Anybody familiar with Rythmik subs?

Acoustat

Acoustat

Full Audioholic
Hey guys, I'm ready to purchase the Rythmik sub for my system.
The ML 50XT centre should be here tomorrow, and the sub will
for the time being, suffice the build.

Really happy with the ML 40s for surrounds, great choice.

Now, the sub will probably be the F15 HP.
The EF15 (compact sub) just doesn't really catch my ear
by thoughts alone. What's the difference in a compact and full sized
cu.ft. and how would that affect the performance?

I'm not ruling out 2 F12's with the smaller 300 amp
but shipping might force me back to a single 15.
I just don't know the savings, purchasing more than 1 from Rythmik.
I should be on the tele with them tomorrow.

Any thoughts? Silver cone worth the upgrade cost $50 ea. or just easthetics?
Any particular connect cable I should look for?
 
TLS Guy

TLS Guy

Audioholic Jedi
Hey guys, I'm ready to purchase the Rythmik sub for my system.
The ML 50XT centre should be here tomorrow, and the sub will
for the time being, suffice the build.

Really happy with the ML 40s for surrounds, great choice.

Now, the sub will probably be the F15 HP.
The EF15 (compact sub) just doesn't really catch my ear
by thoughts alone. What's the difference in a compact and full sized
cu.ft. and how would that affect the performance?

I'm not ruling out 2 F12's with the smaller 300 amp
but shipping might force me back to a single 15.
I just don't know the savings, purchasing more than 1 from Rythmik.
I should be on the tele with them tomorrow.

Any thoughts? Silver cone worth the upgrade cost $50 ea. or just easthetics?
Any particular connect cable I should look for?
I think the silver cone is cosmetic.

In your situation with higher than usual crossover point, I would really encourage the 2 F12s. That is a much better option for you.
 
KEW

KEW

Audioholic Overlord
Depending on where you anticipate crossing over, you might also consider the F12G which is suggested for crossover between 80 and 120Hz (per Rythmik).

From the Rythmik Website:
The main performance difference is in the drivers. F12G uses a paper driver designed by GR Research. The paper driver is lighter than our standard aluminum drivers and has a more extended response. It can handle a higher crossover point, however, this is only significant when crossing above 80 Hz If a higher crossover point is desired, F12G is the subwoofer of choice.
If you put two of them in the cart, the savings will be reflected. I think it is 10% off.

But give them a call, it is always good to get a sense of how well a manufacturer interacts with potential customers before buying.
 
L

laulau

Enthusiast
Hey guys, I'm ready to purchase the Rythmik sub for my system.
The ML 50XT centre should be here tomorrow, and the sub will
for the time being, suffice the build.

Really happy with the ML 40s for surrounds, great choice.

Now, the sub will probably be the F15 HP.
The EF15 (compact sub) just doesn't really catch my ear
by thoughts alone. What's the difference in a compact and full sized
cu.ft. and how would that affect the performance?

I'm not ruling out 2 F12's with the smaller 300 amp
but shipping might force me back to a single 15.
I just don't know the savings, purchasing more than 1 from Rythmik.
I should be on the tele with them tomorrow.

Any thoughts? Silver cone worth the upgrade cost $50 ea. or just easthetics?
Any particular connect cable I should look for?
The difference between the F15HP and E15HP (other than physical size) is only in their max. output. The F15HP can play 0.5 dB louder (at 20 Hz comparison).

Discounts - If you purchase 2 subs at the same time, you get 10% off each sub. If you purchase 1 sub now and 1 sub later (after 30 days), you get 10% off the 2nd sub. They also have military discounts.

As already mentioned, silver cone is for appearance only. Your choice.

If you will be driving them with a prepro/AVR with bass management, then you could use the LFE input on the sub which would allow you to crossover up to 200 Hz (but disables the phase and crossover controls). If you don't have bass management controls and need to use the phase and crossover controls on the sub, and need to crossover higher than 100 Hz, then as KEW stated above, the GR driver would be the one to look at.

Cables...well, I'll say that I use Blue Jean Cables. They use good materials, are well constructed and I can order exactly the length I need. As far as other cables, ummm, I'm not going there.

