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sub for Aktimate mini+

S

ShowponyStuart

n00b
Joined
Jun 14, 2012
Messages
22
I have aktimate mini+ and am looking to add a sub. Im am looking to spend $400-500 but will stretch a fair bit (maybe up to a grand if the sub is phenomenal and you can convince me its worth going broke for lol)

At the moment I am leaning towards a wharfedale diamond 9 SW-150 (400bucks).
But am also considering the AS8 and krk 10s (500 odd each).

Its a smallish room and I want it pretty much just for music. I listen to a huge variety of stuff classic rock (acdc, slade, black Sabbath) to alternative stuff (some other stuff: System of a down, queens of the stoneage, muse, florence and the machine etc etc) etc etc but I am guessing it will be most beneficial for my guilty pleasure (cough *dubstep*cough).

You're gunna hate me for this, but I kinda want both that punch (shake the air out of my lungs) and tight quality bass as well. Obviously I have to compromise, but not sure which one I would prefer to compromise lol. (Note I would also like if the bass has a cutoff so that the aktimates wouldnt play the lower frequencies but im not sure if thats a different matter.)

any advice?
 
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ShowponyStuart said:
EDIT
I had a look, I cant seem to find anywhere to buy them in Australia. Which is a shame, they look pretty decent.
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Reason you can't find anyone that carries it is because they are factory direct.

Send them a e-mail and see what shipping would cost to Australia.

That HSU is lilkely going to be the best bang you can get for under $500.
 
Yep, they will ship to the Aus. That might be spendy, but the sub I linked is leaps better than what you mentioned.
 
LeninGHOLA said:
Yep, they will ship to the Aus. That might be spendy, but the sub I linked is leaps better than what you mentioned.
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Yeah, I really like the look of it and it keeps cropping up when people are asking about subs in this price range. (It gets down to 25hz!!)

I just went out and bought a Wharfdale sw150 then actually. But if i can figure out how to get em to ship it to me (and the total is under $550) I will take it back tomorrow and order that one. I just cant seem to find where it says they will ship to Aus (ive even tried just buying it and whacking in my address)

EDIT: If I do figure out how to get them to ship to australia, do you rekon it will be worth springing an extra hundred buck for the VTF-2 MK4?? It looks even better! admittedly it would be overkill....but then again, so it absolutly every thing I do. hence why I am perpetually broke lol.

EDIT EDIT: Only just saw the post about emailing them. Ill do that now.
 
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So two questions,

1) What would the best way to hook this sub up to my aktimate mini+ (pretty much same as audio engine A5+ but better :p) {Note: I have a Xonar essence STX}

2) How reliable are HSU, I would hate to have a sub shipped out and its a bit dodge and then have to wade knee deep in crap to get it all sorted.

(oh, and i am seriously considering going the VTF-2 MK4....worth it? Or just stick with the VTF-1 MK2?)
 
Do your Aktimate mini+ have a variable pre-out rca jack like the A5+? If so, RCA to sub would work.

They are considered one of the best here in the US. I can vouch for the quality, as I have an STF-2 and their HB-1 mk2 bookshelves, which sound great.

Find out what shipping would cost before stepping up to another model. I will say the extra hundred dollars for the VTF-2 is worth it if you need it. You say you have a smallish room, how big is it?

You can always drop in on their forums and ask anything you need, the good Dr. Hsu is quite personable and helpful, as are his staff.
 
LeninGHOLA said:
Do your Aktimate mini+ have a variable pre-out rca jack like the A5+? If so, RCA to sub would work. .
Click to expand...

Im not sure if its variable (I dont think so, maybe it is?) but the list of connections are as listed
Inputs: 2 Pairs RCA stero sockets and 1x3.5mm Jack plug
Outputs: 1 pair RCA cable stereo sockets (unfiltered) for connection to sub or daist-chain to second pair.

To be honest though, I have my wharfdale connected up to the speaker output via RCA cable and I feel like im not getting much bass. Atm I am just running from my integrated audio on the asus rampage IV extreme mobo but would I be better off connecting the sub to the sound card and then the speakers to the sub rather than the way I have it?

