Which subwoofer should I get?


Hi - I have the following system:

Magico A5 speakers

Gryphon Diablo 300 integrated

Merging Nadac + Player + Power DAC

Purist Audio cabling

I love my system......but I had the opportunity to use an SVS PB-2000 pro (home theater subwoofer) for a few weeks, and it really improved the overall experience.

I have the opportunity to purchase a REL Carbon Special sub (used) or purchase an SVS SB 3000 Pro. I really like the fact that the SVS subs have so many user adjustable features, and can be adjusted on the fly from an app. I've been told over and over that the sonic qualities of the REL far outweigh the advantages of the SVS subs. Would love to hear from you regarding this issue.

So, in brief, should I go for the REL, the SVS, or some other sub (if so, why?)?

Thanks - Matt

mwsl

@ Audiorusty - thanks for validating James633. It struck me as good advice as well

@ mylogic - truly appreciate your ongoing clarifications. I was originally thinking about the REL Carbon special. 

To all: I am now convinced that a pair of subs is the direction I will be going. My overall budget needs to be limited to $4k, which gives me lots of options. I’m still leaning towards Rhythmik (wish they had app control, but I’m a little less hung up on this as being a critical feature…..more of a nice-to-have rather than need-to-have). The Arendel 1723 S1’s looks like another very interesting option, given their app control and better aesthetics. 

Once again, very appreciative of the advice this group can offer. Will keep you apprised later this month post-construction (there’s going to be holes cut in our drywall to install a new window; don’t want to introduce new equipment until the construction dust settles).

@ fleschler - FYI the Shockwave subs are a Von Schweikert product. Definitely over my price point. FWIW Westminster Lab makes amplification and pre-amps.

Hello and Happy New Year, 

I’m very pleased with HSU (pronounced “shoe”)subwoofers, of which I have two.  My older HSU sub is their VTF-MKII. I recently added Dr. Hsu’s (MIT PHd -engineering) newest and most powerful model, the VTF-TN1.  Both are accurate or I like to say “tight and right”.   Dr.Hsu has been designing subwoofers for over 40 years at his small facility in Anaheim.Ca  

Rather than go into descriptive detail in this post I suggest that you visit.

https://HSURESEARCH.com

ps  I think you will also be very pleased with the prices.  Also if you call Dr  Hsu he frequently answers the phone himself.   He’s a brilliant engineer, easy to took with and is a subwoofer “whisperer”.   :)

Enjoy the music  

 

Just purchased a pair of SVS-SB-4000 subs to supplement the bass in my Matin Logan 11A impressions hybrid speaker. The subs are excellent and they add deep controlled bass to the sound. I crossover at 60 and volume is at 5. These settings work well for me. The built in amps are 1200 watts each. The Rel I was looking at had 300 watts. I have found that having extra power in reserves helps loudspeakers as well as subs really open up. Also, before I purchased the SVS I called SVS and we spent a considerable amount of time reviewing my system and how I could maximize my sound. SVS was very knowledgeable an helpful. They were easy to reach via phone. Hope this is helpful.

 

 

While the discussion here seems to have morphed into a back-and-forth about REL vs SVS, in my many years attempting to tame modes in my room(s) with two very capable "air moving machines" (no brand names mentioned to avoid the resulting arguments), sometimes augmented with PEQ via a miniDSP, my suggestion is to GET A PRODUCT WITH ROOM CORRECTION, THE MORE ADVANCED THE BETTER.

Many subs can move lots of air. But integration tools (DSP PEQ) to tame room modes can make a less expensive air-mover sound magnitudes better than many very expensive air-mover that operates, more or less, open loop at the mercy of standing waves.