HTH
 
BoredSysAdmin

BoredSysAdmin

Audioholic Slumlord
Rythmic make very competent subs, but just add some oil to fire you can get as capable (or even more) 15" sealed sub for less
http://reaction-audio.myshopify.com/collections/frontpage/products/ps-15x-1000w-sealed-subwoofer
which has been reviewed by very objective tester here:
http://www.data-bass.com/data?page=system&id=113

also Why only sealed? Is size is a requirement? Correctly designed vented sub is as music capable as any sealed sub, with advantage of being much more efficient, but bigger box
 
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Acoustat

Acoustat

Full Audioholic
The difference between the F15HP and E15HP (other than physical size) is only in their max. output. The F15HP can play 0.5 dB louder (at 20 Hz comparison).
Thanks for the reply, I didn't know that.
Discounts - If you purchase 2 subs at the same time, you get 10% off each sub. If you purchase 1 sub now and 1 sub later (after 30 days), you get 10% off the 2nd sub. They also have military discounts.
Yeh, I'm afraid $200 bucks off then add it back in shipping, I cannot afford 2 ATM as TLS had suggested.
As already mentioned, silver cone is for appearance only. Your choice.

If you will be driving them with a prepro/AVR with bass management, then you could use the LFE input on the sub which would allow you to crossover up to 200 Hz (but disables the phase and crossover controls). If you don't have bass management controls and need to use the phase and crossover controls on the sub, and need to crossover higher than 100 Hz, then as KEW stated above, the GR driver would be the one to look at.
LFE, OK, I studied this a little earlier on, and have since lost my thought train. Still "green" here, my AVR is a Denon 4000X with Audyssey 32 Platinum
that includes Bass Eq. I started to confuse LFE with XLR balanced input and had to reset my thoughts.
I would indeed like to cross at 100-120Hz. What would be the best way to accomplish that? I'll answer why to BSAs' input.
Thanks for the time and input. All your alls's input is greatly appreciated.


Cables...well, I'll say that I use Blue Jean Cables. They use good materials, are well constructed and I can order exactly the length I need. As far as other cables, ummm, I'm not going there.

HTH
Rythmic make very competent subs, but just add some oil to fire you can get as capable (or even more) 15" sealed sub for less
http://reaction-audio.myshopify.com/collections/frontpage/products/ps-15x-1000w-sealed-subwoofer
which has been reviewed by very objective tester here:
http://www.data-bass.com/data?page=system&id=113

also Why only sealed? Is size is a requirement? Correctly designed vented sub is as music capable as any sealed sub, with advantage of being much more efficient, but bigger box
Hi Bored SysAdmin and thank you for your reply. To answer why sealed, and why a higher crossover point is lucrative…
TLS Guy had recommended that with my full range fully electrostatic Acoustat mains, that since their cross over
(an external switch for a passive sub) carries 100Hz and down freeing up the panels to allow higher SPL with the panels
operating only above 100Hz. To answer your question, the sealed is desired, for a non resonant blend with the mains
as ESLs are non resonant.

I'm hoping size is NOT a requirement, other than being a sort of sizable room 15x28 give or take, which is open via an 8' wide
archway into another large room, 15x25. So sub size should probably be larger than 10" I presume.

Thanks for the links on the RA subs !
Free ship is a big plus.
What I was going for with the Rythmik and buying into, was the direct servo technology.
Admittedly, I don't understand how it is achieved, but was thinking it should help with
matching with the ESLs better with less resonance.
The RA is more powerful, more SPL than I would ever need, and 5 yrs on driver warranty.
I'll mull this over and read the review you linked. Thanks again!
 
Acoustat

Acoustat

Full Audioholic
I think the silver cone is cosmetic.

In your situation with higher than usual crossover point, I would really encourage the 2 F12s. That is a much better option for you.
What are your thoughts on the RA vs the Rythmik?
Keeping in mind I still probably will only be able to afford a single sub as 10% off probably won't cut it.
Having purchased the ML 50 XT this week, ML Motion 40's last month and the Denon 4000 the month before that…
funds aren't at a fun level :)
 
KEW

KEW

Audioholic Overlord
The LFE input will get you output above 80Hz, but I am pretty sure Rythmik's intent in recommending the F12G is that the lighter cone performs better at these frequencies. We are talking slight differences, but that is what makes Rythmik competitive (it is not marketing:rolleyes:).
Brian seems pretty OCD about making sure customers end up with their best option. If you go Rythmik, talk to or email him before/when you buy to let him double check your homework!
 
