To sub or not to sub...

markC · « **on:** 21 Dec 2003, 12:28 am »

Since I have a new job now, (was only out of work 2 1/2 weeks), and I have a ten week severence paycheck in the bank, (those bastards), I'm thinking maybe it's time to spend a little on my system. I've done some tweaking, and am quite happy with the voicing of the system, it just lacks the bottom octave. I have a pair of Soliloquy 5.3's, (with upgraded Sonicaps and Mills resistors). My future plans are to bi-amp with tube hi-breds on top and my Odyssey dual mono running subs. Problem is, that the hi-breds are probably a couple of years away-they're gonna be $$$ I've been restling with the thoughts of getting a VMPS RM1a kit for now and forget about the subs, or just get a pair of cheap powered subs and get passive one's when I can afford the hi-bred. Any thoughts, advice?

spectralman · « **Reply #1 on:** 21 Dec 2003, 03:06 am »

Hi Mark,

I have heard a couple of cheaper NHT subs and a not so cheap M&K 200 sub a couple of years ago. None of them impressed me in the least.

However, a few days ago, I heard a sub that blew me away. It was the VMPS New Larger Sub being run off a B&K Ref 50 pre/proc. and a big Cinepro power amp. It plays deep, loud, and most importantly matched well with the mains (VMPS RM40's). I must admit that I do not know anything about your Soliloquy's, however. This sub was so good that I will be purchasing one in the very near future. That is the best endorsement I can give it. For me to spend nearly $2K of my hard-earned money on something, it had better be good and something I would be happy to keep for awhile.

Bill

Tyson · « **Reply #2 on:** 21 Dec 2003, 07:22 am »

2nd the VMPS rec. The New Original subs are the best I've ever heard for music - they go deep, are very tight, and present a "texture" to the bass I just have not heard other subs reproduce. Lot's of subs "rumble", but these growl.

rosconey · « **Reply #3 on:** 21 Dec 2003, 10:09 am »

i 3rd the vmps

go large

i run my large with odyssey mono blocks -dam its nice
still havent heard a sub as musical and fast

ps -contact a vmps dealer-jim at ribbon speakers is mine-and buy your sub as a kit with cabinet, with the money saved you can get the upgrades almost free-easy to assemble

eichlerera1 · « **Reply #4 on:** 21 Dec 2003, 01:04 pm »

I'm very happy with my Revel B15 self powered sub. It has a serious amp and serious adjustment capabilities. This enables it to blend nicely with my Hales Signatures. The bass is quite tight. At $2500 (new) it isn't cheap but it is worth the money IMHO.
Paul G

warnerwh · « **Reply #5 on:** 21 Dec 2003, 07:47 pm »

The VMPS advice is excellent. For the money it's a no brainer. You can get the kits fairly inexpensively. You want high quality bass with high output and that reaches low you need look no further.

markC · « **Reply #6 on:** 22 Dec 2003, 12:01 am »

I have definately been thinking of a VMPS, but am a little concerned about powering 1, (or ideally 2), subs from my main amp, (an Odyssey dual mono-180 WPC). Also, I thought if I didn't care for a powered sub, I could put it to work in the upstairs system for movies. Perhaps I should contact both Brian and Klaus on this?

warnerwh · « **Reply #7 on:** 22 Dec 2003, 12:06 am »

You could just get a QSC pro amp to power the subs. This will also give volume controls on the amp for level matching. They're pretty inexpensive for the power and I hear they work fine. I think the Odyssey amps are overkill quality wise for bass amps. You'll find you won't be wanting anything more with a pair of VMPS subs.

BikeWNC · « **Reply #8 on:** 22 Dec 2003, 12:39 am »

What about a crossover? Is one needed in the VMPS/QSC setup? How is the sub limited to only low freq.

Andy

spectralman · « **Reply #9 on:** 23 Dec 2003, 06:01 am »

Get a Marchand xm9L x-over, per Doug S. and John at Summit Audio. This is what I will be getting.

Al Garay · « **Reply #10 on:** 23 Dec 2003, 07:29 am »

Don't get tunnel vision on your choices. Believe or not, there are other choices that are as viable (perhaps more so to some people) then the VMPS offerings. Check out sites that specialize on subwoofers for hometheater and audio such as:
www.madisound.com
www.hometheater.com
www.diyaudio.com
www.audioasylum.com
www.acoustic-visions.com

You will find excellent feedback on Adire Audio's drivers esp. the Tumult and the new SX10 10" XBL driver. Then, go check out the DiyCable circle and look at Kevin's excellent deal on a Tumult sealed sub for about $800. It's only about 17.5" cube. For more information:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=5890

Smaller and less money but extremely capable would be the 14" cube with the Adire SX10 XBL driver powered by the Hypex HS200 active crossover (has high and low-pass filters) for only $529
http://www.creativesound.ca/details.php?model=EZSUBPB10200

You can also call Adire Audio directly, talk to Christopher or Dan Wiggins directly about what you are trying to do. They are very helpful.
www.adireaudio.com

Congratulations on your new job. And good luck on your search,

Al

markC · « **Reply #11 on:** 23 Dec 2003, 11:09 pm »

Thanks, Al.
I've been looking at the Rava sub and been corresponding with Bob @ Creative Sound. It looks like their EZSUB17 kit is a Rava in kit form. I would like to keep cost in and around $US400. This kit from creative goes for $C400. Even better-especially since I live in Canada-less shipping and customs charges. I need some more info b4 I order, however. Perhaps I should just phone him. Basically, what I think I want to do is run the sub from line level out from my pre and use the variable x-over in the sub to take the low end duties from my Soliloquy 5.3's. Sound right?