your choice for best 'consumer' subwoofer

[Steve42]

With only those choices and for "Free", the DD-15.

If I had to actually pay for the subwoofer, then my answer would be this:

I would personally go with the seperate SMS-1 EQ ($599) and either the Earthquake MKV-15 ($1400 from authorized dealers) or the Maestro ($2100) from ACI and save some money. This is just my opinion as I have heard the DD series, ACI subs and the MKV-15.

Above 25Hz the MKV-15, imho is very close to being as good for music as the DD series (and the ACI Force which I have owned) which I've demo'd before in my room. Someone over on AVS actually liked the ML Descent better than the DD-18 by just a little for music. But not sure how good it does in the SPL and/or the HT department.

I do know that the Maestro (and MKV-15 for that matter) both have more SPL than the DD-15 for HT down low. If you check the charts over at AVTalk on the Servo-15v1, you will notice the DD-15 does better, however the v2 has like 3-4 times the output of the v1 above 35Hz as stated by Ed Mullin and Illka. And according to a guy who tested both the Servov2 and the Maestro side by side in the same room measured them as about equal in the SPL department (and preferred the Maestro for music). And just to compare to the DD-15 for example at 20Hz to the Maestro. The DD-15 max. (GP) SPL is 92dB at 20Hz, and the corrected GP measurements of the Maestro are a about 100dB at 20Hz.

Anyway, there are always choices and they should be based on more than just numbers. Max SPL at any given freq. and at what level of THD is one thing, but there are a lot of other variables that one should consider. How low do you really want or need a sub to go? How much does one use it for music and movies? How big is your room, how loud do you like it, and do you have size restrictions of the actual subwoofer itself? How much money are you willing to spend?, etc.... BUT, in the end it all should come down to personal choice. I have no doubt that if say the DD-15, the ML, the MKV-15, and the Maestro were compared directly to eachother in listening tests in the same room without looking at graphs and without knowing which one is playing, some people would have definate preferences to any of the four. Some I'm sure would be happy with any of them.

If someone is in the market for one of these quality subs and have the money and the time, try them all out. Hopefully you can do so either by 30-day trial (in the case of the Maestro, pay only return shipping if you don't like it) or by a dealer loan. Or if you really want to know, buy them out right and be prepared to sell the ones you don't like after you have figured out which is best for you to your ears in your room.

I would whole-heartedly recommend an EQ like a BFD or SMS-1 if you don't decide on something like the DD series subs though.

Btw. throw in the likes of the higher end SVS and Hsu models too. If one is planning on paying $4000 for a sub, they can afford a few return shipping charges (though with SVS and Hsu you will have to eat shipping both ways).

Anyway, that's my take on the it. Just another opinion of the masses.

Steve

 

[kgb540]

DD-15. overall, you just cant beat it. The Earthquake MK-V15 is not too far behind but isnt as easy to integrate into your system (for obvious reasons).

 

[Steve42]

The Earthquake MK-V15 is not too far behind but isnt as easy to integrate into your system (for obvious reasons).

Thanks, I forgot to mention that, you are absolutely correct. However, the SMS-1 makes it pretty darn easiy (based on experience).

 

[kgb540]

Steve, I was agreeing with you totally about the MK-V15. It is UNREAL!! I have owned both the DD-15 (still do) and the MK-V15 and if the Earthquake was as well equiped as the DD-15, it may be too close to call. Now, I kinda wish I still had the MK-V15!!!!!!

 

[Steve42]

Yeah, I currently own the MKV-15, glad to hear of someone who has owned one too. For anywhere near the cost and size (I paid $1400 from a dealer) there is nothing I have heard that comes close for music passages and for HT. And I've owned a lot of subs from SVS, Hsu, ACI, Velodyne, etc.
When I heard BHD for the fisrt time with the MKV-15, the F***** Irene scene, it was like I have never heard it before. Most people just wouldn't believe what SPL's this thing can reach especially when you look at it's size (about 17" cubed). And then for it to sound so damn good for music too, life is good.
With the use of the SMS-1, it puts the MKV-15 on that next level IMHO.

P.S. Sorry to side track the thread.

 

[majorloser]

I'd have to go with the Velo.

 

[Sheep]

I'll take the Def Tech TRINITY, thank you!

A true FR graph costs extra.

SheepStar

 

[Steve42]

A true FR graph costs extra.

SheepStar

LOL That was good Sheep.
But after one pays all that money for the sub itself, they probably don't want to see the real graph.

And you are right on the money. Imagine if they tested as good as Def Tech. says they measure. I used to own a SuperCube (for a VERY short time), practically no output below 25Hz, and I mean nothing. I'm sure the top of the line model is better, but based on experience with DF subs, I usually do not recommend them.

That said, they do sell and people do like them. Can't argue with personal preference I guess..... It would be funny to see someone do a blind test against some of the other subs mentioned here, and see what they think afterwards.

 

[Sheep]

Yeah, denial is apparent through the Deftech camp.

The SuperCube III measured 44Hz at -6dB in room.

..booooo.

SheepStar

 

[MAX661]

I have had my Trinitiy measured down to 16hz by my calibrator, and he was very impressed with it. I would place it more on par with the Velo DD-18 because the sheer spl it puts out is amazing... except it costs half the price, And yes I have spent a significant amount of time with both the DD-15 & 18...
The DD series was actually my first choices after having owned Velo's before.

However, with as good as the Trinity performs it still did not match Def Techs specs {10 hz} so take what there website says with a grain of salt. As far as value goes I obviously put the Trinitiy among the Very top of consumer models available.

 

[Sheep]

Good post MAX661.

I too think they are a good value. I just wish they were less misleading.

SheepStar