Coverage note. Speaker Ranking currently covers 10 Paradigm models across passive speakers and subwoofers. These are the products in our database, not a complete list of everything Paradigm makes.
What this page covers. The Paradigm models ranked here span passive speakers and subwoofers, including Paradigm Defiance X12, Paradigm Signature Sub 2 and Paradigm Defiance X15. Use each model’s category position to compare it with alternatives of the same size and use case.
This page lists all 10 Paradigm speakers ranked on this site across passive speakers and subwoofers. Each model is shown in the category where it competes, with its current rank and the size of that ranking.
Use the category position rather than the brand name alone: speakers from the same manufacturer can perform very differently by size, price and product family.
Prices on this page were last checked September 30, 2026 at 2:57 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Quick Navigation
- Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers
- Large Size Bookshelf Speakers
- Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs)
- Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs)
- Discontinued Paradigm Models
Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers
Ranked #50 of 90 in Medium Size Bookshelf Speakers - Paradigm Monitor SE Atom: $399.98 per pair Paradigm eBay
Pros: Good, consistent directivity across the on-axis, listening-window, and off-axis curves makes the Atom easier to equalize and less room-dependent than many budget speakers. Bass tuning is well judged, letting the woofer play loud on demanding tracks without bottoming out even without a subwoofer. Paradigm’s NRC research pedigree shows in the horizontal and vertical dispersion measurements. Measured bass extension of 58.6Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 85dB.
Cons: On-axis response is uneven out of the box, with a 2-4kHz dip followed by a peak and a resonance around 15kHz that the reviewer said gives it a bright, “showroom” voicing without EQ correction. There’s no meaningful bass extension for full-range use, so a subwoofer is effectively required for anything beyond desktop or near-field listening.
Full Paradigm Monitor SE Atom review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 49.8Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 12.75H x 7.125W x 11D in |
| Drivers | 1” X-PAL aluminum dome tweeter (ferrofluid, PPA lens), 5.5” mineral-filled polypropylene mid/bass |
| Frequency Response | 61Hz - 21kHz +/-3dB (Manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Power Handling | 15-100W recommended |
| Sensitivity | 85dB (2.83V/1m, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.13 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.50 |
| Weight | 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Paradigm Monitor SE Atom vs Sony SS-CS5 M2
- Paradigm Monitor SE Atom vs ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2
- Paradigm Monitor SE Atom vs JBL Stage 250B
- Paradigm Monitor SE Atom vs JBL Studio 530
- Paradigm Monitor SE Atom vs Dynaudio Emit M10
- Paradigm Monitor SE Atom vs ELAC BS U5
- Paradigm Monitor SE Atom vs Dynaudio X14
- Paradigm Monitor SE Atom vs Pioneer SP-BS22-LR (Philharmonic AAM Mod)
- See all 38 comparisons
Large Size Bookshelf Speakers
Ranked #56 of 134 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers - Paradigm Founder 40B: $2,399.98 per pair Audio Advice eBay
Pros: A 6-inch aluminum-magnesium woofer and a 1-inch ceramic dome tweeter in a deep waveguide, with Paradigm’s perforated phase-aligning lenses over both. Toed in 30 degrees as Paradigm recommends, Erin’s Audio Corner measured an exceptionally even listening window, within a 1.7dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz, with low on-axis deviation (0.36) and wide horizontal dispersion averaging 60 degrees, for a preference score of 4.89 that rises to 7.11 with an ideal subwoofer. Sensitivity is a high 89dB anechoic. Measured bass extension of 69.6Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Bass rolls off early for a speaker this size, about 70Hz at -3dB and 44Hz at -10dB, so it works best with a subwoofer or close to a wall. It needs the recommended toe-in: measured straight on, its response is less even (preference score 4.58) and the tonal balance shifts. At about $2,400 a pair it is expensive for a 6-inch two-way.
Full Paradigm Founder 40B review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 69.6Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 14.5”H x 7.8”W x 12.6”D (368 x 197 x 320 mm) |
| Drivers | 6” AL-MAG woofer; 1” AL-MAC ceramic dome tweeter with waveguide |
| Frequency Response | 69Hz-23kHz ±2dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | Compatible with 8 ohms (manufacturer specified) |
| Sensitivity | 89dB anechoic, 92dB in-room (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.89 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.11 |
| Weight | 24.9 lbs (11.3 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs)
Ranked #95 of 146 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) - Paradigm Defiance V12: $513.44 eBay
Pros: Fills rooms with tight ample powerful bass while retaining speed/control of sealed design. Ported 12-inch front-firing woofer (23-200Hz ±3dB) with 120W RMS (250W peak) Class D amp. Nuanced articulate delivery with low-end impact. Full app control with effective room correction via smartphone (optional calibrated microphone). Optional Bluetooth WT Module for 50ft wireless (2.4GHz). Great value recommended by reviewers even for higher spenders.
