User feedback on subs


While it’s not a path I want to go down, it turns out I need some subs for my cabin system. After trying lots of positions with little success, and after having discussions with people who’s experience and knowledge I respect, I’ve concluded it’s the only way for me to deal with some serious modes in an odd shaped room and to produce adequate bass in the large volume. Sigh.

Subs are relatively unfamiliar territory for me. Based on the conversations noted, I am leaning toward sealed subs - no ports/passive radiators -  to better blend with my main speakers. 

While I’m leaning toward REL #31s, also under consideration are Sonus Faber Gravis VI, Perlisten D series, and Martin Logan Balanced Force (now Depth?). All are subs I can get from dealers in my home state. The SF dealer also carries Paradigm but he hasn’t suggested any of those models - even their reference ones. While available at the same dealer who can provide Perlisten, I’ve ruled out JL Audio for reasons I’d rather not discuss here.

The SF have a high level connection very similar to REL - intuitively my preferred connection. SF and Perlisten (I’m unsure about ML) have an app which assists in setup though I’ve been reviewing enough setup routines that I “think” I’ll get better results with a manual process. 

The Perlistens are completely unfamiliar though appear well designed and solidly built. However, they do not have a high level connection which means I’d have to send my preamp feed to them and output from there to the amps. I have what I think is a very nice sounding preamp and I do not want to harm that purity. Perhaps my worry is misplaced. I have the same concern with the ML. 

All the subs under consideration can do what I need. But they are obviously not all equal. The REL is the easy (safe?) choice, though significantly more expensive than the others. The Gravis can be ordered to match the finish on my main speakers - not important, but nice to have. 

So - given the above, any user feedback on the subs I’m considering?  I welcome pros and cons.

Importantly, auditioning them in system is not possible as that location is a 4 hour drive each way from any of the dealers. So, I want to get it right. 

TIA

mgrif104

They truly are first world problems. We are both fortunate indeed. 

My listening is primarily classical and jazz though Pink Floyd and Fleetwood Mac find their way into my rotation. I rarely listen much above 80 db but dynamic peaks in a symphony certainly scale well past that. It’s not slam, but full range support I’m looking for.

Given the volume of the room, (23’x32’x15’ vaulted ceiling), it seems smaller subs w/ passive radiators are unlikely to cut it.  At least that’s been suggested to me. And, if I’m going this route, it’d certainly be nice to actually get full output down to 20 and most of the ported subs roll off above that point. Hence, the larger sealed units I’m considering. I’d prefer to get the bigger REL #32s but fear I would struggle to get them up the somewhat narrow stairwell - even with the required help.

Best, 

 

there is an argument for subs made by a company that only makes subs. REL is a safe choice but also one of the best. I can also suggest the KEF kc62. 

 

 

You really want two subs, which are much better than one especially for music and if you have a problematic room (lots of research on this).  Give Rythmik a call — you could get two of their F12 subs for $3k and have all the performance you’ll ever need (down to an honest 14Hz).  They sell direct so relatively high performance/$ compared to those sold through dealers, and they offer a return period if for some reason you’re not thrilled with what you hear.  They come standard with line-level inputs but offer speaker-level inputs as an option if for some reason that’s preferable.  No app or DSP so you’re left to dial them in manually, but if you have another person available and a little knowledge that’s not a huge deal IME (I have a couple good links that cover both placement and dialing in the sub’s adjustments if you’re interested).  Hope this helps, and best of luck  

https://www.rythmikaudio.com/F12.html

This is a puzzle.  Can you tell us about the floor?  Is it on a slab or floating with a crawl space below?