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Subwoofer info

After what seems like a hundred hours or more of reading.  I think I am at the end of my search for subs.  If anyone has listened to any of these subs, I would greatly appreciate your review on them.  After all this research I have narrowed it down to 3 subs, I dont really care about any other subs, probably due to this 2 months of research. Exhaustion has set in and a choice needs to be made.  I have only had the chance to listen to a few, best buy being my source for listening. I did listen to Martin,  rel,  svs sb 2000 and sb 4000. Rel and Martin's under 1k, did not give me toe tapping. Both svs's did. (I will be selling both my vanderstien 2wq, i havent listened to them in yrs and just want new toys)  Other than BB, I have to travel quite far for hi end.  I listen to 60/40 music/HT.  My room is 8'x14'x24'.  Front spkrs are totem winds. I will be purchasing one in February and a second with 6 months.  In order these are my choices.
1.  Svs sb 3000. 
2.  Rymthik f12se.  
3.  Paradigm defiance x12

I've read alot on svs and rymthik, can't find much on x12.  Worried about rymthik only having 370 amp, yes I know it's servo. But svs is 800/2500. Quite a difference.  I thought about 15 inch sub, but the weight is crazy.  Ported is also heavy and possibly not up to my standards for tight music.  So I guess my question is,  who has listened to these 3 subs and what is your experience and evaluation of these subs. Details are appreciated.  Thanks, Pete
pcc67
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
4,908 posts
 

@pcc67, your concern about the lower power output of the Rythmik plate amp as compared with that of the SVS would be valid IF the sensitivity of the woofers used in both companies subs were equal. They are not. Rythmik woofer drivers are unusually sensitive/efficient, so take less power to produce the same SPL.

By the way, the F15HP has a 600 watt amp (and a 15" woofer), and costs only a little more than the F12SE. I have a pair of F15HP’s (the DIY kit version---I designed and built my own enclosures), and unhesitatingly recommend them. I and others have found them to be one of the very few subs good enough to mate with even planar loudspeakers, the most demanding mating of them all! The F12G (the G for GR Research, OB speaker designer Danny Richie’s company. He collaborated with Rythmik’s Brian Ding on the paper cone version of the F12G’s woofer, which is what is in the F12G is) has found favor with owners of Magneplanar, ESL, and other high-resolution speakers.

Why are Rythmik woofers more sensitive/efficient? Rythmik designer/owner Brian Ding explains all in the technical information section of his company’s website. One additional factor is that the Rythmik Servo-Feedback circuitry is of benefit in many ways, including in the area of power amp/woofer output maximization.

pcc67 OP
49 posts
 
Bdp24, thanks for the info. I really consider the f15hp, but really didn't want the wait. And in the long run if I move, i will need to move these monsters, 100 lbs each. Dont know if or when i will ever move. I'm getting old, lol.  This is why I've been looking at 12 inch subs. Even the f12se is heavy at 75 lbs. This is why the svs sb 3000 is on my list at 50 something pounds. And the reviews on svs seem great. But rymthik really has my attention.  I am sure I could easily build a cabinet,  I have excellent carpentry skills an full work shop, but my electrical skills in electronics are not good at all. House electrical easy for me.  Electronics, I do not understand.  Lol
big_greg
315 posts
 
I don't own any of those subs, but I have a Rythmik F15, not the F15HP (and also a pair of F25s) and two SVS SB13 Ultras.  The F15 is not that big or heavy.  I have mine in my office system.

No experience with the Paradigm subs, I've never heard one.  They make great speakers and the inclusion of ARC in the Paradigm subs is interesting.  I tend to think of internet direct as being a better value in most cases than buying through a dealer network, but I could be wrong.  I'd be a little concerned that you can't find much info about the Paradigm subs especially if you can't audition one first.

I would also suggest stepping up the Rythmik ladder to an F15HP, since it's about the same price as the Paradigm sub you're considering. 

I know you said you don't want to consider anything else, but I think if you can find a used SVS SB13 Ultra you would get more bang for the buck than the SB 3000 and it'll be about the same size.
pcc67 OP
49 posts
 
Thank Big Greg,
I real wish they would ad a subwoofer category. Seems like many people are using subs.  I don't want a used sub, really in the market for new.  The pbk from paradigm defiance x12 will not be need because I will be upgrading my faithful lexicon dc1 to either a anthem mrx720 or avm 60, since I already have 2 amps. But that's another thread. I recently got back into audio after 12 yrs of everything sleeping.  Long story, lol. Would really like to hear from some owners of the svs sb3000 and rymthik f12 or f12se. Give room size, music and HT experience.  Thanks Pete 
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