Is There A Big Difference Between Subwoofers From Different Manufacturers


This is likely the last thread I’ll be posting about subwoofers.

I was just wondering if there is really a big difference between subwoofers from different manufacturers if the quality of the subs (which is mostly governed by the specifications) are fairly similar. Also, with the assumption that the set up is properly done to ensure a seamless integration with the main speakers.

There have been many comparisons or experiences on subwoofers shared by members here on this forum, people who upgraded their old sub to a new seemingly superior sub. Or people who added additional subs to the system which contributed to an overall improved bass performance. I’m referring to the former, the comparison between single subs.

To cut to the chase, I understand high quality subwoofers which are essentially higher spec designs will usually produce better performance than lower spec subs. When people upgrade their subs, I assume the new subs are superior in terms of specification, either a larger sub with larger drivers, higher power output of the internal amplifier, lower frequency extension or the combination of any of the above.

Has anyone compared subs which are fairly similar in quality or performance when upgrading from the old sub?

Example. If someone upgraded from a REL T7x to an SVS SB-3000 or SB-4000, I suppose the SVS would be an upgrade since they come with larger drivers, higher power output, everything superior spec-wise. What if the models are closely spec’d? Will the subs sound fairly similar or closer to each other ?

Say, the comparison between

SVS SB-3000/4000
Rythmik F12SE / F15
REL S510 / S812 / Carbon Special or Limited

I presume the subs will still sound slightly different but the difference may not be night and day if the quality or specifications are closely matched?

 

ryder

My take on this question is that the answer depends on what you are expecting the sub to do. In my case I am running a pair of Thiel CS6 speakers full range and using a late 90's 15" Velodyne (servo design) sub to fill in the bottom octave. It is forgiving in placement and integrates perfectly. I've got the sub crossed over at 40 hz (it's lowest setting) and most of the time it just sits there and does nothing. But play Thanks To You by Boz Scaggs and and my tummy turns into a bowl of jello. When I play this for people their jaw drops. Playing the Thiels full range means that the mid-low bass on up is tight and natural.

I have thought about getting a new sub but my current setup is so good that I'm not sure how it would be improved. If I were trying to integrate a sub with a pair of bookshelf speakers it would be a whole different story.

My subs are also crossed over at about 40Hz but I can immediately tell when they are not turned on, which happens occasionally when I turn them off to insert new wire or make other changes and then forget to turn them back on.  Even at 40Hz, they seem to make a large difference in the quality of the sound from my system.  One feature I like about my Aerial SW-12 subs is the remote volume control, which allows me to easily adjust the sub/bass level by +1 or +2 when listening at low levels.  At more realistic listening levels, the 0 setting works great.

I did find another HP filter option that should cost less then the Vandersteen M7-HP.  It is the Marchand Electronics, Inc. XM446 Fully Balanced high pass filter.  I would be interested to hear pros and cons from any who have tried it, and particularly the sonic impact on the signal passing through the filter.

@mitch2

Sorry, I was lazy and did not look up the M7-HP. IMO, it’s overly complex and definitely overpriced. I eschew as many connections as possible. DIP switches have no- place/nowhere in an audio cct.

I’m talking about a simple passive HP for the mains and direct connect to subs.

The capacitor values are for the main amp and calculated C = 1 / ( 2 * π * f * R )

@ieales - Thank you.

That is exactly the type of project I was looking for.  I would need it to be balanced.

The trade-off of course is whether the benefit of relieving the main amp/speakers of reproducing the lowest frequencies is greater than whatever detriment results from passing the signal through the HP componentry.  Marchand Electronics offers a balanced version (XM446XLR-A) for $525. 

Let’s cover the facts.

There are other less costly options for Vandersteen high pass filters, four in fact. Six if one were to count the built in high pass filters in the M5 and M7 amplifiers. The crowd that thinks a Vandersteen high pass filter is overly complex flunked resonance control of big drivers and tanking circuit elimination classes… IF you think you can hear around the DIP switch, simple jumpers soldered in circuit will take care of that…

I run 2 systems w Vandy subs including the new Sub3 with M5 Kento grade high pass filters and another with M7 speakers and M7 amplifiers…..

Not the only way to fly…but it works for me…

Jim