Servo Controlled Subwoofers

Marbles · « **Reply #40 on:** 22 Jun 2012, 07:51 pm »

Rclark, can,t you find a way to take a listen of a rhythmic sub?
One listen and I think you would know if you like it or not.

Freo-1 · « **Reply #41 on:** 22 Jun 2012, 08:05 pm »

Quote from: Marbles on 22 Jun 2012, 07:51 pm

Rclark, can,t you find a way to take a listen of a rhythmic sub?
One listen and I think you would know if you like it or not.

I went with the Genesis solution, but would think that a rhythmic sub would also be a welcome addition.

Rclark · « **Reply #42 on:** 22 Jun 2012, 08:20 pm »

Would absolutely love too, but ultimately it's more than I would want to spend for a while. Subs are down the line for me a bit. Pretty sure I'm going Epik. I can't beat a servo but I can have four sealed 12's for a grand.

After spending 3k on my speakers, spending another 4+ just to have 4 servo subs is more than I want to deal with. I'll do that in a few years I think.

medium jim · « **Reply #43 on:** 22 Jun 2012, 08:30 pm »

RClark:

So it really came down to a matter of money for you.

Jim

*Scotty* · « **Reply #44 on:** 22 Jun 2012, 08:57 pm »

Something to remember about subwoofers, their subjective sound is inextricably bound to their location in the room, the rooms dimensions and the listening position. I take, with several grains salt, of any opinion about a subwoofer I might encounter on-line. There are just too many unaccounted for variables that influence the listeners perception. The most important being the rooms low frequency reverberation time.
Scotty

Rclark · « **Reply #45 on:** 22 Jun 2012, 09:34 pm »

Quote from: medium jim on 22 Jun 2012, 08:30 pm

RClark:

So it really came down to a matter of money for you.

Jim

Not necessarily. I mean, if I had 4K to spend right now I wouldn't automatically jump at rythmiks. There's lots to consider. VMPS look very interesting, HSU. Seaton subs, Elemental Designs, there's just a million quality brands.

Actually 4 rythmiks would be closer to 6K new.

persisting1 · « **Reply #46 on:** 22 Jun 2012, 09:40 pm »

RClark, not trying to jump on you, but linking to AVS for proof is just a waste of time.

Rclark · « **Reply #47 on:** 22 Jun 2012, 09:43 pm »

well maybe. But they did have all those subs in room and listen to them as objectively as possible.

gooberdude · « **Reply #48 on:** 23 Jun 2012, 02:05 am »

Rclark,

I apologize for spouting off earlier. Sorry for the aggression.

Traderxfan hit the nail on the head a few posts ago, in that now we have OB servo technology. AFAIK GR Research is the only firm currently producing such a beast.

Years ago I had a boxed velodyne servo sub, as a kid I had Yamaha servo subs, probably 5 yrs ago had a single 12" Hsu ported sub...then I went full ob due to living in condo's and having neighbors and party walls.

My first ob subs were a parir of 15" Hawthorne Auggies. I love Auggies!! Recently, since I already had the A370 rhythmik amps decided to try the GR ob subs.

FWIW, (2) rhythmik A370 amps cost about $900 and (4) GR 12" subs cost $700. The rest is up to me and some baltic birch. My newest bass system is often referred to as the latest state of the art & isn't $4K. I'm sure you can spend however much you want though. This damn hobby!!!

matt

medium jim · « **Reply #49 on:** 23 Jun 2012, 02:17 am »

All this talk about servo subs is scaring my wallet!

Jim

gooberdude · « **Reply #50 on:** 23 Jun 2012, 02:20 am »

someone needs to invent a servo wallet! Allowing it to open as normal, but then clamp shut & tight in the blink of an eye

randytsuch · « **Reply #51 on:** 23 Jun 2012, 02:30 am »

Quote from: srb on 22 Jun 2012, 03:32 pm

If you build the correctly size braced enclosure and line it with a damping material (as one would do with any DIY speaker project), what other factors exist to affect sound quality?

