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Paradigm or JL subwoofer

I am making changes to my 5.1.4 system. I use it for home theater and listening to music.
I have a Paradigm SW 1000 Prestige sub. It was suggested to me that if I am upgrading my system I should have two subs. I listened to two JL Fathom f112v2 subs. The sound was great. They would cost probably $9000. As I already have the Paradigm SW1000 sub, I am thinking of just adding another one for $3000 and saving $6000 that I could use for better electronics such as a Lumin T2 streamer. Would two Paradigm 12 inch subs be a major drop-off in sound quality compared to the JL's. Thanks

galleybob
james633
888 posts
 
Just buy the Paradigm. Sub integration is far more important then the sub itself. 
I would use the “saved” money for a highpass crossover. It will do more for you than any sub or system upgrade. The JL C-R1 is a good option and Bryston 10b-sub is another. 

I have two JL112E subs and BOTH have broken TWICE! The first time the crossovers (they have a true highpass crossover) died in both and we’re replaced under warranty. The second time BOTH volume pots failed. They were rebuilt under JL’s rebuild program and cost me $350 plus’s $130 shipping per sub…they are 6 years old or brand new now depending on how you look at it. 
galleybob OP
155 posts
 
@james633 I will have to look up highness crossover. Thanks for sharing your experience with JL 
james633
888 posts
 
Edit:

I just noticed you are using a home theater receiver/processor. You can just do this function inside your processor. If you ever go to a two channel preamp/amp you will need an external crossover to do the same thing. 
A highpass crossover will let you cut the lows out of your mains and just send them to the sub. You can then use a higher crossover on the subs because the sound will not overlap. I personally use 60hz but it will very from 40-80 depending on speaker. I find the average sized floor stander crosses over well at 60hz.
This will not only improve the bass but take a lot of the vibration out of your speakers which will clean up their sound. It will also take stress off your main amp and let it do it’s thing. Really it is a full system upgrade and I am always amazed more people don’t use them.
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