Subwoofer options in Australia

[OzJustin]

Hi all,

 

Seeking some advice on the state of the subwoofer market in Australia. I've been reading various threads on overseas forums such as AVS Forum and the options in the USA seem plentiful compared to Australia. I don't see a whole lot of commentary in this forum for best sub options available locally so keen to hear from members.

 

I've currently got an SVS PB 2000 sub and thinking about upgrading. My dedicated theatre/media room is 35-40m2 and I use my subs for maybe 70% movies and 30% music. I'm currently running a single sub but am investigating moving to dual subs and adding some room treatment to further optimise my setup. Further details on my room are in my Build Thread in my signature block. I'm looking for tight, musical bass with big "mid-bass" chest slam and the ability to rumble into the teens (sub-20Hz). I like ported subs for movies but I know there are some very highly regarded sealed options that can still pressurise a room well. I tend to listen to movies around -20dB at present (given my neighbours and family) so definately won't be pushing the setup anywhere near reference levels. I have a fair amount of space in my room so I'm not afraid of heavy, larger ported enclosures (within reason). Here are some options I've been looking at in the market. I note prices range from $2k - 5k depending on the model. I'm not opposed to one very good sub if performance for the $ stacks up, but cheaper dual subs may be a better option. I could always start with one and then save for another down the track.

 

Rythmik:

3 year warranty on electronics, 5 years on drivers

AU distributor Audio Salon; Red Spade Audio also do custom subs with Rythmik servo kits

FVX15 - 15" ported, 400WRMS, 12 - 200 Hz (-2 dB @ 17 Hz, -6db@12hz) with LFE input, roughly $2,500)

FV15HP - 15" ported, 600WRMS, 12 - 200 Hz (-2 dB @ 17 Hz, -6db@12hz) with LFE input, roughly $2,800)

F18 - 18" sealed, 900WRMS, 10 - 250Hz (+/-3db) with LFE inputs, roughly $3,080)

 

SVS:

The safe option, excellent local support and warranty, newest gen have app-controlled adjustments

5 year warranty

PB 2000 Pro - 12" ported, 550WRMS, 16Hz to 290Hz +/-3dB (standard mode), roughly $1,980 - A pair of these is a very compelling economical option

PB 3000 - 13" ported, 800WRMS, 16-260 Hz +/- 3 dB (standard mode), roughly $2,970 - One of these and a PB 2000 Pro is another option

 

Power Sound Audio (PSA):

Deep Hertz Audio are no longer stocking these so it seems PSA is no longer an option for Australia. I have read some very good things about some of their recent offerings though which is a shame. Very well priced and 5 year warranty too.

TV1512 - 15" ported, 960WRMS, tuned to 12Hz (can't find exact specs), US$1,525

V1812 - 18" ported, 960WRMS, US$1,725

 

JTR Speakers:

Captivator 1400 - 18" ported, 1400WRMS, 16-200Hz +/-1dB, Now an obsolete model but may have fit the bill well for my room and not as big as the current models

Captivator 2400 - 18" ported, 2400WRMS, 12-165hz +/-3dB, (in room response below 10hz), US$3,000 - Too big and expensive with extensive multi-month delays reported. Shipping also very high.

 

Seaton Sound:

F18+ (primary woofer with the option of a slave enclosure) - 18" sealed, 4000WRMS, anechoic response: +/-3dB from 12Hz to 200Hz outdoor response (LF Adjust @ full clockwise), typical in-room extension to 7-12Hz, US$2,700 - Expensive with extensive multi-month delays reported, shipping also very high

SubMersive HP+ (primary woofer with the option of a slave enclosure) - 15" sealed dual opposing woofers, 4000WRMS, anechoic response: +/-3dB from 12Hz to 200Hz outdoor response (LF Adjust @ full clockwise), typical in-room extension to 7-12Hz, US$2,700 - Expensive with extensive multi-month delays reported, shipping also very high

 

Krix:

Specs wise these don't seem like much of an upgrade from my current SVS? Hard to tell with limited data and reviews out there to my knowledge.

