Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

Manufacturer details

  • Design: 11" (279 mm) Ultra-high Excursion Driver with Trilinear Suspension System and Active Ridge Technology (ART™), sealed enclosure with Cascade-Fusion™ Bracing and ADVANCED Shock-Mount™, built-in Class-D amplifier
  • Room Correction: ARC Genesis (microphone included)
  • Frequency Response On-Axis: ±3dB from 20 Hz to 140 Hz
  • Low Frequency Driver: 11" (279 mm) Ultra-High-Excursion CARBON-X Unibody Bass Driver, with Trilinear Suspension System and Active Ridge Technology (ART™), 1.5" high-temperature voice coil
  • Effective Piston Area (Sd): 66 sq in / 0.043 sq m
  • Effective Displacement: 183.1 cu in/3 L
  • Low Frequency Response: 14 Hz (DIN)
  • Inputs: Stereo or Mono (dual RCA jacks)/LFE RCA jack, One Balanced XLR (LFE), Left and right speaker level inputs
  • Polarity: 0 or 180 degrees
  • Phase: Variable 0°-180°
  • Dimensions (HxWxD): 16.2" x 15.3" x 16.9" (41.2cm x 38.8cm x 42.9cm)
  • Weight: 65.1 lb / 29 kg
  • Finishes: Gloss: Piano Black & Midnight Cherry, Satin: Walnut & Black Walnut
The all-new XR subwoofers are a master class in design and engineering refinement that challenges what is possible from a compact, sealed subwoofer design. Our goal was to push the boundaries of performance while never losing sight of aesthetics by wrapping everything up into a suitable size that won't ever feel out of place.
11” (279 mm) Ultra-high Excursion Driver with Trilinear Suspension System and Active Ridge Technology (ART™), sealed enclosure with Cascade-Fusion™ Bracing and ADVANCED Shock-Mount™, built-in Class-D amplifier, App-controlled via smartphone and Anthem Room Correction (ARC®) Included.
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

  • Paradigm designs and manufactures their own drivers, including the rare and expensive Beryllium drivers used in their higher-end Persona and Founder series, allowing for precise control over performance characteristics.
  • They utilize Perforated Phase-Aligning (PPA) lenses over tweeters and midrange drivers, a visually distinctive technology they claim smooths and widens dispersion while protecting the drivers.
  • Paradigm is known for integrating Anthem Room Correction (ARC) technology from their sister company, Anthem Electronics, to optimize bass performance and room integration of their subwoofers.
  • They focus on delivering high dynamic range, enabling their speakers to play loudly and cleanly without compression or distortion, even at mass-market price points.

Monitor SE 8000F

  • Positioning: The entry-level floorstanding speaker in Paradigm's lineup, offering high performance at an affordable price.
  • Description: Features a 5-driver, 3-way bass reflex design that delivers robust bass and clear highs, with dynamic sound and excellent imaging. Compared to higher-end models like the Premier 800F, it offers great value for those with budget constraints, making it ideal for medium-sized rooms where affordability and quality are key.

Premier 800F

  • Positioning: The mid-range floorstanding speaker in Paradigm's lineup, balancing performance and value.
  • Description: Features clear midrange and well-integrated bass, using Active Ridge Technology (ART) for reduced distortion. While it offers superior sound quality compared to the Monitor SE 8000F, it remains more accessible than the Founder 120H.

Founder 120H

  • Positioning: The high-end floorstanding speaker in Paradigm's lineup, designed for audiophiles seeking advanced technology and superior sound.
  • Description: Features a hybrid design with active bass and a built-in amplifier, providing deep, controlled bass and precise sound. Its advanced technologies, such as the AL-MAC high-frequency driver, offer a more refined audio experience than the Premier 800F.

