would you be able to compare my current sub to a 3100?

According to here my current sub goes as low as 40hz but max bass tech fakes the bass down to 25hz

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1141109&highlight=

Also, rick I'm in cgy too! Lol

First of all, frequency response means almost nothing. Look at the PB10 and the PB13 Ultra, they have the same frequency response, but the PB13 will completely destroy the PB10. So stop comparing it.

The Paradigm will destroy your cheap Spherex. Don't believe what the Spherex tells you. It is a horrible, cheap sub.

It is not how low a sub goes, it is how powerful the sub is at lower frequencies. The PB10 will probably be louder than the Paradigm at every frequency.

It depends on your expectations. Since you're coming from a computer sub, the Paradigm will blow you away.

First of all, frequency response means almost nothing. Look at the PB10 and the PB13 Ultra, they have the same frequency response, but the PB13 will completely destroy the PB10. So stop comparing it.

The Paradigm will destroy your cheap Spherex. Don't believe what the Spherex tells you. It is a horrible, cheap sub.

It is not how low a sub goes, it is how powerful the sub is at lower frequencies. The PB10 will probably be louder than the Paradigm at every frequency.

It depends on your expectations. Since you're coming from a computer sub, the Paradigm will blow you away.

I wouldnt say the Spherex sub is a horrible sub lol. What makes you think that? Perhaps this?

About the only feature of the Xbox 5.1 that I find less than satisfactory is the Waves “MaxxBass” low-frequency implementation system (again, see the above Web link). Instead of actually reproducing the lowest frequencies down to 25 Hz or so, MaxxBass fakes them by generating characteristic harmonics that mimic the particular low frequency. The mimicry is fairly plausible, but the room doesn’t actually get energized and your innards don’t get shaken by the organ pedal tones or the T. Rex steps. In reality the 8-inch woofer goes down only to about 50 Hz at best. It’s a compromise that blunts the high-end effect.

So if im reading correctly, my sub actually doesnt get down to 24hz, it just uses FAKE bass enchancements? I didnt know it was even possible to fake bass lol.

They're playing with the mind of uneducated buyers.

The "fake bass" they're talking about is distortion. Distortion is BAD. They are trying to make people think that their "distortion" is good.

Since you believe the Spherex is not a horrible sub, just buy the Paradigm, you'll be shocked and completely blown away.

for the price that u r willing to spend on the SVS, spend another 130 and get 2 paradigms and call it a day. (maybe u will get a better price for buying 2)

I have heard a PB13, and its performance/$ is outstanding if not outright incredible!

They're playing with the mind of uneducated buyers.

The "fake bass" they're talking about is distortion. Distortion is BAD. They are trying to make people think that their "distortion" is good.

Since you believe the Spherex is not a horrible sub, just buy the Paradigm, you'll be shocked and completely blown away.

What do you mean distoirtion? lol I never hear my sub distort, ever. I agree the max boost advertising is just marketing, but I dont think it truly means distortion.

for the price that u r willing to spend on the SVS, spend another 130 and get 2 paradigms and call it a day. (maybe u will get a better price for buying 2)

I have heard a PB13, and its performance/$ is outstanding if not outright incredible!

I would totally get 2 subs but I just dont have the space for it. That being said, this was on my mind yesterday morning, driving me absolutely nuts, teetering back and fourth between the 3100 and SVS. I was very close to just going back to the store to pick up the 3100 yesterday but decided on the SVS, so I ordered myself a PB-10 this morning! $670cdn shipped, but i have a feeling it'll be worth it. The extra 100 watts and the fact it can go as low as 19hz (over 24hz on the 3100) is what did me in. Plus after exchanging a few emails with sonicboomaudio in regards to how the warranty work would be done if I ever have problems gave me faith in buying their product. :)

Once I get my PB-10 it will be by far the best sub ive ever owned.

What do you mean distoirtion? lol I never hear my sub distort, ever. I agree the max boost advertising is just marketing, but I dont think it truly means distortion.

What they said is EXACTLY the characteristics of distortion, especially odd order harmonics. You're not supposed to hear anything below like 25Hz.

You don't think your sub is distorting because you've never heard of true bass. You might think the distortion you're hearing is sound. This will all change once you get a real sub.

What they said is EXACTLY the characteristics of distortion, especially odd order harmonics. You're not supposed to hear anything below like 25Hz.

You don't think your sub is distorting because you've never heard of true bass.

Good point.

You might think the distortion you're hearing is sound. This will all change once you get a real sub.

Well, it IS sound...just not sound which is an accurate reproduction of the original recording ;)

What they said is EXACTLY the characteristics of distortion, especially odd order harmonics. You're not supposed to hear anything below like 25Hz.

You don't think your sub is distorting because you've never heard of true bass. You might think the distortion you're hearing is sound. This will all change once you get a real sub.

Ive heard "true" bass, at my bro in laws, two 1000 watt 15'' subs with dual drivers in each.;)

But with that being said, i thought its 20hz and lower that is when you FEEL your bass and not hear it? Its 25hz?

There is no definite value of what hertz you start feeling bass.

You can feel bass at around <60Hz. You can really feel bass (if you have a good sub) below 40Hz. You can't really hear below 25Hz, but you feel much more.

Did you want to throw you computer sub out after hearing your brother in law's sub? If you do, then you heard real bass. If you don't, then I'm afraid your brother in law does not have a good sub (after all there are a number of cheap (or low performing) 15'' subs out there)

There is no definite value of what hertz you start feeling bass.

You can feel bass at around <60Hz. You can really feel bass (if you have a good sub) below 40Hz. You can't really hear below 25Hz, but you feel much more.

Did you want to throw you computer sub out after hearing your brother in law's sub? If you do, then you heard real bass. If you don't, then I'm afraid your brother in law does not have a good sub (after all there are a tnumber of cheap (or low performing) 15'' subs out there)

I definitely wanted to throw my sub out after hearing his. His subs are very very good - you feel it alright.

EDIT UPDATE!
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1151119