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

Package the plate amp up and shipping to EBC (NJ) today. Made a seal plate (not finished) and will run the sub with Behringer EP2000 direct from sub out of receiver until the Velodyne amp comes back. 

 

We'll all be interested in the outcome. He probably doesn't have the amp in stock if it needs one, does he?

I just don't believe your receiver will have nearly enough power for the sub.

I think you misunderstood: The Behringer (1000W or so into 8 ohm, 2000 into 4 ohm) external amp is driving the 15" Velodyne, signal to Behringer is the sub out from the receiver (and using the receivers low pass). Pretty sure the Behring can provide enough steam to drive the DD15 in its sealed enclosure.

Wondering if someone ever measured the DD15 WITHOUT the software/control hardware (just 'as is'). Looks like a 3 cu*ft enclosure, so figure roll off should start fairly high (at least 30 Hz?).

 

For me, the Amp Man repair approach is a no-brainer. Selling off savagable decent hifi gear at fire sale pricing doesn’t pass the "4th grade math" test IMO. The net, net value to you is higher with a repaired unit, even if you’re ready to move on.

So many good subs to chose from, so little Hz. There are many good choices out there, including retaining your old pal, the DD-15.

Thinking outside the box, if you decide to keep the DD-15 and want it to sound better than new, there are some simple DYI "tweaks" you can do to at home in your "spare" time. Once you determine your amp is repaired, healthy, and field tested for a period of time, grab the soldering gun, wire strippers and silver solder and get after it.. If you want to personally contact me, I’ll provide a few ideas that we’ve performed in the past that pay notable sonic dividends.

As some suggested, if you want to incorporate modern performance/technology without completely abandoning the Velodyne, you might consider the passive approach. This will make the Velodyne pretty much "obsolete proof" by allowing you to upgrade amps in the future as you see fit. You’lll lpay a premium for a chassis, faceplate, etc for a stand-a-lone mono amp, but the performance and flexibility may be worth it.

So, that’s the low down from this humble contributor.