I'm in the market for a new $1k plus subwoofer and I was looking very seriously at the tower, along with some others from other companies. I've heard some murmuring about Epik lately and I wanted to know more about what's going on. Specifically, when will it even be possible for me to order a tower? I've had a bad experience with a backordered sub in the past and I don't want to repeat it. Waiting over 6 months for a product is not my idea of fun. So, what's up? If I don't hear good news about Epik, my next move is the PB13 Ultra. :cool:

Try Elemental Designs there subs seem to be the best bang for the buck.

I'm in the market for a new $1k plus subwoofer and I was looking very seriously at the tower, along with some others from other companies. I've heard some murmuring about Epik lately and I wanted to know more about what's going on. Specifically, when will it even be possible for me to order a tower? I've had a bad experience with a backordered sub in the past and I don't want to repeat it. Waiting over 6 months for a product is not my idea of fun. So, what's up? If I don't hear good news about Epik, my next move is the PB13 Ultra. :cool:

To the best of my knowledge, Epik ran into an unexpected shortage of drivers and possibly amps. IIRC, it is going to be another month before they start taking orders on anything but the Conquest.

The Epik Tower at $1,099 plus shipping has some happy customers.

I know you said "$1k+" subs... Just how high are you looking. There are some REALLY good subs right around the $2k mark..

Well the Ultra is right at $1600, so right at that mark but not any higher. For the sake of the GF, less than $1600 would be great. :rolleyes:

The 13 Ultra is in stock, has a much better finish, is more refined, has fantastic CS and warranty and it simply kicks some serious ar$e.

You will be very happy.

Just my 2 cents.

Thanks Jet, I'm absolutely drooling over the Ultra, I'm just really hesitant over dropping the 1600 bones. I'll be spending more on my sub than I did on my display. :eek:

Kangaroo,

I love my Epik Tower. Performance is ridiculous and off the charts for the money.

If I had to do it all over again I would. Epik customer service is the one area where they are lacking. Sure the PB13 looks a little better, and is a little smaller in size, but the performance of the Tower and PB13 Ultra should be very close. For the $500 difference it was an easy choice for me.

If you can wait another month I hear they will be taking orders, but that's all speculation right now. They thought January 1 that it would be another month so... depends how long you can and want to wait. The good news is you can't even place an order right now so you won't technically be "waiting" on them.

If you simply can't wait I would buy the A7-350. It looks a lot like the Tower, has similar specs, and is right around the same price. Slightly less actually. They quote their amplifier specs at 1300w versus 500 for the Tower, but I'm guessing these two are much closer in performance than the wattage indicates.

Yeah a7-350 is what I would consider, it's more similar in size to the Castle than Tower, the amp is at least 1000w solid, but that only brings 3 db extra over 500w, the question is if the eD 15" driver is as good as the epik one in the Castle/Tower. The a7-350 15" cone is a beefy driver and much better than the ov.2 series eD normally uses. For $1600 and movies, I'd suggest the new a7-450 over the pb13, it looks like a slightly bigger version of Conquest with free shipping, it has to have tremendous output and extension, along with a very rigid EFS cabinet and a very linear driver, the SQ should not disappoint either.

Thanks Jet, I'm absolutely drooling over the Ultra, I'm just really hesitant over dropping the 1600 bones. I'll be spending more on my sub than I did on my display. :eek:

You wouldn't be the only one, especially once you move out of the display forums. My display moves down the list as one of the least expensive items in my theater as each month passes. But then again, I have a tv upgrade on my list to purchase this spring.

For $1600 and movies, I'd suggest the new a7-450 over the pb13, it looks like a slightly bigger version of Conquest with free shipping, it has to have tremendous output and extension, along with a very rigid EFS cabinet and a very linear driver, the SQ should not disappoint either.

And you base this on???? Has one even been built yet, let alone tested or evaluated? the previous version also looked good on paper, but I've yet to read any positive feedback on one.

I had really narrowed it down to Epik or SVS, but Epik's product availability being in the shape it's in, I feel like I'm being pushed closer and closer toward the Ultra.

