Sunfire SDS-12?

[speakerman39]

Folks, has anyone here ever had any experience with the Sunfire SDS-12 powered sub? I am fully aware of Bob Carver and his very impressive achievements. I am sure the S-12 will be very good for HT applications. But, how would it be musically speaking? I found this review here:

http://www.soundandvision.com/content/review-sunfire-dynamic-series-sds-12-subwoofer#bqgSiImcjyvAhs7Z.97

There was some useful information contained in the review, but I want to know more. I am thinking about getting (2) of the S-12's. From what I can tell, the S-12 just might meet my needs. Looking for tight, punchy, and well articulated bass. Likewise, I also want decent extension with respect to HT applications. Suffice it to say, I am more than willing to give up some extension in order to gain in tight, punchy bass when listening to music.

I also know the HRS series of Sunfire subs are much better, but unfortunately they are also out of my price range. I have ordered a Rythmik L12, but it is NOT in stock and maybe not until the end of January. Can't afford to get (2) L12's right now. But, I can get (2) S-12's. Thus, I am thinking about canceling my order for the Rythmik L12 and ordering (2) Sunfire S-12's. Is this a good idea? Here is info on the Sunfire SDS-12:

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_877SDS12/Sunfire-SDS-12.html?tp=187

Cheers,

Phil

 

[djreef]

This should tell you all you need to know.

Frequency response

27 to 108 Hz ±3 dB

Bass output (CEA-2010 standard)

• Ultra-low bass (20-31.5 Hz) average: 88.1 dB

20 Hz 76.5 dB

25 Hz 86.6 dB

31.5 Hz 101.2 dB

• Low bass (40-63 Hz) average: 119.4 dB

40 Hz 117.3 dB (L)

50 Hz 122.4 dB (L)

63 Hz 118.4 dB (L)

As far as music goes a pair would be adequate, but they aren't HT subs. I'd say stick with the Rhythmik, and add another when you can. Nothing sucks worse than subwoofer buyer's remorse.

DJ

 

[speakerman39]

This should tell you all you need to know.

Frequency response

27 to 108 Hz ±3 dB

Bass output (CEA-2010 standard)

• Ultra-low bass (20-31.5 Hz) average: 88.1 dB

20 Hz 76.5 dB

25 Hz 86.6 dB

31.5 Hz 101.2 dB

• Low bass (40-63 Hz) average: 119.4 dB

40 Hz 117.3 dB (L)

50 Hz 122.4 dB (L)

63 Hz 118.4 dB (L)

As far as music goes a pair would be adequate, but they aren't HT subs. I'd say stick with the Rhythmik, and add another when you can. Nothing sucks worse than subwoofer buyer's remorse.

DJ

Yeah, I looked at those readings. Lots of energy in the 40 Hz range which should make them plenty loud. But, I am more concerned with them being punchy, tight, and etc. Obviously, not a lot of output down real low. But, I am NOT too concerned about that, but musicality is a MUST.

Giving up some extension down real low is no big deal. Was hoping someone here has actually owned one? I really like the physical size of the S-12. This deal is almost too good to pass. Thanks for YOUR input.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[djreef]

Subs hot in the 40Hz-50Hz range tend to sound slow. For some reason that frequency tends to resonates in a lot of rooms creating a good deal of overhang. Needless to say, tight and articulate doesn't come to mind. Plus, I'm not a big fan of passive radiators. Stay the course with what you've ordered. I think your patience will pay off.

DJ

 

[speakerman39]

Subs hot in the 40Hz-50Hz range tend to sound slow. For some reason that frequency tends to resonates in a lot of rooms creating a good deal of overhang. Needless to say, tight and articulate doesn't come to mind. Plus, I'm not a big fan of passive radiators. Stay the course with what you've ordered. I think your patience will pay off.

DJ

YOU do have a point DJ. It looks like I will stay with what I have. Sad part is, it may be a longer wait just got an email from Rythmik. Not sure just yet what I am going to do. Tough decision. Appreciate YOUR input.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[Sams]

I have been looking at the hrs subs for a bit. They are sold really cheap from various stores on Amazon, but of course they are not authorized purchases.

 

[speakerman39]

I have been looking at the hrs subs for a bit. They are sold really cheap from various stores on Amazon, but of course they are not authorized purchases.

The place I am getting a deal is an authorized dealer. At least, that is what I was told. I will now contact Sunfire just to make sure. The S-12 looks to be a viable option for me. However, there is NOT a lot of output down low. What concerns me the most, however, is musical performance. Does NOT look like anyone here has owned one or has first hand experience with the S-12. What are YOUR thoughts on the S-12?

The HRS line looks to be very impressive. But, then again they are also much more expensive. I owned a Carver amp one time back in my car audio days. It was very nice. Just never owned any Sunfire powered subs. So, I am a bit torn on this one.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[Seth=L]

The general impression I get from the HRS & SDS subwoofers is that they are basically the TrueSub for the budget conscious. I was not impressed with the TrueSub and I wouldn't expect the HRS to be any better.

 

[speakerman39]

The general impression I get from the HRS & SDS subwoofers is that they are basically the TrueSub for the budget conscious. I was not impressed with the TrueSub and I wouldn't expect the HRS to be any better.

I have never heard the Truesub or any other Sunfire powered subs. So, I really have no idea how any of them perform. What was it that YOU did NOT like about the Truesub? Just curious is all. Appreciate YOUR input Seth.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[Seth=L]

I have never heard the Truesub or any other Sunfire powered subs. So, I really have no idea how any of them perform. What was it that YOU did NOT like about the Truesub? Just curious is all. Appreciate YOUR input Seth.

Cheers,

Phil

Incredibly difficult to get it to sound right in the room (finicky placement, dodgy settings), doesn't have as much "punch" as other lower priced sealed and ported subwoofers.

 

[speakerman39]

Incredibly difficult to get it to sound right in the room (finicky placement, dodgy settings), doesn't have as much "punch" as other lower priced sealed and ported subwoofers.

Very interesting. It is not looking too good for the S-12. Think I am going to stick with the Rythmik L12. Just have to wait until they come back in stock. It is doubtful right now that I will be able to order a second. Sooner or later though, I will have dual L12's. Thanks once again Seth.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[Seth=L]

Very interesting. It is not looking too good for the S-12. Think I am going to stick with the Rythmik L12. Just have to wait until they come back in stock. It is doubtful right now that I will be able to order a second. Sooner or later though, I will have dual L12's. Thanks once again Seth.

Cheers,

Phil

It's no problem. I just don't want to see you make the same mistakes I've made. It's easy to grab on to what seems like a good deal on a new piece of audio equipment without taking into consideration that while, yes, it seems like a good price, but you have to live with the decision you made whether you like it or not. Better to make the right choice the first time and not be disappointed. If only I had been using this logic years ago.

 

[speakerman39]

It's no problem. I just don't want to see you make the same mistakes I've made. It's easy to grab on to what seems like a good deal on a new piece of audio equipment without taking into consideration that while, yes, it seems like a good price, but you have to live with the decision you made whether you like it or not. Better to make the right choice the first time and not be disappointed. If only I had been using this logic years ago.

Exactly! Trying my best to make well informed decisions before pulling the trigger. Appreciate the heads-up!

Cheers,

Phil