LeninGHOLA said:
if you need it. You say you have a smallish room, how big is it?
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Haha I probably dont need it, but I definitely like big bass, but still like it tight.
 
Even if it's not variable you could hook the sub to the mobo and the speakers to the sub, you'd just have to adjust volume in Windows to avoid having to adjust both independently (on sub & speakers)... Lemme know how much they quote you for shipping, I'm curious.
 
Impulse said:
Even if it's not variable you could hook the sub to the mobo and the speakers to the sub, you'd just have to adjust volume in Windows to avoid having to adjust both independently (on sub & speakers)... Lemme know how much they quote you for shipping, I'm curious.
Click to expand...

Yeah I have it hooked up like that now (with my wharfdale) and its pretty amazing. The only thing is that the volumes do have to be done separately though Im hoping when my griffin powermate multimedia controller arrives that will all be sweet and easy.

On that topic, ive been hearing stuff about wasapi or something to avoid having to use windows sound controller. Anyone played around with this?

Ill let you know when they get back to me too about shipping costs. Thing Im concerned about is that if it comes over and something is wrong, they will replace it under warranty but ill have to pay shipping costs. That could end up pretty bad if that happens, thats my biggest concern atm.
 
Many sound cards also have separate Subwoofer and main Left & Right outputs. This is likely one of the best ways to hook them up if the speakers don't have a variable output.
 
pwrusr said:
Many sound cards also have separate Subwoofer and main Left & Right outputs. This is likely one of the best ways to hook them up if the speakers don't have a variable output.
Click to expand...

I installed the sound card a moment ago. So I hooked the wharfdale SW150 up to the Xonar STX via RCA cables and then Used RCA cables from the subs output to the Aktimates RCA input. Its sounding real good atm....but then again, I am stepping up from logictech Z4s to this setup! :D :D :D
 
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Impulse said:
.. Lemme know how much they quote you for shipping, I'm curious.
Click to expand...

Merchandise cost $449, (1)VTF1-1MK2 Satin Black)
Shipping cost $448.46, shipped via FedEx Int'l Economy
Total cost: $897.46

Merchandise cost $549, (1)VTF2-1MK4 Satin Black)
Shipping cost $499.64, shipped via FedEx Int'l Economy
Total cost: $1048.64

.....

..Yeah... I dont think I will be buying them. I would be better off spending a grand on a sub that I can get over here, that is just way to much for shipping.
 
Yeah that's crazy, now I'm scared to ask what the shipping to Puerto Rico would be like, hah...
 
ShowponyStuart said:
Merchandise cost $449, (1)VTF1-1MK2 Satin Black)
Shipping cost $448.46, shipped via FedEx Int'l Economy
Total cost: $897.46

Merchandise cost $549, (1)VTF2-1MK4 Satin Black)
Shipping cost $499.64, shipped via FedEx Int'l Economy
Total cost: $1048.64

.....

..Yeah... I dont think I will be buying them. I would be better off spending a grand on a sub that I can get over here, that is just way to much for shipping.
Click to expand...

:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

That's alot more then I thought it would be :(
 
Impulse said:
Yeah that's crazy, now I'm scared to ask what the shipping to Puerto Rico would be like, hah...
Click to expand...

pwrusr said:
:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

That's alot more then I thought it would be :(
Click to expand...



Its crazy hey. There is no way any sane person would pay that much shipping for a sub. may as well buy a grand worth of sub from somewhere close. \

They obviously are just happy selling to people in america, which is a shame because they looked like really nice subs. Oh well.
 
SVS are a great choice as well. If you can pick one up locally, that would be ideal. Shipping is very expensive from everyone.
 
Rythmic Audio has options starting at ~$550. Their subs are fast, accurate, and some of the most musical in the industry. I cannot recommend them enough.

Direct:
http://www.rythmikaudio.com/

Australian Distributor:
http://www.audiosalon.com.au/Rythmik_Audio.html

Edit: SVS is an excellent choice as well. Rythmik and SVS tend to be my go-tos, with Rythmik being favored ever so slightly for music (faster response, one of the few subs that can really keep up with magnepans and the like) and SVS for large room home theater (in my opinion).
 
