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Today is not the day for me to read 22 pages of postings on the Servo Sub options available from our friends (fiends? -- and I mean that in a good way) in Texas.  I've been meaning to get to that "Best Subwoofer" thread for several weeks, but I wasn't really looking for a sub, until now.  Here's the story.

I listen almost exclusively to orchestral music.  I currently use a two-way design (vintage '99 or so) from BESL Engineering.  This was a kit using Scan Speak 8545K drivers with the 9500 tweeter in an MTM configuration.  Specs can be seen here:  http://www.bambergaudio.com/s45k.shtml

When I originally bought these the designer, Phil Bamberg, advised against mating these speakers with a subwoofer.  Well, I believe that now is dated advice.  To be rigorously honest, what I really wish to invest in is a Salk HT3.  However, I don't want to spend 5.5 to $6K for speakers, plus shipping, and if my wife found out....  let's not go there.  So, I think the best course of action would be to invest in 2 DIY subs, specifically a servo design such as offered by the SW-12-04 Servo Sub Woofer. 

I think this approach may best supplement my current speakers and yet leave room for future upgrades.  Maybe down the road I can sell the BESL 4.5s (they do have good drivers) and upgrade to a very articulate smaller speaker.  Your opinions here are welcome.  The term ARTICULATE is deliberately chosen.  I think I need this quality to get the full impact of orchestral offerings.   I do wonder one thing, what is the advantage of using the GR Research subwoofers (like the SW-12-04) with plate amps from Rythmik, rather than just buying the Rythmik kits outright?  I would spend $60 more per unit, and have aluminum drivers, anodized or not.  I suspect there is more to the story than this, or GR wouldn't be offering the drivers in the first place.

Your opinions on any of the above are welcome and invited.  Mahalo. 

 
   

[phoenix_rising]

Hi Jahn,

Dannys drivers are paper based and will be able to cross higher but that makes little difference with your speakers as they go down to 40hz. The other thing is that Danny has open baffle versions of the drivers, all Rythmiks are sealed or ported only. They sound best sealed. If it were me I would get Dannys if your woofers are paper based and the Rythmik if they are aluminum or magnesium based.

Danny or Brian will tell you what the difference in sound is between the two and no doubt they will chime in.

cheers
Phoenix

[pbrstreetgang]

"I agree totally with Phoenix. Another thing to consider is that sometimes sub manufactures have to cater the fine line between pure accurate music usage and all out SPL and linear throw. I have not heard any of rhythmics designs so no comment is directed at them, but I know Dannys thinking, and only concern is pure music being a fullrange loudspeaker designer that is dedicated to 2 channel audio first with the ability to work well in HT. Not the other way around. He also specs and builds drivers to be made for specific applications and music performance. Just food for thought.

[TRADERXFAN]

I think some of the importance in the paper based GR research drivers lies in the lower mass which means they are easier to start and stop. I think I heard also  the paper driver sounds better when it breaks up.

[WerTicus]

nodiak needs to chime in here, he is the only person on this forum as far as im aware that had the original rythmik kit and converted everything over to suit the gr driver.