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Should I stay away from Velodyne?

post #1 of 24
2/6/09 at 8:52am
Thread Starter 
Looking to purchase a sub for my Yamaha YSP-3050 - which way should I go?
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post #2 of 24
2/6/09 at 9:12am
Quote:
Originally Posted by rxp2601 View Post

Looking to purchase a sub for my Yamaha YSP-3050 - which way should I go?

Please answer the questions in the link below:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=989316

Then we can make recommendations.
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post #3 of 24
2/6/09 at 10:42am
Thread Starter 
Okay -

1- Price range around $500
2- Room - 5000 cubic foot, but open to kitchen & hallway
3- Use - 60% movies/ 40 % music
4- Listening habits - I do enjoy bass currently own two svs cylinders but that won't fly here.
5 -Appearance - Is a factor - Wife will always have it in view


Hope this helps you help me. Thanks!
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post #4 of 24
2/6/09 at 10:53am
I don't know why you would stay away from Velodyne.

However, you can probably get more sub for your money elsewhere.
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post #5 of 24
2/6/09 at 1:37pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by rxp2601 View Post

Okay -

1- Price range around $500
2- Room - 5000 cubic foot, but open to kitchen & hallway
3- Use - 60% movies/ 40 % music
4- Listening habits - I do enjoy bass currently own two svs cylinders but that won't fly here.
5 -Appearance - Is a factor - Wife will always have it in view


Hope this helps you help me. Thanks!

I would try to convince my wife that the Outlaw LFM-1 EX is a good looking sub with its plexiglass top. Some people use them for end tables.

Huge demand for the EX at $519 delivered. Outlaw is still taking orders but there is a 45 day wait.

You need something this size for 5,000 cubic feet.
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post #6 of 24
5/4/09 at 9:01am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jpmst3 View Post

I don't know why you would stay away from Velodyne.

However, you can probably get more sub for your money elsewhere.

A reason someone may stay away from Velodyne is that it is almost NEVER recommended by AVS members as a sub suggestion.

I bought my Velodyne DLS-3750 for around $300, and am fairly happy with it. I wonder if it is one of those "ignorance is bliss" things, where I have not heard other internet based sub products that are always highly recommended here.

I wonder at that price point if another company is able to produce an overall better sub. I wish I joined the AVS family sooner
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post #7 of 24
5/4/09 at 11:32am
Quote:
Originally Posted by deepstang View Post

I wonder at that price point if another company is able to produce an overall better sub. I wish I joined the AVS family sooner

I got lucky to join the AVS bandwagon early enough and it stopped me from purchasing a Yamaha subwoofer. I went with an Elemental Designs one instead.
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post #8 of 24
5/4/09 at 11:36am
Quote:
Originally Posted by blued888 View Post

I got lucky to join the AVS bandwagon early enough and it stopped me from purchasing a Yamaha subwoofer. I went with an Elemental Designs one instead.

What model and how do you like it?
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post #9 of 24
5/4/09 at 11:43am
You can't really make a blanket statement about Velodyne. They make everything from 10 inch cubes, to the $15,000 DD-1812.

Lots of respected listeners own models in the DD series. Two DD-15's make for a excellent (music oriented) system, even if they aren't all that powerful for a big HT.

Even better, a pair of DD-18's in a modest sized listening room isn't anything to sneeze at.

If the DD-18's weren't so expensive, I would gladly take a pair under my wings.
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post #10 of 24
5/4/09 at 12:09pm
Yeah I owned a DLS-4000R. I had it for a few months before I got advice here and moved up to an MFW-15.

I was a little concerned that I'd be spending over twice as much (I got a used Velo for under $300) for a sub with such a similar MSRP (they had the same MSRP at the time - $599) - but it turns out that MSRP is where the similarity ends. There is definitely something to be said for breaking the 20hz barrier with some authority. A LOT - in fact.

I agree with the bang-for-buck statement. It's not that Velo makes bad subs - they make decent stuff. Just that in my experience - like many other traditional companies sub products I have heard (Klipsch, Sony, Polk) - they have a hard time competing with some high quality ID brands.

Maybe they just sell too much of what they already produce to be convinced to hire a specialty designer to assist them like Mark Seaton or Dr. Hsu - who knows. At any rate - you do tend to get some really good bang for buck advice around here. $500 on a sub recommended by this forum is going to be about the best your money can be spent.

Good luck.
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post #11 of 24
5/4/09 at 12:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tarheeltom View Post

What model and how do you like it?