Full Paradigm Defiance V12 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 120W RMS |
|---|---|
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 111.2 dB |
| Cabinet Color | black |
| Country | Canada |
| Dimensions | 17.9”H x 16.5”W x 17.9”D (455.4 x 419.1 x 453.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 12” (305mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, bottom |
| Frequency Response | 23-200Hz |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 100.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 105.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 109.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 112.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 112.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 110.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 109.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 108.4 dB |
| Warranty | 3 |
| Weight | 42.1 lbs (19.1 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Independently measured by Audioholics; the published figures above come from this ASR subwoofer measurement thread.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs)
Ranked #31 of 109 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) - Paradigm Signature Sub 2: $9,494.56 eBay
Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 109.4 dB at 20 Hz and 123.7 dB through 40-80 Hz. The sealed enclosure with 6x 10” (254mm) driver has the headroom for demanding film bass in a large room.
Cons: The 622.3H x 603.2W x 568.2D mm cabinet and 104.3 kg mass make this a serious placement and moving commitment. A sealed cabinet still needs careful placement and calibration to avoid room-mode peaks.
Full Paradigm Signature Sub 2 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | No |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 123.7 dB |
| Cabinet Color | black, wood |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Country | Canada |
| Dimensions | 24.5”H x 23.7”W x 22.4”D (622.3 x 603.2 x 568.2 mm) |
| Drivers | 6x 10” (254mm) driver |
| Enclosure | sealed |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | RCA (stereo/mono), LFE, XLR (balanced) |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics |
| Optical Input | No |
| Output SPL at 10 Hz | 97.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 12.5 Hz | 101.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 105.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 109.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 112.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 116.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 119.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 123.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 125.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 126.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 125.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 123.3 dB |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Warranty | 3 |
| Weight | 229.9 lbs (104.3 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Independently measured by Audioholics; the published figures above come from this ASR subwoofer measurement thread.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Ranked #92 of 109 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) - Paradigm Prestige 2000SW: $2499 eBay
Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 101.8 dB at 20 Hz and 116.1 dB through 40-80 Hz. The sealed enclosure with 15” (381mm) driver delivers substantial upper-bass output for movie effects and music.
Cons: Deep-bass output is more limited than the strong 40-80 Hz result suggests, so it is not the right choice when the lowest movie effects are the priority. The 565.1H x 552.4W x 514.4D mm cabinet and 54.9 kg mass still require deliberate placement and calibration.
Full Paradigm Prestige 2000SW review and specifications →
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 116.1 dB |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Color | black, white, wood |
| Country | Canada |
| Dimensions | 22.2”H x 21.7”W x 20.3”D (565.1 x 552.4 x 514.4 mm) |
| Drivers | 15” (381mm) driver |
| Enclosure | sealed |
| Measurement Source | Brent Butterworth |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 96.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 101.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 108.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 112.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 115.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 117.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 116.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 114.8 dB |
| Warranty | 3 |
| Weight | 121 lbs (54.9 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Independently measured by Brent Butterworth; the published figures above come from this ASR subwoofer measurement thread.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Discontinued Paradigm Models
Still ranked, and often still worth buying used, but no longer in production. Check availability before planning around one of these.
Small Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs)
Ranked #45 of 48 in Small Home Subwoofers (Under 30 lbs) - Paradigm Millenia CT: $499 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 99.0 dB (avg of 3/4 bands) through 40-80 Hz. The subwoofer enclosure with 8” (203mm) driver is intended to add useful bass support without a full-size cabinet.
Cons: Without a published 20 Hz output result, deep-bass capability is less certain than its midbass figure. The 400.0H x 127.0W x 355.6D mm cabinet and 5.7 kg mass still need careful placement and calibration. Discontinued.
Notes: low profile (<8in)
Full Paradigm Millenia CT review and specifications →
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 99.0 dB (avg of 3/4 bands) |
|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Dimensions | 15.7”H x 5”W x 14”D (400.0 x 127.0 x 355.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 8” (203mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Measurement Source | Brent Butterworth |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 67.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 80.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 90.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 100.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 106.7 dB |
| Warranty | 3 |
| Weight | 12.6 lbs (5.7 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Independently measured by Brent Butterworth; the published figures above come from this ASR subwoofer measurement thread.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs)
Ranked #10 of 146 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) - Paradigm Defiance X12: $1,314.63 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Beastmaster 12-inch ported with 650W RMS defies moderate size to produce powerful bass with vanishing distortion. Advanced ARC room correction technology. Nearly ideal performance/value ratio for music and movies.
