|   HSU vs. RAVA | Bushido
Apr 8, 2003 10:29 AM | | I'm in the process of looking for a nice sub to pair with my Monitor Bronze 2's. Until recently I thought that the Hsu VTF-2 was the sub to beat in the $400ish price range. But I have heard a lot of good stuff about the Adire Rava. I listen to about 80% music, 20% HT.
What are the differences? Is the rava more musical?
Which has a better x-over? My Nak re-10 lacks bass management.
Thanks for any help. |
| re: HSU vs. RAVA | midfiman
Apr 8, 2003 10:48 AM | | From what I have heard on discussions regarding the two subs, the Rava tends to be a TAD more musical, while the HSU is able to player at louder SPL and a bit lower.
Don't quote me though, haven't heard them side by side. |
| re: HSU vs. RAVA | Mania
Apr 8, 2003 11:20 AM | | I have been looking/thinking about adding .1 to my 5 system, and am mostly looking at those two subs in addition to the DIY from partsexpress. I expect that they all perform well if properly positioned and tweaked. I think the RAVA may have an advantage simply based on looks. Although I don't love the veneer look of the RAVA, the HSU appears to be very obtrusive and has a very low WAF. When deciding between two components with which you'll probably be equally thrilled, sometimes the secondary factors such as appearance become important. |
| re: HSU vs. RAVA | Woochifer
Apr 8, 2003 11:43 AM | | If you're using separates, Adire Audio makes the Rava SE, which is designed to be paired with high end separates, with the subwoofer crossover connected between the preamp and the amp. It has a 4th order crossover and toroidal transformer, but if you need to use a high pass crossover, then you'll need to stick with the base Rava, which I recently bought.
In my system, the most startling change with the Rava installed was indeed with music. The low end reinforcement is very impressive, especially with low range acoustic instruments. At $400, it's a steal and despite its reputation as a musical sub, it can also deliver very low extension with home theatre sources.
I chose to go with the Rava because I wanted to go with a sealed enclosure, and nothing I'm aware of in this price class uses a sealed design. With a sealed design, you sacrifice efficiency and peak output for more extension and a more gradual rolloff of the bass. Ported designs are more efficient and can play louder, but once you reach the tuned frequency, the output drops off much quicker. Plus, those designs are more difficult to implement correctly.
Can't really tell you how it compares with the Hsu because I haven't listened to one of those at home. From what I understand, it's also an excellent well designed option that has higher output than the Rava, and comes with a port plug and configuration that allows you to go with lower bass extension and lower efficiency. If you intend to use the high pass crossover, one nicety with the Rava is that its amp includes a variable phase adjustment, rather than the more common 0 and 180 switch. |
| Wish Rava was down-firing..... | cone
Apr 8, 2003 4:06 PM | | although I haven't heard it since it is by direct purchase...the best subs I have heard are both sealed and down-firing designs...such as REL...I two am looking at HSU and RAVA...leaning towards HSU because of down-firing design...which to my ears has a more seamless intergration into a room...but the RAVA looks cool...really undecided at this point...Cant afford the REL... |
| Woochifer.... | cone
Apr 8, 2003 4:13 PM | | just curious...what is the crossover point with your studio 40s...I cant recall how low they are rated....just trying to get an idea of what my system will be like..cheers |
| re: I got a better Idea | This Guy
Apr 8, 2003 2:30 PM | | How about this
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&User_ID=12447218&St=5404&St2=42966347&St3=-49043328&DS_ID=3&Product_ID=14736&DID=7
It's just like the rava, but you need about 2 ravas to get the same SPL. It goes just as low as the Rava as well. The both use basically the same amp. It's a sealed 12" sub so you know it's good with music. Also now that it's a little louder, It will give a better rumble during movies. This sub looks perfect for your needs. There is also a 15" version of this, but that would be better for movies.
Joey |
| Thanks! | Bushido
Apr 8, 2003 6:26 PM | | Hmmmm, The thump and port plug tunability of the Hsu are tempting, but the rava has such a pretty face and delicate touch...
I guess I'll toss a coin! Thanks for the input. |
| Thanks! | muzicman20003
Apr 9, 2003 7:45 AM | | I havent heard the hsu but i actually have the rava, and its a great sub. very musical, if you worried about it not going low enough, dont, ive put it to the test with several different bass cd's and it goes low enough to feel like your heart is going to stop. Its larger than it looks in the pictures. but that is the only draw back that i have found. im sure you will be happy with it. I wouldnt go with the parts express kit, unless you want to do some tinkering, ive heard thats what it takes to get it to sound good, thats why i went with the rava. happy hunting
muzicman |
| re: HSU vs. RAVA | Bryan
Apr 9, 2003 8:57 AM | | The VMPS subs could be interesting if you have something other than your primary receiver to power them with. They have a repution of being excellent for both HT and music. (Ask around at http://www.audiocircle.com ) |
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