Persona 9H

  • Positioning: The flagship model in Paradigm's lineup, representing the pinnacle of their speaker technology and design.
  • Description: Features Truextent Beryllium drivers for exceptional clarity and Anthem Room Correction for precise audio tuning. It surpasses all other models in the lineup, including the Founder 120H, in terms of technological sophistication and soundstage.
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Avg. Product Price
$2,501-$5,000
Used For Sale
319
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
14
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
90
Founding Year
1982

Our take on the brand

Paradigm is a Canadian hifi speaker brand that designs and builds their products locally, using advanced materials like beryllium in their drivers and their proprietary PPA lens technology for better sound dispersion. Their speakers are favored by audiophiles seeking high-end sound at relatively lower prices, and they integrate Anthem Room Correction technology to optimize performance in modern open-concept homes with challenging acoustics.

Look inside the brand

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Our interview with the brand

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From our interview with
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What if you spend more?

Product image
M&K Sound
X15+
6999
6999
/
8
Reviews

New Carbon Fibre Woofer Cones have been developed for all models with ultra-high strength and rigidity to accommodate the added power and excursion of the new X+ Series. M&K Sound's proprietary CNC-machined, extruded aluminium Distortion Killer Shorting Rings also guarantee absolute control and distortion-free, exemplary performance in all settings. 

M&K Sound's iconic Push-Pull subwoofer architecture and "reversed double driver" non-isobaric configuration mean that both drivers in the cabinet are 'exposed' to room air. Consequently, and like the X-Series before, the X+ Series models are effectively two subwoofers in one cabinet enabling a further associated reduction in distortion. This is made possible by having one inverted driver in relation to the other cancelling non-linearities to produce totally symmetric waveforms. 

The X15+, X12+ and X10+ all feature full 25mm MDF construction and bracing for negligible panel vibrations or cabinet resonances, and increased venting at the base of the woofers mitigates distortion due to air turbulence. These milled cavities also act as convenient carrying handles for installation efficiency

M&K Sound invented the world's first subwoofer in 1973 and is widely used in Hollywood studios for mixing and mastering film soundtracks. Their push-pull subwoofer design cancels out harmonic distortion, and their speakers deliver professional studio monitor neutrality, making them a top choice for high-end audio production.
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Product Strengths

  • Deep bass response with extremely high output
  • Impeccable build quality
  • THX Dominus Certified
  • Built like a tank with exceptional fit and finish

Product Considerations

  • No included room correction or tuning app
  • Large and heavy, difficult to position
  • Prone to auto standby during light content
  • Omits onboard room correction

Takeaway: The X15+ is a commanding presence that can achieve reference level output in a large room and smoothly engages protection mechanisms, preventing itself from coming undone. If one has big demands, the M&K Sound X15+ is certainly able to fulfill them.

Video review

Our take on the brand

M&K Sound invented the world's first subwoofer in 1973 and is widely used in Hollywood studios for mixing and mastering film soundtracks. Their push-pull subwoofer design cancels out harmonic distortion, and their speakers deliver professional studio monitor neutrality, making them a top choice for high-end audio production.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
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REL
No.31
8814
8814
/
7
Reviews

When Only the Best Will Do(But You've Run Out of Room)

No.31 exists to satisfy the needs of those who crave the finest yet have space limitations. Whilst some can afford our flagship No.32 model, it is larger and deeper than some rooms can accommodate. How can you best deliver No.32's sound quality, build quality, and thoughtful features with a more compact footprint? Enter No.31.

Perfection Repeated

No.31 matches No.32's design stroke for stroke, yet somehow it manages to look more svelte, crouching closer to the floor—almost feline in its grace. The elegant plated handles inset into an ellipse is retained, as is the string grille that permits vast amounts of air to explode into your room without creating noise like cloth grilles can. No.31 features the curvilinear radius to the sidewalls that define both its performance and its character. But the reduction in visual and actual three-dimensional physical mass is remarkable. No.31: when the best must be delivered in a smaller space.

Arrayed for Battle

No.31 permits the same vertically stacked line array as the ultimate No.32. It delivers transformative performance that no competitor has been able to. For those who have been seeking the ultimate musical and theatre experience, Line Arrays unlock the final dimension of system reproduction. Audiophiles have chased three-dimensional sound for years, yet they have missed the simple fact that the height—not the depth—of image is the missing link. By creating products that are designed to be stacked 3 (or in exceptionally tall rooms, 5) units high while retaining individual crossover and gain control of each subwoofer in the array, REL has created a masterpiece that finally delivers what the most experienced audiophiles have been chasing for the past 40 years.

How to Build Up to a Line Array. How to Setup and Dial in a Line Array.

Amplified Perfection

No.32's NextGen 7 Class D 1,000 watt amplifier also lives inside No.31, only limited to 900 watts to ensure the perfect complement to the 12" bass engine within No.31. This allows the maximum dynamics to be delivered while ensuring a long, cheerful life for both components. Here too, the LimitLess Limiter,™ which permits the amplifier to tiptoe right up to its limit without audible compression is part of the magic, conveys a rhythmically effortless quality. Also, its dual parametric filters allow precise micro-tuning; the deepest bass is slightly reinforced, while the upper ranges of bass can be gently trimmed to ensure a brilliantly rendered transition from bass to the main speaker. The electronic design of the reference range is itself artistry.

Drive This

The incredible excursion of the 12" pure carbon fibre driver allows it to play as loud as its larger stablemate. Yet, the No.31 possesses the tactility, nimbleness, and attack that only the greatest subwoofers have ever been able to deliver. Also, its sonic signature works in modestly-scaled rooms and with a vast range of fine speakers. The driver is accelerated by a specially wound 3" voice coil driven by a 13-pound magnetic structure; even near its limits, the voice coil remains solidly inside the gap. It is this visceral power, coupled with great delicacy and nuance, that is No.31's signature.

Total Control

Take control of your No.31 by grasping the REL Reference Remote Control. Immediately, you will be struck by the perfect fit in your palm, the result of careful thought and numerous generations of trial-and-error fittings during prototype development. The second reaction to it is the awareness of its mass, which conveys its quality, permanence, and immutability. It tells you, "I am a thing of substance, of quality. Pay attention, what you do next matters." If you have owned a REL in the past (and fully 90% of Rel Reference owners are), all the familiar controls are right at hand, exactly where you'd want them. High (or low if using active speakers) level gain sits comfortably to the right side, the crossover rests in the middle, and .1/LFE gain is off to the left.

Below are three lovely metal toggle switches handle the critical setup functions. The remote's on/off switch is at the bottom. It is both as out of the way as possible and remains on once turned on and in use during setup without being accidentally turned off. In the middle sits the phase control. This is used only initially to determine the correct 0 or 180 degrees of phase. Additionally, the top access to the Dual Parametric EQ-marked with A and B—permits the flattest, deepest bass and, at the other end of the bass frequencies, the fine-tuning of crossover behavior. This gives you the perfect blending of subwoofer to main speakers and any vestiges of room-generated boom and resonance can be gently trimmed away.

REL's Reference Remote reminds you of the perfect butler—always immaculate, indispensable when called upon, then quietly set aside until a future time when perhaps additions or further improvements to one's system further require its services.

REL is widely recognized as the premier audiophile-grade subwoofer manufacturer, focusing exclusively on designing subwoofers that match the speed and clarity of high-end loudspeakers. Their higher-end models are specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with audiophile speakers, enhancing the soundstage and instrument separation rather than simply adding bass impact.
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Product Strengths

  • Delivers the best musical bass and seamless integration with speakers
  • Improves the overall scale, solidity, and immersion of the sound
  • Exceptional build quality with thoughtful design touches that contribute to pride of ownership
  • Offers convenient and precise adjustments via a heavy-duty carbon remote control
  • Creates a solid bass foundation that makes music seem more realistic and visceral

Product Considerations

  • Subwoofers are quite large
  • The remote control can be a pain to operate
  • More bass pressure bleeds into other rooms

