who makes the best $5-600 12 inch sealed sub?

Rclark · « **on:** 13 May 2015, 04:59 pm »

Havent looked in ages, it seems a lot of manufacturers have fallen off. Just got a new job so looks like I can finally start looking at getting a trio or quad of subs and a DsSpeaker processor some time in the next few months.

The only ones Ive looked at online are the SVS, and HSU VTF. I think the most intriguing would be three HSU with a pair of MBM to go with my Maggies. Then I have a 2 channel that can REALLY do it all. Overture cannon fire all day.

Also on the sub side considering a pair of those Dayton Audio dual opposed subs. That dual opposed Epik I had was incredible. A pair of those would be like having 4 subs.

mresseguie · « **Reply #1 on:** 13 May 2015, 05:20 pm »

RClark,

Have you considered the Audiokinesis Swarm? $2500.00 for four subs.

http://www.audiokinesis.com/the-swarm-subwoofer-system-1.html

You know about SVS and Hsu; perhaps Rythmik has something. There are DIY options from other places as well.

Michael

Rclark · « **Reply #2 on:** 13 May 2015, 06:02 pm »

Ohh, hadn't considered the swarm. Its in the wheelhouse, thanks. Off to read.

FireGuy · « **Reply #3 on:** 13 May 2015, 06:55 pm »

Don't overlook Outlaw Audio. Although not sealed, I have their LFM1+ in my main system. Killer sub for the price and I don't plan on replacing it for quite some time.

Joemamma · « **Reply #4 on:** 13 May 2015, 07:18 pm »

There is no better sub in the world for that price range than a GR research/ryhmik sandbox. 17x17x17 cabinet that weighs a 100lbs. No resonance, lightening fast low mass driver with servo amp. Unbelievable!

srb · « **Reply #5 on:** 13 May 2015, 07:19 pm »

Quote from: Joemamma on 13 May 2015, 07:18 pm

There is no better sub in the world for that price range than a GR research/ryhmik sandbox

So who sells one assembled and finished for $600?

Rclark · « **Reply #6 on:** 13 May 2015, 08:15 pm »

Hmm. Can get 12" Rythmik paper cone with 300 watt Hypex amp for $459. Im assuming having a local person build a box would add an extra hundred. I can have them done in plain particleboard as I have a plastidip machine and can apply whatever finish or color I want. Theres an option.

rockadanny · « **Reply #7 on:** 13 May 2015, 08:16 pm »

If open to used and can find for sale, ACI Titan subs are da bomb!

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0405/acititan.htm

gab · « **Reply #8 on:** 13 May 2015, 09:02 pm »

consider an 18" sub for $174 from http://stereointegrity.com/product/ht18-18-subwoofer/

and a MDF flat pack for $120 (in stock) http://www.diysoundgroup.com/review/product/list/id/248/category/64/

Drive it with a Crown XLS amp

gab

jparkhur · « **Reply #9 on:** 13 May 2015, 09:33 pm »

For the long haul and best investment get a GR w the 370 amp, buy a 3/4 mdf box and reinforce it. Dip it and play. This is by far the best use for your dollar coming from someone who has gone through all the rest. I have sold 25 gr sub boxes and never have I seen one for sale to this point in time. Never

I just finished putting a single 12 in a modified box and it is so much more than ????? Insert name.

Jp

milford3 · « **Reply #10 on:** 13 May 2015, 11:36 pm »

Quote from: FireGuy on 13 May 2015, 06:55 pm

Don't overlook Outlaw Audio. Although not sealed, I have their LFM1+ in my main system. Killer sub for the price and I don't plan on replacing it for quite some time.

+1 on the Outlaw. A killer of a sub. Four of the LFM1's is not a swarm but a bee hive!

Tyson · « **Reply #11 on:** 14 May 2015, 04:08 am »

Quote from: Rclark on 13 May 2015, 08:15 pm

Hmm. Can get 12" Rythmik paper cone with 300 watt Hypex amp for $459. Im assuming having a local person build a box would add an extra hundred. I can have them done in plain particleboard as I have a plastidip machine and can apply whatever finish or color I want. Theres an option.

Careful, once you go servo you'll be spoiled for life.

Rclark · « **Reply #12 on:** 14 May 2015, 09:57 am »

Quote from: Tyson on 14 May 2015, 04:08 am

Careful, once you go servo you'll be spoiled for life.