Volcanix - 12" ported, 450WRMS, 15Hz-200Hz in room response, 5 year warranty, roughly $2,200

Cyclonix Active Series SX - 18" ported, 450WRMS, 20Hz - 250Hz (-10dB), 5 year warranty, $4,100

 

VAF:

Big $ and the specs don't seem to stand up to the USA offerings? Hard to tell with limited data and reviews out there to my knowledge.

Gravitas - 13" ported dual woofers, 750WRMS, 19Hz – 250Hz - 3dB, roughly $5,000

 

Am I missing some other local options that would compare against some of the above?

 

I am leaning towards the Rythmik subs at this point. The SVS subs by far offer the best bang for the buck but I think the Rythmik may offer better sound quality, output and low Hz tuning.

 

Some key questions:

- How important is to to go two identical subs if going duals? Will it be difficult to integrate one ported and one sealed model of different sizes, brands etc? E.g. one Rythmik F18 and one FVX15; or one Rythmik FV15HP and F12; or one SVS PB 3000 and a PB 2000 Pro.

- What do you think there is a best time of year to order a sub? - Black Friday sales are coming up in November but I don’t think they’ll have an impact on some models e.g. Rythmik due to their distribution arrangement; SVS could have some good bargains though.

 

I'm no doubt opening a can of worms but keen to hear opinions. Discuss.  

Edited August 15, 2021 by OzJustin

[frankn]

It isn’t necessary to have identical subs, especially if you are using digital crossovers to manage bass. 
You should try using a 2nd SVS sub to see if that works for you. 
 

[POV]

Interesting questions @OzJustin.   The answer to your question regarding if you need 2 identical subs is certainly no, and depending on partnering equipment, EQ, and room acoustics maybe good reasons not to... 

 

No idea re best time to buy except to say that with all of those American models obviously worth looking at exchange rate conditions which seems more likely to have an effect than any sales.  Black Friday sales in my experience living in the UK and US much more aimed at low end of the market.  If you're buying from an AU distributor who is holding stock then the exchange rate will be a lagging factor (IE - the exchange rate at the time the distributor purchased stock is all that matters, not the exchange rate of the day).  If you're buying direct from US, then one thing to consider, particularly on large purchases is method of payment.  I use a currency wholesaler wherever possible rather than being subject to BS exchange rate and fees from bank.  I'm not much of a Paypal user so don't know how they compare.

 

To your broader question regarding sub choices, when considering your room size, listening levels, and consideration for family and neighbours is it worth considering alternative options than the very large, very high SPL options seem to be considering?   Whilst it's fair to say that my listening habits are very different from yours (IE I use my systems mainly for Hifi and movies are a secondary concern) I bough and sold and trialled a lot of subs (Whatmough, KEF, REL, SVS, Velodyne, Revel, Martin Logan) and found for myself, even at quite high SPL that the linearity of the sub in room much more important than the ultimate SPL and low frequency point.  For me I am always seeking fast, articulate and responsive sub bass, that sounds tuneful and never takes on that 'one note' type of sound.

 

I snipped the below quote (admittedly selectively!) but given this stipulation something to consider.  What could you gain if you gave up those last few hertz?  IE - if you don't worry so much about sub 20 hertz performance,  what can you get in terms of linearity and bass articulation across the 25-80 hz region for the same spend?

 

16 hours ago, OzJustin said:

I'm looking for tight, musical bass with big "mid-bass" chest slam

 

Anyhow, you said keen to hear opinions so here is mine.  See if you can find a way of demoing 2 REL subs in your space inside your budget considerations and don't worry so much about the spec sheets but listen for some extended periods.  For me after all my trialling I have not found another manufacturer that I prefer!  These days I run a 2.2 system in my main space which is 5.5m x 7.2m using 2 of the new REL T/9x and honestly think they are amazing for the money.