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TESLA said:
Rythmic Audio has options starting at ~$550. Their subs are fast, accurate, and some of the most musical in the industry. I cannot recommend them enough.

Direct:
http://www.rythmikaudio.com/

Australian Distributor:
http://www.audiosalon.com.au/Rythmik_Audio.html

Edit: SVS is an excellent choice as well. Rythmik and SVS tend to be my go-tos, with Rythmik being favored ever so slightly for music (faster response, one of the few subs that can really keep up with magnepans and the like) and SVS for large room home theater (in my opinion).
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Your opinion isn't too far off from what I've read in reviews :cool:
 
mm, Rythmik seem like they have a frequency response that stretches much lower then others in the price range. And even subs that are a LOT more expensive the subs dont get down anywhere near 14hz.

In my experiance when something seems too good to be true its usually because it is. There must be sacrifices made elsewhere??

(on a side note: No thoughts on the subsonics? Ive heard a couple of good things, which a couple of people who swear by them. Anyone vouch for them or found them to be not as good as expected?)
 
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I have doubts due to cabinet design and port length that those subsonics wouldn't chuff, unless they are output limited.

The Rhythmiks are great, too. Though they will not get as loud as the SVS or Hsu alternatives.
 
Yep, most Rythmik designs favor sealed enclosures. Their ported enclosures do not measure as well (I believe), but they will have more output.

For your intended use, however, you should not have an issue with output.

Their least expensive offering, the FV12, does not go down to 14 Hz, but rather it drops off right around 20 Hz, from looking at the curve. If you read 14 Hz in the description, it is likely you read about the setting for bass extension. That was just a tuning example, and not indicative of how low the sub will go.

Also, this is an ID dealer. Compare their offerings to SVS, HSU, Emotiva (relatively new offerings, but they are great for budget consciousness), and etc.. Comparing ID to dealer sourced units is never going to be a fair comparison.
 
Ive been off the planet for a bit but im back on it now lol. I am pretty keen on the Rythmik F12 signature but buggered if I can figure out how to buy one of the Australian distributors site. Can even find an email address on there to contact them. So unless I can figure that out, ill probably end up going the SVS PB-12. I hoping I dont end up disappointed lol
 
Really like my SVS - I bought a PB12-Ultra/2 a few years back to round out my home theater setup. They are really solid subs - LOTS of good, clean distortion free deep bass.
 
TESLA said:
Rythmik Australia Distributor Contact:
richard@audiosalon.com.au via http://www.audiosalon.com.au/About_Us.html

That being said, if SVS is easier to obtain at your location, you should have zero misgivings about purchasing one of their subs. As stated, both offer fantastic equipment.
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haha, god im retarded. Just emailing the bloke now about it. Should I be considering any of those optional extras you get get when you look on Rhythmiks website?

"Change to A370PEQ with HPF outputs for those without bass management or"
"Upgrade to A370XLR2 (with one XLR in and one XLR out)"
"Upgrade to A370XLR3 (with two XLR ins)"

Would I benifit from any of these?
 
HPF is useful mostly for two-channel systems where you do not have a dedicated sub output on your volume controlled source.

The chain would look something like this:
Volume Controlled Source > 2x RCA > Sub Stereo In >> Sub HPF Out >> 2x RCA >> 2 Channel Amplifier >> Speakers

Essentially, you would be using the crossover within the sub rather than the crossover within a receiver, preamp, or a sound card to filter out the low frequencies from your (front) speakers.

The XLR2 option is useful for chaining subs using XLR. If you bought two subs, one sub would serve as the master and the second as a slave. The slaved sub would use all of the settings of the master sub. This is a useful option for home theater as two subs help with room placement and not all receivers or processors have dual sub outs.

The XLR3 option is useful for 2 channel if you have a volume controlled source with XLR outputs.

If you had a volume controlled source with simultaneously active RCA and XLR outputs (such as the Emotiva XDA-1), for example, the chains may be:
Volume Controlled Source > 2x XLR > Sub Stereo In
Volume Controlled Source > 2x RCA > 2 Channel Amplifier >> Speakers

So the XLR2 and the XLR3 offer different connection options, and neither really changes the sound of the sub at all. They exist for added convenience and chain simplification, depending on your system configuration.