Acoustat

Acoustat

Full Audioholic
The LFE input will get you output above 80Hz, but I am pretty sure Rythmik's intent in recommending the F12G is that the lighter cone performs better at these frequencies. We are talking slight differences, but that is what makes Rythmik competitive (it is not marketing:rolleyes:).
Brian seems pretty OCD about making sure customers end up with their best option. If you go Rythmik, talk to or email him before/when you buy to let him double check your homework!
Ok I hope Brian is easier to understand than the guy I always get (thick accent).
I left a voice mail Tues, haven't heard back yet.

Does anybody know if the Direct Servo is worth the difference?
Obviously they would answer yes, but the RA subs BSA linked, are more doable price wise.
For all practical purposes, I may prefer not to use the sub for typical music listening.
That will have to be decided, and mixed up a bit once I get the sub(s).

I Think I could afford 2 of the RA 500W subs (S-15 500w). Maybe, just maybe a pr of the PS-15x 1000's.
Just off the tele with Reaction Audio. They say there's a difference with the direct servo of Rythmik
and they compete up to 90% of the performance of the Rythmik, but outperform the SVS Ultra
which was his 1st statement, and when I brought up the Rythmik. Pretty credible sounding.
RA did say I could buy one of the PS-15x's and they would honor the pair pricing even 6 months
down the road for a return customer…hmmmmmm

EDIT:
I read the Data Bass review BSA linked, (they don't have a Rythmik sealed sub review)
looked up Rythmik vented review at Data Bass then called Rythmik.
Brian's in a meeting, but from our conversation, I got that for my room size ~3,000 cf
if I did a single sub, the vented is my choice, but to match with my speakers, a pair of
sealed subs, as TLS Guy had said previously, would be my best bet.
They want over $1700 for a pair of F12's bummer. Sh/h is $136 each
 
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BoredSysAdmin

BoredSysAdmin

Audioholic Slumlord
Two capable subs are always better than one (located in correct places) You'll get more even room response. Read by on room acoustics books by Dr.Floyd E Toole
http://www.amazon.com/Sound-Reproduction-Acoustics-Psychoacoustics-Loudspeakers/dp/0240520092
here (also from Harman)
http://www.harman.com/EN-US/OurCompany/Innovation/Documents/White Papers/multsubs.pdf

and our own AH guide here: http://www.audioholics.com/subwoofer-setup/multiple-subwoofer-setup-calibration-1

some good info here (audio only)
 
KEW

KEW

Audioholic Overlord
I would say if you are not going for music SQ and given cost concerns, you are probably better off not getting Rythmik. You will get more low frequency energy out of other brands for the same money.

The servo technology in a sealed sub is pretty impressively tight for music.

Scroll down to post #102 to see Jman's comparison of E15HP ($1273 shipped) vs SVS SB13Ultra ($1600 shipped).
http://www.avsforum.com/forum/113-subwoofers-bass-transducers/1471574-rythmik-e15-vs-svs-sb13-ultra-4.html#post24544440

I doubt it changes the situation, but the shipping rate you mention isn't right. This is what it looks like when I put it in cart...
Product Quantity Price Amount
F12BM Black Matte with A370PEQ3 amp 787.00 1,574.00

All prices are in US Dollars Subtotal 1,574.00
Shipping 169.00
Tax 0.00
TOTAL 1,743.00

Shipping is $169 for two. I just paid $198 to ship two E15HP's (~93 pounds ea if memory serves).

Edit:
I think Jman's description of the differences will generally apply comparing a Servo system to a normal sealed unit. that may or may not be what you are after.
If you look at either the Rythmik amp's power or driver, the Rythmik doesn't look like much, so figure the servo is what allows it to keep up with the SB 13 Ultra.
 
Last edited:
3db

3db

Audioholic Slumlord
Ok I hope Brian is easier to understand than the guy I always get (thick accent).
I left a voice mail Tues, haven't heard back yet.

Does anybody know if the Direct Servo is worth the difference?
Obviously they would answer yes, but the RA subs BSA linked, are more doable price wise.
For all practical purposes, I may prefer not to use the sub for typical music listening.
That will have to be decided, and mixed up a bit once I get the sub(s).

