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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
5,598 posts
 

@phusis

I see no sense in arguing with you further, nothing good is going to come out of it. Remember it was you who engaged me, it was you who felt the need to advocate and pitch the superiority of DIY designs. I couldn’t care less or more, cause I already expressed where I stand when it comes to commercial vs DIY subs. Next time you chose to engage someone here or another forum, learning first what they have posted and their beliefs will help you save time and embarrassment. It’s also called ‘knowing your audience’ which involves identifying the audience and adapting a speech to their interests, level of understanding, attitudes, and beliefs.

How far do you think I’m going to succeed by pitching an idea of DIY cables to a guy who has a full loom of Nordost Odin or Synergistic Research SRX?

My suggestion to start your own thread was based on your posts here and after reading your system bio. I knew exactly which camp you belong to and I respect your chosen path. It’s time that you open your mind to the fact that not everyone out there is inclined to build their own subs. Some of us are just happy with our choice of commercially build subs, irrespective of brand and price of admission.

larry5729's avatar
larry5729
1,009 posts
 

Ryder, what kind of speakers are those.  They must cost a fortune.  What are you driving them with?

lemonhaze
417 posts
 

Hi OP, I have a small SVS SB1000 PRO and a REL S2. The SVS is, in my system, superior. The REL is more expensive and this reinforces my opinion that RELs are overpriced and overrated and they are certainly not unique in accepting high-level input. REL's oft quoted ability to take on the sound of the main amp would require a sub amp that is completely without colouration, totally neutral and zero distortion, in other words: a wire with gain. There are many disagreements on these forums but all will acknowledge that such an amp as I have just described does not exist.

The S2 is also country specific meaning it is not dual voltage. I emailed REL about this and received a prompt and polite reply. "It will need to go back to the factory for a new amp" Apparently the newer models now address this issue. The phase can only be swapped 180 degrees which makes finding the best place more difficult.

The SVS has continuously variable phase and this together with volume, XO frequency and slope, also presets for movies or music and a band of PEQ with adjustable Q, all remotely done from your listening position via cell phone.

My ongoing house repairs precluded me from building the subs I wanted which are the servo units from Rhythmic/GR Research.

Ignore the joker who claims ported is better than sealed, he has that bass ackwards.

To the poster claiming 4 subs will fix all room problems, they will not. What they do is smooth out the nodes rendering the peaks less severe and filling in the nulls providing a very much improved top to bottom performance and I am a strong proponent of multi-subs..but..what about the time it takes for the sound to decay? To manage the decay time room treatment is necessary, there is no workaround and EQ can't help.

If you treat the room and employ at least 2 subs or 3 or 4  you will realise optimum performance at a level you probably did not know was possible.

 

mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 

@phusis , You bet. I have two issues crossing at 100 Hz. The subwoofers have to be in stereo and symmetrically arranged around the main speakers and to inhibit room interaction and match the main speaker radiation pattern they have to form a linear array that extends down to 5 Hz. Because there are 4 subs technically they do form a DBA, just with additional characteristics by design to match the main speakers. 

bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,882 posts
 

To answer the OP's question very literally, there is one sub which is VERY different from ALL other subs: The Servo-Feedback OB/Dipole Subwoofer, a joint effort between Danny Richie of GR Research and Brian Ding of Rythmik Audio.

Different how, you ask?

Two or three (your choice) 12" woofers optimized for open baffle application, mounted in an open baffle/dipole H-frame. The woofers are powered by the Rythmik A370 plate amp, which includes Rythmik's patended servo-feedback design for woofer control. Added to the stock A370 when used in this OB/Dipole Sub, Brian Ding adds a dipole cancellation-compensation circuit.

If that description does not pique your curiosity, I don't know what would. ;-)

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