Just their basic A2-300. Got it shipped all the way from the US to the Philippines btw. I like it very much, I actually sometimes think it's too much for me.

On Velodynes, they aren't bad subwoofers. It's just that you can get something else for the same price that offers more. (i.e. SVS PB13-Ultra)

If you don't have internet-direct companies where you are, Velodyne is good!
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post #12 of 24
5/4/09 at 2:23pm
Summing up the reviews that I have seen here at AVS, the Velodynes in the DD series seem to be well respected for their sound quality. However, this being a Home Theater site, I think alot of people are also looking for a sub that is able to go low and loud for their setups. That is why the Velodynes seem to be also-rans here. People are looking for a sub for different kind of application then Velodyne seems to be making subs for.

I don't own a Velodyne, so I cant give you a first hand impression of one.

Thanks,
-Alex-
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post #13 of 24
5/4/09 at 3:05pm
Having a pair of DD-18's and using them for mostly HT, I can tell you that they are more than enough for 99% of the population as far as pumping out clean, loud bass. It is true that ID companies have an advantage as far as offering a better price/performance ratio than retail companies do. There are just two different ways to do business. Many want to hear what they are buying before they buy it and with the increasing size and weight of ID subs, freight costs are a pretty penny if you don't like the sub you order online.
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post #14 of 24
5/4/09 at 6:24pm
If you have some time, I 2nd the MFW-15. They look as good as they sound and it's rumoured that there will be a very nice sale of these in the near future. If you have not been following the drama, you should check out tweak cities and av's forums as there are issues surrounding this company.

I have one that I love and look to be adding a second shortly.
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post #15 of 24
5/5/09 at 12:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by iresq View Post

If you have some time, I 2nd the MFW-15. They look as good as they sound and it's rumoured that there will be a very nice sale of these in the near future. If you have not been following the drama, you should check out tweak cities and av's forums as there are issues surrounding this company.

I have one that I love and look to be adding a second shortly.

Drama....issues?? So, are you saying that I should try and get one to replace my Velodyne, or avoid the company? I think that I am ready to give my Velo the punt to see what all the hype is with these ID sub companys.

I actually need to start a new thread soon to describe the dissapointment I had in my sub performance after i HAD to move it away from the back corner of the room. I totally respect room dynamics and positioning of subs in regards to total perfomance. I will try and post pics to get some advice on what to do.
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post #16 of 24
5/5/09 at 12:22pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by deepstang View Post

Drama....issues?? So, are you saying that I should try and get one to replace my Velodyne, or avoid the company? I think that I am ready to give my Velo the punt to see what all the hype is with these ID sub companys.

I actually need to start a new thread soon to describe the dissapointment I had in my sub performance after i HAD to move it away from the back corner of the room. I totally respect room dynamics and positioning of subs in regards to total perfomance. I will try and post pics to get some advice on what to do.

It's was and still is (if it ever gets sorted out) a great sub that started shipping with bad parts in the amps. Once the amp issues get sorted out and sales begin again I expect it to be every bit the excellent product it was before. But who knows when that will be, there have been constant delays. So if you want to wait for ever how long it takes that would be a good option. If you want a sub before that happens then there are plenty of other great options out there.
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post #17 of 24
5/5/09 at 12:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by deepstang View Post

Drama....issues?? So, are you saying that I should try and get one to replace my Velodyne, or avoid the company?

As in, avoid the company.

I have been in the market for a sub recently, and actually ordered the MFW-15 from AV123. I canceled the order the very next day after reading about issues the company has been having lately.

Kindof a shame, I'm sure its a great sub if it works - but there are too many issues for me to feel comfortable getting one right now.

I recommend checking out the forums on tweakcity.com before you commit to the MFW-15. Maybe the risk is worth it to you, they very well could have had the amplifier issue fixed, but I'm not willing to toss $600 + shipping to a company that I cannot drive to based on what I've been reading.
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post #18 of 24
5/5/09 at 2:59pm
I shopped for a setup for some family members, and I ended up gettin them a velodyne VRP-12. I paid $250 for it, which at the time I thought was alot of money. Everyone who heard it thought it sounded great! I actually demo'd it recently in my home. My wife and I really liked it. However, being a member here, I knew I wasn't going to be satisfied with that in the long run. ....and the rest is history.
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post #19 of 24
5/5/09 at 3:08pm
JL Audio is the new Velodyne.