As far as a time frame goes, I'll be looking to order at some point in the next two weeks.

From Epik; I received a email from Kathy or Karen not sure about the name that the Castle would be a couple of months before they start producing them again...problem getting parts was the reason. I didn't want to wait so I ended up buying 2 Outlaw LFM-1 EX's and couldn't be happier.

Thanks Jet, I'm absolutely drooling over the Ultra, I'm just really hesitant over dropping the 1600 bones. I'll be spending more on my sub than I did on my display. :eek:
It's hard, but think of how many years you'll be enjoying it. It looks great, you'll be well supported down the road (parts availability should be good), and I doubt you'll be craving for more bass any time soon.

Thanks Jet, I'm absolutely drooling over the Ultra, I'm just really hesitant over dropping the 1600 bones. I'll be spending more on my sub than I did on my display. :eek:

Good man. That is the way it should be. You most certainly have your priorities in order. ;)

Get the Ultra. Who knows when next Epik will take orders. Lots of happy owners on the boards. One guy bought 3 more after his 1st!!! Aside from a great total package product, for customer/product support down the line...............SVS. My sub (Tower) is the most expensive single component in my HT to date. When I first got into this, I used to think no way in hell I'm gonna be spending over $500 on a sub. Did the research and found that if you want a strong performer, it's gonna cost ya (unless you go DIY).

I appreciate the help guys. If I indeed can't work anything out with Epik, I'll be ordering the Ultra. It's getting exciting, it almost feels like Christmas in February! :D

Ultra.......:D

PB13 Ultra free shipping right now

Yeah I know, that's another advantage the Ultra has over the rest of the pack. My only concern now is for my neighbors in this apartment building. Hopefully it helps that it's full of college kids. If I get any complaints, I'll just use the tried and true method of inviting the neighbors over for movie nights and demos. :cool:

Ultra.......:D

OMG, duals...*drool*. What mains and center are you running croseiv? I'll be running rockets with my Ultra if I go through with it.

My first choice WAS dual Epik Towers. However with their stock issues, that brings the ED A7-350 in play. Does anyone know of a review with measurments of the ED A7-350? Would like to see some true data before I pull the trigger. Thoughts?

My first choice WAS dual Epik Towers. However with their stock issues, that brings the ED A7-350 in play. Does anyone know of a review with measurments of the ED A7-350? Would like to see some true data before I pull the trigger. Thoughts?

I couldn't give you specs or a specific review, but I believe it did finish FIRST in a substantial sub comparison by a "sub guy" on this forum that left some time ago (can't recall his tag, sorry). This "shoot-out" contained the SVS ultra, the Epik Castle and a host of others.

I'm fairly certain of this, but please someone correct me if I'm wrong.

James

I couldn't give you specs or a specific review, but I believe it did finish FIRST in a substantial sub comparison by a "sub guy" on this forum that left some time ago (can't recall his tag, sorry). This "shoot-out" contained the SVS ultra, the Epik Castle and a host of others.

I'm fairly certain of this, but please someone correct me if I'm wrong.

James

You're referring to "craigsub" and his review thread is here:

http://www.tweakcityaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11

The ED A7-900 finished first, and is a much different animal than the A7-350 which Craig has not tested to my knowledge.

-Chad

Used the EPIK email link on their website a few days a go, it was bounced back, called today (2-21-09), got a busy signal. When email addresses fail and almost all products are "out of stock", I must move on, not a good way to run a company unless they are going under. Specs looked good, but I want a sub from a company that will at least be around for the length of the warranty. Now looking at SVS, AV123, HSU, this being the $600.00 and under category for small subs. Sorry for Epik company.

