Paradigm Essentials Sub 10

The Essentials Sub 10 is a compact sealed active subwoofer with a front-firing 254 mm driver and a Class-D amplifier rated at 200 W continuous, a good fit for rounding out a stereo system or a living-room set-up for films and games.

Essentials Sub 10: simple and compact

The Essentials Sub 10 is the entry model among Paradigm subwoofers and it is all about simplicity: a plain sealed MDF cabinet, with the front panel reinforced where the driver is fixed, that measures little more than 33 cm a side and sits easily next to a TV unit. The forward-facing 254 mm driver has a long-throw diaphragm of carbon-filled polypropylene and a basket in pressed steel.

The Class-D amplifier delivers 200 W continuous and 400 W peak and is governed by a 56-bit DSP that keeps distortion in check; a soft-clipping circuit steps in at the limits and switch-on is automatic. Quoted on-axis response runs from 23 to 200 Hz within ±3 dB, with extension down to 20 Hz (DIN).

The controls are on the rear panel: a low-pass filter variable between 40 and 120 Hz with a bypass position, and phase adjustment between 0° and 180°. Inputs are two line-level RCA sockets, one of which doubles as the LFE connection for an AV receiver. Anyone who would rather not run a cable can add the Paradigm Subwoofer Wireless Kit, which is bought separately. This model has no room correction system.

Specifications

• Type: sealed active subwoofer, front-firing driver
• Driver: 254 mm, carbon-filled polypropylene, pressed-steel basket
• Cabinet: MDF, front panel reinforced
• Amplifier: Class D, 200 W continuous and 400 W peak
• Processing: 56-bit DSP, automatic switch-on, soft clipping
• On-axis response: 23-200 Hz ±3 dB
• Low-end extension: 20 Hz (DIN)
• Crossover filter: low-pass, adjustable 40-120 Hz, can be bypassed
• Phase: 0° to 180°, on the panel
• Inputs: 2 line-level RCA (left, right/LFE)
• Compatible accessory: Subwoofer Wireless Kit, not supplied
• Consumption: 250 W maximum, 0.5 W in standby
• Dimensions (H × W × D): 33 × 32.4 × 34.4 cm
• Weight: 10.79 kg