Paradigm Reference Signature Sub 1 6x8" Subwoofer (1,700w) v3

"... redefines what should be expected from a powered subwoofer ... tremendously ambitious" - Jeff Fritz, SoundStage!

Paradigm's Reference Signature SUB 1 continues the flagship Signature series - a growing line of high-performance, smart subwoofers.

The SUB 1 is more powerful than any other Paradigm speaker to date; it is completely unique both in internal elements and aesthetic qualities; and represents the best in audio bass technology and highest performance characteristics in the subwoofer category.
The SUB 1’s six 8˝ drivers move as much air as two 12˝ woofers!

• Auto On/Off
• Trigger On/Off
• Subwoofer Level
• Subwoofer Cut-Off Frequency (continuously variable 35 Hz – 150 Hz); Bypass Option
• Sub/Sat Phase Alignment (0° to 180°)
• Paradigm Perfect Bass Kit (PBK) Included

The SUB 1's six high-excursion, low-distortion 8" woofers are arranged in stacked pairs and geometrically aligned so the resultant force vectors, producing 1,700 watts of continuous power and 3,400 watts at peak, cancel each other out. Even a full glass of water placed atop the SUB 1 will barely ripple.

This radial alignment concept is successful because the pressure waves inside the cabinet generated by each driver as the cone and voice coil move in and out are effectively cancelled, leaving a silent and distortion-free cabinet.

In large part a result of this unique Vibration-Canceling Design Architecture (VCDA), bass reproduction is eerily accurate and detailed, transient information is conveyed with pristine clarity and perfect precision, and dynamics come through with lightning-fast speed and a power so shattering that it must be heard to be believed.

Another benefit to the new models' woofer design is their compactness. Handsome finishes and eye-catching but not overbearing design elements support the ability of these subwoofers to be hidden in plain sight. With the added flexibility conferred by Paradigm's Perfect Bass Kit (PBK) room correction, staggering performance is assured in just about any listening area.

Advanced scientific features such as AC line voltage detection, power consumption monitoring, and a universal power supply on the SUB 1 ensures that the subwoofer is fed a diet of clean, unadulterated energy.

Paradigm's Signature Subwoofer Technology

Vibration-Cancelling Design Architecture: Physics trumps mechanics with a little help from Paradigm
Typically, subwoofer enclosures contain one large driver. As that driver moves back and forth, the cabinet can vibrate which leads to smeared response, bass that lacks clarity and definition. Well-executed cabinet design, like that on Paradigm Reference subwoofers, typically includes sophisticated and extensive physical bracing inside the enclosure. With six identical, perfectly balanced state-of-the-art drivers radially aligned (two on each side) inside the cabinet; the opposing forces of equal magnitude effectively cancel each other out.

BIG POWER! Compact Package: Two cutting-edge Ultra-Class-D amplifiers, designed, engineered and manufactured by Paradigm in North America, are housed inside the SUB 1’s compact hexagonal cabinet.

Switching Power Supplies: More than 90% efficiency! Optimized to completely and simultaneously control the operation of all six bass drivers.

Mineral-Filled Co-Polymer Polypropylene Cones: A 30% mineral content has introduced additional cone stiffness for a measurable increase in repeatability and consistency. Response is instantaneous — low, loud, fast and tight, unveiling layers and layers of low-frequency detail, with consistently perfect pace.

Overmolded NLC Non-Limiting Corrugated TPE Surrounds and Nomex Cloth Spiders: These extreme low-density NLC surrounds were FEA-optimised and overmolded onto the cones in house. Ten times more effective than standard thermoplastic elastomers in damping vibrations and resonances, the corrugated material works in tandem with Paradigm's Vibration-Canceling Design Architecture to ensure not a hint of distortion exists, even at peak-to-peak excursion and full-on output.

1-1/2˝ (38 mm) 4-Layer Long-Travel Aluminum Voice Coils: Wound on high-temperature composite polyamide formers in an oversize configuration, the coils provide exceptional stability and support for the extremely high cone excursion.

High-Pressure Die-Cast Aluminum Chassis with AVS Airflow Ventilation System Cooling: Large built-in ribs increase the heat dissipation surface providing forced-air cooling during large musical transients and chassis convection cooling at all other times. CNC-machined to ensure a precision fit.

Magnetic Pole Piece: FEA-optimised, tooled to support the extreme excursion.

Computer-Optimised Ceramic (Hard Ferrite) Magnet Assemblies with Balanced Field Geometry: Using Finite Element Analysis, the magnet structures were optimised to yield the most powerful output in a Signature subwoofer to date. Transient and phase-response are exceptional with superb power handling and output linearity.

Paradigm Reference Signature Sub 1 6x8" Subwoofer (1,700w) v3 Specifications

Design Hexagonal cabinet with multiple high-excursion drivers radially aligned in a Vibration-Canceling Design Architecture, patented built-in Ultra-Class-D™ power amplifier, sealed enclosure, PBK interface, removable grille
Amplifier (High-Current, Discrete Output) 3,400 watts Dynamic Peak / 1,700 watts RMS
Amplifier Features Auto-On / Off, Trigger On / Off, soft clipping, electrical shorting protection, thermal protection
Bass Driver Six 8" / 203mm mineral-filled co-polymer polypropylene cones, overmolded FEA-optimized NLC™ surrounds, 1½" / 38mm four-layer long-excursion voice coils, high-temperature composite Nomex formers, advanced spiders, 4.16 kg / 9.2lb hard ferrite magnet / motor structure, AVS die-cast heatsink chassis
Low-Frequency Extension  12 Hz (DIN - DIN 45 500. Indicates -3 dB in a typical listening room.)
Subwoofer Cut-Off Frequency Variable 35 Hz - 150 Hz; Bypass Option
Sub / Sat Phase Alignment Variable 0° - 180°
Line-Level Input RCA (S/E) Left and Right or Sub-Out / LFE or
Balanced XLR. From Sub-Out / LFE-Out of preamp, processor or other line-level source
Line-Level Input Sensitivity 100 mV mono
Line-Level Input Impedance RCA: 10k ohms; XLR: 20k ohms
Accessory Included Paradigm Perfect Bass Kit
Height, Width, Depth (inc grille and feet) 51.6 x 50.5 x 45.5 cm
Diameter Of Hexagonal Cabinet 50.5 cm
Weight (Unpacked) 49.4 kg