Official Epik Subwoofer Thread - Page 10

If I recall correctly Mark has previously stated that the BMF will be very controlled with low compression. That means the 15" driver in the box is able to push the 18" passive radiators on the outside of the box to near their limits without hitting it's own limit when it runs out of power.

Sherv, Seth did not bring the BMF into this thread in the first place.

While I agree that we should be focusing on Epik subs, with all due respect, you should chastise those who brought a comparison of the BMF and Conquest into this thread.

Which sealed Epik sub is designed to outperform the sound quality of a Fathom?

A Quadpack of Valors for $2000 could be one spectacular sealed set up ... And it will be fun to see what Chad has planned for his higher end sealed offerings ...

Yep... that's exactly what I'm waiting for.

After this weekend, when my Fathoms leave ... and my Hsu pair are sold ... and a few other subs are likely to be sold, I will be needing some serious new gear.

Chad ... I am thinking a Valor, Castle and a Conquest ... For a start.

ugh ..... Would you mind explaining to me where I said you WERE chastising anyone here? Would you show where I said you were not being amicable ?

I merely suggested that you, as the thread opener, should chastise those, who brought into an Epik thread, other subwoofers. I think that especially goes to mentioning subwoofers that are not even on the market yet.

And it WAS fun typing "ugh" in an open forum ...

Hi guys,

Sorry this has strayed off topic, but hopefully this can wrap this up. If there is further discussion on the topic of the BMF, let's take it to another thread here, the AV123 threads on it, or even my forum.


I've done a good bit of research and comparison on the designs as to why so many sounded horrid, and what their strengths and weaknesses are. Sure, the driver needs to remain linear. The reality is that even at the point of maximum excursion above low frequency tuning, the output is still greater per driver excursion than would be observed from the driver directly radiating. Above this frequency range, the loading of the front PR gives it a huge advantage in required excursion per output.


It would be presumptive of me to assume what Chad's driver is capable of. The reality is that the resulting output capability of the bandpass system is closer to that of a conventional design with a larger or higher excursion driver than used.


The response is pretty well flat to 80Hz, maybe 1-3dB down from the response maximum. More than enough to deliver strong attack and impact in a common home theater use.

And now back to your regularly scheduled programming...

I think the boys at Epik need to hurry up and send some products to Craig for testing. I am almost ready to pull the trigger on getting a sub, not sure on the Epik or the SVS.

I agree.

Ditto, the Conquest may keep me from the DIY project I've been thinking about...

Thanks for taking the time to talk with me last Friday evening. You were patient enough to listen to my wants/needs and in the end I was torn between the Knight and the Castle, but decided (at that point on the Castle).

When I went online this morning to place my order, I started to have 2nd thougts about moving up to the Tower (just another 100bucks) for some added down low plumbing with the bigger enclosure.

Problem is....i didn't discuss the merits of the Tower with you and want your opinion on this. From our conversation it seemed you felt pretty confident the Castle could compete with the new PB13Ultra both SPL and SQ. Will the Tower maintain equal footing with the Castle, as far as sound quality? For a mere 100bucks i'll take the added output at the lowest frequencies, IF and ONLY IF it doesn't come at the cost of any sound quality.

I know you are ultra busy these days, but if you could give me your input on my concerns, I'll get the order placed today.

BTW.....I am completely thrilled with the shipping costs of <100 to Cali. Luckily, my company pays the freight forwarding to American Samoa!

Thanks in advance,

John from Samoa

I'm with ya. Other than the physical size of the box (smaller is better for me), sound quality is "priority one."

By the way, from my email dealings with Chad, he seems like a great guy to work with.

Re: Chad, he seems like a great guy to work with.

Absolutely...He spent half an hour on the phone with me, discussing all things subwoofer. Beyond his knowledge and reputation i was pleasantly suprised that he was more than willing to talk about alternatives/options non Epik. He didn't have a single negative thing to say about competitiors' products, but his conviction in his own products were more than apparent. His obvious passion for his creations are infectious and I can't wait to experience some Epik goodness firsthand. I could be wrong, but I feel pretty good about my choice to wait for the launch of his subwoofer line of products. I would have liked to wait for some more reviews to hear some opinions comparing Epik Castle or Tower vs new Ultra, but the bug has hit me and I can't wait any longer! I'm gonna gamble that my choice will be close if not better and absolute VALUE either way.

