2. speakers
  3. 1130959037

Velodyne DD: 10 or 12?

Will be replacing a REL Strata II which is very nice, but a recent upgrade has left me looking for more. I like the room correction idea but now am wondering if I should upsize. The Strata II is an 8" driver and seems to have provided adequate bass in my large-ish room, but maybe that is due to down-firing? The floor is carpet over wood, with a full-height basement beneath so there is some reverb due to that. Am also using a Gramma/SubDude which I like and will probably keep.

For budget reasons am considering only the 10 or 12, so the 15 and 18 are not really players for me. Looking at specs the only diff seems to be 1.7" in driver size, amps, etc all the same, and the 12 goes 1 hz lower, which I don't see as significantly different. Is the 12 worth the extra $500 msrp for a budget-conscious decision? Obviously I can afford it if I am considering it but prefer to not overspend.

Would be interested to hear esp from users who have weighed this type of choice before.

On an aside, which finish is preferred in general? The gloss black is no doubt attractive but am concerned about how it would wear. Most of the gear is black/dark but it is parked on a Salamander Twin 20, in cherry, which seems to be close to the Velo cherry.
kck
kck OP
184 posts
 
Thanks Theo, Rwwear. Theo, if I read between your lines too much it might look like even a DD10 might work for your room. It does not seem as if you tried it or even would be inclined to. What do you think you might gain from two DD10s? As I understand it the two 10s and the one 12 have roughly equal surface. I do understand about the stereo subs though.
kck OP
184 posts
 
Cmach, good info and thanks. I guess I was posting at the same time you were and did not see your post before. I am leaning more to the 12 now. More input is welcome of course!

Anyone, does the black finish wear well? Is it susceptible to fine scratches, etc? Some of those things are, even when handled carefully.
cmach
198 posts
 

From what I have seen on my friends DD-12 the finish
seems pretty durable. Of course if your concerned about
finger prints and other blemishes the Cherry would be
the better choice.

Cmach
theo's avatar
theo
2,722 posts
 
Kck, Actually I may have mis-lead you in first response. I would consider 2 10s in lieu of the 12. The reason is I think that 2 subs would sound better. I have heard in some demo's at different dealers using 2 subs. And I feel that there is a better distribution and representation of the music. I have come to the conclusion that 2 subs interact with each other and the room and somehow tighten up the bass. With the Velodyne setup capabilities in the DD series, you can flatten the curve even more that with one.
If you haven't tried the DD yet and had a chance to play with the setup menu in your room, you should, cuz the demo is what made me order one. And also you mention stereo subs. Actually I would daisy chain them in mono. As far as not trying or buying. No haven't tried it my home yet, only heard them in the dealers showroom. And buying them well that is a good 3000-3500 dollars away. And you also mentioned the capability of the 10 working in my room. I don't know, I never tried it. I know the 15 would be over kill. But I can't give you an honest answer there Kck. I really don't think it would , in my opinion anyway. Really depends on your room you may get by with it. But I'd rather have too much than too little.
rwwear
2,902 posts
 
Two 10s should be better than one 12. But when only going for one, I would go with the 12. You can always turn down the bass or Eq it to your room. Besides you may also add another 12 at some point or move to a larger room.
More to discover