Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion Meridian - Systems Subwoofer choice

I am looking to change my subwoofer. My front-end is 861 and 598. All my speakers are passive except my sub which is active. I am looking to upgrade and am down to two - the new Velodyne dd-15 or the Meridian D2500. I would be interested in any comments/experiences with either sub and how well it can be intergrated and how deep and musical it is. The Velodyne spec seems to show a much lower response + - 3dB at 15 Hz whilst the D2500 only goes down to 30Hz! I can't find anywhere to listen to both as yet!

Rob

Have a word over at http://www.avforums.com/

A lot of Velodyne users there and Uncle Eric can normally get you one at a very good price

is there any particualr reason why you don't consider REL?

i heard that Thiel's sub is very good though pricey.

or martin logan for that matter, never heard a "resonably" priced sub that does MUSIC AND MOVIES better than a Descent and you can chain link them if you are mad!
Rel is a great cheaper alternative as well.
listen to them if you can!

The MLs are great subs, the Velodyne DD range are incredible subs (well their predecessors the HGS were) and by comparison the RELs are overpriced rubbish. Not saying they are bad, but the above are so much better at the same price points.
It's easier to find the good Uncle here:
http://www.avtalk.co.uk

how much does the M sub cost? also, does the M sub only take a digital input? if yes, then you have to get a digital output card for the 861. if no then Ill bet it has an analog-digital conversion- and some people would be bothered by this.

for big dollars, Ive always liked the Aerial SW12. its very flexible and I lived with one for a few years and I thought it was really well made, produced a really wonderful sound.

"...by comparison the RELs are overpriced rubbish..."

Ouch! I have a REL Strata III which I am very happy with.

I believe there is some confusion as to the frequency response of the DSP 2500, some info from Meridian says its 30hz and others say its 25hz.

Before you buy an analog sub, be sure your analog output card works properly. I was about to buy one and found my card would not work with my current 861 configuration. Since my digital ouptput card will support eight channels, I am inclined to go with the DSP subs as I will not have to replace the analog output card at a cost of $1,165 USD.

I just looked at the Velodyne direct digital spec sheet. If you have a Version 4 861, wouldn't the equalization features of the Velodyne be redundant with Meridian Room Correction?

Jerry

Do you still use the Aerial SW12 or have you changed. Did you find it reliable and easy to use (was the instruction manual helpful??)

Rob

Waynea asked:


No.

MRC works on all channels, not just the subwoofer from <20 to 250Hz, so there is correction for frequencies which are directed to main loudspeakers only.

It might cut down on number of filters used but that's about it.

Regards,

Rob
I no longer use the SW12. Its been sold and has a new home. This wasnt so much about its performance- it was more that I wanted to go with all Meridian digital speakers. I should tell you that Im not using any sub right now so I cannot speak about the M sub either. I have the 8000s and they generate so much bass a sub is truly not needed.

I had one of the first SW12s delivered and the instructions that came with it were a very early draft. I was promised an update if I would just ask for it, but I never did because I never needed the help. The subwoofer has just about every possible setup covered, and if you are comfortable with audio and audio connections you should have no problems.

I think re: MRC + any sub's eq, you will definately get an interaction between the two, and I would think the way to set it up properly would be to set the sub's eq to 0 or off and run MRC. then if you want to see if you can tinker with it a little later you can, but this way if you dont like the tinkering, you can just shut the eq off and be back at the default MRC settings.

[This message has been edited by JerryL (edited 09-19-2003).]