Yeah... and I bet killer midbass too, right?

RDavidson · « **Reply #13 on:** 14 May 2015, 08:35 pm »

Don't know if SVS makes "the best" but they make very competitive products that always test well over at Audioholics. Their warranty, customer service, and product support are excellent. Something to consider too is their risk free 45 day in-home trial. They also have a very generous trade-up within 1 year program. I don't work for SVS. I've bought / traded-up a couple of times. The staff is very helpful and knowledgable with answering technical questions too.

steve f · « **Reply #14 on:** 14 May 2015, 10:04 pm »

The Rythmik sub is excellent. I prefer it to the paper cone GR although it is also good. It depends on the crossover frequency. Both are servo controlled and don't have that muddy overhang sound most others have.

steve

drewm · « **Reply #15 on:** 14 May 2015, 10:10 pm »

Quote from: Rclark on 14 May 2015, 09:57 am

Yeah... and I bet killer midbass too, right?

Yes, the gr-research open baffle sub can reach up to 250Hz, but if built in a separate stack prefer to be crossed over around 100Hz.

But yes, I've owned and listened to a ton of subs in my lifetime. In the past have owned a B&W ASW500, NHT Sub One, HSU VTF-3mk3 and currently own 2 Epik Empires which you mentioned you loved. I've also demo'd quad Seaton Submersives with Mark Seaton present. I'm still a huge fan of big dual opposed subs for HT due to their output, but if I had to build a 2ch setup it would be an open baffle gr-research servo 12" H-frame for sure. Especially after hearing the exact same bottom end on a pair of gr-research Super-Vs for the 2nd time 2 weeks ago. There is no faster and more musical sub that matches up well with a fast open baffle speaker like a Maggie.

neekomax · « **Reply #16 on:** 15 May 2015, 03:01 pm »

Just 2 cents...

I'm using a Martin Logan Grotto sub that I got from Craigslist in mint condition for pretty cheap. It's a great piece: 10" sealed servo controlled design. I would consider something like this deal on eBay right now, a guy is selling two of them for $500 each with free shipping and mentions a possible discount if you buy both. So, potentially dual 10" sealed servo subs for under $1K. Seems hard to beat.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MartinLogan-Grotto-Powered-Subwoofer-Used-Free-Shipping-/251960361129?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3aaa0200a9

I find the Grotto to be fast and accurate, lots of good controls, and excellently built. If you want more output per sub and potentially better mid-bass, the Depth subs are triple 8" woofer servo subs, but a used one will be a bit more money.

Also, check out Rhythmik's dual 8" servo sub. Like that design too.

Rclark · « **Reply #17 on:** 15 May 2015, 05:11 pm »

I really appreciate the replies. Was always pretty intrigued by the Rythmik servo subs, even though I did say in the past that non servo subs can also be extremely fast and accurate, as was my experience with my the Epik. DrewM's response here sealed the deal. Next month at new jobby is a three paycheck month, I'm going to find somebody to build me 3 sandboxes for the 12 inch Rythmik CL driver and the Hypex amps. Would go with the older servo amps, but Hypex as an option is too tasty. I bet near zero amp heat in the box with those.

I think 3 is enough, just watched Geddes presentation on subs, and says 4 is minimal for improvements. I can put that 4th sub money on a DSpeaker Dual Core.

I also miss the huge punch the Epik added to my Maggies. That system was downright perfect. With these new subs, looking forward to getting my kickdrums back.

Ive been running a 10" ported sub in the interim, ol' bessie, my trusty reliable backup.

rajacat · « **Reply #18 on:** 15 May 2015, 06:21 pm »

Money no object I'd go with the GR open baffle servos. A pair of the triple 12's would be the cat's meow.

OTOH, if you already have a decent sub or two it would be a lot cheaper to add a couple good quality non servo subs for a Geddes style distributed sub system. Actually, subs are very easy to DIY so building a couple shouldn't present much of a problem if you have the tools and space.

Rclark · « **Reply #19 on:** 15 May 2015, 06:33 pm »

Better than a trio of sealed sandboxes? This is a stupid question Im sure but what are OB subs like if you get up and walk around your home?

The Maggies still sound very good off axis (I know that sounds weird) when I go off into other rooms. Reflections I'm sure. And SPL doesnt drop off much. My diffusers probably help even that out.
Subs will be different though, no?