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Short list of musical subwoofers

I plan to invest a "musical" subwoofer to augment the music listening experience of my current two-channel sound system. After a few digging over the acting forum and on-line reviews, it seems the following budgetary sealed (primarily) subwoofers are often mentioned and raved:

- Rythmic L12 (18Hz; sealed, servo controlled; 300 watts RMS; $609);

- RSL Speedwoofer 10S (24Hz; front ported; 350 watts; $428);

- Rel T5x (8 in; 32Hz@-6db; 125 watts; $680)

- SVS SB 1000 (24Hz, sealed; 300 watts; $450) or 2000 (19Hz; sealed; 500 watts; $600);

All above claim to have quick, accurate bass that is good for music listening. Rel, although not being able to extend to 20Hz, has been highly rated for easy integration into the sound system. I am not even sure if being able to get down low and/or the wattage of the active amp are critical to the musical application. My living room is about 25 ft wide and 20 ft deep. I do have limited budget but if others are warranted for a higher price tag in your opinion I am willing to bump up the budget. You inputs are highly appreciated.

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toro3's avatar
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toro3
305 posts
 

The price and the reviews outside of AG for the RSL Speedwoofer have always intrigued me. For HT I’d definitely try, but I haven’t seen too many reviews for them being musical. Regardless, I’d love to hear a review from someone who uses them in strictly a 2-channel application. Out of the ones you mentioned, I’d probably go with the Rythmik L12 (I’ve been looking at purchasing a pair in the future).

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,865 posts
 

anti groupthink is to ask ; what else in in your system ?

mesonto
77 posts
 

I also was once a REL believer.

But then for fun I replaced 2 REL S/812s with 2 Rythmic G22s (the dual opposing 12 inch subs). They just integrate much, much better with my system and I can fine tune that integration. In addition there is now more bottom end.

This as my experience with my components.

woots's avatar
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woots
287 posts
 

I have been through many subs and recently replaced my Martin Logans with REL s/812's.  My only recommendation would be to make sure whatever you land on get a pair.

Good Luck! 

cdhesse76
1 posts
 

I'm usually just a lurker here, but I keep seeing people post about subs and never see anyone mention my favorite.  I very much love my dual Seaton Submersive HP+ subs I got earlier this year.  I heard first of Mark Seaton's subs from my audio calibrator who told me, of all the subs he has heard and measured while doing 20,000+ calibrations, Seaton Submersive HP+ is the one he would buy.

 

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