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Vandersteen Sub woofers v Rythmik Subs

I really love the idea of the Vandersteen Subs where they are connected with the mains via extra speaker cable off right and left channels off the main amplifier, which is supposed to provide better bass transition from the mains while keeping the signature from the main amplifier. My question is with Vandersteen coming out with the SUB THREE and the price going significantly higher, I was wondering if there are other subs for less that you could integrate in the same way. (Most subs seem to rely on the line level input which is just a sub-woofer RCA going from the pre-amp to the amp on the sub). Can this same Vandersteen set-up be achieved with other subs?
I picked Rythmik since they are known (in the home theater community anyway) for being one of the best bang for the buck subs and the most "musical" of the bunch. (between Hsu, SVS, PSA).
And could I possibly achieve even greater sub-woofer nirvana since I could get an 18" for around $1500? Vandies only have 3 eight inchers.

I am a Vandersteen fanboy and I would like to support RV whenever I can, but don’t know much about my other sub-woofer options so looking for some feedback. Doesn’t even have to be related to Rythmik necessarily. If you know of other subs that can integrate the same way I want to know about it!

Thanks
bstatmeister

Showing 3 responses by 500homeruns

500homeruns
13 posts
 

Sorry to revive an old thread, but it was a very interesting read.

I own Vandersteen Treo CT’s and one (currently) Rythmik F12 subwoofer. My preamp is an NAD 12 and the Treo’s are being driven by Rogue M-180 monoblocks. 
After reading this thread, I believe I understand the benefits and design of the Vandersteen subwoofers. The main benefit is the crossover relieving the main speakers speakers from playing low frequencies that they might not designed to play. This also helps the amplifiers by “freeing them up” to do more.

My question is: If I use a stereo preamp (NAD M12) that can control the low pass filter AND the high pass filter, would I see much improvement using a Vandersteen subwoofer over a Rythmik (or any quality subwoofer)? Also, what would be the best crossover settings on the NAD with the Treo’s?

I do plan to add a second Rythmik F12 subwoofer soon. The NAD can control two subwoofer’s in either dual mono or dual stereo.

P.S.- I am in no way saying that Rythmik subwoofers are better (or equal to) Vandersteen subwoofers. It’s just that I already have a Rythmik and adding a second on down the road will be easier (cheaper) than buying two Vandersteen subs.

 

Steve

500homeruns
13 posts
 

Thanks for the replies!

@tomic601 Jim, The NAD has the crossovers listed as “Main Frequency” and “Sub Frequency” on page 12 (Speaker Setup) of the manual:

 

500homeruns
13 posts
 

Excellent!

Thanks Jim 👍

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