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
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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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