 

Try to home demo, and remember that it's something you want to enjoy over extended periods, so keep this in mind as you evaluate.

 

Have fun! 

 

[Guest]

An excellent list of subs.  There are more subs among ANZ manufacturers here including

http://adelaidespeakers.com.au/subwoofers.html

https://www.richter.com.au/thor-series-6-10-6-subwoofer-speakers/

https://theaudioexperts.com.au/collections/whatmough/subwoofer

 

You do not need identical subs, just have to be careful to not overdrive the smaller sub.  Contrary to popular opinion, good bass is not determined by how loud or deep a sub can go. The key thing is to have even bass.  I am using dual subs (SVS SB13, SB2000) in a very large open plan family room, with limited room treatment, and they are integrated using a program called MS0.  MSO can be used for music

https://www.stereonet.com/forums/topic/242166-using-multi-subs-mso-to-get-even-bass-in-room-across-sitting-positions/

Or used to integrate the subs before applying room correction software (Dirac) to a HT setup.

https://www.stereonet.com/forums/topic/242166-using-multi-subs-mso-to-get-even-bass-in-room-across-sitting-positions/?do=findComment&comment=4739911&_rid=161413

 

[Mr_Gadget]

Osborn is another Aus made brand that have a couple of sub options but have not heard it in person.

 

https://www.osbornloudspeakers.com.au/osborn-home-theatre-speakers

Edited August 16, 2021 by Mr_Gadget

[OzJustin]

On 16/08/2021 at 7:36 AM, POV said:

Interesting questions @OzJustin.   The answer to your question regarding if you need 2 identical subs is certainly no, and depending on partnering equipment, EQ, and room acoustics maybe good reasons not to... 

 

No idea re best time to buy except to say that with all of those American models obviously worth looking at exchange rate conditions which seems more likely to have an effect than any sales.  Black Friday sales in my experience living in the UK and US much more aimed at low end of the market.  If you're buying from an AU distributor who is holding stock then the exchange rate will be a lagging factor (IE - the exchange rate at the time the distributor purchased stock is all that matters, not the exchange rate of the day).  If you're buying direct from US, then one thing to consider, particularly on large purchases is method of payment.  I use a currency wholesaler wherever possible rather than being subject to BS exchange rate and fees from bank.  I'm not much of a Paypal user so don't know how they compare.

 

To your broader question regarding sub choices, when considering your room size, listening levels, and consideration for family and neighbours is it worth considering alternative options than the very large, very high SPL options seem to be considering?   Whilst it's fair to say that my listening habits are very different from yours (IE I use my systems mainly for Hifi and movies are a secondary concern) I bough and sold and trialled a lot of subs (Whatmough, KEF, REL, SVS, Velodyne, Revel, Martin Logan) and found for myself, even at quite high SPL that the linearity of the sub in room much more important than the ultimate SPL and low frequency point.  For me I am always seeking fast, articulate and responsive sub bass, that sounds tuneful and never takes on that 'one note' type of sound.

 

I snipped the below quote (admittedly selectively!) but given this stipulation something to consider.  What could you gain if you gave up those last few hertz?  IE - if you don't worry so much about sub 20 hertz performance,  what can you get in terms of linearity and bass articulation across the 25-80 hz region for the same spend?

 

 

Anyhow, you said keen to hear opinions so here is mine.  See if you can find a way of demoing 2 REL subs in your space inside your budget considerations and don't worry so much about the spec sheets but listen for some extended periods.  For me after all my trialling I have not found another manufacturer that I prefer!  These days I run a 2.2 system in my main space which is 5.5m x 7.2m using 2 of the new REL T/9x and honestly think they are amazing for the money.

 

Try to home demo, and remember that it's something you want to enjoy over extended periods, so keep this in mind as you evaluate.

 

Have fun! 

