Vandersteen Sub woofers v Rythmik Subs

Just came across this forum...Looks like you guys have answered the original discussion about Vandersteen subs vs Rythmik subs.  Most everyone supports Vandersteen...For what it’s worth, I had 2wq with Magnepan 3.3 & while there was an improvement in bottom, it still seemed lacking.  I recently went with F18 servo controlled unit from Rythmik & have been extremely impressed.  To me, there is a night/day difference.  Apparently Vandersteen has a new sub.  (I’ve not heard it.)  Dr Ding has a PhD in EE & has a research lab in Austin area.  Audio is extremely subjective & I understand that many have various reasons for supporting the choices they make...Mine have been significantly influenced by economics.  The new 30.7 Magnepan might reproduce the most realistic, “live” sound.  No sub required.  But I’d rather not spend $30k for two speakers.  Current system is close, with much less $; but it’s taken many years to get here.

i am rebuilding a set of Quad esl 63 and will probably try a Rythmic sub along w a Vandersteen 3
@noble100 not running you off, new thread seems to be thriving....

@noble100 not running you off, new thread seems to be thriving.... : "


Hello tomic601,

Thanks for the welcoming words. I’ve been monitoring this thread on and off but haven’t felt the need to respond or add anything for awhile.
     I wish I could be of more assistance as to whether Vandersteen or Rhythmic subs perform best but I stopped thinking or caring about which single sub performs best once I learned of the significant advantages of multiple distributed subs.
     I envy you rebuilding a pair of the legendary ESL63and wish you the best in your project. 
     I think I’ve stated enough of my thoughts already but won’t hesitate to respond further if I think it might be useful to the OP or thread readers.

Thanks,
Tim

I loved those Quads. I will never forget hearing them for the first time.  It was an eye opener.  I also remember falling in love with a large Maggie panel back in 1991 or so with my EX in Newport, RI if I recall.  Then the Apogees in the mid 90's.  Funny as I don't like the Martin Logan stats.  

ctsooner,

I completely agree with you on loving the sound of the Quads, large Maggie panels and the original Apogees.

Interesting that all of these ’fast’ speakers share the common complaint from owners that they’re all very difficult to integrate subs with. The usual complaint is the sub or subs sound disconnected from the main speakers because the ’slower’ subs cannot keep up with the speed of the ’fast’ panels. I currently use a pair of large Maggie panels in my system and tend to agree with the difficulty of integrating subs well with them.
However, I would definitely suggest the Audio Kinesis Swarm,Debra or any custom 4 sub DBA system as an excellent method of seamlessly integrating a sota bass system with any ’speakers but I can verify they integrate especially well with ’fast’ panels.
Because each Debra sub has a 10" long-throw woofer and is only required to reproduce a portion of the total bass, I think each sub is capable of being very agile and, with all 4 working in concert, it results in bass that is very articulate with great definition.that can reproduce the entire range of bass notes incredibly accurately; from very deep and powerful to sharp and taut.
     I believe anyone listening to any DBA system, whether an Audio Kinesis complete kit or a custom system of someone’s own creation, even briefly would be able to quickly recognize the extreme quality of bass reproduced but it’s much harder for me to express in words.

Tim