Down-firing subs will lack detail, definition and impact if crossed over too high. You have to use them as SUB-woofers i.e. crossed over WAY low. If you cross them over too high, the increased delay in arrival times between the subs and the mains becomes far more apparent. Having said that, a properly designed down-loaded sub can produce a great quantity of bass due to increased reinforcement from the floor boundary reflections.
On the other hand, a front firing sub will typically produce a higher amount of audible distortion and will be easier to localize due to those distortions and upper harmonics. As such, they have to be crossed over slightly sharper but can sound "punchier" and "more defined" if done properly.
Either way, both units are probably decent for the money involved. Which ever one is more versatile in terms of adjustability, power and has a sharper low pass filter is the one that i would go with. Subs should use a 24 dB per octave filter slope although most come with a 12 dB per octave from the factory. Given that Hsu is a smaller company and more geared towards customer satisfaction, you might be able to have them build you a unit with a 24 dB slope easier than you could get Paradigm to do the same thing. Believe me, this makes a BIG difference in performance and ability to get the unit to blend with the mains. Sean
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On the other hand, a front firing sub will typically produce a higher amount of audible distortion and will be easier to localize due to those distortions and upper harmonics. As such, they have to be crossed over slightly sharper but can sound "punchier" and "more defined" if done properly.
Either way, both units are probably decent for the money involved. Which ever one is more versatile in terms of adjustability, power and has a sharper low pass filter is the one that i would go with. Subs should use a 24 dB per octave filter slope although most come with a 12 dB per octave from the factory. Given that Hsu is a smaller company and more geared towards customer satisfaction, you might be able to have them build you a unit with a 24 dB slope easier than you could get Paradigm to do the same thing. Believe me, this makes a BIG difference in performance and ability to get the unit to blend with the mains. Sean
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