 

That’s excellent feedback. Thank you. I’m certainly open to trying alternative brands and more than happy to support local manufacturers. I think without a lot of data/reviews on the Australian options, and limited stockists to go and demo (especially in Brisbane), it makes it somewhat of a lottery though.

 

I hadn’t read much on REL or Osborn up until now but some of their offerings may warrant further investigation e.g. the REL 1508 Predator and Osborn T16 and Monumental. I’ve had a Richter Thor in the past and it was decent. Not sure the current Richter or Whatmough offerings are quite what I’m after though. Many of these offerings seem very underpowered for home theatre? I’m cognisant of quality over quantity though.

 

23 hours ago, Snoopy8 said:

An excellent list of subs.  There are more subs among ANZ manufacturers here including

http://adelaidespeakers.com.au/subwoofers.html

https://www.richter.com.au/thor-series-6-10-6-subwoofer-speakers/

https://theaudioexperts.com.au/collections/whatmough/subwoofer

 

You do not need identical subs, just have to be careful to not overdrive the smaller sub.  Contrary to popular opinion, good bass is not determined by how loud or deep a sub can go. The key thing is to have even bass.  I am using dual subs (SVS SB13, SB2000) in a very large open plan family room, with limited room treatment, and they are integrated using a program called MS0.  MSO can be used for music

https://www.stereonet.com/forums/topic/242166-using-multi-subs-mso-to-get-even-bass-in-room-across-sitting-positions/

Or used to integrate the subs before applying room correction software (Dirac) to a HT setup.

https://www.stereonet.com/forums/topic/242166-using-multi-subs-mso-to-get-even-bass-in-room-across-sitting-positions/?do=findComment&comment=4739911&_rid=161413

 

Thanks Snoopy. Both REW and MSO are on my list to investigate depending on whether I go single or dual subs. The more I read, the more I realise how little I know in this space!

[POV]

2 hours ago, OzJustin said:

 

 

I hadn’t read much on REL or Osborn up until now but some of their offerings may warrant further investigation e.g. the REL 1508 Predator and Osborn T16 and Monumental. I’ve had a Richter Thor in the past and it was decent. Not sure the current Richter or Whatmough offerings are quite what I’m after though. Many of these offerings seem very underpowered for home theatre? I’m cognisant of quality over quantity though.

 

 

 

 

I think this is kind of the point was making though, given your -20 db listening habits, why do you think you need these huge, high power subs to achieve your objectives?

 

 

 

[Satanica]

26 minutes ago, POV said:

I think this is kind of the point was making though, given your -20 db listening habits, why do you think you need these huge, high power subs to achieve your objectives?

 

-20 today, -15 tomorrow, -10 the next and perhaps 0 one day.

[jamiebosco]

2 hours ago, Satanica said:

 

-20 today, -15 tomorrow, -10 the next and perhaps 0 one day.

This x 2

Or the more usual scenario once you have your bass FR sorted, and tonnes of low frequency headroom is the ability to implement a more generous house curve. He may end up listening with the MV at -15dB -,but with the bass 8-10dB  hot in the very low bass,

That about where I am now, this graph is my 3 x SubMersives + my Center channel directly after running Audyssey, and with Dynamic EQ on. 

DEQ is adding a house curve, after this I added another 2-3dB to the subs in the AVR. At my usual -12dB MV my subs would be around 8dB hot.

[POV]

Yeah fair enough I guess, it does give a degree of future proof, but in my experience you do lose speed and articulation in the pursuit of this with these massive subs.   What I will say, is post DIRAC correction in my room our senses give in far before the REL subs do!  In any event, was just offering an alternative.  I do get you guys love your epic size ultra high SPL subs.

[OzJustin]

10 hours ago, POV said:

 

 

I think this is kind of the point was making though, given your -20 db listening habits, why do you think you need these huge, high power subs to achieve your objectives?

