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

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?

@rick_n 

The floor is two parts: 1.5” tongue and grove yellow pine over 6x10” hewn logs exposed to the main floor, with 2x6” sleepers glued and nailed down on top of those (to provide a cavity for wiring, lighting and some HVAC runs) covered with subfloor panels and then carpeted. It’s the 2nd floor and I wanted it to be somewhat acoustically isolated from the main floor. I find it’s relatively stiff and quiet overall. 

I don’t think the floor is acting as a passive radiator (much). I think the bigger issue is the volume and the fact that the vaulted ceiling (same yellow pine T&G over 6x10” hewn rafters and then insulated with 4 SIPS) acts as an inverse horn of sorts. The long bass wave form can’t get in there. It’s amazing - remarkable even - how it disappears w/in a foot or two of the source if you’re anywhere past the center ridge beam on the downward sloping side.

Rythmik G25HP are great! I bought a pair before Christmas. It was Hsu or Rythmik and I’m happy with them.