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Sunfire subs

It seems that whenever someone asks about a recommendation for a sub it's always Velodyne, Rel, HSU, Rythmic, etc. Sunfire is never mentioned. Some years back, when the TS-EQ12 came on the scene I read an article in TAS that paired it with the Mag 3.6's and called it the proverbial "match made in heaven". I had 3.6's at that time paired with an M&K sub. I bought the Sunfire and it was like night and day. I now have it paired with my Mag 3.7's. I was wondering if there's something wrong with the Sunfires. I've never had a problem.(knock wood) Why do they never get any attention?
mrschret
zydo's avatar
zydo
242 posts
 
The Sunfire subs are not very musical IMO. They are ok for HT, but for music, not great. Some people love them, but in my room, very disappointing. At the moment, using all Velodyne. (2 12", and an 18") If I were to do it again, I'd use PSB's.
dancer
56 posts
 
Sunfire is ok but will never sound like a Rel sub.
martykl
3,578 posts
 
The Sunfire approach (small cabinet, big amp) is not for everyone. I can't speak to the specific model you're considering, but - in general - subs using this approach tend to produce a lot of THD at high SPL/low frequency (relative to larger cabinet subwoofers). Neither do they particularly distinguish themselves (as a group) on group delay - the test some folks to use as a proxy for "speed". So, for the quant types, these designs my not hold a ton of appeal.

To be clear, that's a general observation from reviewing test data across a lot of these types of subwoofers - not a specific comment on the TSEQ12.

One reason you see a lot of Rythmik (I use a pair of their 12" subs) and SVS recommendations is that both brands tend to perform unusually well on both tests (SVS better on clean output, Rythmik better on Group Delay). Another reason IME (for Rythmik, at least) is that they sound great.

Marty
sarcher30
596 posts
 
I owned a TSEQ12. Before that I owned a cheap M&K sub. The Sunfire definately beat out the M&K. It was tighter and much louder. That said it leaves much to be desired compared to sota designs. IMO it is still muddy and bloated compared to the best. It has plenty of output though. The best I have heard was a REL Studio III. Cleaner and deeper bass.

My current speakers do not require a sub. If I had a bigger room and money burning a hole in my pocket I would get 2 Studio IIIs and call it good.
gmorris
351 posts
 
I am using a stereo pair of Sunfire Signatures subs with my Magnepan 20.1s with great success. I previously used them with 3.5 for many years.
Improperly set up Sunfire subs will demonstrate all of the negatives mentioned above. For best results:

1. Keep the subs away from room boundaries.

2. keep the volume as low as possible.

3. Use the lowest xover frequency of 30 hz when possible.

4. use minute adjustments in the volume and Phase to maximize clarity and minimize "muddiness" in the crossover region.

My subs are undectable in my system, blends seamlessly with my 20.1s, are tuneful and certainly not "boomy"
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