I missed this post yesterday. Yeah I’m used to amazing bass quality from the Rythmik’s. I’ve not found any subwoofer that can match their quality (and power and price), though I’ve never tried some of the more expensive stuff like Genelec (which honestly don’t look that appealing in specs, other than the GLM software, which is probably worth it if it can solve integration problems like I have without hassle). [...]
Proper integration of a subwoofer is challenging, without any doubt; multiple subwoofers make things even more complicated. For Genelec, I do see the biggest advantage in their complete GLM-featured package; which does come at its cost. Without taking GLM into the equation or for somebody who prefers a different (software) approach, there are many and often less expensive options available (especially, on the huge US subwoofer market).
Dirac Live Bass Control, for example, will provide an interesting competition on the software side.
However, as I said before, even with GLM you need to find the best location for your subwoofer(s) in advance; which is possible only by trial & error: lots of measurements and moving [usually, the subwoofer/s] around your room. A time-consuming process!
For manual integration or a semi-automatic approach, you need to continue taking measurements upon having found the optimum subwoofer location; at different settings [
delay/phase, crossover frequencies etc.], compare those and in the end choose the settings which - on the measurements - showed the most seamless integration
in your room. This "headache"; GLM - or any similar software - will take over.
We shall not forget, that the bass region extends up to 250 Hz or 300 Hz (depending on the cited literature). If I may quote Ethan Winer: "[…]
Subwoofers typically operate only below 80 Hz, while the bass range extends up to 300 Hz. So no matter how many subwoofers you throw at the problem, you'll never improve the "speaking range" of bass instruments where clarity and minimal ringing are most important. Below 80 Hz is for the "weight" of music, and movie explosions."
[ EDIT:
Interactive Frequency Chart from Independent Recording Network ]
This might as well be another curiosity you encountered. On the LFE inputs, Rythmik Audio subwoofers extend up to
~200 Hz, which helps to solve part of the problem but then additionally, increased directivity at such relatively high frequencies has to be considered.
The LF drivers on "The Ones" can be
approached as ellipsoids, so for area calculation the following formula would apply:
A = ½
H x ½
W x
π. In case of the 8351B, that gives a total area
of both the LF drivers of 345.86 cm². This is close to the 8.25" driver on your KH 310 A, where the formula
A = (½
D)² x
π = 346.36 cm² applies. Neumann gives a crossover frequency for the LF driver at 650 Hz in their technical specifications; and Genelec at 320 Hz. I do not know how 2 drivers of a similar area [Genelec] vs. 1 bigger driver [Neumann] do translate in real life and furthermore, the LF driver on the KH 310 A reproduces up to one entire octave higher; which as well might be perceived to be more beneficial - with regards to loudspeaker designs, where smaller drivers take over earlier. Hence, Genelec is offering the W371A, which plays up to 500 Hz; to fill up for any design compromises.
[
I would love to see where and how "GLM" sets the crossover, in such a setup!]
A = area;
H = height;
W = width;
D = diameter;
π = ~3.14