Short answer: the HSU Research ULS-15 MK2, for less money. Its sealed cabinet gives tight, accurate bass with low bloat, and it takes #4 of 212 subwoofers at $999 against the Paradigm Defiance X12’s #11 at $1,314.63. The Defiance X12 pairs a 12-inch ported driver with a 650W RMS amplifier to produce powerful bass with vanishing distortion from a moderate cabinet, which is the trade if you want more output.
Buy the HSU Research ULS-15 MK2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Paradigm Defiance X12 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
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Specifications Side By Side
| HSU Research ULS-15 MK2 | Paradigm Defiance X12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $999.00 | $1,314.63 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #4 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) | #11 of 212 in Medium Home Subwoofers (30-75 lbs) |
| Enclosure | sealed | ported, bottom |
| Output SPL at 12.5 Hz | 93.7 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 98.0 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 102.4 dB | 95.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 107.7 dB | 108.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 113.4 dB | 112.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 118.3 dB | 116.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 120.8 dB | 119.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 121.2 dB | 120.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 121.1 dB | 120.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 120.7 dB | 120.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 120.7 dB | 119.3 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 120.3 dB | 119.2 dB |
| Dimensions | 19”H x 18”W x 19.5”D (482.6 x 457.2 x 495.3 mm) | 19.4”H x 18”W x 19.4”D (493.5 x 457.2 x 493.5 mm) |
| Weight | 65 lbs (29.5 kg) | 61.9 lbs (28.1 kg) |
| Warranty | 7/2(+3) | 3 |
| Cabinet Color | black, wood | black |
| Country | United States | Canada |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics | Audioholics |
| Frequency Response | 20-200Hz, ±1dB | 20-230Hz, ±3dB |
| Amplifier Power | 600W RMS / 2000W peak | 650W RMS / 1300W peak |
| Crossover Frequency | 30-90Hz adjustable | 30-120Hz adjustable |
| Phase Control | 0°-180° | - |
| Features | Q control, sealed subwoofer, EQ1/EQ2 modes | ARC microphone for room correction, ART surround |
| Drivers | 15” (381mm) driver | 12” (305mm) driver |
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