Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the Paradigm Defiance X12 is the better pick: it ranks #11 of 212 subwoofers by sound quality (rated 4.1/5), against #30 (rated 3.9/5) for the Power Sound Audio (PSA) XS15SE. If you want one new, the HSU Research ULS-15 MK2 ranks #4 at $999.
The case for the Power Sound Audio (PSA) XS15SE: A compact sealed 15 inch subwoofer with strong output for movies and music, now discontinued. The catch: At 67 lbs (30.4 kg) and 495.3H x 431.8W x 457.2D mm it is heavy and sizeable even though it is sealed.
What the Paradigm Defiance X12 does well: A moderately sized 12 inch subwoofer with powerful, low distortion bass and room correction, now discontinued but worth buying used. The tradeoff: At 61.9 lbs (28.1 kg) and 494 x 457 x 494mm it is heavy and takes real floor space for a 12 inch sub.
Buy the Paradigm Defiance X12 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, start with the HSU Research ULS-15 MK2 instead.
Still deciding? The full Subwoofers rankings cover every ranked option.
A compact sealed 15 inch subwoofer with strong output for movies and music, now discontinued.
A moderately sized 12 inch subwoofer with powerful, low distortion bass and room correction, now discontinued but worth buying used.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Power Sound Audio (PSA) XS15SE | Paradigm Defiance X12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,499 Discontinued | $1,314.63 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #30 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 | 91.9 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 15 Hz | 96.5 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 100.6 dB | 95.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 107.2 dB | 108.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 110.6 dB | 112.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 114.7 dB | 116.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 117.9 dB | 119.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 119.1 dB | 120.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 119.4 dB | 120.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 119.3 dB | 120.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 118.6 dB | 119.3 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 117.8 dB | 119.2 dB |
| Dimensions | 19.5”H x 17”W x 18”D (495.3 x 431.8 x 457.2 mm) | 19.4”H x 18”W x 19.4”D (493.5 x 457.2 x 493.5 mm) |
| Weight | 67 lbs (30.4 kg) | 61.9 lbs (28.1 kg) |
| Warranty | 5 | 3 |
| Country | United States | Canada |
| Measurement Source | Data-bass | Audioholics |
| Frequency Response | 23-200Hz, ±3dB | 20-230Hz, ±3dB |
| Amplifier Power | 550W RMS / 1650W peak | 650W RMS / 1300W peak |
| Drivers | 15” (381mm) driver | 12” (305mm) driver |
| Cabinet Color | - | black |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 30-120Hz adjustable |
| Features | - | ARC microphone for room correction, ART surround |
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