Subwoofer - thoughts on Rythmic F12


I currently have two SVS SB-12 NSD subs that I got maybe 6 years ago when they were on a close out sale.  I am upgrading my system and looking at the subs next - they make lots of sound and a good for movies but are often boomy or mushy for music - probably some room issues as well.  I 90% care about music but will still use them for movies. 

Do you think the Rythmic F12 would be an upgrade?  Any other suggestions in the $1000 to $1300 range.  I use line level inputs from a benchmark DAC3 for music. I would start with one and decide if I need another.  Thanks.  

12many

Sorry for not being a little bit more specific in thee wee hours of the morning @bdp24, the show was last night :-)

The falling out happened to be between TC & others, SVS specifically “I believe.”

Wow, the Band killed it last night w/ PRAT btw. They were the last act at the Kensington  Club.

Take care of yourself, I’ve much respect for you.

;-)

 

Hey everyone.  Thanks for the advice.  Very helpful.  I ordered an F12 yesterday with the speaker level, LFE, and line in level inputs.   Since Friday, I disconnected both subs, and have been liking the base better with just the speakers (F208) - I feel like I am picking up more detail in the bass notes and it is tighter.  Super excited to try the new sub.  

I will ask this now but may start another thread.  I will try it first with line level inputs out of a benchmark DAC3, but do you think I would notice any difference by using the speaker level inputs instead (connecting amp outputs to speakers and sub)?  I doubt my ears could tell a difference, particularly at the low frequencies that I use the sub, but wanted to ask.  

In my opinion and experience, you are better off using a line level input. A speaker level signal will have a little more distortion and it will be converted back to a line level signal by the subs speaker level circuitry anyway, but it will still contain the distortion created by your main amps output.

If you noticed more detail in the bass notes after disconnecting your current subs it maybe because you have the low pass filter on the subs set too high, enabling too much frequency overlap between your subs and your F208’s. The 3 db down point on the F208’s is 31 Hz, so you might be able to set the low pass filter slightly above that, but more than likely it will have to be set below that, which unfortunately doesn’t leave much for your subs to do. You may want to consider high passing your mains which would lessen their work load and also reduce unwanted cabinet vibrations created by F208’s low end drivers giving you even cleaner and more detailed sound from your mains.

I bought one with the paper cone several years ago to experiment with. I liked it. I also got it in a piano ebony finish- not sure if that was a normal option. So I bought a pair of the 15 inch units- also ebony piano finish- those don't have a paper cone- for my main system. I use them with a small DSP controller just for very low bass 55hz down with a 24 db/octave roll off. They work great. The 12 now serves yeoman's duty in a small home theatre set up in our front lounge and is fine. Brian is a nice guy and even came to visit since I now live in Austin. Good company. Good product. Good value. 

In the main system, the sub system runs in parallel to the main system from a line output off the line stage- nothing is in the middle of the main system, electronically- power amps (SETs from Lamm) directly to mid-horns with no Xover. Wasn't terribly hard to dial in either with the continuous phase control. 

Hi everyone. I received my F12 - looks great and well packed, and seemed very solid and well made. Unfortunately it was the wrong model. I ordered the PEQ3 but was sent the XLR3. What is crazy is the box was mislabeled so no way for the shipping warehouse to know! I hope for Brian’s sake it was not the entire container that was mislabeled. I had that happen to a client once and they said it was a pain to pull and verify and re-mark each product.

Has anyone else had this happen with their Rythmik sub?

This stuff happens. I have an email into Rythmik with pictures and we will get it worked out. I will keep this thread updated and provide listening impressions/comparisons to my older SVS sb12 when I have the correct model. Thanks.