FWIW: My other options/considerations (pretty wide range of cost/performance...but I felt all have exceptional value)

Ed A5-350
HSU VTF3-HO
Rythmik semi DIY 15" direct Servo kit
PB13 Ultra

I think the names of these subs are great: Castle, Knight -- perhaps the smallest sealed offering should be called the Pawn!

Me too. Nobody owns one they can give their opinions on?? Specs and price Epik seems a better buy. Except the SVS PB12+ is on sale now. But my question is would the Caliber for $100 less sound better? Especially when you don't need a finish. Seems most parts are made in the USA except the amp?? Wonder how they keep the price so low. Probably let a few hundred ppl buy them the triple the price because they can't keep stock??

Anyone hear from Chad @ Epik the last 24 hours? I've called and left phone messages twice and emailed three times and no response...

I think Chad's just super busy. He takes a while to reply, but he does reply.

Ross ... I got an email from Chad over the weekend, apologizing for being so busy, and promising to get back to me about buying a Valor, Castle and Conquest.

He is likely jammed with getting orders organized and filled ... and has not even looked here for a while.

I have not heard from him, either. Let's face it, you and I are not Sherv....

Yeah, I know he's slammed. A few minutes ago he did reach me by phone. The guy is really cool and an absolute pleasure to talk audio with, and I love his passion for what he's doing. Unfortunately, I have had to make the decision to cancel my Conquest order because I just feel in my gut I need to fully give SVS a chance to make things right with replacing my dual PB13's that have had the amp problem before moving on too quickly to another sub, and believe me Ron & Ed are providing a spectacular customer service effort. I am quite sure the Conquest is going to be one helluva stunning performer and I envy anyone who will have that beast in their home, but in the meantime I will have my hands full testing out the replacement dual PB13's that arrive Monday. With the way Ron & Ed are backing me as a customer, they deserve in return me giving a working pair of Ultras a fair audition in my home.

Chad, I wish you the very best with your new launch!

Cheers,
Ross

Craig, are you insinuating that Sherv's a groupie?

Wow, this thread has been all over the place.


If definitely adds more output at the lowest frequencies. It is only a few dB behind the Conquest @ 20 Hz, which is saying a lot. It is EASILY worth the extra $100 for that reason alone.

The reason we offer two cabinet sizes for each driver/amplifier combination is strictly for size constraints. Some people can't fit the bigger box in their living room, and a 26 inch depth is much more suitable.

Other customers have dedicated theater rooms or do not care about the overall size. For them, the larger cabinet is a no-brainer because is gets them a noticeable amount of extra 20 Hz and lower output for an extra $100.

This way people at least have a choice.


That sounds like a great idea. I was thinking the same thing. I'll get in touch with you directly.


Thanks!!

I've got lots to comment on about this thread, but I have orders to ship out at the moment. I will drop by later when things settle down for the day. (like that will ever happen... )

Talked with Chad and just completed my order. Went with the Tower. For 100 bucks extra, it was an easy decision for me, since I'm not too concerned with the +size compared to the Castle.

Only needed reassurance about the general Sound Quality, which Chad assures me there is no sacrifice or tradeoff for the bigger enclosure when comparing the Tower and Castle; just the benefit of added clean SPL <20.

WAF not an issue.....my wife is an absolute sweetheart. She thinks it will make for an excellent plant stand!

I would never insinuate such a thing. Honest. Never. Well ... hardly ever.

How much do the Castle and the Tower weigh?

P.S. In fact I don't see the weight listed on any of the Epik subs

Thanks,
MF

In general, the Epik site is devoid of detailed specs. Most of us sub geeks love detailed specs. The more, the better. C'mon Chad. Put up all the cool details.