I Think I could afford 2 of the RA 500W subs (S-15 500w). Maybe, just maybe a pr of the PS-15x 1000's.
Just off the tele with Reaction Audio. They say there's a difference with the direct servo of Rythmik
and they compete up to 90% of the performance of the Rythmik, but outperform the SVS Ultra
which was his 1st statement, and when I brought up the Rythmik. Pretty credible sounding.
RA did say I could buy one of the PS-15x's and they would honor the pair pricing even 6 months
down the road for a return customer…hmmmmmm

EDIT:
I read the Data Bass review BSA linked, (they don't have a Rythmik sealed sub review)
looked up Rythmik vented review at Data Bass then called Rythmik.
Brian's in a meeting, but from our conversation, I got that for my room size ~3,000 cf
if I did a single sub, the vented is my choice, but to match with my speakers, a pair of
sealed subs, as TLS Guy had said previously, would be my best bet.
They want over $1700 for a pair of F12's bummer. Sh/h is $136 each
In case you missed it, Rythmik has releases a new sub... Details to come soon according to Brian

http://www.avsforum.com/forum/113-subwoofers-bass-transducers/1214550-official-rythmik-audio-subwoofer-thread-572.html#post29852762
 
Acoustat

Acoustat

Full Audioholic
Two capable subs are always better than one (located in correct places) You'll get more even room response. Read by on room acoustics books by Dr.Floyd E Toole
http://www.amazon.com/Sound-Reproduction-Acoustics-Psychoacoustics-Loudspeakers/dp/0240520092
here (also from Harman)
http://www.harman.com/EN-US/OurCompany/Innovation/Documents/White Papers/multsubs.pdf

and our own AH guide here: http://www.audioholics.com/subwoofer-setup/multiple-subwoofer-setup-calibration-1

some good info here (audio only)
I thought, I was ready to purchase the sub…
According to the AH guide, I'll never have my subs set up properly except with lottery type luck, since one piece
of equipment to set them up is exceedingly expensive (Sencore SP495 FFT Analyzer) I do have a db meter though.
There's no question 2 would be better, but…since we're advised not to skimp in the sub dept. I was in the mind frame
that one great sealed sub now, awaiting a 2nd sub down the road, would be better than 2 compromised subs now.


I would say if you are not going for music SQ and given cost concerns, you are probably better off not getting Rythmik. You will get more low frequency energy out of other brands for the same money.

The servo technology in a sealed sub is pretty impressively tight for music.

Scroll down to post #102 to see Jman's comparison of E15HP ($1273 shipped) vs SVS SB13Ultra ($1600 shipped).
http://www.avsforum.com/forum/113-subwoofers-bass-transducers/1471574-rythmik-e15-vs-svs-sb13-ultra-4.html#post24544440

I doubt it changes the situation, but the shipping rate you mention isn't right. This is what it looks like when I put it in cart...
Product Quantity Price Amount
F12BM Black Matte with A370PEQ3 amp 787.00 1,574.00

All prices are in US Dollars Subtotal 1,574.00
Shipping 169.00
Tax 0.00
TOTAL 1,743.00

Shipping is $169 for two. I just paid $198 to ship two E15HP's (~93 pounds ea if memory serves).

Edit:
I think Jman's description of the differences will generally apply comparing a Servo system to a normal sealed unit. that may or may not be what you are after.
If you look at either the Rythmik amp's power or driver, the Rythmik doesn't look like much, so figure the servo is what allows it to keep up with the SB 13 Ultra.
Music SQ? sorry not following the jargon.

So yeh, other less expensive subs just might do the trick, but I am rather critical in the music area.
Problem is, I am ecstatic with the correct musical reproduction I currently get with my mains. They're awesome! I am afraid
that a sub will colour the sound image extensively, but I will not know, until I try it. I may just love it and wish I'd got a sub for music
years ago, I may not, time and experience will tell. TLS's experience tells me sealed and in pair, forward firing subs, crossed at 100Hz or higher
and placed as close to each main speaker as possible is my absolute best shot at blending with my mains seamlessly.
Then one of the links BSA gave me, calls for sub placement in corners, or side walls, so I'll be relying heavily on Audyssey Bass Eq.
Long story short, it is unknown, how much percentage HT/Music will end up being, but when I listen to music, I strive for excellence.

