In this review, we will be comparing Defiance V10 and ProSub 1000, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Paradigm and Definitive Technology. 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 Paradigm Defiance V10 and Definitive ProSub 1000 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
The sections below take each area in turn: driver and amplifier, frequency response, physical size and connectivity.
Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Paradigm Defiance V10and Definitive ProSub 1000 have the same driver set up: Both subwoofers have 1 x 10" drivers.
Frequency Response
Defiance V10 has a frequency range of 29-200 Hz whereas ProSub 1000 has a frequency range of 18-150 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 18Hz, the ProSub 1000 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Defiance V10's min frequency of 29Hz.
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 Paradigm Defiance V10 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet. 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. On the other hand the Definitive ProSub 1000 have Passive Radiator type enclosure. 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.
Physical Specs
The size of a speaker can sometimes be an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Paradigm Defiance V10's and Definitive ProSub 1000's external dimensions. Paradigm Defiance V10 has external dimensions of 397.0 x 362.0 x 435.0mm (15-5/8inch x 14-1/4inch x 17-1/8inch) whereas Definitive ProSub 1000 has external dimensions of 366.0 x 307.0 x 486.0mm (14-3/8 x 12-1/16 x 19-1/8inch).
Definitive ProSub 1000 is 55mm narrower and 31mm shorter than Paradigm Defiance V10 but it is also 51mm deeper.
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 Paradigm Defiance V10 is approximately 1574.7cm2 / 244.1inch2 and base area of the Definitive ProSub 1000 is approximately 1492.0cm2 / 231.3inch2. The Defiance V10 requires 6% more surface area than the ProSub 1000 which gives it a small disadvantage 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 Paradigm Defiance V10 weighs 15.23kg / 33.5lbs and the Definitive ProSub 1000 weighs 14.09kg / 31lbs. This makes the Defiance V10 8% heavier than the ProSub 1000.
Here is a comparison of how Defiance V10 and ProSub 1000's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of Paradigm Defiance V10?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Defiance V10:
- Powered subwoofer
- Grille
- 6.5-feetAC power cord
- Owners Manual
- Online Registration Card
- Important Unboxing Information
What's in the Box of Definitive ProSub 1000?
Here are the items that come with the ProSub 1000:
- 10-inch Powered subwoofer
- Detachable grille (installed)
- 7-feet AC power cord
- Owners Manual
- Online Product Registration card
 High Frequency Response |
200 Hz
vs
150 Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 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 |
 Low Frequency Response |
18 Hz
vs
29 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
366mm
vs
397mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1492cm2
vs
1574cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
679USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Size, drawn to scale
Both subwoofers and both views share one scale, so everything here is directly comparable. Hover a box for its dimensions.
One scale for both, standing on the same floor and pushed back to the same wall, so the bigger one visibly takes more of the room.
Near-identical footprints. Definitive ProSub 1000 stands 51mm further into the room. Paradigm Defiance V10 is 31mm taller.
| General |
Paradigm Defiance V10 |
Definitive Technology ProSub 1000 |
| Brand |
Paradigm |
Definitive Technology |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
120 watts |
300 watts |
| Frequency Response |
29-200 Hz |
18-150 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
120-watt RMS |
300-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
10" |
10" |
| Woofer Composition |
Carbon-loaded polypropylene |
Polymer |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
40-150 Hz and 80 Hz |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
397.0mm (15.6") |
366.0mm (14.4") |
| Width |
362.0mm (14.3") |
307.0mm (12.1") |
| Depth |
435.0mm (17.1") |
486.0mm (19.1") |
| Weight |
15.23kg (33.5lbs) |
14.09kg (31lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Passive Radiator |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |
A ported subwoofer against a passive radiator one. That is the most consequential line on this page: it decides how the bass rolls off, how it behaves in a small room, and how much output you get for the size of the box.
| Area | Better | Why |
|---|
| Bass depth | B | Definitive ProSub 1000 goes deeper - 18Hz against 29Hz. Under 20Hz is felt more than heard - the bottom of a pipe organ and the bottom of a film mix. |
| Amplifier power | B | Definitive ProSub 1000 has the bigger amplifier - 300W against 120W RMS, about 4dB more on tap. In a large room that is headroom before the DSP starts limiting. |
| Driver area | evenly matched | Near-identical radiating area (10" against 10"). |
| Enclosure | depends | Paradigm Defiance V10 is ported - a ported box gives more output low down for its size, at the cost of a steeper roll-off below tuning; Definitive ProSub 1000 is passive radiator - a passive radiator behaves like a port without the pipe noise, and suits a slim cabinet. Neither is better in the abstract; ported tends to suit films and sealed tends to suit music, and both generalisations have exceptions. |
| Wireless option | depends | Only Paradigm Defiance V10 offers a wireless link (as a paid option). It decides where the sub can go if you cannot run a cable, and is worth nothing if you can. |
| Phase control | A | Paradigm Defiance V10 has a phase control. Without one, the only way to fix a cancellation at the crossover is to move the box. |
| Price | B | Definitive ProSub 1000 costs less - $499 against $679, about 27% less. |
A Paradigm Defiance V10 B Definitive ProSub 1000
depends neither is better in the abstract - it turns on your room, your system or how you will use them. Only specs published for both subwoofers are judged; anything missing on either side is left out rather than guessed.
Which should you choose?
Definitive ProSub 1000 has the edge on paper, though not by much. The "depends" rows are more likely to decide this than the score is.
One thing outweighs everything above: where the subwoofer stands. Room modes can add or remove 10dB or more at a given seat, which is far larger than any difference on this page. Before spending more, try the sub in two or three positions - the crawl test, where you put it in the listening seat and crawl the room to find where the bass sounds best, costs nothing and usually beats an upgrade.