Audioholics Ultimate Subwoofer Shootout Planned

[gene]

I am planning the Ultimate Subwoofer Shootout to be headed up by Paul Apollonio. I am compiling a list of subs, price and size no object. We will pick about 5-6 subs for this test. The first 5-6 manufacturers that send product are included. If you have a particular product/model you want included, list it here. I will start emailing manufacturers next week.

Here is a list I've personally come up with so far:

• SVS PB13-Ultra
http://svsound.com/products-sub-box-pb13ultra.cfm


• RBH Sound 1010-SEP
http://www.rbhsound.com/product_detail.php?id=1010-SEP/R

• Elemental Designs A6-650
http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_41&products_id=891

• Axiom Audio EP800
http://www.axiomaudio.com/ep800.html

• JL Audio F212
http://home.jlaudio.com/products_subs.php?prod_id=375

• Epik Empire
http://epiksubwoofers.com/empire.html

• Paradigm Signature Sub 2
http://www.paradigm.com/products/paradigm-reference/subwoofer/signature-series/sub-2

• Earthquake MKVI-15
http://www.earthquakesound.com/mkvi.htm

• Revel Ultima2
http://www.revelspeakers.com/ProductDetails.aspx?prdid=35

• Klipsch P-312W
http://www.klipsch.com/na-en/products/p-312w-specifications/

Update: 08/16/10
Based on manufacturer feedback, we are going to be selecting more practically and affordable sized products that people can actually put in their homes. Each product must be under $3k and under 5 ft^3. The entrees will be listed on this page once all of them have been finalized.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Would love to get new Emotiva subs tested out - there barely any reviews for them (10 & 12)

 

[gene]

Would love to get new Emotiva subs tested out - there barely any reviews for them (10 & 12)

We have a UL12 under review now. I don't think it would be fair to include that sub in this shootout though. This shootout is for the ultimate subs, price/size no object.

 

[gene]

We are working on a test plan now but some of the basics that will be tested include:

• MAX SPL vs Frequency per CEA2010 method or equivalent (using 2 meter groundplane)
• Distortion vs SPL
• Group Delay
• Transient Response
• Mechanical Noise test
• Subjective sound quality

 

[gene]

Recommended Reading

In the meantime, I recommend reading the following articles related to this topic at hand:

Trading SPL for Extension in Subwoofers

Subwoofer Measurement Standard

 

[its phillip]

Danley DTS-10, JTR Orbit Shifter LF, Seaton Submersive, and TCA CS-18.2 maybe?

 

[steve_1979]

The twin 18" Elemental Designs A7-900 looks truly epic!

 

[gene]

Guys;

Let's also make sure your suggestions are easily purchasable for consumers.

Also, would you guys even consider putting a dual 18" 300lbs+ sub in your living room>? Or is a sub like the SVS PB13 or Axiom EP800 the max allowable size?

thanks.

 

[sholling]

My suggestion is that you split it into a sealed category and a ported category, with category rankings as well as overall rankings and price level rankings.

My second suggestion is that unless you're using a small room that you almost have to level the playing field a bit with multiples. For example a reader can buy 3 Epic Empires for the cost of a single A7-900 so shouldn't you have 3 empires in the test?

Hsu's ULS-15 should also be included with the same rules. Again you'll need more than one.

 

[its phillip]

Guys;

Let's also make sure your suggestions are easily purchasable for consumers.

Also, would you guys even consider putting a dual 18" 300lbs+ sub in your living room>? Or is a sub like the SVS PB13 or Axiom EP800 the max allowable size?

thanks.

If I had the room (and money), I definitely would. You did say price and size no object

I dunno if you were pointing out some of the ones on my list, but what defines easily purchasable? Some of the subs you've got on your list are much more expensive than the ones I listed. And I definitely agree with sholling - if you can get quad empires or quad uls-15s for the price of one other sub, it'd only be fair to test the quad/triple/dual system if it equals the price of a competing sub.

Of course, that all depends on what manufacturers are willing to send you however many subs :/

 

[gene]

We are not going to compare 1 expensive sub vs 4 cheap subs. I think I've already made that point clear about the benefits of multi subs many times such as here:

Are Two subs Better than One?

Also I see no reason to separate sealed vs ported. The idea here is to gauge overall performance of some of the best subs on the market.

Future subwoofer shootouts may be based on price or size criteria.

 

[jgeorg5]

How about a Definitive Technology Trinity?

 

[shadyJ]

What about Martin Logan's higher end subs, the Descent, and the Depth? They are high end and you can even order them from Bestbuy, I think they should be considered. There is also the Deftech Trinity, that looks to be one of the better subs around. There is also the Velodyne Digital Drive 1812 Signature Edition, seems like there's always a couple of those on Audiogon.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

We have a UL12 under review now. I don't think it would be fair to include that sub in this shootout though. This shootout is for the ultimate subs, price/size no object.

Cool. I guess I missed the word ultimate ....

 

[bigbassdave]

Would absolutely LOVE to see Thor's Hammer reviewed by Wilson Audio.

 

[shadyJ]

Also look at the top end of Funkywaves product line, this is a Canadian company that hasn't had nearly the exposure it deserves. They just came out with a new sub, the FW18.3, that looks like a fantastic cub, albeit not a cheap one. Their subs look just as good as any of the American internet direct sub companies, if not better.

 

[KEW]

We are working on a test plan now but some of the basics that will be tested include:

• 
  ...
• Transient Response
  ...

That kind of sounds like what some ignorant layman like me might call attack speed or tightness - Cool!!!

I guess it may not be in the same Ultimate class, but I sure have read alot of superlatives about the Rythmik subs. I would be nice if you could see if the fuss is justified.
Their F12G is the model which they claim to have the highest accuracy:
http://www.rythmikaudio.com/F12G.html

For audiophiles looking for uncompromising accuracy, our F12G subwoofer is the ultimate choice.

 

[dapack69]

Very cool and can't wait till this takes place.

What kind of connections would you be using? I know it shouldn't make a difference, but I noticed that some of these subs have the option of using XLR cables while others don't. Will you be using just RCA or XLR as well?

 

[BufordTJustice]

I just bought an eD A7s-450 sealed 18" and am very pleased with it. I find it is an often over-looked model and would like to see how it competes with the Epik Empire (it is cheaper when shipping is considered). It would certainly be within reach of a budget-minded enthusiast. Thanks for even considering our thoughts on this. Looking forward to the test!!!

 

[Warpdrv]

Also, would you guys even consider putting a dual 18" 300lbs+ sub in your living room>? Or is a sub like the SVS PB13 or Axiom EP800 the max allowable size?

thanks.

Nice..... should I bring one of mine ?

I'll have 3 of them in my living room.... 300lbs each

Dual opposed 18" LMS's 8000w - 4000w pro amp per driver..