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • No.31 delivers even better results than REL No.25 for less money
  • No.31 takes advances in driver, cabinet, and crossover to another level than Carbon Special—Carbon Special gets about 80% of the way there
  • Comparing the S/510 to the Carbon Special or the No.31 is another step down in resolution
  • Compared to REL's T-Range, S-Range and Carbon Special, No.31 is better
  • The No.31 is a more exquisite sonic refinement and class than REL HT/1205s

Takeaway: The No.31 is a musical subwoofer for high-end hifi systems, with sonic quality and detail that enhances the entire soundfield. It offers big, full, rich, and impactful bass that integrates seamlessly and provides a wonderful listening experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

REL is widely recognized as the premier audiophile-grade subwoofer manufacturer, focusing exclusively on designing subwoofers that match the speed and clarity of high-end loudspeakers. Their higher-end models are specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with audiophile speakers, enhancing the soundstage and instrument separation rather than simply adding bass impact.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Velodyne
Digital Drive 10 Plus
5598
5598
/
6
Reviews
Velodyne Acoustics pioneered the High-Gain Servo system that reduced bass distortion to less than 1% at 105 dB SPL, and holds more patents in subwoofer technology than any other manufacturer. The company introduced the world's first digital subwoofer with DSP technology in 2003, and their Digital Drive Room Bass Equalization System corrects room acoustics for optimal bass performance.
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Product Strengths

  • Very low distortion figures
  • Versatile, elegant and modern design
  • Insane speed and accuracy
  • Auto equalization is featured
  • Multiple setup options make it user and room-friendly

Product Considerations

  • The unit itself is visually present in the room
  • Optimal performance requires setup by a knowledgeable installer via computer
  • This level of performance is not needed in a small room or with small speakers

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Digital Drive Plus competes with the JL Audio's Fathom subwoofer line for price and performance
  • The Digital Drive Plus is very realistic and powerful, even doing better than the reviewer's two 12-inch drivers, while the Velodyne Deep Blue is very nice
  • The Digital Drive Plus is doing better than the SVS-2000 Pro
  • The DD10+ is very close to the DD15+ in performance 90% of the time

Takeaway: This Digital Drive Plus is a subwoofer that adds realism and gives music an ease of presentation. The Digital Drive Plus will give the listener what they need if they want one subwoofer to do the work of two.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Velodyne Acoustics pioneered the High-Gain Servo system that reduced bass distortion to less than 1% at 105 dB SPL, and holds more patents in subwoofer technology than any other manufacturer. The company introduced the world's first digital subwoofer with DSP technology in 2003, and their Digital Drive Room Bass Equalization System corrects room acoustics for optimal bass performance.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
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Perlisten
D215s
9995
9995
/
5
Reviews

The Subwoofer that will surprise you with its accuracy. Grills are optional. MODEL D215s Subwoofer: Dynamic, Accurate, Solid. The audiophile's choice. Where sound quality and Transients free of overhang are paramount.

Simply no better expression of bass performance than our push-pull subs. Ground up drivers developed by our team of engineers. Carbon fiber composite diaphragms, multiple aluminum shorting rings, massive magnets, multi-layer Nomex spiders and lightweight aluminum voice coil wire are the key ingredients – Proprietary nonlinear modeling techniques allow us to simulate all these components and then optimize for real world driver performance – free air and in box. Further refinement is done with the aid of Klippel laser measurements to dial things in.

To take performance to another level, the push-pull drivers reduce even order harmonics distortion by an additional 10-12dB. Powered by our 3.0kW amplifier, all functions and safeties are controlled by a 48-bit data bath DSP and 32-bit ARM M4 Cortex processor, able to react in microseconds, powerful enough to slam.

All D-Series subs share our 2.4" LCD touchscreen display and ability to control advance settings using our App. Certified by THX Dominus, The D-Series subs are the world's first. A testament to the level of design and performance achieved.

