Vandersteen Sub woofers v Rythmik Subs


I really love the idea of the Vandersteen Subs where they are connected with the mains via extra speaker cable off right and left channels off the main amplifier, which is supposed to provide better bass transition from the mains while keeping the signature from the main amplifier. My question is with Vandersteen coming out with the SUB THREE and the price going significantly higher, I was wondering if there are other subs for less that you could integrate in the same way. (Most subs seem to rely on the line level input which is just a sub-woofer RCA going from the pre-amp to the amp on the sub). Can this same Vandersteen set-up be achieved with other subs?
I picked Rythmik since they are known (in the home theater community anyway) for being one of the best bang for the buck subs and the most "musical" of the bunch. (between Hsu, SVS, PSA).
And could I possibly achieve even greater sub-woofer nirvana since I could get an 18" for around $1500? Vandies only have 3 eight inchers.

I am a Vandersteen fanboy and I would like to support RV whenever I can, but don’t know much about my other sub-woofer options so looking for some feedback. Doesn’t even have to be related to Rythmik necessarily. If you know of other subs that can integrate the same way I want to know about it!

Thanks
bstatmeister
Now I remember why I have the samson s-convert. My amp does not support RCA Jack's. Just TS or XLR. I suppose I could buy a plug that converts RCA to TS and give that a whirl?

     If one wanted the finest signal integrity and purity for optimum performance from a music based 2-ch system, is it beneficial to use an amp with non-standard connections,  use multiple connector type adapters and use an external crossover with multiple signal affecting dip switches?
     
     I think we all know the answer to this, right?

Tim
@noble100   Agree with you that adapters should be avoided but the M5-HP is remarkably transparent.  An important thing to keep in mind is the effect of freeing your main amp from having to produce deep bass.  The treble and midrange open up with more dynamic flow without giving up first class deep bass that the Vandys produce.  
Hello hifiman5

Yes, I understand and agree with you about how relieving the main amp’s responsibility of amplifying bass signals is beneficial both to the amp’s power output requirements and the overall sound since the amp is then able to devote itself to only amplifying the mid and high frequency signals. This should result in a more effortless and dynamic sound for everything above the bass.
I would just suggest that, if the goal is a matching effortless and dynamic sound for the system bass, more than a single sub is the optimum solution..
In my experience, employing a distributed bass system of at least 2 subs, will deliver the revelatory sound performance in the bass that you accurately described for the mids and highs once an amp is relieved of amplifying all bass frequencies.
Again, however, I advise that using just a single sub will not bring bass response closer to this goal, using 2 will begin the improvement, using 3 will continue the improvement and using 4 subs is the magic number that will allow reaching the goal.
I understand if some are skeptical but the results I describe above are scientifically proven via experiments that have been independently verified not only by acoustic scientists but also by regular people who have purchased and deployed distributed bass array systems such as myself and many others.
I’m just trying to spread the word on how well this concept actually works. My initial opinion of the sound results upon first listen remains the same today: it almost magically produces excellent bass without any DSP, parametric equalizing, room treatments, mics or room correction software or hardware.
My only cautions to bstatmeister would be to not just plunk down his single Vandy sub in a convenient spot arbitrarily. He’ll get much better results following my positioning procedure previously described:

1. Hookup your sub and place it at your desired listening position.
2. Play music that has good and repetitive bass.
3. Walk around your room in a systematic manner listening for an exact spot where the bass sounds the best to you.
4. Once this spot is located, reposition your sub to this exact spot.
5. To test results, sit at your designated listening position and repay the same music.

As you would expect, bass response will be improved as additional subs are added to the room. 2 subs, properly positioned, will give better results than 1. Repeat the above procedure for each additional sub you desire to buy and bass response will continue to improve.
I don’t advise using more than 4 subs unless you enjoy wasting your money. Any gains made in bass response in your room beyond 4 subs will be incrementally much smaller than the obviously more noticeable gains made when adding subs #2-4.
CAUTION: Disregarding any of the above utilitarian advice is at your own peril and may result in the forfeiture of all consultation fees you may have paid.

Love,
Tim
XOX
@noble100  +1  Very good advice.  In my modest sized room (13.5' X18') two Vandy subs.  provide a powerful, even deep bass response.