Paradigm Sig Servo 15" and Velodyne SMS-1

The SMS-1 is a great device, but it's greatest benefits might get a bit lost in
your set-up. The SMS improvements to a sub set-up can be divided into 2
main groups:

1) Integration - it will allow very, very precise level match to your main
speakers. It will also allow you to find the best crossover point. Both of
these are courtesy of the video readout of frequency response at the listening
position. I've found that the visuals (see flat response) correlate very highly
with the audibles (hear smooth bass).

2) Smoothing bass response. It will let you find the spot in the room that
produces the smoothest FR. But, but, but...

IMHO, the SMS' Digital Room Correction feature does its best work between
50 and 125 hz, in most rooms the critical area is 80hz to 125 hz. I doubt
that you'd want to cross to your Sophias that high, especially without a
separate external high pass unit because:

the SMS also has one significant weakness - the high pass filter for your main
speakers. It's got a spartan feature set and IMHO doesn't sound great either.
I'd use a separate highpass like my NHT x-2 or skip the high pass entirely.
Unfortunately, that last option means a low x-over frequency which
undermines the DRC - and you lose a FABULOUS benefit of the SMS.

BTW, the built-in low pass filter is GREAT. It's enormously flexible and I
don't have any issues with the way it sounds.

So - in summary - it's probably worth the $ (under$450) just to help you
establish the best location for your sub - even if you then remove it from the
system. I do suspect, however, that you'll probably leave it in there anyway,
because the low pass filter is so nice. However, unless you're willing to high
pass the Sophia up around 100hz with an external high pass unit, you won't
IMHO get the full benefit of the DRC in the SMS.

Good Luck

Marty

Thanks for the detailed information, Marty!

So if I skipped using the sub for 2 channel, the SMS-1 unit would do me well for home theater/TV?

Joel

If you don't mind interrupting the main signal path with an active high pass unit to roll off the bass in your main speakers (this would include the crossover in your HT pre-pro or receiver), the SMS-1 is a tremendously beneficial device for any application requiring smooth bass response. So beneficial that I put an NHT X-2 active high pass unit (feeding the SMS-1 from its low pass outputs) between my ARC LS-25 and ARC VT130 SE, something I've previously been reluctant to do. I can't see ever going back.

Marty

BTW, a lot of HT receivers include Audyssey, which is functionally very similar to the SMS-1, but full range and automated. So, rather than add an SMS to your HT set-up, you might want to look for an Audyssey enabled receiver. If your HT system involves high end separates, you might want to consider an Audyssey enabled pre-pro.