2. misc-audio
  3. 979317931

Kinergetics SW200 rip-off ??

I recently bought a Kinergetics SW200 system through AudiogoN and after resolving the issue of grossly inaccurate description of the system's cosmetic condition (a seperate thread )I have gotten to the business of adding the subs to my system. I need help from you AudiogoNers in determining wether the system is actually working properly. My goal in purchasing the subs was to experiment with subs for the first time without spending much money. Now, I understand the issues of difficulty in blending with main speakers particularly when we're talking about speakers like the Stax F81 (electrostats). However the severerity of the broblems has surprised me, to the extent that I wonder if there isn't something wrong besides cosmetic problems. I chose the Kinergetics because it had gotten a fair amount of favorable attention a few years back, particularly in TAS; and I believe bass should be done in stereo. The following are some observations based on listening and the use of the Stereophile test CD: Speed is not as much of a problem as I had expected, it keeps up with the Stax fairly well. The quality of the bass is a problem: wooly, a little boomy, mediocre pitch definition. Extention is mediocre as well. Used with EAD7000DAC and Melos222C pre and volume pots on SW200 set at -18, output seems reasonable to 50hz. At 40hz there is a definite reduction in volume and some rattling begins. At 31.5hz previous output returns but rattling is now very dramatic. At 25hz output is greatly reduced is practically all rattle. At 20hz fuggetaboutit. In spite of all this I do mostly enjoy the new found bottom (the Stax give nothing to speak of below about 60hz in my room ), although not enough to want to deal with the other problems. The rattle is mostly not audible during music playback.I have been able to improve matters with different woofer cables, isolation etc. but the quality of the bass is just not rearly musical enough. I can't believe that they were as highly touted for use with Spicas and others as they were. The crossover, in spite of some reduction in soundstage volume, sounds reasonably transparent, a bit more electronic sound but again, not as bad as I expected. Comments and/or suggestions would be most appreciated. To the person who sold these: Your comments are welcomed as well.
frogman

Showing 1 response by kgveteran

kgveteran
377 posts
 
I have looked for true bass for about thirty years and never found it in manufacured subs.Either they were too much or too cheap and in the middle were the used and abused.I began building subs about fifteen years ago as a hobby.As of now I am in the middle of project ten and did I hit the mother load.
First off I finally began to understand room modes.Second I began to understand the equipment that corrects them (almost,nothing is perfect ).Then I was able to search out the almost perfect sub driver.Then there was the amp to drive it.
So in a nut shell here is what did it...... the equalized (parametric) is the behringer 1124p ($110).Amps, two Adcom GFA 555mkII's ($400.00 each used)(bridged mono).Two Adire Tumults 15" sub drivers (500.00 each). Now the cabinets are two inch thick MDF and are about 3.0 cu. ft. each (seperate cabinets).I know that you have purchased the K's and you are not happy but if it makes you feel any better I spent $1910.00 and finally got the results.In the last fifteen years I probably spent 5000.00 learning what I wanted.This hobby takes time and money and lots of reading and talking but,we all payed our dues and made it through.I hope all works out for you and don't give up cause it's out there.You have to find it.Good luck.
More to discover