Used Velodyne DD-12. Is it a good buy?

[smihalik]

My never ending quest for the right sub at the right price continues...

I've Decided on either a custom build from Funkywaves.net or going the used route.

I've come across a Velodyne DD-12. In its day this was a monster of a sub, but the design is 6-7 years old now. Owner claims it's only a year old, but it's probably older than that.

Owner is asking a lot IMO ($1900) but is willing to negotiate quite a bit. Lets say I can pick it up for $1000, would this be a good deal? Would I be better off going the custom route for the same money? Is the DD-12 past it's prime now?

For those who don't know, I'm in Canada. Often what is a good deal in the US ends up costing double here with shipping duties and taxes. So far these seem like the two best options for me.

 

[j_garcia]

IMO, you will get more for that money with DIY. If the SMS was separate rather than built in, then it would be worth it, but though these subs sound great, they tend to give up a fair amount of output if your room has a lot of modes to correct. You can correct manually as well, but I wasn't as blown away by the DD-15 as I expected for the price.

 

[jostenmeat]

No, IMO, it's not a good buy even at 1k. You can land a JL F110 for about $200 more here, at least in the US.

And neither will touch the output of some of the subs you are considering already.

 

[j_garcia]

The SMS is probably the most expensive thing about that sub, but you can get an SMS separately for less (used they are around $350) and add it to another sub.

That is kind of like the guy who is trying to sell a 10yr old Marantz receiver for $1k on Craigslist claiming it was $2K originally. That receiver has been selling for $300 used for years. Just because someone thinks it is worth that, doesn't mean it actually is.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I think I have been searching for a perfect sub for years. I have had 3 in the past couple of months. I guess basic bang for your buck is in a good DIY. I had a great DIY but wanted to go back to something more simple.

Keep in mind that the time you pay for the outboard amp, something to EQ it properly, an automated way to turn it on and off and a good driver, about the only thing you save money on is the box.

In my case, I can't build a box so that cost another $500-$700.

I have now settled into an Utra which gives me >90% the performance of the DIY and no hassle. It hands down beats the Servo-15 and the JL F113 that I had at a fraction of the cost.

 

[smihalik]

I think I have been searching for a perfect sub for years. I have had 3 in the past couple of months. I guess basic bang for your buck is in a good DIY. I had a great DIY but wanted to go back to something more simple.

Keep in mind that the time you pay for the outboard amp, something to EQ it properly, an automated way to turn it on and off and a good driver, about the only thing you save money on is the box.

In my case, I can't build a box so that cost another $500-$700.

I have now settled into an Utra which gives me >90% the performance of the DIY and no hassle. It hands down beats the Servo-15 and the JL F113 that I had at a fraction of the cost.

Budget permitting I would grab an Ultra in a heartbeat, unfortunately thats not the case right now I'll have to leave that one for when the inevitable upgrade bug bites.

The custom stuff from FunkyWaves.net seems to be the best bang for buck right now.

 

[MatthewB.]

I agree see if you can get a B stock PB13 ultra for a about 1300. or dual DIY subs for about 1200.00

 

[smihalik]

I agree see if you can get a B stock PB13 ultra for a about 1300. or dual DIY subs for about 1200.00

No B stock available in Canada....ever

 

[billy p]

Budget permitting I would grab an Ultra in a heartbeat, unfortunately thats not the case right now I'll have to leave that one for when the inevitable upgrade bug bites.

The custom stuff from FunkyWaves.net seems to be the best bang for buck right now.

A lot of our American friends don't understand the difficuilty with getting a sub here..unless of couse you overpay for a crappy POS from your local BM store. I'd take my sub over any pb12nsd or pb12 plus FWIW...the ultra is another story but it will cost you 2G's up here fwiw.
Ya all have a good weekend, Bill...

 

[MidnightSensi]

A lot of our American friends don't understand the difficuilty with getting a sub here..

Is that because of import duties?

 

[billy p]

Is that because of import duties?

That is one factor and some ID companies (ie:Epik) don't even ship here..the last I looked. Svs is really our only viable ID option, but the pb12nsb costs 729.00 plus shipping and GST your looking at <900.00 for that sub and I said no thanks to Sonicboom and Svs.

 

[smihalik]

A lot of our American friends don't understand the difficuilty with getting a sub here..unless of couse you overpay for a crappy POS from your local BM store. I'd take my sub over any pb12nsd or pb12 plus FWIW...the ultra is another story but it will cost you 2G's up here fwiw.
Ya all have a good weekend, Bill...

+1

Americans are so lucky when it comes to buying stuff. You pay so much less than any other country in the world.

Canada is not even that bad. Go to Australia and try to buy a luxury car. Your looking at about 3X the US price. Porsche Turbo in the states ~120k, in australia its ~350k. About 180k in Canada.