Velodyne DD15 - worth repairing the plate amp?


The amp in my 2008 Velodyne DD15 is dead as a door nail. 

How good is this old marvel compared to today's offerings?

Worth investing another $500 (to have amp repaired, incl roundtrip shipping, tax, etc)? Or just use as passive sub?

How does it compete to modern subs, for example SBS SB-2000 or SB-3000 (both under $1k pre owned)?

kraftwerkturbo

@m-db i’m a little late to the discussion.  Are you saying there is new firmware for the DDplus series?  Can you elaborate?

Early this year my pair of DD10plus subs weren’t responding to the remotes, so I sent them to the amp man.  I wish I had known about the guy in NJ since I probably could have driven the plates there.  Amp man seemed to struggle with various issues, but he did get them working perfectly.  

I’m glad Velodyne is back in business selling subs.  I really like my subs and run hem well below 40hz using the eq, since my TAD CR1’s go down to high 30’s.  

One of the things that drew me to The plus series is that they were designed to play really low bass.  I’m actually running mine in a huge room and I also keep them on sistrum stands 20” off the floor, which reduces output, but I feel makes them sound more articulate.  

Since I’m in a city condo loft, I didn’t want massive bass to avoid complaints.  
Suprising, but even a pair of 10” drivers gives me the kind of subtle, deep bass I’m looking for, and does double duty for 2 channel and Home Theater, even though I leave the servos at the highest setting, even for movies.  

I also like that I can change the slope on the fly, for bass shy recordings.  
 

@emailists  Are you saying there is new firmware for the DDplus series?  Can you elaborate?

I don't know. My DD Plus are 2.2.3. You might try an email to Velodyne Acoustics GmbH.

I fixed a remote control by removing the batteries, carefully opening the case and cleaning the wire board with alcohol and compressed air.

I have not connected the DD to a computer (waiting for amp to be returned from repair). Will then look into the software, potential update and how to use the software, microphone, etc. 

The DD series doesn't connect to a computer. The plus series does. Although there is a way to upgrade the firmware for the DD series with a computer but it takes a special cable from USB to serial

So how do I use the provided measuring (velodyne) microphone if not via computer?