Velodyne DD15 - worth repairing the plate amp?


The amp in my 2008 Velodyne DD15 is dead as a door nail. 

How good is this old marvel compared to today's offerings?

Worth investing another $500 (to have amp repaired, incl roundtrip shipping, tax, etc)? Or just use as passive sub?

How does it compete to modern subs, for example SBS SB-2000 or SB-3000 (both under $1k pre owned)?

kraftwerkturbo

Did not like them when new as I could always seem to localize them.   I DIY, but if I were to go looking to buy, SVS and REL come to mind.  

 

Years ago I had a Velodyne servo F-1800 servo and for the time it was fine. 90s.

I now have two older RELs (great, buy used) but also two SVS SB-2000 subs and one SB-3000 sub.  Look for sales; I think the SVS are very good and I'd probably take either over the repaired DD-15 (even though I have always liked Velo subs).

There are also some other great less-expensive brands out there that didn't exist (or were known about) years ago.

Man, the shipping alone would make me hesitant to have it repaired by another.  You may find a cheaper solution going with a modern plate amp from Madisound or Parts Express if you can find one that fits reasonably well.

erik_squires: only ship the very light (Class D) plate amp, 5 lb or so. 
musicaddict "take over the DD-15" based on quality INCLUDING price? Even the 12" SB-2000 (used they start around $750 or same 'value' as I assign to my repaird DD-15). 

other commenors: value/budget for decision making: $800 ($500 repair + $300 residual value). 13" SB-3000 start at $900 used. The 13.5" SV4000 starts $1,500

Also: ideally needs to move some air if I want to use in main system (VERY large volume room (3 story room, open to hallway, dining, foyer, hallway, kitchen), like my current Dayton UM18-22 18". Not sure if tiny 12" or 13" (SB-2000, SB-3000) have enough stroke, or they would be relegated to the normal room 2nd system.