Sub suggestions please


I just got a pair of JBL L100 Classics (I have seen that they are controversial here, but I love the look, and am impressed with the sound...I'm a happy camper).  They are connected to the Cambridge CXA61, and I run a Technics SL1600 with a Grado Prestige Green3 cart, and a Cambridge Alva Duo preamp, and Cambridge CD transport (CXC V2).  My sub is a Klipsch Reference Series 12", which I like, but it doesn't aesthetically work with the JBLs.   I'm considering the REL Classic 98, Sonus Faber Gravis II, or the SVS SB-3000 (I was told I could get it in a walnut veneer, but haven't actually seen that.  Walnut is important in this case).  Any seconds on one of those options?  Any alternates I should consider at $1,500 or less (I am perfectly satisfied with pre-owned)? 

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For purely aesthetic reasons I went from a Rythmik F12G with paper-based driver to a Classic 98. Their sound profile is more similar than different - they were both a little more rounded with not as much punch, but both integrated well. The F12G dug deeper with exponentially more tuning capability which I played around with for three years. This is the weakness of the 98, especially since it doesn’t have variable phase. Beyond aesthetics, and only speaking for myself, one of the greatest strengths of the 98 is actually SpeakOn cable and the flexibility it provides if you don’t have a sub output or want to utilize high level input on the sub.

From a SQ perspective there’s differences between both subs, but I definitely don’t regret selling the F12G and purchasing the 98. For what it’s worth and YMMV.

 

Walnut is important in this case

JBL HDI-1200p, satin walnut is one of the finishes, is a 3000 dollar sub. It appears to be currently on what i think is a closeout sale for 1200...might as well hop on it. I certainly wouldn’t pay 3000 for it. The audioholics guys gave it a decent review, believe it has a relatively high quality low distortion driver in it. But, when a driver gets deeper down is when distortion parameters skyrocket (The Jbl factory jiggle guy played it safe...)

It won’t explore the deep low depths of your soul like a Rythmik F18, for example.(Nevertheless, don’t end up buying some trash just for the walnut finish. You could always put a walnut finish to a sub cabinet in your garage, y’know, i.e., with a good subwoofer.. It’s what the garage’s for...)

 

There are some great suggestions in this thread but, not surprisingly, nobody is mentioning the exquisite Perlisten line.  Perlisten has a low profile on Audiogon, perhaps because the company rarely submits its products for review.  But  make no mistake, these subs are pretty incredible, deep low-end extension (12 Hz with built-in bass boost), effortless, transparent transient response, extraordinary detail.

They're not cheap, starting at around $2000, and don't offer a ton of bells and whistles, but they cover all the bases most important to audiophiles -- especially SQ.  IMHO, they're definitely worth at least seeking out. 

I am not sure why the walnut finish is so important, but buying a sub that performs well would be my first priority and then add your own finish and get what you really want I would think adding some walnut veneer would not be that difficult. Time consuming maybe but not difficult. The SVS subs offer a lot of bang for the buck and their customer service is said to be pretty darn good.