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Short list of musical subwoofers

I plan to invest a "musical" subwoofer to augment the music listening experience of my current two-channel sound system. After a few digging over the acting forum and on-line reviews, it seems the following budgetary sealed (primarily) subwoofers are often mentioned and raved:

- Rythmic L12 (18Hz; sealed, servo controlled; 300 watts RMS; $609);

- RSL Speedwoofer 10S (24Hz; front ported; 350 watts; $428);

- Rel T5x (8 in; 32Hz@-6db; 125 watts; $680)

- SVS SB 1000 (24Hz, sealed; 300 watts; $450) or 2000 (19Hz; sealed; 500 watts; $600);

All above claim to have quick, accurate bass that is good for music listening. Rel, although not being able to extend to 20Hz, has been highly rated for easy integration into the sound system. I am not even sure if being able to get down low and/or the wattage of the active amp are critical to the musical application. My living room is about 25 ft wide and 20 ft deep. I do have limited budget but if others are warranted for a higher price tag in your opinion I am willing to bump up the budget. You inputs are highly appreciated.

lanx0003
lanx0003 OP
902 posts
 
@mijostyn,

It is interesting that you disapprove the high level connection. May I know your reason why. Rel believes that the high level connection provides purest signal possible to get to SW. According to Zero Fedelity, circuitry inside SWs adds delay to the incoming signal. Most of time is 0.03-0.04 second but with Rel is down to 0.008 second, with the goal that the signal can pass to the SW, circuitry and finally the driver with as minimal alteration as possible. It is about correct phase and speed to make sure the SW is in tune with the speaker.

On the other hand, although providing high level connection in their gears, Rythmik does not recommend using it. If interested, you could tune into https://www.rythmikaudio.com/faq.html#nospeakerinput for their reasons. Here I just want to warn you that, due to the fact that this connection uses a common ground, it could possibly damage the power amps that have fully balanced output.

Emotiva also believes a line level connection will usually deliver a cleaner signal, with slightly less distortion and noise, and so is usually recommended.

You could see even the manufactures themselves do not agree with each other quite a bit in this matter. Maybe you know something that we don’t.

 

oliver_reid
71 posts
 

Dynaudio 18s is a bit above the price range you mentioned ($1700) but imho is very good value for money I find it very musical and defined.

It has dual opposing drivers and you can rest your hand next ti and feel zero vibrations.

oliver_reid
71 posts
 

FYI I replaced an SVS 1000 with the Dynaudio: Way, way better.

lanx0003 OP
902 posts
 

 

@oliver_reid Thank you for letting me know about the Dynaudio 18s which is the first sub equipped with the DSP.  Did you find it useful / impactful to achieve better integration between your main speakers and the sub?

oliver_reid
71 posts
 

My has Receiver (Arcam) has Dirac - so I bypassed the DSP

It does have some presets designed to use with Dynaudio Studio monitors, I think you can set the rollof and apply paremtric EQ

 

There is a Consumer version th Sub 6 -it is the same but has EQ presets to work with DA’s line of home speakers

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