[kickngas]

Disclaimers:First off, I have not started building my NX-Otica's.  I do not have drivers/crossover components etc, but I do have the flat packs and plan to begin building them up/finishing soon.
Secondly, I have never heard servo subs, OB or sealed.
I will be listening exclusively to music in a 17' x 22' carpeted room with vaulted ceilings. I "assume" anything non-servo or traditional vented is out of the question (unless proven otherwise).  I have read where some here have used traditional subs and have even used them paired with OB subs with great success. I do like a good amount of bass and understand the OB subs are a very different experience.  I really need to find someone within 200 miles from coastal NC that has OB subs I can audition (there is someone but he has not responded to my inquiry)
My question is this: What are my subwoofer options that will blend well with the NX-Otica's?
Thank you in advance.

[NoahH]

Everyone here is going to say the OB GR subs. I am not going to disagree (I just built a huge array of them). But the 2 other brands to look at for sealed box subs are Rythmik (hard to demo) or REL.

Again, go for it with finding and demoing GR OB subs, but if you are.looking to demo others too, those are them. Sealed GR kits could work too, but zero experience there from me.

[mlundy57]

When I built my first OB speakers, the Wedgies, I couldn't afford to build the OB subs at the same time. I paired them with what I had, a basic ported HT sub. This worked OK for the six months it took to save up for the OB subs but never sounded close to right. During that time, I had the chance to put the Wedgies in the living room system which had a Rythmik F12 sealed sub. This combination worked much better and the sealed servo sub was able to match the OB Wedgies much better. However, once my wife got back from her trip I had to move the Wedgies upstairs again to the big box store sub. When I was able to mate the Wedgies with OB servo subs, the integration became seamless and the overall performance took a giant leap forward.

Here are the subwoofer options for the NX-Otica from, in my opinion, worst to best (and not coincidentally, least to most expensive):

A non-servo sub either ported or sealed,

A servo sub from a company like REL,

A sealed servo sub, either from GR or the F12G from Rythmik (same sub but the F12G is built out),

Dual driver GR OB H-frame subs,

Triple driver GR OB H-frame subs,

Triple driver GR H-frame subs with the addition of one or two sealed GR/Rythmik subs in the rear running out of phase.

Pick the configuration that fits your budget, space, and taste requirements.

Mike

[kickngas]

Thanks guys for the advice!  Pretty much what I thought I would get...which is fine!  I really would like to hear some OB servo subs.  I guess I will just need to order some!  Meanwhile, since the amps are in short supply, I will see if I can find a used Rythmik since I can always integrate it into the system if I have OB subs.  Sounds like the best option for what I am looking for anyway.

[Early B.]

Thanks guys for the advice!  Pretty much what I thought I would get...which is fine!  I really would like to hear some OB servo subs.  I guess I will just need to order some!  Meanwhile, since the amps are in short supply, I will see if I can find a used Rythmik since I can always integrate it into the system if I have OB subs.  Sounds like the best option for what I am looking for anyway.

Yep. There's no point wasting your time and money on lesser subs. Go straight to the best subs you can get and that's OB servo subs. For your room size with vaulted ceilings, triples will work. It will be worth the wait once the amps are back in stock.
 

[Tyson]

Everyone here is going to say the OB GR subs. I am not going to disagree (I just built a huge array of them). But the 2 other brands to look at for sealed box subs are Rythmik (hard to demo) or REL.

Again, go for it with finding and demoing GR OB subs, but if you are.looking to demo others too, those are them. Sealed GR kits could work too, but zero experience there from me.

Just FYI, the GR Research OB subs are actually built by Rythmik. 

[RonP]

I'm still using a single two-driver GR sub + plate amp. I laid it on it's side between the speakers.. It's a good mid-term compromise. It'll be a while before I buy another two (or three) driver and plate amp setup. Then I'll run them in Stereo.

You can thank @EarlyB for introducing me to this idea.

[Early B.]

I'm still using a single two-driver GR sub + plate amp. I laid it on it's side between the speakers.. It's a good mid-term compromise. It'll be a while before I buy another two (or three) driver and plate amp setup. Then I'll run them in Stereo.

You can thank @EarlyB for introducing me to this idea.

Yep. Here's mine in the middle laying on the floor. You can see the plate amp behind and to the right of it. It's resting on a butcher block.


 

[Tyson]

Early B, your setup looks so good.

[rich121]

Everyone here is going to say the OB GR subs. I am not going to disagree (I just built a huge array of them). But the 2 other brands to look at for sealed box subs are Rythmik (hard to demo) or REL.

Again, go for it with finding and demoing GR OB subs, but if you are.looking to demo others too, those are them. Sealed GR kits could work too, but zero experience there from me.

I have a pair of JL Audio Fathom 113's in my present system and can't imagine why they wouldn't be top notch when I purchase my next OB speakers in the near future.

[NoahH]

I have a pair of JL Audio Fathom 113's in my present system and can't imagine why they wouldn't be top notch when I purchase my next OB speakers in the near future.

Fathoms are great. There are obviously other good makers - just helping someone new find the common starting points that are music-oriented when most brands are focused on HT.

[rich121]

Fathoms are great. There are obviously other good makers - just helping someone new find the common starting points that are music-oriented when most brands are focused on HT.

Gotcha... I kinda misread your post anyways.  I know many feel that OB speakers should have OB subs... not sure if the tradeoffs would be worthwhile, as the JL Audio subs are more designed to blend in more than most plate type subs.

[kickngas]

I reached out to Rythmik for suggestions as well and after a few back and forths about electronics and room size etc, received this response:

"for only music, a pair of G22's would be my preferred choice" https://www.rythmikaudio.com/G22.html

[NoahH]

I reached out to Rythmik for suggestions as well and after a few back and forths about electronics and room size etc, received this response:

"for only music, a pair of G22's would be my preferred choice" https://www.rythmikaudio.com/G22.html

Did they mention how long those are backordered?

[kickngas]

I did ask him if they were in stock...awaiting a reply.  I will report back.

[kickngas]

They have "One G22 black Oak in stock...a couple more coming in May"

[kickngas]

Great news! I have arranged to audition AC member sledwards beautiful NX-Otica's paired with a set of OB Triple's this Friday. He also has a pair of sealed 15's because, you know...Bass! Very excited for the opportunity to hear Open Baffle bass.