You are correct that my shipping was incorrect, my selected state, WV, the stated shipping was for 2, not each, my bad.
$1710 was the total with UPS shipping @ $136 for both.

In case you missed it, Rythmik has releases a new sub... Details to come soon according to Brian

http://www.avsforum.com/forum/113-subwoofers-bass-transducers/1214550-official-rythmik-audio-subwoofer-thread-572.html#post29852762
Yes!!! Thanks for that, I did miss it. I don't Facebook but will keep checking website for the F8 mentioned. I do like the switching for HT/Music
but is that like closing off/opening ports ya think? F8, sounds like an 8" driver? Not going to cut it with 3000 cf room.
 
KEW

KEW

Audioholic Overlord
SQ=sound quality.

I have largely been disappointed with the larger subs (most notably a single SVS 12plus) I bought and was gravitating towards pairs of smaller subs (I run bookshelf speakers). The smaller ones were probably giving me the sound you get from your mains (roll off at ~35Hz) - they are more properly called woofers than Subwoofers. The bass wasn't as deep, but nor was it adding stuff that did not belong (to my ear).
 
Acoustat

Acoustat

Full Audioholic
SQ=sound quality.

I have largely been disappointed with the larger subs (most notably a single SVS 12plus) I bought and was gravitating towards pairs of smaller subs (I run bookshelf speakers). The smaller ones were probably giving me the sound you get from your mains (roll off at ~35Hz) - they are more properly called woofers than Subwoofers. The bass wasn't as deep, but nor was it adding stuff that did not belong (to my ear).
That's too bad, I hate to hear the disappointment with the SVS 12+.
I cannot say I get a roll off around ~35Hz but I don't have any way to measure either other than test tones.
I can say however, that deep bass is represented well, but discharges when increasing SPL especially with HT
so for now, without crossing over to a sub, I manage bass, via an external DE-70 Eq.
Pretty sure my response is 20-20 but may be a little better, except I'm at the 25 year mark now with these.
All the more reason to incorporate subs.

ATM the F12 PEQ3 amps are on backorder
 
3db

3db

Audioholic Slumlord
I know my Rythmik sub is entry level but I would seriously put it against sealed subs costing twice or 3x times the cost of the Rythmik in terms of bass articulation only and it would seriously hold its own against them. The bass coming out of that unit is that's tight.
 
Acoustat

Acoustat

Full Audioholic
I know my Rythmik sub is entry level but I would seriously put it against sealed subs costing twice or 3x times the cost of the Rythmik in terms of bass articulation only and it would seriously hold its own against them. The bass coming out of that unit is that's tight.
Which one do you have? If you mentioned it before, I've forgotten by now, sorry.
I'm pretty sure I'm going with the F15 HP, not the compact vs. but I have to measure everything again
to make sure the compact E sub, won't help with front width. If it helped, then I'd go with it instead.
 
KEW

KEW

Audioholic Overlord
Which one do you have? If you mentioned it before, I've forgotten by now, sorry.
I'm pretty sure I'm going with the F15 HP, not the compact vs. but I have to measure everything again
to make sure the compact E sub, won't help with front width. If it helped, then I'd go with it instead.
The E15HP is 17" wide
 
billy p

billy p

Audioholic Ninja
I know my Rythmik sub is entry level but I would seriously put it against sealed subs costing twice or 3x times the cost of the Rythmik in terms of bass articulation only and it would seriously hold its own against them. The bass coming out of that unit is that's tight.

Really...there some very impressive sub in that price range, many of which come from entire Rythmik lineup. What criteria are you forming this opinion on or better yet....please elaborate what subs you've directly compared to the LV12R in order to draw this speculative conclusion.
 
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3db

3db

Audioholic Slumlord
Really...there some very impressive sub in that price range, many of which come from entire Rythmik lineup. What criteria are you forming this opinion on or better yet....please elaborate what subs you've directly compared to the LV12R in order to draw this speculative conclusion.
:rolleyes:


I've been over to friends home who had B&W and Paradigm subs and they didn't impress me with their bass. I told them about my sub and they had come over and their jaws dropped when they heard my sub. They couldn't believe how good it sounded with music. Both of them paid between $1200 and $1700 for their subs. Their subs could play louder and dig deeper but from bass articulation, the Rythmik was every bit their equal. Rythmik's servo technology works exceedingly well.
 
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