Perlisten Audio's speakers feature a unique Directivity Pattern Control array that combines a beryllium tweeter with thin-ply carbon diaphragm midrange drivers to control sound dispersion and enhance imaging precision, and they're the first brand to achieve THX Dominus certification. Their speakers use proprietary thin-ply carbon diaphragm material that's 30% lighter than standard carbon fiber, with their DPC array designed to minimize floor and ceiling reflections while maintaining precise horizontal soundstage.
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Product Strengths

  • Powerful amplifier (3000W) and ample infrasonic response without bottoming out
  • Clean output and agility suitable for both home theater and high-end music systems
  • Sophisticated monitoring system, ensuring sound quality regardless of AC line conditions, and preventing thermal shutdown
  • Extreme tweakability and control with app (iOS and Android) and has a 10-band parametric equalizer
  • Top-shelf build quality with heavy-duty HDF and extensive internal bracing to minimize vibration

Product Considerations

  • The D215s is big and heavy (over 200lbs), making positioning a chore
  • It only comes in a black finish, which might not suit all decors

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The D215s offers some of the best performance seen in a sealed sub above 20Hz
  • The only sealed sub that can challenge its distortion levels below 20Hz that Audioholics has dealt with is the JTR Captivator RS1—and even then only in long-term output

Takeaway: The D215s subwoofer delivers powerful and accurate bass, making it a great addition to any high-end audio setup. With its advanced technology and customizable settings, it can enhance the listening experience for both movies and music.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Perlisten Audio's speakers feature a unique Directivity Pattern Control array that combines a beryllium tweeter with thin-ply carbon diaphragm midrange drivers to control sound dispersion and enhance imaging precision, and they're the first brand to achieve THX Dominus certification. Their speakers use proprietary thin-ply carbon diaphragm material that's 30% lighter than standard carbon fiber, with their DPC array designed to minimize floor and ceiling reflections while maintaining precise horizontal soundstage.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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What competes at this price?

Paradigm
XR 13
4249
/
Released
2023
The all-new XR subwoofers are a master class in design and engineering refinement that challenges what is possible from a compact, sealed subwoofer design. Our goal was to push the boundaries of performance while never losing sight of aesthetics by wrapping everything up into a suitable size that won't ever feel out of place.
Check Amazon
Paradigm is a Canadian hifi speaker brand that designs and builds their products locally, using advanced materials like beryllium in their drivers and their proprietary PPA lens technology for better sound dispersion. Their speakers are favored by audiophiles seeking high-end sound at relatively lower prices, and they integrate Anthem Room Correction technology to optimize performance in modern open-concept homes with challenging acoustics.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Impeccable and top-notch build quality and design
  • Clean, tight, and powerful bass from a surprisingly small package
  • Performs very well for both music and home theater
  • Anthem Room Correction (ARC) is included for room calibration
  • Sleek design fits into modern decor

Product Considerations

  • The XR13 is not designed for someone that prioritizes performance and price to performance above all else
  • Physics still apply and it will not outperform a larger driver subwoofer in SPL alone
  • The 3m USB cable supplied for ARC may be too short
  • App control may lead to end-user settings calamity

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Perlisten R210, the Paradigm is smaller and just as snappy and articulate

Takeaway: The Paradigm XR is a beautiful and well-built subwoofer that delivers excellent sound quality in a compact size. It is a great option for those who want a subwoofer that looks as good as it sounds and still delivers powerful bass for both music and movies.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Paradigm is a Canadian hifi speaker brand that designs and builds their products locally, using advanced materials like beryllium in their drivers and their proprietary PPA lens technology for better sound dispersion. Their speakers are favored by audiophiles seeking high-end sound at relatively lower prices, and they integrate Anthem Room Correction technology to optimize performance in modern open-concept homes with challenging acoustics.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
REL
Classic 99
3699
/
Released
2024
A potent symphony of design, power, and grace. Building on the foundation laid by Classic 98, this model amplifies every attribute: more power, deeper bass, and a design that captures both the eye and the ear. With 450 watts driving a robust 12" paper-on-paper driver, Classic 99 not only plays louder and reaches deeper, but also adds layers of subtle textural enhancements that continuously impress.
Check Amazon
REL is widely recognized as the premier audiophile-grade subwoofer manufacturer, focusing exclusively on designing subwoofers that match the speed and clarity of high-end loudspeakers. Their higher-end models are specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with audiophile speakers, enhancing the soundstage and instrument separation rather than simply adding bass impact.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Beautiful aesthetic with walnut veneer, fitting well with mid-century modern or classic speaker setups
  • Provides a warmer, richer, more textured, and room-filling bass, enhancing the musicality of the system
  • Capable of delivering more bass output at deeper frequencies compared to the Classic 98, beneficial for music and movies
  • Seamlessly integrates with speakers, creating a cohesive sound field, and improving vocals and soundstage

