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Which is the top dog in "subs"?

I'm deciding between a pair of Velodyne DD-18s or JL Audio Fathom 113s. I've read the articles published in Stereophile and Absolute Sound.

Ease of setup is important to my system. The Velodyne setup appears to be SOTA for subs with ease of use and setup procedures. All parameters can be adjusted with the remote control. You can view the setup via video out to a TV monitor. However the high pass filter is set at 80hz. Is this a problem? Is this a musical sub? Will is blend with my salons? Larry Greenhill has never mentioned using two DD-18s so how would they compare with my the Fathoms 113s. also Velodyne makes one use single ended instead of balanced interconnects. Also Velodynes software will only accomodate mono subs working as master and slave.

The Fathom is a newer sub, with some great ideas and is reputed to sound incredible. The problem with it seems to be no remote control, difficult setup, not as easy as the Velodyne, and would require a crossover such as the Bryson 10b as an additional expense.

One could buy the Fathoms, and Velodynes setup kit the SMS-1 wich would put the setup procedure even with the DD-18s. I still would have to switch from balanced interconnects to single ended.

I know I now own Revel Subs but one has died via a shipping problem, and they are discontinued and I have a chance to upgrade to new subs.

The application would be for two channel only.

So what do you guys think, has anyone listend to the two subs with an optimized setup?
128x128sgr
tigerwoodkhorns
130 posts
 
I agree with RAS. I use a JL Audio F113 with B&W S800's. Easy as can be to set up. I do not know what you are using for your mains but I run mine full range so no active crossover is needed.

The other question is why do you need a remote for your sub? It seems like you will use it once to set it up, then take the batteries out, put it in a palstic bag and store it. I never adjust my sub. Set it and forget it.
sgr's avatar
sgr OP
689 posts
 
Thanks for all your comments.

I'm thinking of a pair of Fathoms 113s along with the purchase of the Velodyne SMS 1 might be the ticket.

However how important to the sound is Velodyne's servo control system? I don't believe the Fathoms has this and it does seem to be an advantage important.

Also I've had several people in the industry comment that a pair of Velodyne DD-15s will be a better match for my room then a pair of DD18s. Some think that the DD18s will over power the room causing many acoustic problems.
All I want is the most musical, easy to setup, accurate, subs I can find that will mate with my two channel system.
I know the Fathoms must be good, but Velodyne has been around for a long time.
Are the Fathoms the sub flavor of the month?
radrog
157 posts
 
KRELL .........DUH
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
KRELL....DUH

ROTFLMAO

Dinosaur company and products
nikki
57 posts
 
The DD-18 will go deeper and with greater ease. They are very musical and do not over power my room.

I previously used a single DD-15, but once I went to the stereo DD-18s, the bass no longer sounded forced. It is simply there, in an effortless and limitless way. It's the best way I can describe it.

Mind you, setup and placement is critical. Replace the standard feet with some decent brass spikes as well.

Good luck.
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