Who says a subwoofer has to be ugly?

jsalk · « **on:** 27 May 2016, 08:45 pm »

Ernie wanted a Rythmik sub with a GR Research driver. But he wanted something special looking. After discussing the project for a while, we came up with an idea.

Here is the result...

Get ready to plumb the depths Ernie!

Happy listening...

- Jim

Mark Korda · « **Reply #1 on:** 27 May 2016, 09:03 pm »

Hi Jim, that sub is beautiful! Is that a hand painted kind of faux-pas, real veneer, or did you just polish down a stump Burley?...It looks great and novel!...Mark Korda

Ern Dog · « **Reply #2 on:** 27 May 2016, 09:35 pm »

Thanks Jim! I'm Super excited about this, although my neighbors might not be. It arrives on Wednesday and I'm counting the days.

JLM · « **Reply #3 on:** 27 May 2016, 09:49 pm »

I always liked the Hsu and SVS tube subs that were inherently strong and could hide behind the sofa.

My favorite sub was the Fried Model H "coffin" (a passive two channel that was shaped like a coffee table). Incredibly powerful, deep, and musical. I built a pair of the 6 cu. ft. "monitor" version (2ft W x 3ft H x 1ft D) and with a NAD 3020 they filled a 20,000 cu. ft., 160 seat chapel magnificently.

jsalk · « **Reply #4 on:** 27 May 2016, 10:26 pm »

Quote from: Mark Korda on 27 May 2016, 09:03 pm

Hi Jim, that sub is beautiful! Is that a hand painted kind of faux-pas, real veneer, or did you just polish down a stump Burley?...It looks great and novel!...Mark Korda

It is maple burl, dyed black, sanded and then shot with an orange topcoat after all the sealer sessions had been completed. I really like the way it turned out.

- Jim

mresseguie · « **Reply #5 on:** 27 May 2016, 10:38 pm »

Quote from: Ern Dog on 27 May 2016, 09:35 pm

Thanks Jim! I'm Super excited about this, although my neighbors might not be. It arrives on Wednesday and I'm counting the days.

Some neighbors live 4 hours away...

Congratulations!

aldcoll · « **Reply #6 on:** 28 May 2016, 12:43 am »

Ern Dog I will be counting the hours till I come down. Beautiful

ArthurDent · « **Reply #7 on:** 28 May 2016, 01:51 am »

'Special ' doesn't really do it justice, exquisite is more like it. You're a lucky dog Ernie.

Well done Jim.

jtwrace · « **Reply #8 on:** 28 May 2016, 02:00 am »

Quote from: jsalk on 27 May 2016, 10:26 pm

It is maple burl, died black, sanded and then shot with an orange topcoat after all the sealer sessions had been completed. I really like the way it turned out.

- Jim

Do you mind sharing what this cost?

Ern Dog · « **Reply #9 on:** 28 May 2016, 02:13 am »

Thanks guys!

This is phase 1 as my plan is to have dual matching subs. Since I'm a huge Bass fiend, I figured I wanted to go all out. How can you go wrong with Salk/Rythmik/GR Research, that's like the holy trinity right there. Blessed Bass!

Phil A · « **Reply #10 on:** 28 May 2016, 03:47 am »

Beautiful looking sub!

PMAT · « **Reply #11 on:** 28 May 2016, 04:38 am »

Way cool effect! Fiery ?

Guy 13 · « **Reply #12 on:** 28 May 2016, 07:00 am »

Really nice looking sub,
however, you need some hi-class furneture to match
that sub-woofer million dollar look !

Guy 13

martyo · « **Reply #13 on:** 28 May 2016, 12:10 pm »

Stunning, Beautiful!! Ready for prime time. No need to hide behind the sofa.

Could you share what the advantage of the GR Research driver is over the Rythmik driver? Or what set's them apart......I'm getting close to a subwoofer purchase myself. Thanks

dB Cooper · « **Reply #14 on:** 28 May 2016, 01:40 pm »

Quote from: Guy 13 on 28 May 2016, 07:00 am

Really nice looking sub,
however, you need some hi-class furneture to match
that sub-woofer million dollar look !

Guy 13

It's a diabolical plot by Salk. Think about it: Now he needs matching mains

srb · « **Reply #15 on:** 28 May 2016, 02:08 pm »

Quote from: martyo on 28 May 2016, 12:10 pm

Could you share what the advantage of the GR Research driver is over the Rythmik driver? Or what set's them apart......I'm getting close to a subwoofer purchase myself. Thanks

"The GR drivers use a lower mass paper cone, which has a slightly better transient response. The result is slightly better dynamics. At higher output, due to less cone stiffness, the sound may become softer due to the pressure placed on the cone.

The GR drivers also have a more extended response, allowing a higher crossover point if desired.

The performance can be described as "different" rather than superior or inferior."

http://www.rythmikaudio.com/GR_drivers.html

Steve

Hugh · « **Reply #16 on:** 28 May 2016, 04:19 pm »

Jim,

Beautiful work, as always.

JoshK · « **Reply #17 on:** 28 May 2016, 04:20 pm »

FWIW, I own two Rythmik subs (sealed 15" SE). I use them currently in my HT but soon they will go upstairs to my music room. I think they are sublime. I haven't heard the GR version, but I can guess that if I wanted to cross a fair bit higher (mine ~65hz), the extended response without breakup of the paper cone would be advantageous.

Ern Dog · « **Reply #18 on:** 28 May 2016, 07:56 pm »

Quote from: martyo on 28 May 2016, 12:10 pm

Stunning, Beautiful!! Ready for prime time. No need to hide behind the sofa.

Could you share what the advantage of the GR Research driver is over the Rythmik driver? Or what set's them apart......I'm getting close to a subwoofer purchase myself. Thanks

Ive never heard the Rythmik divers, but I know they are made of aluminum. There are others more knowledgable that can answer your question better.

billmcc · « **Reply #19 on:** 28 May 2016, 09:15 pm »

An outstanding looking sub that will sound as good as it looks. Enjoy

! I have two Rythmik F12SEs and I couldn't be happier. They perform as well with music as with movies. Two constants in my system for quite a few years have been Salk speakers and Rythmik subs. Both companies offer outstanding products with service to match

!

Bill