Audio Video News

Paradigm Persona SUB Subwoofer: $6,500

Reviewed as part of Paradigm’s 5.1-channel Persona 3F system, the Persona SUB is one of our 2017 Top Picks of the Year and one of the most beautiful bass boxes you’ll find. It’s also very expensive but in exchange for its hefty price tag you get six active drivers — radially aligned to cancel unwanted vibration — and 5-star ratings across the board. “The Persona SUB was able to thoroughly energize the room with bass when asked to do so,” wrote reviewer Darryl Wilkinson, who singled out its ability to recreate those classic depth charge explosions in U-571 with shocking realism.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Plays really low
Superb build quality
Gorgeous looks
Minus
Very heavy

Full Review Here

RSL Speedwoofer 10S Subwoofer: $399

The speedwoofer 10S more than held its own when we reviewed it as part of RSL’s 5.1-channel CG3 speaker system. In fact, it did so well that it made our 2017 Top Picks of the Year list, garnering 5 stars in three of the four key areas we evaluate. “RSL’s 10-incher delivered unexpected slam down well below 35 Hz on soundtrack cues such as Apollo 13’s blast-off, which it delivered with impressive scale,” wrote reviewer Dan Kumin. “And on material even lower, such as a hi-res recording of a Buxtehude pipe-organ with a low G pedal tone at about 26 Hz, a musically productive fundamental tone was perfectly audible.“

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Clean, punchy bass with impressive low-frequency chops
Great value
Optional wireless transmitter works like a charm
Minus
Doesn’t go quite as deep as the big boys

Full Review Here

SVS PB16-Ultra and SB16-Ultra Subwoofers: $2,499, $1,999

Looking for foundation-shaking bass? If you have the floor space to accommodate either of these monster subs, you’ll be the envy of the neighborhood on movie night. You’ll also be the proud owner of one of Sound & Vision’s 2016 Top Picks of the Year. “To say I enjoyed my experience with the SB16-Ultra and PB16-Ultra would be an understatement,” wrote reviewer David Vaughn. “I love bass, and these two siblings delivered it in spades. If I had to choose one of the two, I’d probably go with the SB16 — actually, two of them.”

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Powerful, deep bass response
Infrared remote and Bluetooth app control
User adjustable EQ presets
Minus
Extremely heavy (175 and 122 pounds, respectively)
Large size can make optimal placement challenging

Full Review Here