I should also note that XLR tends to do better over very long line level runs. So if your sub is 30 feet from your receiver, it is often best to run XLR rather than RCA to the sub. (XLR has better noise rejection, etc..) For short runs and clear (of interference) runs, however, just choose whichever gives you the best connection option(s) unless you want the master/slave function of the XLR2.

Edit: I should also mention that there are HP (high power) options for most subs, as well as PEQ and non-PEQ variants of the plate amps. The HP option doubles output to 600W total (versus 300W or 370W). The PEQ options add parametric EQ and are essentially (in my opinion) a necessity if you do not have solid bass management in your receiver, processor, or preamp.

Both of the XLR versions (I believe) have PEQ variants as well as the non-PEQ variants.

(Also, not all PEQ, HP, and connectivity options are independent of each other.)

Personally, I wouldn't bother with HP (600W option) for a 12" sub. The PEQ option is, however, almost always a good idea.
 
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TESLA said:
Personally, I wouldn't bother with HP (600W option) for a 12" sub. The PEQ option is, however, almost always a good idea.
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Ahh okay. I was hoping to have a high pass filter to protect my speakers a little bit (Aktimate minis). It does have PEQ, is there much difference between the PEQ3 and the PEQ?

At the moment this is how it stands,

Rythmik 12 = $1290 incl postage
- No high pass filter (con) {note checking atm if the HPF is available}
- Has PEQ (plus)
- 14 - 100Hz

SVS SB12-NSD = $885 incl postage
- Seperate High pass and unfiltered line output (Plus)
- No parametric equalisation (con)
- 23-270Hz


Which would you go?

[edit] If the HPF option isnt available for the Rythmik, im probably leaning more towards the SVS now.
 
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There have been slight differences between PEQ versions.

Other than knowing of the HPF option, I have not personally used this sub, however, and would not feel comfortable commenting on the differences in PEQ with the HPF option, sorry. I would email Rythmik directly with any questions here (and not the distributor).

It is also possible that the HPF option does have PEQ3, and that the naming convention is just off on the model.

I wouldn't really worry about damaging your speakers as they are self powered. It is more about controlling distortion. Keeping very low frequencies away from your fronts, which may not be able to handle such low frequencies without distortion, especially at volume, is often beneficial.

That said, it is difficult to judge how important this will really be to you in your situation, and how much benefit, if any, you will see. You are using powered monitors with active crossovers and not bookshelf speakers, and you are talking about music and not HT. I don't know how much distortion you will see with the AktiMate Minis at low frequencies versus them simply dropping off, given the size of your space.

So it's up to you to say if HPF is necessary on the sub. You may be looking more for supplementary bass.

As for SVS versus the Rythmik in the comparison above, I would think the Rythmik to be better. $400 better? Eh, depends on who you ask and what your personal finances and/or preferences are like. Also, my comment about always going with the PEQ option was directed towards buying a Rythmik product, but DSP/PEQ will be potentially very useful to anyone in your situation.

It is also worth noting that, from reading the specs on the SVS site, the SB12-NSD's HPF outputs look to be locked at 80Hz. (I could have misread, though, and I am not sure about Rythmik's option.) I am not sure if that matters to you as 80Hz is still a decent enough crossover point, even if it may not be the best.

Personally? For your intended use I believe you will be very happy with either option, and I am thus inclined to steer you towards saving some money and going with SVS.
 
A HPF limits the lower end frequencies, not the upper end ones. Both have them, otherwise they would exceed excursion limits and damage the drivers at high volumes. LPF is used to cross over the top end on speakers.

Both subs can be crossed over on a receiver at 80-150hz, depending on requirements.
 
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A LPF is what is placed in front of the sub driver. HPF outputs in subs are different and have nothing to do with the sub's driver.

In terms of, say, a bookshelf speaker, a LPF will be before the woofer(s)/mid-range and a HPF will be before the tweeter.
 
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