Well now my head hurts. So much information.
So I've gathered a few things I THINK might be true(ish):
Thank you all for your input. If anyone has and advice on the current list or if I'm way off-base, or wants to chime in on my speaker-level input vs. DSP dilemma, I'd really appreciate it.
It sounds like most of these companies are currently pretty awesome at CS, and that REL and SVS, and to a lesser degree Rythmik, offer a great program to try out with little financial penalty.
So I've gathered a few things I THINK might be true(ish):
- High-level speaker inputs are a great way to integrate the sub(s) with your mains
- LFE is great for HT, and REL takes signal from both LFE and speaker-level inputs if both are connected for HT (not sure if others besides REL do this).
- DSP (either built in as is the case with Velodyne, JL Audio, or external as with that 8033 doohickey) is a great way to make the sub work for your room/system
- Not sure if it's possible to combine speaker-level input with DSP (that sounds like a great solution, but one would have to use attenuating (high resistance) connection from amp to 8033 and then low-level input from that to sub, and in addition to added cost, not sure if the benefit of high-level input is lost when using external DSP for sub)
- Vandersteen 2WQ or V2Q (still working out the difference, but the article I read was interesting, and these sound like a universally awesome choice; hard to find used)
- REL T9i (though worried about the passive radiator's effect on SQ vs. the S3 which is not in the budget unless I find one used)
- Hsu ULS-15 MK2 (don't love the huge driver considering that I'm not really a HT person, or the lack of free shipping as many others offer. Also no continuous phase control)
- Rythmik F12G/F12-300 (wondering if the cheaper 300 will meet my needs, but seems like a great deal. Lots are happy with the F12G)
- Monitor Audio W12 (only in the used budget, high quality and fast/musical, but worried about lack of integration with low-level input only). ASW 110 and FB 110 seem like maybe better budget options if they integrate with my MA speakers, but definitely paying a premium for MA stuff.
- Martin Logan Dynamo (lots of good rave review from those who own electrostats (fast, musical), but not too sure about a lot with this brand/style - haven't finished research)
- Velodyne DD Plus (heard onboard DSP is good, but no speaker level inputs, so worried about integration)
- JL Audio (I keep hearing good things, but I just can't wrap my head around wanting a sub from this company - too many adverse memories from my car audio days).
Thank you all for your input. If anyone has and advice on the current list or if I'm way off-base, or wants to chime in on my speaker-level input vs. DSP dilemma, I'd really appreciate it.
It sounds like most of these companies are currently pretty awesome at CS, and that REL and SVS, and to a lesser degree Rythmik, offer a great program to try out with little financial penalty.