Subwoofer - thoughts on Rythmic F12


I currently have two SVS SB-12 NSD subs that I got maybe 6 years ago when they were on a close out sale.  I am upgrading my system and looking at the subs next - they make lots of sound and a good for movies but are often boomy or mushy for music - probably some room issues as well.  I 90% care about music but will still use them for movies. 

Do you think the Rythmic F12 would be an upgrade?  Any other suggestions in the $1000 to $1300 range.  I use line level inputs from a benchmark DAC3 for music. I would start with one and decide if I need another.  Thanks.  

12many

I can attest that the F12 is pretty hard to beat, particularly if your emphasis is on music---it's tight, controlled, and has unlimited adjustability. Also, here's a tip---the instructions point out that the volume control does not dictate how loud the bass plays, but it IS an adjustment for how much bass you FEEL. Initially, I thought the bass from the F12 was on the lean side, but once I started experimenting with the volume control, I got all the bass I needed, and more.

In a word, Yes. I have Rythmik, SVS and REL subs in my system and I am currently considering upgrading to all Rythmik subs. The Rythmik is a little tighter than the SVS and much tighter than the REL, which is due to the servo in the Rythmik instantly stopping the driver which greatly reduces if not eliminates overhang or blurring of the musics structure. The servo also helps the sub cycle lower with less rolloff.

Beware that the servo puts a lot of stress on the amp and the driver so you will need to make sure that the heat created by the amp has a place to go and that cone stiffness is of primary importance.

The Rythmik may help a little bit with the booming issue you are having, but that is primarily a room issue, best addressed with acoustic treatments, e.q., multiple subs or all of the above.

The mushiness is probably a frequency overlap issue between the sub and your mains and you should be able to correct that by lowering the the lowpass filter setting on your sub or by adding a high pass filter to your mains

@bdp24,

Any idea who’s currently providing the drivers for Rythmik after the unfortunate fallout / set of circumstances surrounding TC Sounds of San Diego? The F12 incorporates some similarities of the stellar TV-12 Ultra (TC) had been producing at that time, some 20 years ago.

@dabel: I hadn’t heard about recent problems at TC Sounds, though I seem to remember hearing something awhile back about their amazing LMS Ultra 15" (or was it an 18"?) woofer being no longer available. That woofer was for years considered state-of-the-art for DIY home theater sub builders. I’m sure a call or email to Brian Ding at Rythmik would bring an answer. Warning: Mr. Ding is rather hard to understand, his accent pretty pronounced (no pun intended ;-) .