Velodyne's were the shxt back in the 90s.
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post #20 of 24
5/5/09 at 3:12pm
Since it's not appropriate to recommend AV123 for subs until they get going shipping the new amps, I think you still have some great options in the $500 range.

Hsu VTF2 Mk3 is going to stretch the $500 - or you may quite possibly find used units at or above this level from them for similar price. Nice finish, great performance.

eD A3-250 (below budget) or 300 (above budget) are also in this range, and many people swear by their capabilities. OK finish is what took eD off my list, but you may not care depending on the placement.

Epik Valor is just over the $500 mark too. Nice sub and many people love what Epik does.

SVS has both a cylinder and traditional box solution. PC12-NSD or PB12 NSD for just north of $500 and these are both going to get a lot of positive recommendations around here.

Personally, I was very close to selecting the PB12-NSD myself when AV123 ran a "sale" that essentially got me my sub shipped free.

I don't know much about them, but recent Rhytmik customers seem pretty happy too - not sure what they have in this price range.

You have a lot of very highly regarded options. Good luck!
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post #21 of 24
5/5/09 at 3:39pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Noubourne View Post

Since it's not appropriate to recommend AV123 for subs until they get going shipping the new amps, I think you still have some great options in the $500 range.

Hsu VTF2 Mk3 is going to stretch the $500 - or you may quite possibly find used units at or above this level from them for similar price. Nice finish, great performance.

eD A3-250 (below budget) or 300 (above budget) are also in this range, and many people swear by their capabilities. OK finish is what took eD off my list, but you may not care depending on the placement.

Epik Valor is just over the $500 mark too. Nice sub and many people love what Epik does.

SVS has both a cylinder and traditional box solution. PC12-NSD or PB12 NSD for just north of $500 and these are both going to get a lot of positive recommendations around here.

Personally, I was very close to selecting the PB12-NSD myself when AV123 ran a "sale" that essentially got me my sub shipped free.

I don't know much about them, but recent Rhytmik customers seem pretty happy too - not sure what they have in this price range.

You have a lot of very highly regarded options. Good luck!

The Epic Valor is no longer in production and the current Epic line starts out well above the ops budget.

Rythmik subs start out at almost twice the ops budget with the 12" unless he wants to purchase the kit (amp and driver) and either build the box or have it built.
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post #22 of 24
5/6/09 at 2:53pm
So that leaves the Hsu VTF2 Mk3, eD A3-250, SVS PB 10-NSD.

Are these the best and most popular options for a max of a $500 budget?

I must say, that exterior looks are very important to me and for my application. Don't get me wrong.... low, tight and clean bass is of utmost importance to me.
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post #23 of 24
5/9/09 at 11:43am
I'm in a similar budget situation as the OP. I am considering a sub upgrade, currently have a Dayton 100. I've upgraded everything else in my system, so this would be the last piece. I run Polk RTi10 fronts, and a CSi3 center. But I do live in an apt, with a shared wall and neighbors below...So a couple questions...

1) would the STF-2 provide a noticeable performance difference vs the Dayton 100? I'm not unhappy with what I have but think it may be possible to get more clean tight bass...even at lower listening levels.

2) would a down firing sub be more bothersome to neighbors below than my current front firing sub?

3) This would be for 90% tv viewing and HT, as the 10's are fine on their own for music...I've heard that the HSUs are more musical.
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post #24 of 24
5/11/09 at 7:43am
Quote:
Originally Posted by chitown_badger View Post

I'm in a similar budget situation as the OP. I am considering a sub upgrade, currently have a Dayton 100. I've upgraded everything else in my system, so this would be the last piece. I run Polk RTi10 fronts, and a CSi3 center. But I do live in an apt, with a shared wall and neighbors below...So a couple questions...

1) would the STF-2 provide a noticeable performance difference vs the Dayton 100? I'm not unhappy with what I have but think it may be possible to get more clean tight bass...even at lower listening levels.

2) would a down firing sub be more bothersome to neighbors below than my current front firing sub?

3) This would be for 90% tv viewing and HT, as the 10's are fine on their own for music...I've heard that the HSUs are more musical.

4) Related to question 1 above, would a better quality sub sound better than my cheap Dayton sub, even if I only go up to about -10 or -12 at the loudest when listening? (My receiver is a Pioneer 1018-AH)

5) I was looking at the eD A2-300, and read from a couple people that it's a beast. When I compared the size to other comparable subs with 12" drivers, it didn't seem that much larger...is there a competent sub in this performance and price range that is considerably smaller?

If anyone could help on the questions above, I would greatly appreciate it!
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