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

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.

You could also look into a flatpack cabinet Dipole sub.. linkwitz but there are others I don’t disagree w Rhythmic lists of value there. Agree 2 subs 

it sounds like a dream place to escape… perfect for Sibelius

 

Sibelius is indeed a favorite escape. Finlandia and the 2nd obviously but I like most of it. Copland too.  His 3rd on reference recordings w/ Minnesota is both well played and recorded, and I have a particular affection for an old record of Appalachian Spring w/ the composer conducting Boston. Really loose playing (the piece is deceptively difficult to play well) and the recording is only so so. Yet, I must have listened to it 100 times. Literally.

I will certainly be getting two subs and appreciate the input and feedback so far. 

The Perlisten dealer has spoken w/ the company and they have indicated the pass through does not alter the signal (no EQ, no gain - just pass through) so connecting this way appears an option. I’ll read my owners manual from T+A to ensure it’s not a problem to drive though they surely account for this.