One thing i've noticed with subwoofers. there are two types of listeners: those adding subs just to make the bass natural--the way it was recorded. And then there are those who want more bass than is recorded on the track. I'm not criticizing anyone but these discussions go sideways as the two different crowds have 2 different answers. It is good to define which you are.
Jerry
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How is the bass in the main listening position? Most rooms only need two subs for even bass optimized for a single seat. More is always better but may not be need.
Far more important is how are you going to control 4 subs? Are you going to crossover to them (highpass) Keep them all the same distance from the main seat? If they are not the same distance time delays will be needed.
all the subs you mentioned are fine. I would just buy another 212 as it is a great sub too. My only issue with SVS is the very high group delay. It might be hard to tune those with electrostatic speakers. I personally would look at Rythmic in your list. The F18s are a great buy, and yes bigger is always better…
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It’s really hard to see going wrong with a couple Rhythmik F12G subs and along with your MLs should be quite something using all four. FWIW, and best of luck.
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Velodyne DD-10 modded. Alex/WTA
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I use 4 subs in a distributed bass array (swarm) and have never had better low frequency reproduction.
From what I have read, the integration of the subs is more a result of the interface/crossover and less about the brand of sub used. I have 3 Rel's and 1 SVS.
I use a MiniDsp 2 x 4 HD to set the crossover for individual subs.
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@carlsbad2
Just prefer the natural sound, as I only listen to acoustic music.
@james633
The bass in the listening position is great. Near perfect, although perhaps slightly loose on occasion. I was just going to daisy chain the two subs off the first two, using only the incorporated LPF, and they’d probably only be a slightly different distance from the listening position. This would be more of an auditory experiment, as I’m not sure it’s going to be any better, and I suppose it could be slightly worse, although I doubt it. Many listeners have reported significant improvement with more than 2 subs, so I figured it should be worth a shot. If it’s worse, I suppose I would then compare 2 different brands of subs running in pairs, as an A-B and keep the pair that I prefer.
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Others might disagree but if it was me if I liked the sub I had, I’d buy another one or 2 or 3. Lots of people recommend Rythmik. I had an F12 and while it was a good sub I found it lacking punch. I must be in the minority because I do not hear that complaint from others.
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As an active learner…anything to say about crossover points? I experiment here, and have a hard time settling on settings…seems to be volume related.
Totem Forest Signature, powered by Accuphase E-380, and an REL Classic 98 sub. Small wood paneled cabin room.
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@mofojo
Since my first pair is balanced force 12” subs, I was leaning towards the Rythmik G22, which is also a 12” balanced force sub. I’ve heard many say that they mix and match subs without any untoward effect. I’m almost more curious to pair with a different brand to either validate or determine if my experience is different.
@gemoody
The crossover would be quite dependent on your own speakers. I have full range electrostats, and currently prefer the LPF set at 55 Hz, although I’ve tried everything from 25 to 55. I do keep the volume rather low, set at 35% of max volume, but I suppose that’s highly dependent on size of the sub, how many subs, and size of room, amongst many other variables.
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I’m using a pair of Rythmik subs, F12SE-XLR3 and A370XLR3 amp with Magnepan 3.7i. I use an analog crossover at 60Hz. I started with one and it made a huge difference. A second sub was even better. They give the music a texture and a weight that was simply missing before.
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I have two rythmik F12. One is by the right speaker, the other in the middle of the left sidewall. The time delay of the F12 allows for such placement.
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I have two REL SHO subwoofers. I located them in the left and right corners behind the front speakers. I decided to go with REL’s because of the high level connection. The hook up to the left and right speaker channels and play the woofers to extend the bass smoothly. I am playing them at 40% volume. I do not like the sound of boomy bass. They sound natural and just fill in the bass.
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My local dealer recommended a Velodyne sub, sealed box, servo controlled. So I am on my second one, the DD-12. I really like it and it fills out the bottom end for my Maggie 3.7's. Those are all respected brands you are thinking about. Get one that has room correction that you can override. Then spend time listening and tweaking.
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Rythmik and velodyne are both excellent options. I think u want something servo controlled to match the speed of the electrostatic. Rythmik has a pretty detailed write-up on this on their website.
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As amp power has gone up and group delay down I think servo based subs have less of an advantage or no advantage really.
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I test drove all the major contenders and pretenders.
best I’ve heard : ATC
Here’s the one I bought for my 2-channel “A” system. Highly recommended
ATC C1 Sub Mk2
Under that real wood veneer, there's a hand-built, 12-inch ATC bass driver and 3-inch ribbon voice-coil – which is hand pressed and assembled.
and you'll also get ATC’s standard six-year warranty
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