 

 

 

 

6 hours ago, POV said:

Yeah fair enough I guess, it does give a degree of future proof, but in my experience you do lose speed and articulation in the pursuit of this with these massive subs.   What I will say, is post DIRAC correction in my room our senses give in far before the REL subs do!  In any event, was just offering an alternative.  I do get you guys love your epic size ultra high SPL subs.

Like some of the others have said, having headroom and avoiding the need to upgrade is desirable to me. I do want the sub(s) to be suitable for my listening space though and I'm certainly not looking for output at the expense of quality. I've done a bit of reading on the REL 1508 Predators and there are lots of positive comments on their precision and sound quality. Most say they go plenty loud enough too, and one reviewer even suggested they go down to 10Hz in his space (quite contrary to the 20Hz frequency specs). It looks like The Audio Tailor in Brisbane is a REL dealer so I might see if I can go have a listen to one this weekend. I wish there was a way to have a listen to a Rythmik sub for comparison. Specs-wise, the F18 is arguably a better proposition for the dollar (both around $3k) but it's so hard to know without hearing one. Any Brisbane members with a Rythmik who'd be prepared to let me have a brief listen of a servo-controlled sub?

[LogicprObe]

 

10hz is getting into dangerous territory and totally unnecessary IMHO.

[jamiebosco]

5 hours ago, LogicprObe said:

 

10hz is getting into dangerous territory and totally unnecessary IMHO.

Dangerous to your health?or house? 

 

Edited August 17, 2021 by jamiebosco

[OzJustin]

Question for the experienced members on integrating two different subs.

 

If I was to consider one Rythmik F18 (18" sealed, 900w, response down to 10Hz) and a REL 1508 Predator (15" sealed, 800w, response to 20Hz) do you think they could be integrated well and operate effectively together? I'm really liking the musicality of the Predator and the punchy quick response for music and mid-bass, but I know it can't handle those infrasonic (sub 20Hz) frequencies the way the Rythmik F18 can. Would going this combo give the best of both worlds? I realise it would be dependent on my listening space and any room nulls etc. I'd love to have the main listening position experience the power and depth of the F18 but also the musicality and punchiness of the Predator. Seats to the left and right may experience a bit more Rythmik or REL depending on various factors. The specs of these two subs don't seem too far off each other (similar size sealed driver and amp power) so hopefully they would blend. Rythmik support told me definately not to go a sealed and ported sub but two similar sealed may be ok depending on location and how hard they're pushed. Thoughts?

[jamiebosco]

So you already have the REL?

 

I wouldn't personally combine them, though I'm sure you could get them to  work fine.

I would just get x 2 of the Rythmiks if possible, but if you like the REL's better, get 2 of them instead.

The RELs drop off very fast at 20Hz, so if ULF is important to you, get the Rythmiks

[dannyngx]

Rythmik is tuned to be flat to relatively high frequency. There are different roll off and calibration things you can do to calibrate to your taste. 

 

Most quoted freq response is not in room, which normally helps a sub go a bit lower, hence the usable response to 10hz compared to reported 20hz lowest. The only brand I know that reports in room is Krix, which make their numbers look a bit better compared to others. It's quite interesting I think, similar to AVR reporting 200w at 10% THD or something.

 

I think going double subwoofer is to address certain problems in bass response in your room. For example, at your desired position, you have a -10db response in the 60-100hz. In this scenario, you can utilise a different sub that does really well in that particular region (and position in room) to supplement the total output. All these, however, require some dsp in my opinion to filter/adjust the frequency. 

 

I don't understand why people think buying 2 identical subwoofer automatically gives them a better performance across the bass range. Sure you'll get a lot more output in your face, but not necessarily the response you want.

[dannyngx]

Another approach I've heard of from a hifi store, they're quite proud they're the only one doing this (?) is essentially splitting the bass region into different frequency bands and get 2 or 3 different subwoofers, each only doing its assigned band.

