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Musical accuracy in subwoofers

I'm hoping some members who are more musically & technically knowledgeable can answer my questions about subs. While sub shopping, web research and sales people make referrence to subs with accurate timbre. The Linn & REL lines were reported to be more accurate than Sunfires in this respect. After playing my sub at a 45-48 hz. crossover without the main speakers, listening leaves me wondering how timbre ( at this low a crossover point) can be an attribute of a sub when most aspects of timbre are a product of higher frequencies. It seems that pitch accuracy, lack of bloat & "overhang," freedom from cabinet resonance, and the ability to tune crossover, volume, & phase accurately are paramount. But timbre?
photon46

Showing 2 responses by sedond

sedond
1,391 posts
 
while low-frequency extension is obviously important, i agree that thd is a critical spec for subwoofers. perhaps that's why the vmps subs, when used w/a quality outboard electronic x-over, are such over-achievers at their price-point. vmps' published distortion specs are, if not the lowest in the industry, right up there w/whoever is. most subwoofer mfr's don't even publish their distortion specs.

doug s.

sedond
1,391 posts
 
fyi, vmps' most expensive sub, w/options, lists for <$800, which includes shipping - not an insignificant amount, considering it weighs ~140 lbs & is *big*. dealers *will* discount, as well. specs for this sub are 17hz-250hz, w/0.5%thd at 92db/1w/1m; 2.5%thd @ >115db. at this price, ewe can get two, a good outboard x-over (i like marchand), & a quality used amp (or two), & it will still cost less than *one* quality powered sub like a velodyne hgs18 ($3k), or a rel stentor ($4k). w/two subs, soundstage is improved, room integration is easier, and, for given spl's, thd is even less.

ymmv... doug s.

ps - no, i *don't* work for vmps - yust a satisfied customer! ;~)

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