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Subwoofer Decision

I have narrowed my search to two choices though I am sure I will get comments steering me away from these.
Contrast Rythmik Audio 12G with Vandersteen 2Wq. I would like to get only one though I know a pair are best choice. Could maybe afford 2 Rythmik, but only 1 Vandersteen for now. The subwoofer would support Dali Helicons (4 ohms) biwired and driven by 2 mono McIntosh MC 252's at 500 watts each into 4 ohms. Living room size aprox. 24'x16'x8' placement not centered on 16' wall due to furniture (wife) constraints must stay put. Subwoofer placement needs also to stay there as well, I know this limits possible best choice for placement, my bad. There is room behind, next to, and between speakers. Any help help is appreciated.
128x128lowfreqguy
wolf_garcia
6,712 posts
 
It seems like a lot of fuss over what is pretty simple if your room is relatively controllable (if you don't live in an empty shipping container or a large desert tent)…I use 2 older REL subs (Q150e and Q108II) and no DSP, and they are extremely easy to tune to the room…just move them around and tweak the levels (the 108 is downward firing and right behind my left main in a corner created by a gas fireplace, and the more powerful 150 front firing is near the right wall and can be moved around easily…unobstructed and pointed at the sweet spot). Simply use the level settings and "crossover" (my mains only go to 58hz, so that's my starting point to tweak them) pots carefully and you're in there…these RELs cost around 200 bucks each used, and are utterly great things. Also, I think "lowfreqguy" initially simply misstated the 31HZ E thing as he later mentions the "low B" on a bass which IS 31hz…I say restore his points and declare the penalty voided.
tomcarr
1,523 posts
 
Have you considered the Swarm? Multiple subs, single connection, rave reviews. Worth a look or listen...
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,868 posts
 

lowfreqguy, Rythmik sells direct-to-consumers only, but have a deal worked out with speaker maker Ascend Acoustics (who also do direct sales) in San Clemente, CA. Ascend sells the Rythmik subs to partner with their speakers, and I believe demos the subs at their location. Give ’em a call.

I’ve never seen a Rythmik F12G for sale used, a good sign, ay?!

Jadedavid’s passive filter suggestion is a good one, and has been used by perfectionists since the 1950’s. He’s correct about the Dahlquist DQLP-1 incorporating that design---I still have one. I also had capacitors installed on the input jacks of my Bedini 25/25 for rolling of it’s low end for use with old Quads. That method is completely compatible with Rythmik subs.

By the way, the Rythmik F12G is available as a DIY kit, for those wanting to make their own enclosure. Also, Parts Express sells really good sub enclosures the Rythmik kit can be installed in, for the adventurous. 

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,957 posts
 
maybe I misunderstood your point bdp...but the Vandersteen approach preserves the transfer function of the main amplifier which can be heard...Ray Brown Soular energy is an excellent test for continuity....

so glad the OP is working the tools and the room also..

i have a place near San Clemente, so maybe I will pop in and hear the Rhymiks....
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
I too, have not heard the Rythmiks, but from the standpoint of the laws of physics, it would seem to me that a sub with three eight inch drivers would be a lot quicker than a single 15 inch or even a 12 inch driver. I thought I had read somewhere that three eight inch drivers could equal a sixteen inch driver  in bottom end extension and power.JMO.
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