Best Quality Subs?

[SAPHANA]

Today I received the replacement amp for my SVS SB16 subwoofer for my HT system. It’s already the 3rd amp in less than 2 years.

My SVS SB16 has plenty of power and behaves very well in my system...when it works. SVS has generous 5 year warranty and super fast&good customer support. However, I would rather own subs which do not need services at all.

I have KEF and JL subs in my other systems. One of the KEF had its amp replaced once as well. I also read a lot of posts about troubles with JL but fortunately mine still go strong.

What’s your experience with your subs when it comes to quality? Now I really worry about what I can do about my subs if they break again but out of warranty.

[Antonmb]

I’ve had 5 different REL subs and never had a problem with any of them. I have 3 in my HT setup that have been trouble-free for 10 years.

However, 3 amps in the same sub in 2 years would seem to indicate something else is wrong with your sub or your setup.

[Weirdcuba]

RELs, no issues here.

[gadawg]

No issues with my pair of Martin Logan Balanced Force 212s

George

[W9TR]

Subwoofer longevity (I’m assuming this is what you meant as you’d had 3 go TU in a short time) is an exercise in material science and mechanical engineering.

I like JL because they have roots in auto stereo which is all about having stuff stay together under extreme conditions.

I like REL because they have a long history of powered subwoofer design and manufacturing.

All the manufacturers have had trouble with plate amps vibrating apart, no one escaped this unscathed including REL and JL.

I think any of the specialty sub companies like JL, REL, and Velodyne are safe bets.

I’m surprised SVS is having so much trouble with reliability. All these companies outsource their electronics design and assembly, which is not bad in and of itself but takes savvy supplier management and in-house engineering.

Tom

[SAPHANA]

Thanks to everyone!

If the amp is so easy to break due to the nature of subs, why not separate it out? I know in the past subs used to work that way but why it changed?

[audioguy3107]

Originally Posted by SAPHANA

Thanks to everyone!

If the amp is so easy to break due to the nature of subs, why not separate it out? I know in the past subs used to work that way but why it changed?

If the primary use is music in a 2 channel system, I still haven't heard a sub as musical as a pair of stereo RELs, including the JLs of which I have in my home theater. I have compared and the RELs really do blend in nicely with your front speakers. If I was building a home theater from the ground up, I would probably go with a pair of JLs.

- Buck

[W9TR]

Originally Posted by SAPHANA

Thanks to everyone! If the amp is so easy to break due to the nature of subs, why not separate it out? I know in the past subs used to work that way but why it changed?

A lot of people are doing just that. There are some threads in other forums on the topic. Manufacturing cost and connection simplicity have driven the plate amp change.

[chessman]

I have used 3 JL Audio F113s for 5 years with only one failure during a high volume viewing of a known “sub killer” movie.

[Msegal]

I use REL subs in a two channel system for many years. Great sound and no issues yet.