Used the EPIK email link on their website a few days a go, it was bounced back, called today (2-21-09), got a busy signal. When email addresses fail and almost all products are "out of stock", I must move on, not a good way to run a company unless they are going under. Specs looked good, but I want a sub from a company that will at least be around for the length of the warranty. Now looking at SVS, AV123, HSU, this being the $600.00 and under category for small subs. Sorry for Epik company.With this economy, I'm don't believe you can count on any company to survive. I'm sure some will, but which ones....I don't know. Probably the ones with the most cash on hand and the savviest business execs. I suspect Epik didn't secure enough start up capital. It's hard to stay in business with no products in stock and no orders being placed. Too bad, but what you going to do?

i believe it was because of a revamp in their lineup...new products, new site, etc.

nothing to do with going under, but rather expansion of product line. See their website

Used the EPIK email link on their website a few days a go, it was bounced back, called today (2-21-09), got a busy signal. When email addresses fail and almost all products are "out of stock", I must move on, not a good way to run a company unless they are going under. Specs looked good, but I want a sub from a company that will at least be around for the length of the warranty. Now looking at SVS, AV123, HSU, this being the $600.00 and under category for small subs. Sorry for Epik company.
:eek::D It might have to do with there new website and new products. There new dragon sealed 18 inch sub looks amazing. They have driver pics and response measurements and a nice new website. http://www.epiksubwoofers.com/products.html

I wouldnt be surprised if SVS is doing well because of Epiks failing at getting parts. I too was concidering an Epik, but went with PB-13 Ultra because it was in stock etc. Seems a lot of people ended up this route. Looked at Epik first because of price, then went with SVS because of availability. Im sure SVS is thanking Epik for that :)

epik is back and better than ever!

i believe it was because of a revamp in their lineup...new products, new site, etc.

nothing to do with going under, but rather expansion of product line. See their websiteLooks like that just went on line today. Two new drivers (12" and 18") and one new amp (600W, balanced/unbalanced inputs). Different alignments (2 sealed and 2 slot ported) and box sizes. Only the Conquest survives the revamp. Looks like a good line up with decent prices.

Yeah, check the Epik site...new products...smaller footprint...improvements to finish, etc. This has been coming for months, guys. Instead of tooting about new products coming, Epik decided to run through existing inventory, go dark, then deliver a new website and product line when they were ready. Kind of refreshing...:D

I would really enjoy seeing Chad pop in here once in a while to dish out some info.

i believe it was because of a revamp in their lineup...new products, new site, etc.

nothing to do with going under, but rather expansion of product line. See their website

Wow, they went from no updates for almost a year to a new site. Wouldn't it be nice if they returned phone calls and emails. If they actually had something in stock I could drive there, but no response means no business. At least respond and say, sorry, at this time we have nothing...:rolleyes:

I would really enjoy seeing Chad pop in here once in a while to dish out some info.Me too...initially he would pop up from time to time, but then grew so fast that he had no time...then no inclination. We'll see, but due to this "no leak" release, it's apparent that Epik's following a different path than most ID companies.

Funny, new site and blog as of today. Valor at $550.00 is gone, lowest cost sub now $700, called "Vanquish".

Funny, new site and blog as of today. Valor at $550.00 is gone, lowest cost sub now $700, called "Vanquish".

Yeah, seems they are pricing themselves out of one very important segment of buyers.

Yeah, seems they are pricing themselves out of one very important segment of buyers.
Maybe it wasn't possible to produce the quality of sub they wanted at the previous price point and rather then produce a lessor quality sub, elected to incorporate higher quality parts, which meant a higher price.

I have no clue, just a guess.

I'm just starting my sub research, and in my 600 or so price range, most like SVS, HSU, all seem to use the BASH amps, 300-500 watts. The Epik Valore had a Bash 350w. and a large 15" driver. Now you with the new Vanquish Subwoofer comes a smaller 12" driver and 600w., "Exclusive Epik amplifier design". If you go to the "Dragon", you get an 18" driver, but at Double the cost of the original "Valore", and now OUT of my price range.

Since I'm a newbie to SUBS, I have NO clue if that means the new sub parts are better or maybe just less expensive? The Vanquish is now over 20% more money for a smaller driver. Maybe the sub experts here can look at the specs and make some sense of it all. My head is still spinning from all the reading I'm doing, ported, non-ported, etc., etc.

Unfortunately until some of these subs get built and listened too, it's all speculation. The 18's look very interesting on paper and the graphs released by Epik look good too.

