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Is There A Big Difference Between Subwoofers From Different Manufacturers

This is likely the last thread I’ll be posting about subwoofers.

I was just wondering if there is really a big difference between subwoofers from different manufacturers if the quality of the subs (which is mostly governed by the specifications) are fairly similar. Also, with the assumption that the set up is properly done to ensure a seamless integration with the main speakers.

There have been many comparisons or experiences on subwoofers shared by members here on this forum, people who upgraded their old sub to a new seemingly superior sub. Or people who added additional subs to the system which contributed to an overall improved bass performance. I’m referring to the former, the comparison between single subs.

To cut to the chase, I understand high quality subwoofers which are essentially higher spec designs will usually produce better performance than lower spec subs. When people upgrade their subs, I assume the new subs are superior in terms of specification, either a larger sub with larger drivers, higher power output of the internal amplifier, lower frequency extension or the combination of any of the above.

Has anyone compared subs which are fairly similar in quality or performance when upgrading from the old sub?

Example. If someone upgraded from a REL T7x to an SVS SB-3000 or SB-4000, I suppose the SVS would be an upgrade since they come with larger drivers, higher power output, everything superior spec-wise. What if the models are closely spec’d? Will the subs sound fairly similar or closer to each other ?

Say, the comparison between

SVS SB-3000/4000
Rythmik F12SE / F15
REL S510 / S812 / Carbon Special or Limited

I presume the subs will still sound slightly different but the difference may not be night and day if the quality or specifications are closely matched?

 

ryder
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,443 posts
 

“Rel subs are made as well as any commercial subwoofer. If you are comparing them with other subs on the market. They have two issues. I hate their method of integration and it is easy to get better subs if you build them yourself.”

@mijostyn It appears you have no direct experience with REL subs in your system and that’s quite ok. No disrespect to DIY’s community, but every DIY bloke thinks whatever ‘they’ can do, I can do it better. And please define better, what’s better or best to you or your fellow could easily be ‘good enough’ in someone else eyes. As humans we often tend to judge things based on our personal experiences and express opinions driven by our personal biases :-)

In my 30 years of audiophile journey, I have gotten my hands dirty in quite a few DIY projects. My experience have taught me to recognize and appreciate the differences between DIY and commercial grade builds.

mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 

@lalitk , I have played with several Rel subs but not in my system. Their version of sub integration is designed for the lowest common denominator and it performs like the lowest common denominator. Sorry for being harsh but this is the honest truth.

Many people think DIY projects are second rate at best. It depends on the intelligence, experience and skill of the people involved. The ability of companies to get subwoofers to market include a bunch of economic factors that do not apply to the DIY individual.

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,443 posts
 

“Sorry for being harsh but this is the honest truth.”

@mijostyn Don’t we all have our own version of truth?

“Many people think DIY projects are second rate at best. It depends on the intelligence, experience and skill of the people involved.”

I am looking forward to your new set of subs, please do post good pictures before you hide them in the corner. My best to you!

ieales's avatar
ieales
1,201 posts
 

Rel subs are made as well as any commercial subwoofer.

Don't think I said anything about their build quality. My objection to them is the direction the company took. More bling and flash rather than useful features. WAF vs HPF

audiorusty
270 posts
 

Hey ryder,

Not sure if this is the kind of information that you are looking for. In my system I am currently using 2) SVS SB4ooo's, 1) Rythmik F12SE and 1) REL S5 SHO (predecessor to the S812). In my opinion the Rythmik has a slightly better sound than the SVS and both of them are better than the REL. I had to slightly modify the REL in order for it to compete with the other two. Both the SVS and the REL have more output power than the Rythmik. The SVS was easiest to integrate due to its phone app. The Rythmik was a little more cumbersome because you had to make the adjustments at the cabinet and not the listening position and REL does not give you enough tools to properly integrate so I had to slightly compromise the integration of the SVS and the Rythmik to work with the REL. Overall I prefer the Rythmik, but I would move up at least one model size larger if not two, in order to compensate for the lower output power.

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