Price Paid:  $177.00 from Online

Summary:
I bought this sub for use in a small room with a 5.1 capable computer. Overkill maybe, but I am using some Klipsch RS3-II's in the front that were missing low-end on movies. Sounds great with music, not boomy so long as you keep the volume on it down. I was cautious at first because it's not sold everywhere like some name brands, but the warranty period is great. For the price it'll work excellent in small rooms, or for those who don't need lots of subsonic bass.

Strengths:
Specs say that it has a servo amp, which means that the amplifier supposedly watches movement of the speaker itself to determine the overload condition, not when the amp just runs out of power. That feature is normally found only on much higher priced subs. Longer than normal warranty on amp and speaker.

Weaknesses:
Relatively low cutoff @ 35Hz, if you want 20Hz or have a large room, might want to consider 12"+.

Similar Products Used:
RS8A-HP Bazooka tube (car).

Price Paid:  $268.00 from Audio Craft

Summary:
I was planning on buying the Paradigm PDR 10 for my first surround sound system, when the salesman also pointed out the Power 8. I liked the Power 8 because it wasn't as boomy as the PDR 10. If you live in an apartment like I do, you have to be carefull because the PDR 12 (which was my first choice because I was going by reviews) is real nice but is overkill for an apartment. I figured since I wouldn't really be able to utilize the PDR 12, that I would go with the PDR 10. But the Phase Tech Power 8 had a tighter sound, which worked really well for music and the salesman said it works well for movies. I've watched Saving Private Ryan and some other war movies and I don't have any complaints. Now according to the salesman, PDR 10 technically goes down lower, around 20 hz, where the Phase Tech is somewhere around around 25 - 30hz. I figue I'll be upgrading some of my equipment once I move into a house. My set up receiver: Yamaha RX-V630 Mains: Paradigm Titan Rears: Paradigm Atom Receiver: Paradigm CC 170

Strengths:
Tight sound - Price

Weaknesses:
none - especially if you live in an apartment