In addition to manufacturing several models of in-room, in-wall, on-wall and outdoor speakers, Paradigm Electronics offers the DSP line of powered subwoofers for stereo and home theater systems. The DSP-3200 subwoofer is the midline model in the DSP series of three subs.
Paradigm DSP-3200 Features
The DSP-3200 is a
bass reflex subwoofer with a 12-inch Aramid-Fiber Polypropylene cone with a 2-inch voice coil and a 300-watt RMS (sustained power) Class D amplifier. Aramid fiber is a synthetic material known for its heat resistant properties. The driver uses a large rubber surround to permit extended woofer excursion. The enclosure features dual front-firing ports for efficiency and allows placement flexibility.
Line level and speaker level inputs are provided so the DSP-3200 can be connected to the Sub-out / LFE output or to the speaker level outputs of a receiver or amplifier. The built-in crossover is variable from 35 to 150Hz and the 3200 has a variable phase control from 0-180 degrees. The crossover also has a bypass option, an important feature if the crossover in the receiver or processor is used instead of the subwoofer's crossover.
Enclosure construction is solid with good fit and finish. The DSP-3200 is available in four finishes: Rosenut, Black Ash, Wenge and Cherry. My review sample was finished in Wenge, a rich dark brown hue.
DSP-3200 Audio Performance
The break-in period for the Paradigm DSP-3200 consisted of watching the entire six-disc set (24 episodes) from the first season of the Fox show '24' over a rainy-weekend DVD marathon. 24 is recorded in Dolby Digital 5.1 with a compelling soundtrack that uses bass very effectively to heighten the drama and suspense as counter-terrorism sleuth Jack Bauer attempts to head-off an assassination of the incoming president. The Paradigm subwoofer produced deep, visceral bass that engaged the viewer in the story. The sub's performance was as impressive as Bauer's ability to stop the terrorists. Bass never sounded heavy or boomy, just low and tight with good extension and depth. It's one of the best subs I've heard in my system.
While listening to stereo music, the DSP-3200 outperformed many of the subwoofers I've used in my system. Oregon's 'Rewind' (Chesky Records) has a bass track with unusual depth that the Paradigm reproduced with excellent extension and never sounded tubby or heavy.
Conclusion
The Paradigm DSP-3200 is one of the best subwoofers I've tested. With solid, extended bass response and priced at $749 you can't ask for much more. It's a great value for a stereo or home theater system. It's taller than some subs, so don't plan on stuffing it under a chair or couch. Besides, to get its maximum performance you'll want the flexibility to
place the subwoofer in the best location in your listening room.
Specifications
- Design: bass-reflex enclosure with two front-firing ports
- Amplifier: 900-watts dynamic power, 300-watts RMS sustained
- Woofer: 12-inch Carbon/Aramid-fiber Polypropylene cone, ceramic/ferrite magnet with 4-layer voice coil, die-cast frame and rubber surround
- Low frequency extension: 22Hz
- Crossover: variable 35Hz to 150Hz, bypass mode
- Phase control: 0-180 degrees
- Line level and speaker level inputs
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 18 ¼" x 14" x 19 ½"
- Weight: 54 lbs.
- Price: $749
- Contact: paradigm.com
