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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 11 responses by hifiman5

hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
BTW if anyone knows someone who could use 100k  X-1 crossovers I will send them for free as I have the M5-HP.  
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hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
@bstatmeister  I'll try to answer your questions as clearly as I am able.  The "pigtail" is the interconnect cable coming out of the M5-HP.  You plug your preamp main out interconnect in the one side of the rectangular M5-HP and then the "pigtail" end plugs into the input jacks on the back of your power amplifier.  Before doing all of that plugging in, you need to open the crossover box and find the tiny "dip switches"  In my case my amp has a 100k ohm input impedance.  I have my M5-HP set at one setting below that which is 75k.  The manual suggests that you try to the actual input impedance setting of your amp and one below, I believe.  For me, that one step below gave me the most seamless integration of the subwoofers into my system.

Hope this helps!

PS  I would take the Samson out and use unbalanced cables.  If you need to purchase a good pair of cables, they are around including, of course, here on Audiogon.
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
@noble100   Agree with you that adapters should be avoided but the M5-HP is remarkably transparent.  An important thing to keep in mind is the effect of freeing your main amp from having to produce deep bass.  The treble and midrange open up with more dynamic flow without giving up first class deep bass that the Vandys produce.  
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
@noble100 Sounds like Harvey's office on Suits.😛
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
@noble100  +1  Very good advice.  In my modest sized room (13.5' X18') two Vandy subs.  provide a powerful, even deep bass response.  
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
@bondmanp  I believe Tomic 601 is referring to the M7 HPA power amps new to Vandersteen's line.
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hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
My guess is Richard has realized, through R&D, very significant improvements in the sound quality of his offerings over the decades and has decided to go for the ne plus ultra to see how good the realism of his designs can get. Listening to the Treo CTs daily, I need to hear the Model 7 system to realize how far he has been able to refine his design concepts. As is so prevalent among many successful audio designers, Richard is reaching for the stars. Of course, in result of this lofty pursuit, those of us downstream, benefit from his efforts as he incorporates the lessons learned into his more modestly priced offerings.
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hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
@ieales   What cred. would you have to "correct" Mr. V.?  😯
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
@mr_m  Well said!  I recently had my McCormack DNA-1 upgraded by Steve McC at SMc Audio.  Upon discussing the prospects of upgrading/rebuilding my amp, he told me that some well-heeled clients afforded him the opportunity to design some ultra amps. He was able to take some of what he learned designing those amps and trickle them down to his SMc modifications and that my amp. would benefit from such. Exactly the same mentality as RV who loves to push the limits with the Model 7s and then bring some of what he learns down to the lower end of the line.  I agree with your assertion that the Model 1, 2, 3 designs are the bread and butter of his company as all of those speakers deliver great sound for the price and accommodate to diverse listening tastes and listening spaces.  For those who are ready to move up the line for an even more refined listening experience the speakers are there to be had.
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
@ieales  I guess you straightened Mr. Vandersteen and I out.  Thank God someone did!😯
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,832 posts
 
@wolf_garcia  +1  Listening for a difference!  What a concept.😬
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