Paradigm DSP-3400 Subwoofer
Compared with competitors, the Paradigm subwoofer seems to be a real giant. And it is not surprising, because its body is designed to install a 14-inch (355 mm) driver in it. This, of course, is not a record for active subs, but the device can inspire unintentional respect only by its appearance.
The diffuser of this monster is made of a proprietary composite material based on polypropylene with the addition of carbon fibers. It also has a four-layered voice coil and a cast non-magnetic basket with increased heat extraction. On the front panel of the massive case there is a pair of highly efficient bass reflex ports of specially designed shape that minimizes possible turbulent noises.
The built-in amplifier in Paradigm is powerful - 300 watts in nominal and 900 at the peak of the signal. It provides a special scheme of "soft" protection against overloads, in no way affecting the sound quality. In addition to the mandatory volume controls for the active and playback bands, it is also possible to smoothly change the phase of the signal. The built-in crossover can be turned off and you can use an external bass manager if necessary.
The connection possibilities for Paradigm DSP-3400 are not very impressive - only linear and acoustic inputs are provided, but this is quite enough for today's conditions of usage. The quality of assembly and finish of all the nodes is excellent, but we did not expect anything else from this Canadian manufacturer.
Despite the large enough in diameter and mass diffuser, the sound of Paradigm DSP-3400 in the musical material does not seem to be too unwieldy or lazy. It can easily cope with playing of even very fast modern styles without violating the rhythmic structure of the composition. In general, the bass performed by this giant is incredibly powerful and well controlled. Voices are perceived to be close to natural.
In the cinema system the subwoofer felt even more confident. Few of its competitors will be able to broadcast such a scale and reliably any, even the most sophisticated, ideas of the director. The most powerful low-frequency growlings certainly will not leave the fans of modern cinema indifferent. However, the reverse side of this magnificence is sometimes an unnecessarily annoying monotony in the reproduction of shock effects. This feature does not always appear, but a bit more timbral variety of Paradigm would not hurt. As for the rest, especially when working in a room of appropriate volume, this subwoofer certainly will not disappoint you.