 

They put all subwoofers in the front next to each other. I think this actually give more headroom to each subwoofer. In your case, I suppose you could get a ported to play under 30hz and the Rel to do stuff above it. 

 

I've only listened to it briefly in their store, so can't say how it works in the home though.

[AudioGeek]

Have had loads of subs over the years. Best results were with multiple subs and dsp - they dont have to match. Most cost effective has been diy.

 

If I had to rank subs in my listening spaces

 

1. Dayton 18inch sealed with hypex plate amp/ LxSub4 (best with music)

2. Rythmik F15HP / Seaton Submersive 

3. SVS 13Ultra

4. Pradigm/REL/M&K - these were a long time ago.

 

The surprise performance for me has been 2 x Krix Volcanix slims which I recently added to my HT setup due to compact size. They are seriously under-rated!

[hopefullguy]

just my "entry" level experience with different subs. i mix the older svs pb2000 with an even older velodyne ct-150 ( 15" 300w amp) and it works really well. i think the vely takes the mid bass more and the pb2000 takes the sub 23hz. using audyssey xt32 it all works well.

 

i buy based on my budget and recently picked up a 2nd vely and old svs 20-39PC+ that i will try to add to the same room (dedicated HT room). so 2x svs at front and 2x vely back, all corner loaded maybe.

 

as an entry level user mixing subs is no big deal imo as long as you find the sound you like.

 

[jamiebosco]

Yes, I should have been more specific in my reply

 

You CAN get different sub make/models working well together. I have mixed SVS with Jamo, an  SVS PB12-NSD with a PB-1000,and later with 3 x PB-2000s

But if buying NEW....and budget allows...I'd recommend buying multiples of the same make/model, especially with subs at the level of the Rythmik F18 - that can do it all well

 

 

[Ray H]

I would be inclined to try a Rythmik 18 added to your current SVS.

 

I would then sell the SVS as funds permit and try to add a second Rythmik later.

 

I have owned a lot of mainly music proficient subs, Rel, JL Audio, Martin Logan etc.

I just received a REL 212SX, can’t wait to try it. I think REL is definitely better for music than theatre. I have yet to hear the new theatre range, predator etc. But I know this is the first time REL have created a sub range that is optimised for theatre rather than music.. I still don’t think the predator would have the punch of the bigger rythmik’s.

 

TBH I think Rythmik is about the best combination of cost and multi functionality you can buy. They are very good at dual role music/theatre systems and well priced to boot.

 

If you want a sub with more precision JL Audio is the go to imo, but definitely not the bang for your buck of Rythmik.

 

Good luck with your search, apart from moving them, putting a new sub in the system is always heaps of fun IMO.

[OzJustin]

On 21/08/2021 at 11:39 PM, jamiebosco said:

So you already have the REL?

 

I wouldn't personally combine them, though I'm sure you could get them to  work fine.

I would just get x 2 of the Rythmiks if possible, but if you like the REL's better, get 2 of them instead.

The RELs drop off very fast at 20Hz, so if ULF is important to you, get the Rythmiks

No I haven't purchased a REL yet. I went to my local HiFi store over the weekend to have a quick listen to the HT1003. There are only two REL dealers in Brisbane and neither of them have the 1508 which is a real shame. The HT1003 performed admirably for a 10" low powered version. Had some good punch in a 2.1 system and integrated well with the Dynaudio bookshelves on demo. I just wish I could hear the 1508 before making my decision!

On 22/08/2021 at 12:41 AM, dannyngx said:

Another approach I've heard of from a hifi store, they're quite proud they're the only one doing this (?) is essentially splitting the bass region into different frequency bands and get 2 or 3 different subwoofers, each only doing its assigned band.

 

They put all subwoofers in the front next to each other. I think this actually give more headroom to each subwoofer. In your case, I suppose you could get a ported to play under 30hz and the Rel to do stuff above it. 

