passive radiator question

[bacapicker]

Is there a rule-of-thumb for comparing SPL output between a sub with a passive radiator and single driver configurations?
I am looking to replace my Velodyne va1012xii that has 10" front firing driver and 12" bottom firing passive radiator and curious if a sub with single driven 12" driver (everything else being equal) would produce more, less, or same output? In other words, is there a rough equivalent to this configuration? One 10 ", two 10 "'s, one 12", one 15"? Or just buy the most sub you can afford and be happy?

 

[TheWarrior]

Is there a rule-of-thumb for comparing SPL output between a sub with a passive radiator and single driver configurations?
I am looking to replace my Velodyne va1012xii that has 10" front firing driver and 12" bottom firing passive radiator and curious if a sub with single driven 12" driver (everything else being equal) would produce more, less, or same output? In other words, is there a rough equivalent to this configuration? One 10 ", two 10 "'s, one 12", one 15"? Or just buy the most sub you can afford and be happy?

True, buy the best you can afford. But go out and listen to as many as you can so you can decide which sealed vs. ported you prefer.

As with anything, DIY definitely gives the best bang for the buck!

 

[Swerd]

Is there a rule-of-thumb for comparing SPL output between a sub with a passive radiator and single driver configurations?

The passive radiator in your sub woofer should not be thought of as a second driver. Instead, think of it as a bass reflex port, a 12" diameter shallow port.

The advantage of a passive driver over a reflex port is that it will never generate air movement noise. The disadvantage is it costs more.

 

[bacapicker]

That makes sense. What doesn't make sense is how well this 10" 'ported' sub (100w, 250w peak) performed in my large room (about 5000 ft^3) with music and HT. Granted, the other 5 speakers are all full range Def Tech - all but center are bipolar), I prefer flat EQ, and my room is higher than it is wide. Everything I read says I should need a bigger sub or subs. Perhaps my demands are easy - volume rarely above -15 (I do value SQ over SPL but do appreciate a thump in the chest). I'm thinking any of the choices below will be an improvement:
Rythmik F12 or E15HP
SVS sb13u
JL e112
I know, apples an oranges, but I seem to want sealed and I have real space restrictions (even the E15 and sb13u are 2" too deep for my space), and only really need 60hz and lower. With my 'low' volume levels, the F12 is probably more than enough. What do you think? Are there other 'compact' sealed subs I should consider?

 

[markw]

I have the Velo VAX1012 and I also have a BIC F12. The Velo is a superior unit. What it sounds like is that for a room that size, multiple subs ae called for.

 

[bacapicker]

I could never get 2 subwoofers in my living room - after 31 yrs of marriage I'm all about avoiding conflict. So, I get one, and the ones that fit (max is 18x18x18.5" lwd) are:
Rythmik F12
PSA S1500
JL e112

e112 is certified for large rooms, s1500 hasn't been rated AFAIK but is prob the same. F12 would probably rate for Medium room. Just guessing. What I should do is demo the s1500. What I'll probably do is spend too much for e112.

I can listen to the e112 down the street at Sound Advice (saw the 10" e110 but they didn't play it). I other 2 subs I read about and search for comparisons to the e112. Probably due to price difference and different driver sizes I can't find any direct comparisons. I may just stay paralyzed awhile longer waiting to read a pro review of s1500.

 

[speakerman39]

I could never get 2 subwoofers in my living room - after 31 yrs of marriage I'm all about avoiding conflict. So, I get one, and the ones that fit (max is 18x18x18.5" lwd) are:
Rythmik F12
PSA S1500
JL e112

e112 is certified for large rooms, s1500 hasn't been rated AFAIK but is prob the same. F12 would probably rate for Medium room. Just guessing. What I should do is demo the s1500. What I'll probably do is spend too much for e112.

I can listen to the e112 down the street at Sound Advice (saw the 10" e110 but they didn't play it). I other 2 subs I read about and search for comparisons to the e112. Probably due to price difference and different driver sizes I can't find any direct comparisons. I may just stay paralyzed awhile longer waiting to read a pro review of s1500.

I have dual PSA S1500's and love them. Can't recommend them enough. Rythmik is also highly regarded. JL offers a great product, but for the money there are better options. At least, that is what I have garnered here and on other forums. Both of my S1500's are B-stock and work perfectly. Good luck in your decision.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[bacapicker]

Thanks for your reply Phil. How do you like the S1500 for music?
Steve

 

[speakerman39]

Thanks for your reply Phil. How do you like the S1500 for music?
Steve

The S1500's are the most musical subs that I have ever owned. Trust me when I say, I have owned many many subs. The S1500's are very tight, punchy, and articulate. Have gotten very picky about what I look for in my bass. Music is my preference. Really don't worry about HT too much anymore. However, will watch a movie or two every now and then. The S1500's deliver on all accounts. Keep in mind your room and placement is key to good quality bass. Good luck with your decision. Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[bacapicker]

Thanks Phil,
Sounds like the S1500 would meet my needs as well.
Steve