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

I need to read up on how Velodyne's software/hardware works. Does it have an equalizer? How does it measure the movement of the speaker cone or how does the feedback control work? Or what crossover frequency the Velodyne uses (fixed? or adjustable based on measurement with their mic of in room accustics)?

Have you ever used the video out on the Velodyne? The DD series uses the microphone to equalize the sub to your room. I believe the standard xover is set at 80. You can set the xover to whatever and for 5 different settings. You can also use the parametric EQ and manually adjust the output at different frequencies. But to do so you need to use the video out from the sub. There's lot's of settings you can access by using the video out. If you don't have a manual, download one.

kraftwerkturbo

 

I have enjoyed reading about your Repair/Service process for DD15 subwoofer.

This one is a keeper. Yes, the DD series utilizes a microphone to dial-in, equalize, the Sub to your room as above. Keep up the excellent coverage.

 

Happy Listening!

Currently driving it with an external class H brute, 'no controlled'. Does the job. Surprised how much amps it sucks in. Switched the class D to mono bridge mode to stay out of the first red clipping light flickering at high volume. Amp is QSC 702. Assuming the Velodyne is 4 ohm, the clipping light (assuming 1% THD) should come on at way over 1000 W (see specs below). So the Velodyne really wants to be FED: 

ower Rating

8 Ohms:
425 W per Channel (Full Range, 0.03% THD)
4 Ohms:
700 W per Channel (Full Range, 0.05% THD)
8 Ohms:
475 W per Channel (1 kHz, 1% THD)
4 Ohms:
825 W per Channel (1 kHz, 1% THD)
2 Ohms:
1200 W per Channel (1 kHz, 1% THD)
16 Ohms:
850 W Bridged (Full Range, 0.1% THD)
8 Ohms:
1500 W Bridged (Full Range, 0.1% THD)
4 Ohms / 8 Ohms:
2400 W Bridged (1 kHz, 1% THD)