I'm considering adding a moderately sized sub to my system and was looking at the REL R-305 or possibly Velodyne DD-10. Has anyone had enough experience with these to comment on which would be more musical for a music only system? Thank you.
Digital Drive (Velodyne DD) series are just fantastic. I run a DD-18, which I upgraded from a DD-12 only because I got one of those 'too good to pass up deals' on it. But the smaller one was too, absolutely amazing. The EQ function works and works well to make the sub compliment mostly any room and system. I've found them to add so much to my speakers it was like I upgraded the speakers too! You must give them a listen in your environment set-up if you can. You'll be convinced.
Thank you Bob. Can you explain why the 10" sub would not be appropriate with the Harbeth M30's? My room is only 10'X14' with a ceiling height of about 7'. Or is it unrelated to room size?
Dear Bcollins: IMHO, the first and more important/critical subject on the addition of subwoofers in any audio system ( for music ) is to try to understand which are the different audio areas where subwoofers could help our audio system to improve its whole quality sound reproduction.
Here you can read something about that can help you:
I have a DD-10 and really like it. My room is a bit smaller than yours (10x10) and the DD-10 is more than enough.I think Bob makes some good points. My one concern would be that the DD-12 could be too much for the room. My friend had a DD-10 and then upgraded to the DD-12. The difference was not subtle. Yes the DD-12 is better but it might also be harder to integrate into a smaller room. Your best bet would be to demo them both and see which one works best.
IMHO, a Harbeth will mate better sonically with a REL. I will even suggest you get two RELs (one for each channel) simply because the H30 does not go down low enough for you to be unable to detect the sub. If you can only get one sub try placing it in the centre between the speakers a few feet from the front wall but behind the speakers (place until it seemless i.e does not draw attention to itself). I am suggesting this only because you don't want the sub to give away its location. If this does not bother you then by all means place them on either side of the speakers. Do remember that a sub will change how the Harbeth sounds so be gentle with volume. Begin by setting the XO point at around 60Hz and you should be OK.
As for the Velodyne, you may find the built in software useful if you have space constraints. If your speakers are really a good distance from the walls e.g Cardas placement method or 1/3 placement rule, there is very little use for the software.
I would point out that regardless of the method of speaker placement the Velodyne software is still very helpful in sub placement, crossover point, level matching regardless of whichever sub you chose. Velodyne also markets this system as a stand alone and typically sells for about $400 used.
In a recent review of the JL Audio sub the reviewer used his Velodyne software to setup and provide a visual of the JL's own setup software. Rives Audio sub-PARC crossover manages these parameters in the analog domain.
Rel is generally considered to be better subs for 2 channel with its ability to blend seamless and dissapear. Velodyne makes excellent subs and the digital correction is a great feature but sub for sub I would go for Rel. I have heard a moderately priced and sized B series (forgot wich one) that was amazing. I ended up buying a Martin Logan Descent and will probably add an sms-1 someday.
Does a separate device come with the subwoofer? Or is it built into the sub? When I checked Velodyne's web site, the instructions for downloading software updates referenced the need for a windows based computer. I wouldn't be purchasing the stand alone devise.
The Velodyne DD subs mate with any speaker and do it much better than REL. The room correction system Velodyne uses is state of the art and leaves the competetion in the dust.
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