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Paradigm

DEFIANCE S12 12" Subwoofer - Gloss Black

SKU: DEFIANCES12-GB

$1,649.99 each
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No Other Colours Available

Processing/Shipping Time

All online orders are typically processed within 1-2 business days. Orders received after 1pm EST or on weekends will be processed on the next business day.

Our business hours are Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm EST.

Due to our inventory management practices, we do not maintain a large stock of products; instead, most items are sourced from our suppliers upon order. We do focus on having a broad selection of brands and models for in store demo purposes. This may impact shipping times, as items are procured and prepared for shipment as soon as possible. If your item is not in stock, we will send you an email to update you on the status of your order. We appreciate your understanding and patience.

  • Standard Delivery for in stock items is between 2-3 business days within Ontario & Quebec, 3-5 business days for Eastern Canada and 4-7 business days for Western Canada. Northern or remote Canadian customers should contact us to confirm shipping availability and costs. During peak sales periods (for example Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Boxing Day/Week) up to an additional 5 (five) business days may be needed.
  • Items not in stock will be shipped to our Newmarket store and then shipped to you. Turnaround time may depend on the manufacturer/distributor. If a manufacturer or distributor has stock of the item, then we can normally expect to receive the product within 10 business days at which point we will immediately ship it to you.
  • If we become aware that delivery time to you will exceed 16 business days we will contact you to confirm the order or review options.

If your product is damaged, defective, or dead on arrival you are eligible for a refund or exchange within 15 days of the product being delivered to you.  

If you are not satisfied with your purchase and would like to request an exchange, please note the following:

  • All returns and exchanges will only be accepted on products with no damage due to misuse and have all original packaging, accessories, manuals and the original sales receipt.
  • Refunds paid by credit card/PayPal will be returned in the same method payment was received when possible. Wire Transfer payments will be refunded in the form of company check or E-Transfer. For exchanges with a difference in value, the balance will be charged or refunded in the same method as the original payment was received.
  • Liptons Audio Video reserves the right to assess whether the product is defective or not. Products with physical damage will not be accepted for refund or exchange.
  • Exchanges will be offered only on non-special order items with return shipping at the buyer's expense and must be shipped with insurance reflecting the transaction value and must ship via a trackable courier/delivery company. Exchanges will only apply to unopened products received in new condition
  • Products with non matching serial numbers to either the packaging or the recorded Serial number associated with the transaction are not eligible for refunds or exchanges
  • Products with modified or missing serial numbers/UPC codes or other identifying information are not eligible for refunds or exchanges
  • Products that are not returned with all original packaging, equipment, accessories, manuals and software will not be refunded or will be charged a restocking fee at the discretion of Liptons Audio Video.
  • Products must be new and show no signs of use. Any sign of use – Including installation, scratches or other signs of use such as physical marking, painted grills, screw holes, cut wires or similar would not be returnable
  • Equipment sustaining damage from operation or misuse will be deferred to the manufacturer's warranty and replacement policies. 
  • Replaced items will be exchanged for the same model
  • If a product you purchased from us proves to be defective within 15 days from purchase, we will replace it with an equivalent new unit at no charge. If the item is returned through shipping, the exchange will be processed once we receive the parcels & confirm that the product is not working. Exchange processing will take 10-20 business days from the day we receive the parcel.


Final Sale Items/Exclusions


  • Special order items including cut to length cabling and custom furniture
  • Headphones/earbuds/in-ear headphones for hygienic reasons
  • Turntable cartridges/styli
  • Projector lamps
  • Installed in-ceiling, in-wall speakers or subwoofers
  • No refunds or exchanges on products purchased for commercial use.
  • Clearance, consignment items.

Online Order Returns/Exchanges Process

Please contact us to begin our online return process at info@liptons.ca. Once we have received the details about your order, we will generate a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number and send you the RMA form to be completed and sent back with the parcel.

Pack the item back in its original packaging with all parts, accessories and manuals. We recommend packing the item into an additional box meant for shipping. Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer. Any damages that incur during return shipping will also be the responsibility of the customer.

In the event the item was offered free shipping, the original shipping charges and handling fees, for the returned item(s), will be deducted from the refund. If the item is refused and returned to Liptons Audio Video without record of cause and evidence of damage any return freight costs will also be deducted from the refund.

In Store Returns & Exchanges

Returns on damaged, defective and DOA products, as well as exchanges can be made in store. Please note our store hours https://liptons.ca/pages/contact and be sure to bring your receipt or online order confirmation. 

Product Warranty

All new products carry full manufacturer warranty which varies for each product category and manufacturer. Refer to the manufacturer’s warranty information for exact details. 

Demo products come with either the full manufacturer warranty or the balance of manufacturer warranty unless otherwise specified.

Open Box products come with either the full manufacturer warranty or the balance of manufacturer warranty unless otherwise specified.

Used and Consignment pieces will have individually specified warranty.  If no warranty is listed, no warranty is available, but the unit has been tested in store and determined to be working properly unless otherwise specified.

Installation Warranty

All Liptons Audio Video installations come with a one-year warranty against workmanship performed by us. Defective equipment covered under manufacturer warranty is subject to a removal and reinstallation charge of one hour at our current installation rates. Installation warranty claims can be made within one year of installation date by phone at 905-898-7133 or email at info@liptons.ca

If you have any questions or concerns regarding product returns, exchanges and warranty claims, please call is at 905-898-7133 or email info@liptons.ca

When you demand more from your subwoofer, the all-new Defiance® S-Series delivers.

Built for audio enthusiasts who expect more, these subs provide powerful, distortion-free bass with pinpoint accuracy. Paradigm’s high- excursion S-PALTM woofers combine strength and speed to produce bass that’s both deep and tight, while Paradigm’s exclusive Ultra Class-D amplifiers push up to 800W RMS of clean energy for bass that’s full-bodied yet controlled. Add in built-in wireless connectivity and Anthem Room Correction for seamless setup and maximum performance—no matter the room.

Bass That Hits Hard—And Stays Clean

Defiance® S-Series subwoofers don’t just play bass—they unleash it. Engineered with Paradigm’s high-excursion S-PAL woofers, these subs deliver deep, room-filling lows without a hint of distortion, even when pushed to the limit. Precision-tuned with advanced Klippel analysis, every beat, rumble, and explosion comes through with razor-sharp clarity and impact. Crafted from satin-anodized pure aluminum,

the woofers combine strength, speed, and heat dissipation for tight and powerful performance. Whether you crave the subtle textures of a jazz bassline or the earth-shaking force of a blockbuster soundtrack, Defiance® S10 and S12 deliver bass that’s built to move you.

Pure Power, Perfect Precision

Defiance® S-Series subwoofers aren’t just loud—they’re smart. Powered by Paradigm’s Ultra Class-D amplifiers, these subs push the limits of performance and value with clean, efficient power that delivers serious impact. The Defiance®
S10 harnesses up to 500W RMS (1000W Peak), creating deep, dynamic bass that seamlessly integrates with your music and movies. Need more? The Defiance® S12 steps it up with a massive 800W RMS (1,200W Peak), delivering thunderous lows with pinpoint accuracy. Engineered for maximum output and control, these ultra-efficient amplifiers ensure your bass hits hard, stays tight, and never gets in the way of the performance.

Deep Bass, No Distractions

Defiance® S10 and S12 are built for impact—not vibrations. Engineered with integrated anti-vibration feet, these subwoofers deliver powerful, controlled bass while minimizing floor and wall resonance. By reducing energy transfer, they eliminate unwanted rattles and buzzes, ensuring a cleaner, more immersive listening experience. This built-in vibration control enhances clarity and dynamics and helps keep bass contained—perfect for shared spaces or minimizing noise complaints. Designed for any surface, the feet are safe for all flooring types, with optional carpet spikes included for even greater stability on carpeted floors.

Connectivity Without Limits

Defiance® S10 and S12 adapt to your system—not the other way around. With built-in wireless capability and a full range of wired connections, these subwoofers integrate effortlessly into any setup. Whether you prefer RCA, XLR LFE, Stereo RCA, Speaker Level inputs, or Sub Out, you have the flexibility to connect your way. Designed for both simplicity and high- performance integration, Defiance® subwoofers ensure seamless compatibility with everything from minimalist stereo rigs to full-scale home theater systems.

Effortless Subwoofer Tuning at Your Fingertips

Take full control of your bass with Paradigm’s Subwoofer Control app for iOS and Android. Adjust volume, fine-tune DSP modes, tweak phase settings, and more—all without leaving your seat. Designed for convenience and precision, this intuitive app puts the power of professional subwoofer tuning right in the palm of your hand.

Engineered for Impact, Built for Clarity ®

Defiance subwoofers combine power and precision.

With an advanced geometric cabinet design, they evenly distribute energy for enhanced stability and superior acoustic performance, delivering deeper, controlled bass with clarity. These subwoofers complement the Paradigm Founder Series and offer XR Series aesthetics at a lower price.

Built from 1” thick MDF with reinforced bracing and internal support, the ultra-rigid structure eliminates unwanted resonance, ensuring clean, tight, distortion-free bass.

Bass, Perfected—No Guesswork Required

Why settle for boomy or uneven bass when you can have precision-tuned, room-shaking perfection? Defiance® subwoofers work seamlessly with the award-winning Anthem Room Correction (ARC®) system, analyzing your space and automatically optimizing your subwoofer’s performance for maximum impact and accuracy. No more dead zones, no more overwhelming rumbles—just deep, detailed bass tailored to your exact room. Simply connect an ARC® Calibration Microphone (sold separately) to your PC or Mac, run the tuning process, and experience bass the way it was meant to be heard—flawlessly dialed in, every time.

Experience True Freedom with Built-In Wireless Capability

Say goodbye to the hassle of wires and enjoy ultimate flexibility with built-in wireless capability. This feature allows you to position your subwoofer anywhere in the room, free from the constraints of traditional cables. Whether you place it in the perfect spot for maximum bass impact or find a unique position that enhances the aesthetics of your space, you can count on seamless performance and flawless audio quality. No more messy wires to manage—just rich, powerful sound that fills the room. With this wireless advantage, you’ll experience audio like never before, preserving pristine sound and eliminating any compromise on performance. Enjoy the freedom to create the perfect audio setup that fits your space, style, and listening preferences.

Paradigm Defiance S-Series Subwoofer: The Ultimate “Hide Away” Installation

The Paradigm Defiance S-Series Subwoofer features an innovative “hide away” installation option, made possible by its sealed, portless design. This allows the subwoofer to be seamlessly integrated into custom-built shelving, freestanding cabinetry, or in-wall units, offering flexibility without compromising on sound performance.

Power & Performance

  • Design: 12-inch driver, acoustic suspension (sealed) enclosure
  • Amplifier: 1200 Watts Dynamic Peak; 800 Watts RMS
  • Amplifier Features: Ultra Class-D™ design; Auto-On/Off; 12V Trigger; Soft-clipping protection
  • Frequency Response (On-Axis): +/- 3 dB from 20 Hz – 200 Hz
  • Sensitivity (Room / Anechoic): 100mV mono (max volume)
  • Impedance: RCA: 8.3k Ohms
  • Low Frequency Extension: 16 Hz (DIN)
  • Performance: The Paradigm Defiance S12 is the flagship of the S-series, representing a massive leap in power and displacement. By combining a 12-inch Satin-Anodized driver with a potent 800W RMS power plant, it achieves a subterranean 16 Hz extension. This subwoofer is engineered for the most discerning audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts who require the relentless "tightness" of a sealed enclosure but refuse to compromise on raw cinematic impact. It is the definitive choice for large listening rooms and dedicated theaters where the bass must be felt in the floorboards while remaining surgically precise for high-fidelity musical reproduction.

Audio Features & Drivers

  • 12-inch S-PAL™ Satin-Anodized Pure-Aluminum Driver: Features a 305mm high-excursion driver. The S-PAL™ cone offers a superior stiffness-to-mass ratio, allowing this large-diameter woofer to track complex low-frequency transients with the speed of a much smaller driver.
  • Anthem Room Correction (ARC®) Ready: Fully compatible with ARC Genesis software. Using a 64-bit high-resolution DSP engine, the S12 identifies and corrects room-induced bass "boom" and nulls, ensuring a perfectly smooth and flat response tailored to your specific seating position.
  • Paradigm Subwoofer Control App: Provides total control over the sub’s parameters via your smartphone. This includes digital volume control, a variable low-pass filter, phase adjustment, and specialized Movie/Music/Night listening modes.
  • Sealed Enclosure (Acoustic Suspension): The sealed cabinet design provides a more natural, linear roll-off than ported subwoofers. This ensures superior group delay performance, resulting in "faster" bass that integrates seamlessly with high-end main speakers.
  • Ultra-High Resolution 64-bit DSP: The sophisticated internal processor monitors the signal thousands of times per second to prevent clipping and over-excursion, ensuring the S12 remains clean and articulate even when pushed to its 1200W peak.

Streaming & Connectivity

  • Included Wireless Transmitter: Every Defiance S12 ships with a dedicated 2.4 GHz wireless transmitter. This allows for lossless, low-latency signal transmission without the need for an RCA cable, facilitating perfect placement in the room's acoustic "sweet spot."
  • Stereo RCA and LFE Inputs: Features high-quality line-level inputs for easy connection to modern AV processors or high-end stereo pre-amplifiers.
  • 3.5mm 12V Trigger Input: Allows the subwoofer to be synced to your main amplifier or receiver's power state, ensuring it powers on and off automatically with the rest of your system.
  • Interactive LED Backlit Knob: The rear panel features an illuminated volume/level dial that provides instant visual feedback, allowing for manual adjustments without needing to open the app.
  • Speaker-Level Inputs: Outfitted with binding posts for integration into systems that lack a dedicated LFE or subwoofer output, allowing the S12 to be driven directly by a 2-channel amplifier.

Comfort & Dimensions

  • Premium "XR-Inspired" Cabinetry: The S12 features the sophisticated chamfered edges and refined aesthetic of Paradigm’s flagship XR and Founder series, finished in a high-quality Gloss Black.
  • Integrated Anti-Vibrational Feet: Designed to decouple the heavy-duty enclosure from the floor, reducing energy transfer into the home's structure. Specialized stainless steel carpet spikes are also included for maximum stability.
  • Overall Dimensions (Includes Grille & Feet): 16.38" (41.6cm) Height x 15.83" (40.2cm) Width x 17.02" (43.2cm) Depth.
  • Unit Weight: 53.5 lbs (24.3 kg) — The substantial weight is a result of the heavy-duty reinforced MDF cabinet and the massive 12-inch motor assembly.
  • High-Efficiency Standby: Features an energy-saving mode that draws less than 0.5W when not in use (wireless disabled) while remaining ready to wake up instantly upon sensing a signal.

Design & Build

  • Ultra Class-D™ Amplification: The 800W continuous amplifier provides massive current reserves for earth-shaking transients while generating minimal heat, making it reliable for even the longest movie marathons.
  • Reinforced Internally Braced Cabinet: Built with thick, non-resonant MDF and extensive internal bracing, the cabinet is engineered to remain acoustically inert, ensuring the only thing you hear is the pure movement of the S-PAL™ cone.
  • Klippel-Optimized Motor Structure: The voice coil and magnet assembly were tuned using laser-based analysis to ensure perfectly linear driver travel, resulting in vanishingly low distortion levels at extreme excursions.
  • Sonically Transparent Grille: Includes a removable cloth grille that provides protection while ensuring that high-velocity low-frequency waves are never impeded.
  • Handcrafted Heritage: Built on the scientific research of the National Research Council (NRC), the S12 delivers a realistically balanced and powerful performance that has defined Paradigm for over 40 years.

Paradigm speakers are warranted to be and remain free of manufacturing and/or material defects for a period of outlined below from the date of original purchase. Within the time period specified, repair, replacement or adjustment of parts for manufacturing and/or material defects will be free of charge to the original owner. Thermal or mechanical abuse/misuse is not covered under warranty.

The warranty period on Paradigm speakers is as follows:
  • Bookshelf, floorstanding, in-wall & in-ceiling speakers — five (5) years
  • Powered Subwoofers — three (3) years
  • Outdoor Rock speakers — five (5) years
  • Stylus Outdoor speakers — two (2) years
  • Powered Speakers — one (1) year
  • SHIFT Series products — one (1) year

Warranty begins on date of purchase from Paradigm or an Authorized Paradigm Dealer.

This warranty applies only to purchases made from authorized Paradigm dealers in Canada and the United States. For warranty terms, conditions and support elsewhere, please contact the authorized Paradigm distributor in the country where you made your purchase. Warranty outside Canada and the US is established and provided by our authorized distributors around the world.

Limitations:
  • Warranty begins on date of original retail purchase from an Authorized Paradigm® Dealer only. It is not transferable;
  • Warranty applies to product in normal home use only. If product is subjected to any of the conditions outlined in the next section, warranty is void;
  • Warranty does not apply if the product is used in professional or commercial applications.
Warranty is Void if:
  • The product has been abused (intentionally or accidentally);
  • The product has been used in conjunction with unsuitable or faulty equipment;
  • The product has been subjected to damaging signals, derangement in transport, mechanical damage or any abnormal conditions;
  • The product (including cabinet) has been tampered with or damaged by an unauthorized service facility;
  • The serial number has been removed or defaced.
Owner Responsibilities:
  • Provide normal/reasonable operating care and maintenance;
  • Provide or pay for transportation charges for product to service facility;
  • Provide proof of purchase (your sales receipt given at time of purchase from your Authorized Paradigm® Dealer must be retained for proof-of purchase date).

Should servicing be required, contact your nearest Authorized Paradigm® Dealer, Paradigm Electronics Inc. or Import Distributor (outside the U.S. and Canada) to arrange, bring in or ship prepaid, any defective unit. Paradigm Electronics Inc. reserves the right to improve the design of any product without assuming any obligation to modify any product previously manufactured. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties expressed or implied, of merchantability, fitness for any particular purpose and may not be extended or enlarged by anyone. In no event shall Paradigm Electronics Inc., their agents or representatives be responsible for any incidental or consequential damages. Some jurisdictions do not allow limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so this exclusion may not apply to you.

Retain your sales receipt for proof of warranty term and proof of purchase.

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