Steve

OK, maybe saying MANY factors was an overstatement.
Also, I was thinking about my implementation. I did not use the box plans from the Rythmik site.
I bought a PE enclosure, and added a lot of bracing. Since it's an easy way to go, there are probably others who did this, but I think my bracing was unique.

If you look at the enclosure plans on the Rythmik site, for 12" drivers, the only plans are for downfiring subs. For complete subs, Rythmik doesn't sell a downfiring 12" sub.
So, for a 12" sub, they don't have the enclosure plans for what they sell. Going by their dimensions you could probably get close, but most likely you would end up with a box that is slightly different from the Rythmik cabinet. Not sure how much difference it would make in the sound.

Randy

medium jim · « **Reply #52 on:** 23 Jun 2012, 02:44 am »

Quote from: gooberdude on 23 Jun 2012, 02:20 am

someone needs to invent a servo wallet! Allowing it to open as normal, but then clamp shut & tight in the blink of an eye

And call it the servo flytrap wallet!

Jim

kgturner · « **Reply #53 on:** 23 Jun 2012, 04:28 am »

I thought those were called servo wives. HEY-OOOOH!!

Kevin T

Rclark · « **Reply #54 on:** 23 Jun 2012, 06:13 am »

No problem Matt, I actually prefer a more lively conversation anyway. You know I'd forgotten about the DIY aspect. Tyson was able to build his V2's by renting time at a shop, and that might be an option as well.

As far as terrified billfolds, I've never spent as much on stereo equipment as I have this year. As much as the audio quality is a new experience, so is the adjustment to the pricetags. It takes a lot of nerve, your first system.

PDR · « **Reply #55 on:** 23 Jun 2012, 11:40 am »

Yep....DIY keeps your wallet heavy.
My V-1s were under 2k as a kit....and as for electronics I've traded down
in amps and improved my sound....

....love the internet.
As pictured in my avatar....including speaker build cost....under 4.5k...5k if you include treatments.

Before the light bulb went off...over 12k...in retail junk that doesnt hold a candle to my current system.

Rclark · « **Reply #56 on:** 25 Jun 2012, 07:12 am »

PDR you always have an awesome looking room/system. I aspire to that.

Freo-1 · « **Reply #57 on:** 27 Jun 2012, 09:39 pm »

So far, adding a Servo Subwoofer to the two channel audio system has been a most welcome addition. It’s hard to explain all the benefits gained from adding the sub. The Servo subwoofer delivers a bass that is quite a bit different from a standard sub. The bass is felt more than heard, and sounds much more natural. I listened to a number of recordings and experienced lots of information that previously was not readily heard.

For example, Mahler's 5th symphony with the addition of the sub was a bit of a revelation. There are several passages on the SACD that have lots of low frequency music information that were brought out in a natural manner, as if one were in the concert hall as opposed to listening to a hi-fi setup. Classical music symphonies really benefit from adding proper clear low frequency information.

Also listened to the Cream Reunion at Royal Albert Hall (2005), and that is a ear opener as well. Jack Bruce’s bass lines and Ginger Baker’s drumming took on a natural and detailed presence not previously heard with other audio systems that I’ve auditioned with that DVD. Voices sound just a bit more natural, and it seems to add overall balance to the entire playback of music.

In summary, I have become a big supporter of Servo subwoofers. Going forward, will definitely look into adding a second sub for better over integration, but even one good Servo sub adds a lot to playback.

*Scotty* · « **Reply #58 on:** 28 Jun 2012, 12:31 am »

Freo-1, What does your system consist of and is the servo sub the only sub in your system?
Scotty

Freo-1 · « **Reply #59 on:** 28 Jun 2012, 12:45 am »

The system consists of the following:
1. Modwright Oppo BDP-95 with tube mod (truth cable and NOS Sylvania MIL SPEC tubes)
2. Pass Labs X 2.5 Preamp
3. Pass Labs XA 30.5 Power Amp
4. Cary Audio Silver Oak Model One Speakers

5. Genesis G-928 Subwoofer (2 12’drivers)

Currently have one sub with this setup. Will look into getting a second sub down the track