Product Considerations

  • The setup process can be tedious, as adjustments need to be made manually without an app
  • Limited phase adjustment options (0 and 180 degrees) may restrict integration flexibility in some rooms
  • May not be the best choice for systems that already sound warm or for those prioritizing punchy—fast bass
  • Substantial size may require careful placement in smaller rooms

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the Classic 98, the 99 has more bass output at deeper frequencies, and is faster and more nimble

Takeaway: The Classic 99 is a beautiful and musical subwoofer that enhances the overall warmth and richness of a sound system, making it more inviting and enjoyable, especially for those with smaller speakers or systems that could benefit from additional low-end texture. It delivers a smooth, tactile, and spacious bass experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

REL is widely recognized as the premier audiophile-grade subwoofer manufacturer, focusing exclusively on designing subwoofers that match the speed and clarity of high-end loudspeakers. Their higher-end models are specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with audiophile speakers, enhancing the soundstage and instrument separation rather than simply adding bass impact.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Monitor
Anthra W12
3000
/
Released
2023
The W12 is the mid-sized model within the Anthra subwoofer series. It features a 12" (30 cm) Rigid Surface Technology II (RST II) C-CAM high-excursion driver powered by a Class-D 1,000 Watt amplifier, housed within a comprehensively internally braced, sealed-box cabinet.
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Monitor Audio is an independently owned hifi brand that has earned multiple Editors Choice awards for their Silver Series speakers, which feature proprietary driver designs. Their speakers are distinguished by unique technologies like the MPD tweeter and C-CAM drivers, which provide exceptional clarity while resisting distortion and listener fatigue.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Deep, rich, punchy, and precise bass enhances the overall sound experience
  • Exceptional control and accuracy with articulate and precise bass notes avoids muddiness
  • A muscular amplifier pressurizes the room well, making movies sound huge
  • A user-friendly experience is offered via the MaestroUnite app for advanced configuration
  • Elegant design with a premium finish is available in Gloss Black or Satin White

Product Considerations

  • Substantial weight at 32.4kg
  • May be overkill for smaller rooms
  • Lacks auto EQ for self-calibration
  • Some people may miss high-level inputs

Takeaway: The Anthra W12 is a powerful subwoofer that brings depth and detail to both music and movies. With its precise bass and user-friendly features, it's a great addition to any serious hifi setup and will make any media experience more enjoyable.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Monitor Audio is an independently owned hifi brand that has earned multiple Editors Choice awards for their Silver Series speakers, which feature proprietary driver designs. Their speakers are distinguished by unique technologies like the MPD tweeter and C-CAM drivers, which provide exceptional clarity while resisting distortion and listener fatigue.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Velodyne
Digital Drive 18 Plus
4773
/
Released
The Digital Drive Plus series redefines the term subwoofer. Digitally controlled drivers with impressive performance, almost endless power and the latest calibration algorithms with extensive adjustment options make these subwoofers precision tools of a special class.
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Velodyne Acoustics pioneered the High-Gain Servo system that reduced bass distortion to less than 1% at 105 dB SPL, and holds more patents in subwoofer technology than any other manufacturer. The company introduced the world's first digital subwoofer with DSP technology in 2003, and their Digital Drive Room Bass Equalization System corrects room acoustics for optimal bass performance.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Powerful, with great potential for room lock and shaking the listening room
  • Tuneful, clean, clear, and accurate bass
  • Deep bass extension
  • High build quality, with fine cabinetry
  • The on-board DSP with software offers flexibility with settings

