Rythmik F15HP vs PSA XS15SE

[jsc1979]

Hello all, new to the forum.

I am looking to pair up a sub with my Ascend Acoustics Sierra 2's and I have narrowed my choice down to either Rythmik F15HP or PSA XS15SE. It will be used for a 50/50 split for HT and music. I listen to all rock type music. It also has to be sealed due to size constraints. My living room is 14x17 with 9' ceilings. The backside is all open up to the kitchen/dining area with a space approx 32'x23' w 9' ceilings.


I have found some good reading/reviews on the PSA but not much about the F15HP.

 

[crossedover]

I'd go with the rythmik. Ultra low bass it has enough of advantage for your room size regarding HT. Musically mid bass will also be slightly more output. Both are good but the rythmik has a slight advantage across the board.
http://www.data-bass.com/systems

 

[Steve81]

I'd go with the rythmik. Ultra low bass it has enough of advantage for your room size regarding HT. Musically mid bass will also be slightly more output. Both are good but the rythmik has a slight advantage across the board.
http://www.data-bass.com/systems

You might be thinking of the ported FV15HP vs the sealed F15HP? I'm not aware of any bench tests of the F15HP. OTOH, Josh's test results of the XS15se were superb, especially considering the price, which is nearly $400 less than the Rythmik in matte black when accounting for shipping.

 

[its phillip]

I'd go with the rythmik. Ultra low bass it has enough of advantage for your room size regarding HT. Musically mid bass will also be slightly more output. Both are good but the rythmik has a slight advantage across the board.
http://www.data-bass.com/systems

The FV15HP is on data-bass, not the F15HP. Too bad because an objective comparison would be nice.

I would imagine the F15HP is a fine sub, but so is the XS15SE. Sorry for not being much help

 

[slipperybidness]

I will say that the F15HP is a BEAST! It has no problems in my open floorplan house.

But, if I owned the PSA, I would probably be saying the same thing!

But, I work just a few miles from the Rythmik shop, so that was a big advantage for me to go Rythmik (i.e. if I ever need support then he is in town).

 

[jsc1979]

I might have to just flip a coin. The review of the XS15SE on Data Bass is very positive.

As far as cost, since I bought speakers from Ascend, I can get a 5% discount on the sub and it is on sale for $1074. $1074- 5% = 1,020.30. The kicker with Rythmik is it is $108 to ship bringing it up to $1,128.30. The PSA is $799 shipped.

Just wondering if the $328 is justifiable.

 

[slipperybidness]

That's a pretty good price on the F15HP.

I bought mine as B stock. 1 little knick at the back corner. I walked away for $1K cash, no shipping since I went to the shop to haggle and pick it up.

I'm not familiar with the PSA.

1 item to consider: the F15HP does have a very, very flexible amp with lots of config options. If you are the type that likes to plop it down and play, then the PSA may have a simpler setup. If you are the type that likes a plethora of options and likes to tweak and dial it in, then the Rythmik may be a better choice (but the amp on the Rythmik can be a bit overwhelming at first).

 

[jsc1979]

I also have a $150 visa gift card I can apply towards it too so the actual out of pocket would be $978 on the Rythmik and $650 on the PSA.

Anyone have any good pics of the mate finish on the Rythmik? I couldnt find much on the website. Im assuming it is more of a vinyl wrap. I like the sprayed on finish of the PSA.

 

[jsc1979]

My goal is to be under 1k.

 

[Steve81]

One other thought: given the size of your space, have you considered a pair of LV12R's? Individually they aren't any bigger than the F15HP, but a pair will have a fair output advantage down low.

 

[jsc1979]

There is no way the wife will allow two subs. She already complains about my two little bookshelf speakers on stands. lol She doesnt get the whole nice sounding stereo thing to say the least. Ive been obsessed with it since I was a kid so she just has to kind of deal with it. lol

I just sold my old Paradigm 5.1 system and am slowly getting it back up to snuff. Just gonna run a 2.1 for a while until I can get my basement finished.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I might have to just flip a coin. The review of the XS15SE on Data Bass is very positive.

As far as cost, since I bought speakers from Ascend, I can get a 5% discount on the sub and it is on sale for $1074. $1074- 5% = 1,020.30. The kicker with Rythmik is it is $108 to ship bringing it up to $1,128.30. The PSA is $799 shipped.

Just wondering if the $328 is justifiable.

I would go with the cheaper one.

$328 could almost buy you a new iPad Air ($370 delivered).

I think actual audio difference may be diminishing. They both appear to be very good.

 

[jsc1979]

I think you are right. I'm gonna go with the PSA.

 

[billy p]

I know the wife would not likely agree....order both and if you decide the $300ish more is better spent on the F15hp...simply return the xs15se at no cost to you. Last year around this time I was auditioning 2 subs and my wife in my living room....she was not overly excited with the idea when I told her she certainly understood. Ha....women are sometimes like that...

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I think you are right. I'm gonna go with the PSA.

I'm sure your wife would like a new iPad.

But seriously, it always comes down to need/want.

My family room is 18' x 20' x 10', which opens to the formal living with 15' ceiling, formal dinning room with 15' ceiling, and kitchen. I have a good idea of how much bass I need.

I think either of those 2 subs can shake your room like an earthquake.

 

[jsc1979]

The sub I am used to was an old Paradigm PW 2200 v1 so either of the two subs I am looking at will blow the grill of of the Paradigm.

I guess am still torn, for some reason I keep thinking the Rythmik will sound better, or be more accurate I should say.

I also spoke with Dave at Ascend and he recommended the F15hp. I do understand he sells Rythmik, but I do value his opinion as well. His speakers sound amazing.

 

[billy p]

The sub I am used to was an old Paradigm PW 2200 v1 so either of the two subs I am looking at will blow the grill of of the Paradigm.

I guess am still torn, for some reason I keep thinking the Rythmik will sound better, or be more accurate I should say.

I also spoke with Dave at Ascend and he recommended the F15hp. I do understand he sells Rythmik, but I do value his opinion as well. His speakers sound amazing.

Yup...Dave and Brian must share the same philosophy when it comes to how things should sound & their relationship. I was torn too...I would suggest go with your GUT and don't look back...like was mentioned above by ADTG the actual audio would be minimal at best.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I guess am still torn

It's almost like buying a new MacBook Air 11.6" with the i5 processor for $850 or the with the i7 processor for $989.

In this case, I would get the i7 MacBook Air for only $139 more.

But in the case of the Rythmik vs PSA, I don't think the actual audible difference is even noticeable in your 14' x 17' room.

 

[slipperybidness]

Yup...Dave and Brian must share the same philosophy when it comes to how things should sound & their relationship. I was torn too...I would suggest go with your GUT and don't look back...like was mentioned above by ADTG the actual audio would be minimal at best.

I think that is a good assessment.

FWIW, when I met Brian (Rythmik) I talked with him a total of about 1 hour on a couple different days because I went to see the B stock item from work and did not have my truck with me. He uses Ascend for his HT. I would bet that Dave probly uses Rythmik subs in his HT too.

 

[3db]

Like slipperrybidness eluded too, the Rythmik offers flexability in setup and tuning that the PSA does not. Whether or not its worth an additional $300 clams is up to you.