Paradigm Seismic 110--First Impressions

[Steady339]

A brand new Paradigm Seismic 110 arrived yesterday!

My first impressions:

This subwoofer is little--but has a solid, heavy-weight heft to it (Die-cast aluminum cabinet, 37 lbs.).

Provides a seamless match with my Paradigm Signature S1 v.3 speakers.

Produces clean and tight bass fundamentals with good pitch definition.

The combination of the S1 speakers and Seismic 110 now has a very clean, pure, and effortless quality from top to bottom (±3 dB 17Hz – 250Hz with under 10% distortion at 20Hz!).

I now realize how my former inexpensive subwoofer (mid-line Energy) was smearing the bass and detracting from overall system clarity.

The Seismic 110 makes listening to orchestral music much more enjoyable with the clear reproduction of the bass pedal tones foundation in symphonies that were missing with my former subwoofer.

Roger

[jdandy]

Roger.......The Paradigm Seismic 110 sounds like a perfect match for your Paradigm S1 v.3 speakers. It is always great when there is seamless integration between a subwoofer and the main speakers. Happy listening.

[Chubba]

Congrats!

[jdandy]

The Paradigm Seismic 110 subwoofer is an interesting design. According to Paradigm, despite its small footprint the Seismic 110 boasts one bodacious bark and just as big a bite. In addition to its ultra-low-distortion split-coil driver design, the subwoofer also features an 850-watt RMS Ultra-Class-D amplifier, and the 10-inch woofer cone is capable of two full inches of travel, giving it an unbelievably deep voice for such a petite little frame.

[Steady339]

Dan, thanks for posting the pics of the Seismic 110. I agree about it being an interesting design.

The metal spider that moves the flat diaphragm in and out is a unusual driver design solution that I was not aware of, although I hear similar designs has been utilized in hi-end car audio. Paradigm calls it inverted differential drive.

[Stereo-head]

Congrats on the great sub Roger. I use the Seismic 110 for music listening and movies. I agree with everything you state, it is a great piece of gear. Did you get it with the PBK? If not, I highly recommend it.

[Steady339]

Simon, Don't have the PBK, but I will be ordering it soon. Good to hear that you agree with my first impressions of the Seismic 110.

Roger

[RagaMusic]

Excellent! Nice to come across a sub who's crossover frequency control goes down to 35 Hz! If I'm not mistaken I think that sub has a NAD amp in it.

Enjoy the sub.

[Steady339]

I equalized the Seismic 110 to my listening room with the Perfect Bass Kit (PBK-1) 2.01 software and microphone today.

A real improvement in the bass frequencies and overall system balance the PBK-1 makes for the listening room.

PBK adjusts both the peaks and valleys in the bass frequency response in the listening room measuring from five or more positions in the room.

Now my system has better balance, improved transparency and sounds cleaner. Can now actually turn the subwoofer bass level up more without creating bloated bass.

The combination of the Paradigm S1 v.3 and Seismic 110 with PBK sounds like either i'm in a recording studio or on live recordings can create the illusion of a live performance!

Update: I replaced the Seismic 110 plastic feet with SVS Soundpath Subwoofer Isolation System (feet). A worthwhile upgrade!