Paradigm

XR 13 Subwoofer

£4,915 RRP

Compact or small isn't exactly what comes to mind when creating big home theatre bass – but it's exactly what Paradigm's engineers set their collective sights on when creating the XR 13. And with a stated minimum response of 12Hz (DIN), this Canadian-made subwoofer can certainly dig low. Room gain out of the equation, it can achieve an impressively linear trace of ±3dB from 17Hz to 140Hz. 

That's no easy feat, Paradigm assures me, particularly when it comes to obtaining a clean, low-distortion profile that is maintainable at any output from a big driver in a small box. The company says that the beating heart of the XR 13 is an efficient 325mm (13-inch) Carbon X cone, which has been optimised for both low distortion and high excursion. It is extremely rigid, and apparently engineered to withstand a high amount of movement without deforming.

Three large magnets are used to optimise the load line and maximise energy density from the magnet assembly, the company says. With the desired cone extension achieved, additional suspension points were needed to maintain linear excursion. This was provided via a dual-spider design, which not only provided a clean linear response but allowed the cone excursion envelope to be further pushed. 

A big driver with a long-throw range creates a fair amount of cabinet pressure, which is only further exasperated by the small enclosure. Therefore, Paradigm has employed its ART surround, supposedly circumventing the possibility of the driver surround collapsing and extending the buckling point of the driver. Of course, getting a driver this big to high volume levels requires a tremendous amount of power. To this end, a Class D power amplifier rated at a massive (claimed) 2,200 watts has been fitted, with a peak power of 4,400W.

The last piece in the puzzle is the cabinet itself. Indeed, the manufacturer says the driver assembly was splitting test cabs apart at the seams during their testing. This led to the design of the cascade fusion bracing to increase box rigidity, which also has the benefit of breaking up internal standing waves. This has been further strengthened with a 50mm thick front baffle.

GETTING GOING

The immense, back-breaking 47.1kg weight is the first thing that comes to mind when unpacking this subwoofer. While it's a far cry from a micro sub given its credentials, the XR 13 is still reasonably compact at 478x438x493mm. The back top of the cabinet hosts touchscreen controls, while the amplifier's rear heatsink fins are somewhat reminiscent of JL Audio designs.

It's a visually striking speaker and undoubtedly high-end looking. My review sample was finished in Black Oak, but the XR 13 is also available in Piano Black, Midnight Cherry, Walnut and Black Walnut. While I usually deride glossy finishes because of their reflective nature, I suspect that it would look sublime finished in Piano Black. The faceted front is covered in a removable black fabric grill. It's a fortunate thing, as the combination of the ART surround and the swirling patterns in the grey Carbon X driver are a feature in themselves.

Around the back, you'll find everything needed to connect the XR 13, including unbalanced line level inputs and balanced/unbalanced LFE ins. There's also a 12V Trigger and a USB-C input. The latter is reserved for connecting to a computer to run Anthem Room Correction or ARC – the box includes an ARC calibration kit with a microphone, mic stand and cables. At the base of the box are four durable isolation feet, which Paradigm says not only provide isolation but also improve the accuracy of low end response.

The XR 13 can also be controlled remotely via a downloadable app, which provides a comprehensive range of controls covering everything from phase, volume and room correction. The isolation feet can also be removed in favour of spikes, which are included should you need them.

My review system comprised a Sony VPL-XW5000ES 4K projector, Lumagen Radiance Pro 5348, Magnetar UDP-800 4K Blu-ray player, Apple TV and a Severtson Cinegray 100-inch 16.9 projector screen. Replacing my Ascendo SV12 subwoofers, my review pair of Paradigm XR 13s were partnered with VAF Signature i91 front and centres and i90 rear and overhead speakers for a 5.1.2 Atmos layout.

THE LISTENING 

The XR 13 punches hard, with taut, agile bass, snappy transients and immense tactile response. It's reinforced by a strong low-end response, which adds an additional layer of sonic detail and realism that is oftentimes felt, rather than heard. Yet, this subwoofer distinguishes itself just as much by what it doesn't do – it appears to disappear when it's not needed, then springs back to life in a heartbeat when it is.

For example, while 1987's Predator is in sore need of an Atmos restoration, there are still plenty of thrills to be found with the DTS-HD MA 5.1 soundtrack. From the get-go, the review pair of XR 13s demonstrated that they were more than up to the task of extracting the best from the old soundtrack. As Dutch (Schwarzenegger) and his team fly into the beachhead, the swooshing of chopper blades energises the room. 

It's not only the more bombastic moments of the film where the XR 13 excites, though. For instance, the sound of a tripwire snapping back into place reveals an extra dimension of detail. Alan Silvestri's score is a standout of the Predator soundtrack, and positively shines with this sub in situ. The big percussion instruments have plenty of low-end clout without sounding bloated or standing apart from the rest of the soundtrack. 

It's much the same with Netflix thriller/horror Babysitter. While it lacks many of the thrills and spills of modern action blockbusters, there's enough low-end energy in the soundtrack to keep the XR 13s busy enough. Whether it's the deep tones of the organ or rap found on the accompanying score, this sub blends beautifully, generously extending the range of my bookshelf speakers.

I have lost count of how many times I've seen the 'eye scene' at the beginning of Blade Runner 2049. It's a breathtaking piece of sound engineering that's well within the sonic range of any subwoofer. Be that as it may, the XR 13 takes it to an entirely new level; the amount of sonic energy it creates is breathtaking, energising my room to a degree that I wouldn't have thought possible from a sub this size.

When it comes to the excellent Atmos soundtrack found on the UHD of 2014's Fury, the XR 13 puts in an equally ferocious performance. As the Sherman tanks plough their way through hedgerows to assault German positions, the rumble of engines can be clearly heard and felt at the listening position. With the attack underway, this sub produces wonderfully taut yet visceral bass. The artillery blasts produce an immense sense of power and impact without being bloated. While I've heard faster subs in my room, none of them has been able to match the sonic scale of the XR 13.

On a capable sub, you'll hear the chassis of Fury reverberate as a shell from an enemy Tiger glances off its hull. It's another impressive piece of sound design that borders on the point of being uncomfortable. With the XR 13, however, it really is uncomfortable and in such a great way – the hull ringing going lower and longer than I am used to.

THE VERDICT

Who says you can't have your cake and eat it? Paradigm's compact XR 13 can punch just as hard, if not harder, than bigger subwoofers. This means that it will be just as much at home in large rooms as in small ones, where premium bass is required. Not only is it capable of delivering jaw-shattering punches, but it gets extremely loud while staying composed. Deathly silent one moment, the Paradigm's snappy transients and raw, visceral response are enough to have you leaping out of your chair the next. Pick one up if you can, or better still, two.

For more information visit Paradigm