Finally Learned: Subs serve much larger role than adding more low bass

musicaddict

173 posts

11-21-2021 12:14pm

First Velodyne F-1800MkII in southern CO in the 90s was to me. I've had plenty of subs since, some RELs and now some SVS sealed (additional subs, sell nothing!)

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Big difference going from passive radiators (REL) on the bottom with NO slot, to a sub you can actually decouple, like SVS.

I like SVS they are at least a bit more up to date with speaker design.. REL is WAY behind.. I laugh at the stuff on their web site. That design would benefit from an East LA bass head to teach them how NOT to piss off the neighbors and make GREAT bass.

REL rattles the whole house.. NO ONE around me uses that type of sub.. Pisses off the neighbors, especially in garage systems close to neighbors bedrooms.. .. LOL Waves in the neighbors  swiming POOL. Frogs vacating all the little ponds, JackHammer SUBS.. I Quit using that design in the 90s..

IB servo columns or OB servo stacks are a 10 in my book. REL 3-4, SVS 5-6, JL 6-7, IB servo dual or quad columns 9-10, GRs OB servo stacks 8-10 depends. Need two double 12" cabinets to really reap the rewards.. 

I've never heard ANY of the Wilson subs, but cab loaded drivers (horns) DIY are some of the best overall subs around. Jensen Imperial Subs is a good example.

Regards

Added a pair of SVS subs to my full range Kef Reference towers during covid lockdown.  One of my better upgrades with out a doubt!  I'm pleased with the addition.

My experience has been a combination of validation and learning. The Rythmik F12SE PEQ has been magically supportive of my Maggie 1.7s; however, my integrated Cronus Magnum III has been challenging, because my Maggies can't keep up and need to be crossed over at 80hz, 24db/octave high pass 
 

So, I embarked on a passive crossover journey that resulted in a complicated story, resulting in me looking for a separate preamp, amp, and crossover.  I'm hopeful my journey comes to an end or something close to it soon, because the system sounds so good and is only getting better. 

After years of owning a venue and working with live sound, I came back to my passion for home hi-fi. My budget exceeded my expectation, primarily because I felt that I needed a firmer low-end that a sub could provide.

While subtle, it is satisfying to hear the full range and knowing that there is nothing more.

My components:

Van Alstine - SET 120 and Transcendence PreAmp

Fritz Speakers

Rythmik F12SE

I could have foregone the Transcendence PreAmp and used the speaker level input from the SET 120, but Rythmik recommends low-level signal which the preamp gave me.

Overall, I am happy with the result

Using a sub(s) is a topic that has no end as to whether to use one or not and how to integrate one into a system to produce the sound a listener prefers. I have posted this link in several post replies. Whether you are an expert on subs or not it's an article well worth reading. Quite lengthy but if you have the patience to read it you may gain some useful info......

http://www.soundoctor.com/whitepapers/subs.htm