Yup. That Vanquish looks good to me. I have a Polk PWS-505 that I'm lookingto replace. I'm limted by space (the sub has to be less than 18" tall). If it reviews as good as it looks count me in for one.

Try Elemental Designs there subs seem to be the best bang for the buck.


I ordered the A7-900 and they where going through a drivers shortage. I terminated my order and went with the Epik Conquest. I don't regret it one bit
but my neighbors aren't too happy:D

epik is back and better than ever!



Yes indeed!

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f197/boomerps2/100_0265.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f197/boomerps2/000_0019.jpg

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f197/boomerps2/4pdqs9e.gif

I ordered the A7-900 and they where going through a drivers shortage. I terminated my order and went with the Epik Conquest. I don't regret it one bit
but my neighbors aren't too happy:D

They aren't happy that you didnt get the a7 ?

Well s***! I guess I'm never getting my second Castle now. :(

They aren't happy that you didnt get the a7 ?

They aren't happy about the sub shaking their house

Yeah, seems they are pricing themselves out of one very important segment of buyers.
I think exactly the opposite:D

Given the size and absolute fugliness of the previous line they were never considered by a very large segment of the market.

Their market in the past seems to have been those with enough cash to have a dedicated theater room where the size and ugliness of the sub was not an issue, or

2) college students and those either young enough or single enough to not have to worry about the WAF.


Those are two extreme edges of the market, IMHO, and the whole middle segment was being missed out on.


This new line appears (at least from the initial photos) to be much easier on the eye, smaller and subsequently more likely to find a home in the day to day TV room of the more common masses.

I'd sure like to see a Vanquish vs. Rythmik F12 comparison...

...craigsub?

...cschang?

Do you guys know where I can find info on the HBX motor on the drivers?

Maybe it wasn't possible to produce the quality of sub they wanted at the previous price point and rather then produce a lessor quality sub, elected to incorporate higher quality parts, which meant a higher price.

I have no clue, just a guess.

I'm sure that will be the official line, but they don't respond to anything so it really doesn't matter. I don't mind paying more if they work long term, and judging by AV123 it isn't easy to make a $599.00 sub that is high quality sound and works long term.

I'll try to contact them again tomorrow, we'll see if anytbody answers or calls back.

If you guys look at the reviews page of the new site, you will see my picture. It's off to the right and it's my Tower in the foreground (at an angle) with my speakers and screen in the background. My question is that why would they put a picture of the Tower on their site if they are not going to offer it?

If you guys look at the reviews page of the new site, you will see my picture. It's off to the right and it's my Tower in the foreground (at an angle) with my speakers and screen in the background. My question is that why would they put a picture of the Tower on their site if they are not going to offer it?They have to put up something. As reviews come in for the new product line, I'm sure they will start to displace the older reviews. Customer reviews are about more than the product, they are also about the company. SVS still has reviews about products they no longer produce on their site.

I'm sure that will be the official line, but they don't respond to anything so it really doesn't matter. I don't mind paying more if they work long term, and judging by AV123 it isn't easy to make a $599.00 sub that is high quality sound and works long term.

I'll try to contact them again tomorrow, we'll see if anytbody answers or calls back.

Looks like the Dynasty is an MFW that runs 1250..hehe...

I can add a 1000 watt rackmount amp to my MFW at 499 and still beat it..

499+349.....shame though....so close to a perfect sub, everybody I know wants a GOOD sub now..hehe...the MFW slapped them around like a drunk tourist...

Looks like the Dynasty is an MFW that runs 1250..hehe...

I can add a 1000 watt rackmount amp to my MFW at 499 and still beat it..

499+349.....shame though....so close to a perfect sub, everybody I know wants a GOOD sub now..hehe...the MFW slapped them around like a drunk tourist...

The only thing that is similar is the port.The Epik has almost twice the amp bigger driver and a larger enclosure. MFW has it's own issues in it's own thread. This is all about Epiks.

agreed. no hum here.

I placed an order for a pair of new Dragons to try. I e-mailed Karen last night. She replied Sunday evening and stated they would ship in about 2 weeks.

