Paradigm Sub 12 versus SVS SB13- Ultra

In Canada, I'd take a strong look at Funk Audio

I went through the same decision and went with the SVS. If your room is medium sized or smaller, what I like about the SVS is that the frequency curve is a natural 2nd order rolloff complements well with the room gain to give you deep flat bass all the way into the teens. Not to mention that the Ultra driver is a thing of beauty, it's a brute when it needs to be for HT and gives you finesse when your music demands it. I auditioned the Sub12 and it seemed a bit underwhelming to me (but the Sub15 was pretty awesome in the same room though)

Also, I've always had fantastic customer service with SVS....you deal with SVS and Sonicboom directly and they were always very helpful in getting the sub set up and solving problems if any arise.

FWIW: I've heard the SUB 12 and Servo-15 v2 in the same room. The SUB 12 was quite impressive, but the older and less-powerful Servo-15 v2 dug deeper and hit a bit harder. It was, overall, the superior sub. By all accounts, the SB13-Ultra is a tremendous performer (in terms of output, extension and articulation). Based on that, and given the similar pricing, I'd easily choose the SB13-Ultra over the SUB 12.
Edited by eljaycanuck - 3/15/13 at 1:10pm

I was contemplating the same exact purchase a little over a month ago. I like you have a system comprised of Paradigm speakers (Studio 100 v.5, CC-590 v.5 and Monitor 9s v.2 in the rear) and I decided to go with the SB13 Ultra. The overwhelming number of positive reviews of the SVS as well as a pretty steep price increase by Paradigm on the Sub 12 and Sub 15 was the deciding factor. Keep in mind I never auditioned the Paradigm subs, but so far I'm very happy with my choice.
Edited by whitey019 - 3/15/13 at 4:48pm

+1 defiantly agree with this!!

"Ward, tje Beaver's becoming defiant again. Tell that Eddie Haskell to stay away for a while."

June Cleaver

sorry, couldn't help myself.

Isn't the Sub 12 at a $2K + price point?

Shouldn't you be looking at the SVS PB 13 Ultra instead?

Just an observation....

My quote was $2099 w/ PBK for a Sub 12.

And a SB is $1600 where a PB is $2K.......closer to the price point of the Sub 12.

Agree with above, check out Funk Audio! A few choices in your budget, and get a handmade cabinet with wood and stain options.

The 18.0C will have better mid bass slam and higher output than the SVS.

Even more reason to choose the SB13-Ultra over the SUB 12.

That's a much harder decision with that small of a price differential.

Personally I don't think it is. I could have bought the Paradigm Sub12 for less than that and I chose the SVS.

The only thing in the Paradigm's favor is the PBK, which is nice to have if you don't have a receiver that EQ's dual subs. I run other Paradigm Studio speakers so the finish would match nicer with the Sub12. I also like the SVS because of the metal grill....toys tend to inadvertently collide sometimes with the speakers

I've done a pretty good job flattening my response on the SB13 Ultra manually, although the PBK would still probably do a better job, but because I crossover fairly low to my 100s it probably doesn't matter. As far as finish goes, the Ultras black oak matches the Paradigm black ash fairly well.

My Studios are the Rosenut color....which used to be very similar to a color offered by SVS on some of their previous models....it's really too bad that SVS says their wood colors don't sell well.

I usually stick to black primarily because it is relatively easy to keep everything looking similar. Although, I wish manufacturers would offer a satin black finish as opposed to only high gloss and the black oak/ash grain. I like some of the beautiful wood grains rosenut and beach, but I don't like having a bunch off mismatched woods, including the woodwork and floors in the house. That's just me though.

richardfh........let us know what you do.
Edited by whitey019 - 3/17/13 at 2:05pm

Congrats on your purchase. I'm sure you'll be super happy with the results