Cons: Discontinued.
Full Paradigm Defiance X12 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 650W RMS / 1300W peak |
|---|---|
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 119.2 dB |
| Cabinet Color | black |
| Country | Canada |
| Crossover Frequency | 30-120Hz adjustable |
| Dimensions | 19.4”H x 18”W x 19.4”D (493.5 x 457.2 x 493.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 12” (305mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, bottom |
| Features | ARC microphone for room correction, ART surround |
| Frequency Response | 20-230Hz, ±3dB |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 95.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 108.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 112.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 116.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 119.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 120.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 120.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 120.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 119.3 dB |
| Warranty | 3 |
| Weight | 61.9 lbs (28.1 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Independently measured by Audioholics; the published figures above come from this ASR subwoofer measurement thread.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Paradigm Defiance X12 vs Power Sound Audio (PSA) XV15
- Paradigm Defiance X12 vs Power Sound Audio (PSA) XV15-BASE
- Paradigm Defiance X12 vs Power Sound Audio (PSA) XV15SEICE-BASE
- Paradigm Defiance X12 vs Monoprice SW-15
- Paradigm Defiance X12 vs SVS SB-3000
- Paradigm Defiance X12 vs HSU Research ULS-15 MK2
- Paradigm Defiance X12 vs MartinLogan Dynamo 1600X
- Paradigm Defiance X12 vs Power Sound Audio (PSA) XS15SE
Ranked #76 of 146 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) - Paradigm Defiance X10: $985.97 Discontinued eBay
Pros: 10-inch ported with 300W RMS and ARC room correction provides massive SPL with precision control and low distortion. Active Ridge Technology (ART) surround allows greater excursion. Fine-tune bass from chair with app control.
Cons: Discontinued.
Full Paradigm Defiance X10 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 300W RMS |
|---|---|
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 113.9 dB |
| Cabinet Color | black |
| Country | Canada |
| Dimensions | 16.4”H x 15”W x 16.4”D (417.3 x 381.0 x 417.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 10” (254mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, bottom |
| Frequency Response | 24-240Hz |
| Measurement Source | Brent Butterworth |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 82.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 98.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 107.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 110.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 113.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 116.6 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 115.5 dB |
| Warranty | 3 |
| Weight | 42.1 lbs (19.1 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Independently measured by Brent Butterworth; the published figures above come from this ASR subwoofer measurement thread.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Ranked #127 of 146 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) - Paradigm Monitor SUB 10: $799 Discontinued eBay
Pros: 10-inch sealed with 300W RMS. Compact size perfect for those valuing fine-tuned sound over high output. Paradigm’s Perfect Bass Kit provides exceptional room correction via USB microphone and PC software, delivering dead-flat frequency response.
Cons: Discontinued.
Full Paradigm Monitor SUB 10 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 300W RMS |
|---|---|
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 107.4 dB (avg of 3/4 bands) |
| Country | Canada |
| Dimensions | 13”H x 11.1”W x 12.7”D (330.2 x 282.4 x 323.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 10” (254mm) driver |
| Enclosure | sealed |
| Frequency Response | 17Hz extension |
| Measurement Source | Brent Butterworth |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 94.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 94.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 94.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 107.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 107.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 107.4 dB |
| Warranty | 3 |
| Weight | 30 lbs (13.6 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Independently measured by Brent Butterworth; the published figures above come from this ASR subwoofer measurement thread.
Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs)
Ranked #38 of 109 in Large Home Subwoofers (Over 75 lbs) - Paradigm Defiance X15: $1,499 Discontinued eBay
Pros: Independent CEA-2010 testing records 109.2 dB at 20 Hz and 122.9 dB through 40-80 Hz. The ported, bottom enclosure with 15” (381mm) driver has the headroom for demanding film bass in a large room.
Cons: The 625.3H x 588.8W x 625.3D mm cabinet and 41.7 kg mass make this a serious placement and moving commitment. Ported output does not solve room modes, so careful placement and calibration remain essential. Discontinued.
Full Paradigm Defiance X15 review and specifications →
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 122.9 dB |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Color | black |
| Country | Canada |
| Dimensions | 24.6”H x 23.2”W x 24.6”D (625.3 x 588.8 x 625.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 15” (381mm) driver |
| Enclosure | ported, bottom |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 102.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 109.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 112.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 116.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 121.3 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 123.4 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 123.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 123.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 121.9 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 121.2 dB |
| Warranty | 3 |
| Weight | 91.9 lbs (41.7 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Independently measured by Audioholics; the published figures above come from this ASR subwoofer measurement thread.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons