In this review, we will be comparing SuperSub X and Defiance X12, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from GoldenEar and Paradigm. Being Powered subwoofers, they both have built-in amplifiers so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp to power them. Let's have a brief look at the main features of GoldenEar SuperSub X and Paradigm Defiance X12 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the GoldenEar SuperSub X and Paradigm Defiance X12 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these subwoofers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.GoldenEar SuperSub X and Paradigm Defiance X12 have a totally different setup: the GoldenEar SuperSub X features 2 x 8-inch drivers whereas the Defiance X12 features 1 x 12-inch drivers.
Frequency Response
SuperSub X has a frequency range of 12-250 Hz whereas Defiance X12 has a frequency range of 20-230 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 12Hz, the SuperSub X can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Defiance X12's min frequency of 20Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Subwoofer class in our database.
Low Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Cabinet Type
The GoldenEar SuperSub X has a Passive Radiator type cabinet. Passive Radiator type subwoofers sports a non-powered cone that moves in response to the main woofer to move air out in order to generate stronger bass in a smaller body compared to ported or sealed designs. On the other hand the Paradigm Defiance X12 have Bass Reflex type enclosure. Bass Reflex type subwoofers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare GoldenEar SuperSub X's and Paradigm Defiance X12's external dimensions. GoldenEar SuperSub X has external dimensions of 324.0 x 356.0 x 388.0mm ( 12-3/4inch x 14inch x 15-1/4inch ) whereas Paradigm Defiance X12 has external dimensions of 494.0 x 459.0 x 529.0mm ( 19-7/16inch x 18-1/16inch x 20-13/16inch ) .
Paradigm Defiance X12 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 103mm wider, 170mm taller and 141mm deeper than GoldenEar SuperSub X.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of GoldenEar SuperSub X and Paradigm Defiance X12 in scale.
Comparison image of GoldenEar SuperSub X and Paradigm Defiance X12 Size and External Dimensions
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the GoldenEar SuperSub X is approximately 1381.3cm2 / 214.1inch2 and base area of the Paradigm Defiance X12 is approximately 2428.1cm2 / 376.4inch2. The SuperSub X requires 43% less surface area than the Defiance X12 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a subwoofer may become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often to find the optimal positioning, also known as 'Subwoofer Crawling'. The GoldenEar SuperSub X weighs 18.18kg / 40lbs and the Paradigm Defiance X12 weighs 28.18kg / 62lbs. This makes the Defiance X12 55% heavier than the SuperSub X.
Here is a comparison of how SuperSub X and Defiance X12's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of GoldenEar SuperSub X?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of SuperSub X:
Powered Subwoofer10-feet AC power cordOwners Manual
What's in the Box of Paradigm Defiance X12?
Here are the items that come with the Defiance X12:
Powered subwooferGrille6-feetAC power cordARC microphone12
 Number of Woofers |
2
vs
1
|
More woofers |
| Low Frequency Response |
12 Hz
vs
20 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
250k Hz
vs
230k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Passive Radiator |
two 10.5-inch x 9.5-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Height |
324mm
vs
494mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1381cm2 (356x388mm)
vs
2428cm2 (459x529mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| Woofer Size |
12 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| App-Based Control |
iOS,Android
vs
None
|
Control the speaker via an app |
 Wireless Operation |
Optional
vs
No
|
Connect your subwoofer to your system wireless |
| General |
GoldenEar SuperSub X |
Paradigm Defiance X12 |
| Brand |
GoldenEar |
Paradigm |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
1400 watts |
650 watts |
| Frequency Response |
12-250 Hz |
20-230 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
1400-watt RMS |
650-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
12" |
| Woofer Composition |
Fiber |
Carbon-loaded polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
side |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
324.0mm (12.8") |
494.0mm (19.4") |
| Width |
356.0mm (14") |
459.0mm (18.1") |
| Depth |
388.0mm (15.3") |
529.0mm (20.8") |
| Weight |
18.18kg (40lbs) |
28.18kg (62lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |