Aperion Audio Bravus 10D Subwoofer Review

[gene]

My apologies for the intrusion, and kudos to Gene for the excellent review, but I just wanted to clarify some things regarding the MBM. The purpose of the MBM is not to handle frequencies above 80Hz per se, but rather to handle frequencies from 50Hz up to crossover with the main speakers (which is usually no higher than ~80Hz).

Pete its no intrusion at all. You are always welcome on our forums. I'm glad to see you're still in the game. I've called HSU many times asking for you and Dr. Hsu but never got any call backs

Hope you and crew are well.

 

[Pete_Hsu]

Thanks for the welcome Gene, great to talk to you here!

Dr. Hsu can be a hard man to get hold of, due to his extremely busy schedule, and often being in and out of the office. The best way to get hold of me is via email. I will send you an email today so that you have my updated personal email account.

Sincerely,

 

[anamorphic96]

The HSU is 19 x 14 x 18 whereas the Aperion is 15 x 13 x 13. That is a significant difference in size. The cosmetics on the Aperion are also much nicer. Size and looks play a vital role for some people when blending their systems into their room decors. Also there is more to a sub than just pure low end extension.

You are correct in that the size difference is a little more than I thought. But the STF-2 is not huge by any means. To some people yes. I also agree the cosmetics are nicer as well. But its the 800.00 price tag. That's just way to high for what you get in my book. 500.00 would be better price point for this sub.

I know extension is not everything but a sub like the 10d should be able to get below 30hz and not struggle to do it.

 

[anamorphic96]

I compared the 8D to the STF-2 and found the 8D had the superior SQ and hit almost as low as the STF-2 with only the very low notes missing. I didn't notice a significant difference in output overall, however, the 8D does better up high which may be why it felt more musical. The 8D measures in at 13.5 x 12 x 12 and is very pretty Here's the original link:

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?p=537455

So the 8D has strong output below 25hz and usable output at 20hz like the STF-2. I know extension is not everything but I have a hard time believing that the 8D gets that low. The STF-2 is a very clean sounding sub in my book. Especially now that I have an eq hooked up to it.

 

[rnatalli]

So the 8D has strong output below 25hz and usable output at 20hz like the STF-2.

It doesn't, but I found in normal real-world operation, the 8D isn't missing much. At a specific frequency one could argue it's missing alot, but you need specific scenes in movies to find what's missing. For example, in War of the Worlds when the tripod comes out of the ground and starts zapping everyone, some subs simply don't produce the tactile response at all. The STF-2 produces it quite well and the 8D produces it as well, but perhaps at 1/2 the output. I didn't boost the LFE using the 8D's EQ so it may dish out a little more than I experienced. I'd be curious to know how low those death rays are recorded.

 

[anamorphic96]

It doesn't, but I found in normal real-world operation, the 8D isn't missing much. At a specific frequency one could argue it's missing alot, but you need specific scenes in movies to find what's missing. For example, in War of the Worlds when the tripod comes out of the ground and starts zapping everyone, some subs simply don't produce the tactile response at all. The STF-2 produces it quite well and the 8D produces it as well, but perhaps at 1/2 the output. I didn't boost the LFE using Aperion's EQ so it may dish out a little more than I experienced. I'd be curious to know how low those death rays are recorded.

It sound like the Bravus subs perform well. But for the price they don't seem like a good value. Maybe it's just me.

 

[gene]

Small subs tend to be more expensive than big subs b/c they usually have more tech to make them play loud like longer excursion woofers, more powerful amps, and in this case multiple drivers.

 

[kevon27]

Since the reviewer is on a quest to review small but potent subs, I would like the see reviews of Polk's DSW Micro pro line (1000/2000, 3000, 4000)

 

[its phillip]

Nice review. I'd like to see some reviews of some sub-$300 subwoofers though, cuz I'd like a nicer one for my computer area >_>

 

[Tomorrow]

I just acquired a new Bravus 10D and thoroughly agree with Gene's assessment of the unit including its eye-popping SPL performance.

Besides its good looks, it punches out the SPL's with impact that my former office sub (Energy) did not. Of course this unit is a bit more expensive and sophisticated. It's also sealed...my first such. I've owned lots of subs, Hsu, SVS, JBL, etc, and this unit has given the cleanest bass presentation of them all. I get very little sense of ringing or sub overhang. Even though I don't have the ability to put the sub in its optimum location, boominess, in the music mode in particular, is not an issue.

In the week I've had it, I've put all sorts of music through the sub, from rock to pop to orchestral. It fills out the bottom end of my stand mount speakers with aplomb on everything. It mates really nicely with the clarity but limited extension of my ACI LX's.

I ran low frequency sweeps through the Bravus, unaltered to get a sense for the room modes. Using the sweeps and an SPL meter, I noted a substantial peak at 50 Hz. Using the built-in PEQ, I was able to smooth that peak so that in-room FR now is +/-3dB to 31.5 Hz. That's pretty amazing to me and better results than I've been able to get in my HT. (Too many room issues in there, I'd guess.)

But the bottom line is that I now have what I consider a handsome but unobtrusive sized sub that puts out way more SPL's than I could ever use in my 11'x12' room. I won't be replacing this dude for a long time.

 

[mike c]

I just acquired a new Bravus 10D and thoroughly agree with Gene's assessment of the unit including its eye-popping SPL performance.

Besides its good looks, it punches out the SPL's with impact that my former office sub (Energy) did not. Of course this unit is a bit more expensive and sophisticated. It's also sealed...my first such. I've owned lots of subs, Hsu, SVS, JBL, etc, and this unit has given the cleanest bass presentation of them all. I get very little sense of ringing or sub overhang. Even though I don't have the ability to put the sub in its optimum location, boominess, in the music mode in particular, is not an issue.

In the week I've had it, I've put all sorts of music through the sub, from rock to pop to orchestral. It fills out the bottom end of my stand mount speakers with aplomb on everything. It mates really nicely with the clarity but limited extension of my ACI LX's.

I ran low frequency sweeps through the Bravus, unaltered to get a sense for the room modes. Using the sweeps and an SPL meter, I noted a substantial peak at 50 Hz. Using the built-in PEQ, I was able to smooth that peak so that in-room FR now is +/-3dB to 31.5 Hz. That's pretty amazing to me and better results than I've been able to get in my HT. (Too many room issues in there, I'd guess.)

But the bottom line is that I now have what I consider a handsome but unobtrusive sized sub that puts out way more SPL's than I could ever use in my 11'x12' room. I won't be replacing this dude for a long time.

and everyone let this pass? (without pics?!!?!!)



congrats!

 

[Tomorrow]

and everyone let this pass? (without pics?!!?!!)
congrats!

LOL! Okay, but there's not much to show.

EDIT: I should have included a photo of the drivers. They look pretty cool! My bad. Next time.

 

[mike c]

wow, that looks nice.