John

The only thing that is similar is the port.The Epik has almost twice the amp bigger driver and a larger enclosure. MFW has it's own issues in it's own thread. This is all about Epiks.
Don't forget that the Epik subs actually work........LOL

Yeah, seems they are pricing themselves out of one very important segment of buyers.

I AGREE, here are two music subs under $800.00 from two companies that have been around longer then Epik. Seems they are in stock and shipping, something that is important to me as I must move forward and purchase. I have not made up my mind as I was just made aware of these companies myself.

RYTHMIK AUDIO BRAND (SERVO TYPE DRIVER TECHNOLOGY):

F12G Direct Servo subwoofer $750.00 (NO amp choices?): http://www.rythmikaudio.com/F12G.html

F12 Direct Servo subwoofer $800.00 (with A37 PEQ amp): http://www.rythmikaudio.com/F12.html

ACI BRAND (Downfiring in-cabinet):

Force XL*Subwoofer ($800.00): http://audioc.com/speakers1/forcexl/forcexl.htm

The Dragon, however, is likely to have the output of a pair of any of the above subs.

I AGREE, here are two music subs under $800.00 from two companies that have been around longer then Epik. Seems they are in stock and shipping, something that is important to me as I must move forward and purchase. I have not made up my mind as I was just made aware of these companies myself.

RYTHMIK AUDIO BRAND (SERVO TYPE DRIVER TECHNOLOGY):

F12G Direct Servo subwoofer $750.00 (NO amp choices?): http://www.rythmikaudio.com/F12G.html

F12 Direct Servo subwoofer $800.00 (with A37 PEQ amp): http://www.rythmikaudio.com/F12.html

ACI BRAND (Downfiring in-cabinet):

Force XL*Subwoofer ($800.00): http://audioc.com/speakers1/forcexl/forcexl.htm

You are basically looking at two subs. The Rythmik 12 and the ACI Force Xl which is also a 12 inch.

The Rythmik Servo would push me in that direction and the extra $25 for the PEQ is worth it.

Yeah, seems they are pricing themselves out of one very important segment of buyers.

Not really. The Valor and the Knight. While both good subs I bought a Valor for size. I would rather have the Knight because it goes lower but to big for my space. $699 is there starting price. But the subs really came down in size 20" cube 18"driver sealed, 14.5" cubed sealed 12"driver, 20x14x20 12" driver port, & 22" cubed port 18"driver. I think more ppl would rather have a 18" driver that is smaller than there previous sized 15" boxes. While they will lose the lower end segment of buyers I better they will have a huge increase on the upper end. Alot of ppl stayed away from these huge boxes. Now theres going to be more buyers imo. Not to mention I bet the 14.5 cubes will find many ppl wanting that.

Not really. The Valor and the Knight. While both good subs I bought a Valor for size. I would rather have the Knight because it goes lower but to big for my space. $699 is there starting price. But the subs really came down in size 20" cube 18"driver sealed, 14.5" cubed sealed 12"driver, 20x14x20 12" driver port, & 22" cubed port 18"driver. I think more ppl would rather have a 18" driver that is smaller than there previous sized 15" boxes. While they will lose the lower end segment of buyers I better they will have a huge increase on the upper end. Alot of ppl stayed away from these huge boxes. Now theres going to be more buyers imo. Not to mention I bet the 14.5 cubes will find many ppl wanting that.

And that is exactly what Chad told me on the phone yesturday, the WAF was very important to him this time around :)

You are basically looking at two subs. The Rythmik 12 and the ACI Force Xl which is also a 12 inch.

The Rythmik Servo would push me in that direction and the extra $25 for the PEQ is worth it.

Thanks Spyboy, I take it you are a fan of the "servo" technology. Would I get to use the PEQ with my new Onkyo 906 using it's LFE output connection? Or does using that bypass many of these subwoofer amp controls?

And that is exactly what Chad told me on the phone yesturday, the WAF was very important to him this time around :)

Waf goes along ways. ppl who have ppl who don't. But if you have waf you have more options which will mean more sales imo. My waf is I can fit 100 subs or one sub it just need to be in that one space :o