Review of Rythmik F12G (G designates the paper driver version of the F12)

[KEW]

Reviews of Rythmik subwoofers are a rarity, and this one somehow escaped my notice for the past 7 years!

However, it is a great review with the first thorough commentary on the controls of the Rythmik amps (with measurements) that I have found, as well as @ErinH 's insights on how the driver and the controls and the room come together to influence the final SQ. I had some good "ah-ha" moments as I read through it and expect if I come back in a year or two from now will have a few more as the conceptual model in my head and the details of how things work attempt to converge!

Rythmik Audio F12G Direct Servo Subwoofer In-Depth Review

Rythmik Audio F12G Direct Servo Subwoofer In-Depth Review

www.erinsaudiocorner.com

 

[ryanosaur]

Reviews of Rythmik subwoofers are a rarity, and this one somehow escaped my notice for the past 7 years!

However, it is a great review with the first thorough commentary on the controls of the Rythmik amps (with measurements) as well as @ErinH 's insights on how the driver and the controls and the room come together to influence the final SQ. I had some good "ah-ha" moments as I read through it and expect if I come back in a year or two from now will have a few more as the conceptual model in my head and the details of how things work attempt to converge!

Any Linky to share?

 

[KEW]

Any Linky to share?

DOH!
I added it above!
THX (as in "thanks")!

 

[KEW]

There is some debate as to the effectiveness/relevance of the servo system.
Unfortunately there is not much discussion of that as regards sub performance; however, if I follow correctly Erin does mention that the Servo system affords the extent of tuning options provided by the plate amp, which is of significant benefit.

 

[ryanosaur]

There is some debate as to the effectiveness/relevance of the servo system.
Unfortunately there is not much discussion of that as regards sub performance; however, if I follow correctly Erin does mention that the Servo system affords the extent of tuning options provided by the plate amp, which is of significant benefit.

I've thought the same way, myself. If I understand it correctly, the servos add an element of control that other subs require DSP or wired filters to achieve. This is not a statement of value for any approach.
I think the tune-able aspects of the servo is what makes it so alluring to me, and suspect that the people arguing so fervently in favor of servo subs are of the same thought process (but with kool-aid!).
I still concur with Shady in that the Subs, until put to the test and shown otherwise, are no better or worse than the other commonly recommended Subs... I'm just tired of the marketing hoopla that says they are more musical or whatnot.

Would love to see one benched by Shady!

 

[slipperybidness]

I've thought the same way, myself. If I understand it correctly, the servos add an element of control that other subs require DSP or wired filters to achieve. This is not a statement of value for any approach.
I think the tune-able aspects of the servo is what makes it so alluring to me, and suspect that the people arguing so fervently in favor of servo subs are of the same thought process (but with kool-aid!).
I still concur with Shady in that the Subs, until put to the test and shown otherwise, are no better or worse than the other commonly recommended Subs... I'm just tired of the marketing hoopla that says they are more musical or whatnot.

Would love to see one benched by Shady!

Servo tech is awesome, I know because I run the F15HP!

LOL.....dunno if it is the servo or some other secret sauce. But, Rythmik is a local company and Brian knows what he is doing!

 

[ryanosaur]

Servo tech is awesome, I know because I run the F15HP!

LOL.....dunno if it is the servo or some other secret sauce. But, Rythmik is a local company and Brian knows what he is doing!

I have no doubt that Brian knows what he is doing. I talked to him about using a Rythmik Driver in a TL build, something he wasn't familiar with, unfortunately. Would be cool to try, as the numbers that matter seem to be in the right place.

 

[slipperybidness]

I have no doubt that Brian knows what he is doing. I talked to him about using a Rythmik Driver in a TL build, something he wasn't familiar with, unfortunately. Would be cool to try, as the numbers that matter seem to be in the right place.

I met him at the shop when I bought my F15HP several years back (got it B-stock, and they don't have much B-stock). It is a very small operation, I think it is just him and 1 other employee, maybe 2. A small commercial/industrial park in a slightly seedy part of town.

I was on the fence, really thinking SVS was where I was headed. Then, a B-stock sub became available, and I realized they are a local company, which adds value to me (local support, keeping the $ in the local community).

I was curious, and at least back then he told me that he runs Ascends in his personal home theater (not surprising given Ascend's reputation and that they also sell his subs).

Edit--He holds degrees in Electrical and Acoustical engineering out of USC. He designs both the amps and the drivers! I'm pretty sure it is all manufactured in China.