Product Considerations

  • Expensive
  • Setup options can be overwhelming
  • Heavy, making it difficult to move around
  • The software may be complex to use
  • Built-in EQ may not be effective

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the Velodyne DD-18, the Digital Drive Plus 18 (DD-18+) bettered it in raw power, transient articulation, pitch definition, and deep-bass extension
  • Compared to the JL Audio Fathom f113, the DD-18+ created room lock that a single Fathom f113 couldn't
  • Compared to the Bowers & Wilkins DB1, the sound was closest to DD-18+, but the blend with Quad ESL-989s wasn't as seamless

Takeaway: The Velodyne DD18+ delivers top-notch sound, deep bass, and plenty of power for an amazing listening experience, and it gets the job done in both home theaters and two-channel systems. Its flexible features and robust construction make it a great option for anyone looking for a serious subwoofer.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Velodyne Acoustics pioneered the High-Gain Servo system that reduced bass distortion to less than 1% at 105 dB SPL, and holds more patents in subwoofer technology than any other manufacturer. The company introduced the world's first digital subwoofer with DSP technology in 2003, and their Digital Drive Room Bass Equalization System corrects room acoustics for optimal bass performance.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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Perlisten
D12s
4995
/
Released
2021
The smallest subwoofer in the series, yet packs enough punch to be certified THX Dominus using a pair of D12s subs. Powered by our 1.5kW amplifier, all functions and safeties are controlled by a 48-bit data bath DSP and 32-bit ARM M4 Cortex processor, able to react in microseconds, powerful enough to slam.
Check Amazon
Perlisten Audio's speakers feature a unique Directivity Pattern Control array that combines a beryllium tweeter with thin-ply carbon diaphragm midrange drivers to control sound dispersion and enhance imaging precision, and they're the first brand to achieve THX Dominus certification. Their speakers use proprietary thin-ply carbon diaphragm material that's 30% lighter than standard carbon fiber, with their DPC array designed to minimize floor and ceiling reflections while maintaining precise horizontal soundstage.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • The D12s is Perlisten's smallest subwoofer, but still delivers impressive performance, especially considering its sealed design
  • Features a powerful 1.5kW amplifier, a 32-bit processor, and a TI DSP
  • Has an intuitive mobile app for controlling settings like gain, EQ, and parametric EQ
  • The D12s produces clear, fast, and tight bass, making it very musical and integrating well with various systems
  • Offers parametric equalizations, with each one giving you 10 parametric equalization bands
  • Requires a spare preamplifier output since it only has XLR and RCA inputs, unlike some active subs that use high-level outputs

Product Considerations

  • The D12s is quite heavy, weighing around 90 pounds
  • One reviewer noted a spike around 60Hz in their room
  • Might not be ideal for very large rooms or those who prefer very bass-heavy music like dub—unless paired with larger units

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs SVS-2000 Pro, the D12s has significantly lower THD at 20Hz, even at higher SPLs
  • Vs Arendal 1723-1V, the D12s sounds clearer, faster, and tighter
  • Vs Velodyne DD12+, the D12s is comparable in dynamic bass performance, but has more modern technology
  • Vs REL offerings, the D12s performs similarly in terms of speed and clarity but has more power

Takeaway: The Perlisten D12s is a high-quality subwoofer that offers a combination of power, precision, and advanced features, resulting in a detailed and immersive listening experience for both music and movies. Its versatile design and user-friendly controls make it a great addition to any high-end audio system.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Perlisten Audio's speakers feature a unique Directivity Pattern Control array that combines a beryllium tweeter with thin-ply carbon diaphragm midrange drivers to control sound dispersion and enhance imaging precision, and they're the first brand to achieve THX Dominus certification. Their speakers use proprietary thin-ply carbon diaphragm material that's 30% lighter than standard carbon fiber, with their DPC array designed to minimize floor and ceiling reflections while maintaining precise horizontal soundstage.
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Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
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