 

I've only listened to it briefly in their store, so can't say how it works in the home though.

Interesting concept. I do like the idea of two highly regarded subs working in tandem to offer the best of both worlds.

On 22/08/2021 at 7:37 AM, AudioGeek said:

Have had loads of subs over the years. Best results were with multiple subs and dsp - they dont have to match. Most cost effective has been diy.

 

If I had to rank subs in my listening spaces

 

1. Dayton 18inch sealed with hypex plate amp/ LxSub4 (best with music)

2. Rythmik F15HP / Seaton Submersive 

3. SVS 13Ultra

4. Pradigm/REL/M&K - these were a long time ago.

 

The surprise performance for me has been 2 x Krix Volcanix slims which I recently added to my HT setup due to compact size. They are seriously under-rated!

Thanks for the thoughts. Krix Volcanix was another model recommended to me by my local HiFi store. They're hoping to get one in within the next week or two so I'll try to have a listen before making my decision. On paper they don't stack up against some of the big guns but sometimes subs can be deceptive.

On 22/08/2021 at 1:55 PM, Ray H said:

I would be inclined to try a Rythmik 18 added to your current SVS.

 

I would then sell the SVS as funds permit and try to add a second Rythmik later.

 

I have owned a lot of mainly music proficient subs, Rel, JL Audio, Martin Logan etc.

I just received a REL 212SX, can’t wait to try it. I think REL is definitely better for music than theatre. I have yet to hear the new theatre range, predator etc. But I know this is the first time REL have created a sub range that is optimised for theatre rather than music.. I still don’t think the predator would have the punch of the bigger rythmik’s.

 

TBH I think Rythmik is about the best combination of cost and multi functionality you can buy. They are very good at dual role music/theatre systems and well priced to boot.

 

If you want a sub with more precision JL Audio is the go to imo, but definitely not the bang for your buck of Rythmik.

 

Good luck with your search, apart from moving them, putting a new sub in the system is always heaps of fun IMO.

If you can access the 1508 for a listen then I'd encourage it. Post your feedback here if so!

 

I think my heart is telling me to go the Rythmik as it will likely be an endgame sub for me. No need to upgrade for a long time and will barely be breaking a sweat in my space. Two of them is pretty pricey though and it is a bit more complicated with the distributor network. Can't just walk down to my local HiFi shop or repairer if any issues.

[dannyngx]

8 minutes ago, OzJustin said:

I think my heart is telling me to go the Rythmik as it will likely be an endgame sub for me. No need to upgrade for a long time and will barely be breaking a sweat in my space. Two of them is pretty pricey though and it is a bit more complicated with the distributor network. Can't just walk down to my local HiFi shop or repairer if any issues.

 

Well if any issue, I suppose you could send parts of it for repair or check. Shouldn't be too difficult to remove woofer or amp at the back. Obviously that's worst case scenario. Mine still survives after plugging in live signal with power on a few times. I'm lucky it hasn't blown the woofer yet.

 

I think if you want best support/warranty, that's probably either Krix or SVS.

 

Having said that, haven't seen many reported issues with any of these reputable brands.

[Ray H]

42 minutes ago, OzJustin said:

If you can access the 1508 for a listen then I'd encourage it. Post your feedback here if so!

i wouldn’t bother personally mate, the 1508 wouldn’t be as good as the last 10 subs I’ve owned. But this is about you not me, tbh demoing subs is a pretty hit and miss anyway, how they will sound in your system is really hard to garner from an in store demo.

 

As I said in my post, I’d stump up for the Rythmik/S as it doesn’t seem like demoing will be possible in Brisbane anyway.

[SlawMan]

I would be going for dual SVS 3000 micro units (and probably will be myself soon).  My 3000 competes with my PB12 plus in a mid sized room, it is quite amazing they have been able to get such a small box to to that.  The ability to tune the units from an app makes it MUCH easier to tune it in from your listening position.