Short answer: the SVS SB-3000, if you are buying new. The Paradigm Defiance X12 measures as well as it (#11 vs #15 of 212 subwoofers, 4.1/5 vs 4.1/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the SVS SB-3000 is still sold new at $1,199.
The SB-3000 is the current sealed sub. Its 13-inch driver on 800W averaged 118.7dB from 40 to 80Hz in Audioholics’ tests, with tight, accurate bass and a 3-band parametric EQ in its app. Being sealed, it gives up deep output: 96.6dB at 20Hz.
The Defiance X12 is a discontinued ported sub with room correction. Its 12-inch driver on 650W produces powerful bass with very low distortion, and Paradigm’s ARC room correction tunes it to your room. It is a larger, heavier cabinet at 61.9 lbs (28.1 kg), and it is only available used.
Buy the SVS SB-3000 if you want one new; the Paradigm Defiance X12 is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Subwoofers rankings.
A well made sealed subwoofer with tight, accurate bass and handy app controls, great for music and medium rooms.
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
| SVS SB-3000 | Paradigm Defiance X12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,199.00 | $1,314.63 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #15 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 15 Hz | 90.3 dB | - |
| Output SPL at 20 Hz | 96.6 dB | 95.5 dB |
| Output SPL at 25 Hz | 101.7 dB | 108.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 31.5 Hz | 107.8 dB | 112.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 40 Hz | 114.6 dB | 116.1 dB |
| Output SPL at 50 Hz | 118.7 dB | 119.0 dB |
| Output SPL at 63 Hz | 120.7 dB | 120.7 dB |
| Output SPL at 80 Hz | 120.9 dB | 120.8 dB |
| Output SPL at 100 Hz | 120.8 dB | 120.2 dB |
| Output SPL at 125 Hz | 120.7 dB | 119.3 dB |
| CEA-2010-A Average (40-80Hz) | 118.7 dB | 119.2 dB |
| Dimensions | 15.6”H x 15.2”W x 15.7”D (396.2 x 386.1 x 398.8 mm) | 19.4”H x 18”W x 19.4”D (493.5 x 457.2 x 493.5 mm) |
| Weight | 54.5 lbs (24.7 kg) | 61.9 lbs (28.1 kg) |
| Warranty | 5 | 3 |
| Cabinet Color | black | black |
| Country | United States | Canada |
| Measurement Source | Audioholics | Audioholics |
| Frequency Response | 18-270Hz, ±3dB | 20-230Hz, ±3dB |
| Amplifier Power | 800W RMS / 2500W peak | 650W RMS / 1300W peak |
| Crossover Frequency | 30-200Hz adjustable, 6/12/18/24dB slopes | 30-120Hz adjustable |
| Inputs | RCA (unbalanced), USB | - |
| Phase Control | 0°-180° | - |
| Features | Auto/On, 3-12V AC/DC trigger | ARC microphone for room correction, ART surround |
| Drivers | 13” (330mm) driver | 12” (305mm) driver |
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