Dear @phusis : Velodyne ( at least my HGS, not the DD models with Kevlar driver. ) were made for MUSIC sound reproduction systems and not HT where needs are different and especially on SPL.
The Velodyne aceleromete/servo ( patented. ) avoid that THD can goes over 0.5% and when it’s approaching that figure power gone lower but not the bass frequency.
I never had a problem with my HGS and maybe because my main speakers has 95db efficiency but I measured at my seat position ( near field. ) 97db SPL with peacks at around 105db and the bass range is fabolous.
I readed other reviews on the DD models where what you read it did not happens but at the ned the critical subject is to mantain ( for listen MUSIC not HT. ) the THD at minimum in the bass frequency range. This is the why of my post more than about thisor that sub.
In your link review we can read this ( HT ):
"
Batman Begins followed by the Dark Knight, both of which offer not only a very powerful and engaging audio track but also are enjoyable movies to watch. The master volume was set to -15 for the entirety of both films.
Throughout the various action and dramatic sequences of the films the DD18+ provided a stellar performance. Subtle background bass undertones were just that and when demanded the DD18+ provided a lot of power and room shake. On sections that contained deeply extended bass the DD18+ had generous extension that provided an extra feel or size to the sound that lesser subwoofers simply do not. As previously discussed the performance of the DD18+ as far as definition and ability to track notes is excellent. If there was any small caveat to the DD18+ performance it might be that it was not quite as sharply dynamic on a few parts as I recall they can be, the tumbler chase scene being one example, the gatling gun test, bankers shotgun blasts and the hospital explosion being others. My large listening room acoustics are such that it is very difficult for a single subwoofer, even a very capable and powerful one such as the DD18+, to handle alone so perhaps the DD18+ was being limited a little on a few extremely loud sections. Audio memory is a hazy thing at best so I can’t be sure and to be quite honest I’m stretching to find even that small caveat with the DD18+’s audible signature. It is that good. What I can be sure of is that the DD18+ always sounded composed throughout and easily produced one of the top performances that I have experienced from a single subwoofer in my room. Very deep bass was presented with apparent ease and fundamental tones or pitches of bass transients were spot on. "
Not so bad as those measurements and the reviewer seats one DD-18 at 4 meters from his seat position, not near field.
R.