Subwoofers
Paradigm Reference Seismic 110 Subwoofer
- Written by Ross Jones
- Published on 20 January 2011
- Paradigm Reference Seismic 110 Subwoofer
- Page 2: Design and Setup of the Paradigm Reference Seismic 110 Subwoofer
- Page 3: The Paradigm Reference Seismic 110 Subwoofer In Use
- Page 4: The Paradigm Reference Seismic 110 Subwoofer On the Bench
- Page 5: Conclusions About the Paradigm Reference Seismic 110 Subwoofer
- All Pages
In Use
I really enjoyed watching the San Francisco Giants complete the improbable run towards their first World Series championship. The Giants won it on the strength of their pitching staff, anchored by two-time Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum. What does this have to do with a subwoofer review? Lincecum, despite being a short, skinny guy, throws with tremendous power and accuracy. His nickname is "the Freak."
During my time with the Seismic 110, I kept thinking to myself, "This subwoofer is a freak!" Despite the small footprint and modest 10 inch driver, the Paradigm (like Tim Lincecum) is capable of tremendous power and accuracy.
Starting with film, The Book of Eli (Blu-ray) is a post-apocalyptic journey that benefits from first-rate acting from Denzel Washington and Gary Oldman. It also has great sound, as Washington makes ample use of his sawed-off shotgun, along with several car chases and assorted mayhem. The Seismic 110 filled my large room with impressive blasts, without ever sounding distorted or stressed.
Star Wars: Clone Wars TV series is available on Blu-ray, and it seems to be constantly playing in my home. Blasters, light sabers, and exploding spaceships rumbled through the walls. Several times, I had to remind myself that I was listening to a small, 10" subwoofer. Simply put, the Seismic 110 sounded bigger than many 12" driver, large enclosure subs I've heard.
Because the Seismic 110 is a sealed design with a ten-inch driver, I expected the Paradigm to be fast and accurate with music, and wasn't disappointed. Steely Dan's Two Against Nature (DVD-Audio) is, like all Steely Dan albums, impeccably produced. The track What A Shame About Me is anchored by a bass/drum rhythm that chugs along, with the Paradigm reproducing the thwack of the beater on the kick drum distinct from the smooth lines of the bass guitar.
And yes, I had to break out Yes' Fragile (DVD-Audio) to give the sub the dreaded Heart of The Sunrise work-out. The Seismic 110 passed with flying colors, even through Chris Squire's growly, Rickenbacker's sixteenth note bass runs.
