Paradigm Seismic 110 review

It's small and stylish and we think Paradigm's Seismic 110's a sure-fire winner - if only it could get past B&W's all-mighty PV-1 Tested at £1250.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

A brilliant newcomer to the small sub class: if you’re in the market, it’s a must-hear

Pros

  • +

    Formidable low-frequency extension

  • +

    agility

  • +

    compact size

  • +

    fine-tuning potential

Cons

  • -

    Very little, save that the B&W PV1 is a fair bit cheaper

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

Subwoofers tend to fall into one of two camps: either they're small but limited, or massive and ever-so-slightly barmy.

Paradigm's Seismic 110 attempts an elusive Third Way: it's just 34cm high and 30cm wide, yet it features an improbably powerful 850W amplifier, all the better to assault your ankles with lashings of low- end energy.

Further to that end, the ultra- high-excursion 25cm bass driver features a triple magnet assembly, dual-spider suspension and an inverted drive-unit surround, ensuring massive extension plus – so Paradigm claims – minimal distortion.

On its rear, the Paradigm features the usual manual adjustments for crossover, phase and volume, plus a USB input designed for use with the company's optional PBK-1 ‘Perfect Bass Kit'.

Sounds superb in action
In action, even without calibration, it sounds superb. Few compact subs get close to its extension or agility: indeed, for one so muscular, it is surprisingly fleet of foot.

The PBK-1 kit tightens the sound up still further, taking off some of the slight overhang to the trailing edge of bass notes to leave you with spectacularly well-resolved low frequencies.

So far so special. There's only one thing standing between the Paradigm and five stars: B&W's PV1 – £300 cheaper.

It could be argued that the Paradigm has a slight edge for overall extension, but the PV1 is at the very least the 110's equal for musicality. Still, the Seismic 110 is deeply impressive – in every sense.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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