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Vandersteen Sub woofers v Rythmik Subs

I really love the idea of the Vandersteen Subs where they are connected with the mains via extra speaker cable off right and left channels off the main amplifier, which is supposed to provide better bass transition from the mains while keeping the signature from the main amplifier. My question is with Vandersteen coming out with the SUB THREE and the price going significantly higher, I was wondering if there are other subs for less that you could integrate in the same way. (Most subs seem to rely on the line level input which is just a sub-woofer RCA going from the pre-amp to the amp on the sub). Can this same Vandersteen set-up be achieved with other subs?
I picked Rythmik since they are known (in the home theater community anyway) for being one of the best bang for the buck subs and the most "musical" of the bunch. (between Hsu, SVS, PSA).
And could I possibly achieve even greater sub-woofer nirvana since I could get an 18" for around $1500? Vandies only have 3 eight inchers.

I am a Vandersteen fanboy and I would like to support RV whenever I can, but don’t know much about my other sub-woofer options so looking for some feedback. Doesn’t even have to be related to Rythmik necessarily. If you know of other subs that can integrate the same way I want to know about it!

Thanks
bstatmeister
gdnrbob
4,452 posts
 
@bondmanp ,
What is wrong with your system?
bob
tyray
655 posts
 
Rythmik Audio warranty:
5 years warranty on driver and 2 (or is it 3?) years on electronics.
30 day satisfaction guarantee.
Customers pay for returns.

Rythmik Audio dealer(s):
As far as I can tell, only 1
ASCEND ACOUSTICS, INC.
1062 Calle Negocio Suite G
San Clemente, CA 92673

Vandersteen warranty:
1 year warranty, however Vandersteen subwoofers are known to last for decades without any problems.
For returns see below.

Vandersteen dealers:
Are all over the US

I have no doubt that the AudioKinesis Swarm Subwoofer System sounds just as glorious as Tim describes, but for me and just me I don’t have the realestate (Tim you lucky guy!) nor do I like speakers with sharp edges as my bare feet, toes, shins, calves and when I may have little ones over, somehow are drawn to sharp edges like a magnet!

I stand corrected - as far as having dealers or 1 place for manufacturing the subs for also being the place to send for repairs, Vandersteen has dealers spread out over the US. Hence you can throw your subs in your vehicle and drive to the dealer for any repair work and save a heck of a lot of shipping cost and worry from shipping! You also can audition those SUB THREE subs before purchasing too! To me, Vandersteen wins again, hands down.


mr_m
1,900 posts
 
Vandersteen has a five year warranty on their speakers and subs as long as you send in the special warranty card within the allotted time after purchase.
bondmanp
1,820 posts
 

@gdnrbob -
A sordid, unhappy, long story, some of which can be found here:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/vandersteen-2wq-subwoofers-with-m5-hp-crossovers-help-needed

I think you posted on that thread, btw. I am still working on resolving this. I suspect the amp is the problem, but I am far from certain. The new amp internals are surely burned in by now, and I am less than thrilled with it when run full range into my Ohm Walsh 2000s, which I know can produce pretty good, deep bass in my room without a subwoofer. I may have a 64 lb. paperweight on my hands. Worse, I don’t really have the money for a new amp (at least not one I would want to own long term). I have tried another amp, but it was vintage, and I could not find the input impedance. I am working with Johnny Rutan at Audio Connection to figure all this out. He has offered to stop by my house with an amplifier and see what happens, so I am waiting for him to have an evening when he has some free time. But it has been a very frustrating 6 months. I miss my rig. :-(


schubert
7,386 posts
 
KLH 17 is a very good speaker !
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