In this review, we will be comparing Defiance X12 and Defiance X15, two Powered Subwoofer speakers by 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 Paradigm Defiance X12 and Paradigm Defiance X15 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the Paradigm Defiance X12 and Paradigm Defiance X15 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.Both Paradigm Defiance X12and Paradigm Defiance X15 have a single woofer setup however the Paradigm Defiance X12's woofer is 12-inch whereas the Paradigm Defiance X15 features a 15-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Defiance X12 has a frequency range of 20-230 Hz whereas Defiance X15 has a frequency range of 18-230 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 18Hz, the Defiance X15 can go slightly deeper then 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
Both Paradigm Defiance X12 and Paradigm Defiance X15 have Bass Reflex type cabinets. 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 Paradigm Defiance X12's and Paradigm Defiance X15's external dimensions. 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 ) whereas Paradigm Defiance X15 has external dimensions of 626.0 x 589.0 x 661.0mm ( 24-5/8inch x 23-3/16inch x 26inch ) .
Paradigm Defiance X15 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 130mm wider, 132mm taller and 132mm deeper than Paradigm Defiance X12.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Paradigm Defiance X12 and Paradigm Defiance X15 in scale.
Comparison image of Paradigm Defiance X12 and Paradigm Defiance X15 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 Paradigm Defiance X12 is approximately 2428.1cm2 / 376.4inch2 and base area of the Paradigm Defiance X15 is approximately 3893.3cm2 / 603.5inch2. The Defiance X12 requires 38% less surface area than the Defiance X15 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 Paradigm Defiance X12 weighs 28.18kg / 62lbs and the Paradigm Defiance X15 weighs 41.82kg / 92lbs. This makes the Defiance X15 48% heavier than the Defiance X12.
Here is a comparison of how Defiance X12 and Defiance X15'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 X12?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Defiance X12:
Powered subwooferGrille6-feetAC power cordARC microphone12
What's in the Box of Paradigm Defiance X15?
Here are the items that come with the Defiance X15:
Powered subwooferGrille6-feetAC power cordARC microphone12
 Height |
494mm
vs
626mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
2428cm2 (459x529mm)
vs
3893cm2 (589x661mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
1499USD
vs
1999USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Woofer Size |
15 inches
vs
12 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
18 Hz
vs
20 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
Paradigm Defiance X12 |
Paradigm Defiance X15 |
| Brand |
Paradigm |
Paradigm |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
650 watts |
90 watts |
| Frequency Response |
20-230 Hz |
18-230 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
650-watt RMS |
90-watt RMS |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
12" |
15" |
| Woofer Composition |
Carbon-loaded polypropylene |
Carbon-loaded polypropylene |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
494.0mm (19.4") |
626.0mm (24.6") |
| Width |
459.0mm (18.1") |
589.0mm (23.2") |
| Depth |
529.0mm (20.8") |
661.0mm (26") |
| Weight |
28.18kg (62lbs) |
41.82kg (92lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |