Sub purchase decision - SB13-Ultra or Rythmik or other?

[nm2285]

Hey all

I am stepping up from my SVS PC12-NSD. I think I want the SB13-Ultra, but I'm also considering the Rythmik F12SE and the Rythmik E15. Size is the main constraint here (big reason I had the cylinder sub before, but don't want to go larger). I know I liked my SVS, but I've never heard anything from Rythmik. How would they compare? Any other recommendations?

Space is open floor plan, probably 3250 cu ft. I rarely play at anything near reference levels. Want it to hit subsonics on home theater, but my main concern is accuracy in music.

I'm using an older Denon receiver with Audyssey MultiEQ so while the parametric EQ on the SVS is appealing, would it be very helpful addition or will the receiver do most of the work there?

Thanks!

 

[rnatalli]

I'd have to give the edge in SQ to the Rythmik, but your room is a good size so the SVS may be a better choice. Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong with either choice. HSU also offers the ULS-15 which is a great sub.

 

[Steve81]

Hi Nick,

Regarding the Rythmik E15 vs the SB13U, this thread at AVS may be of some use to you.
Rythmik E15 vs SVS SB13 Ultra

For my part, I've not heard the SB13U, but obviously I'm quite familiar with your PC12-NSD and I have fooled around with all the modes on my PB13U, the sealed mode of which should be roughly comparable, though not identical to the sealed Ultra. While I obviously didn't test them side by side, my thoughts are that the PB13U in sealed mode felt considerably more powerful than the PC12-NSD ever did, so I'd figure the SB13 would be a nice upgrade in output, not to mention a huge aesthetic upgrade. If you're not in a huge rush, SVS will be at Capital AudioFest, and I'd imagine they'd have a SB13U around to play with.

Some other possibilities are the PSA XS30, which is a reasonably compact sealed sub with dual opposed 15" woofers (and the XS15 might be an interesting option as well), and Rythmiks F25 which has dual 15" woofers in a vertical stack and a 19"x23" footprint.

 

[Steve81]

PS: Regarding infrasonic bass below, that will mostly depend on your room; however with a 3000+ cubic foot space/open floor plan, you'd probably need something with a fair amount of displacement such as the aforementioned XS30 or F25 to do it with significant output.

 

[nm2285]

Thanks for the responses. I think anything from Power Sound is out due to dimensions. The XS30 is not huge, but due to space configuration, it would appear too large in the room. Need to keep it closer to the SB13-Ultra, the ULS-15, or the E15. Those seem like the top contenders. Any more opinions on those?

 

[lsiberian]

You would lose output at 20hz to gain output up higher by this change. Just make sure it's a move you want to make.