Subwoofer to go with Kef R3

[nygafre]

I am looking for opinions on what subwoofer to pair with my recently aquired R3s. I have a Powernode (N330) as amplification/streaming.

What size subwoofer would be (most) suitable to match the 6.5in. elements in the Kefs?

I am debating the SVS Micro 3000, which is 2x8’’, and the SB-1000 Pro/non Pro version which is 1x12’’. I’m just worried that there will be a too large gap between 6.5 and 12in. elements, or is this no problem?

My plan is to have only one subwoofer, and budget around 1000$

 

[sigbergaudio]

Too much gap between driver sizes between your speakers and your sub isn't really a thing. So either option will be fine from that perspective.

 

[mglobe]

Too much gap between driver sizes between your speakers and your sub isn't really a thing. So either option will be fine from that perspective.

+1 on this. Set your crossover at 80hz and neither the R3 or the sub will have an issue. If you want an alternative, you could get two Rythmik L12’s for not a lot over your budget.

 

[nygafre]

Ok, thank’s for the replies . Then I am probably thinking something with a 12in element. I will check out the Rythmik asap. Is it really that much difference between 2x vs 1x sub?

 

[nygafre]

The Rytmik(s) looks like a nice option, but unfortunately it doesn’t look like it is available in my country (Norway).

 

[mglobe]

The Rytmik(s) looks like a nice option, but unfortunately it doesn’t look like it is available in my country (Norway).

Bummer. To answer your question, yes two can make a difference. It allows you to better address room modes, can allow you to have left and right sub channels, and gives you greater clean SPL. Others can probably explain better than I.

 

[nygafre]

Bummer. To answer your question, yes two can make a difference. It allows you to better address room modes, can allow you to have left and right sub channels, and gives you greater clean SPL. Others can probably explain better than I.

When the time comes I can probably borrow my dads SVS SB-1000 to test w/ 2 subs. However, the Powernode only has 1 sub out. Is it an option to just split the signal?

 

[phoenixdogfan]

Why not go with the bigger SVS brother, the SB 2000. I got mine on sale in November for $500. That's the OG version without their cellphone interfaced DSP. It will play flat to 140 hz, if you want to cross over a little higher, though I thing the ideal R3 crossover frequency is between 80-100 hz.

 

[bodhi]

The Rytmik(s) looks like a nice option, but unfortunately it doesn’t look like it is available in my country (Norway).

You have the Arendal, 1961 1S should be better than the cheaper SVS models.

 

[nygafre]

Why not go with the bigger SVS brother, the SB 2000. I got mine on sale in November for $500. That's the OG version without their cellphone interfaced DSP. It will play flat to 140 hz, if you want to cross over a little higher, though I thing the ideal R3 crossover frequency is between 80-100 hz.

I will definitely put it on my watch-list. Only 500$, yikes.. costs a lot more in Norway! Looks like it was on sale in november here too, so I missed that opportunity:/

 

[nygafre]

You have the Arendal, 1961 1S should be better than the cheaper SVS models.

Looks sweet!

I guess there are many subs better than the lowly SVS’s. Just seems like a nice go to-option.
In speakers I generally know what I want, but not at all familiar what to look for in subs.

 

[sweetchaos]

In speakers I generally know what I want, but not at all familiar what to look for in subs.

CEA 2010 standard was created for such a purpose. It separates the boys from the men, so to speak.

See my spreadsheet:

Subwoofer Comparison

I've created a *slightly large* subwoofer comparison spreadsheet. :D Info: -==Link to my Subwoofer Comparison spreadsheet ==- https://bit.ly/SubwooferComparison

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[Chrispy]

Looks sweet!

I guess there are many subs better than the lowly SVS’s. Just seems like a nice go to-option.
In speakers I generally know what I want, but not at all familiar what to look for in subs.

SVS isn't "lowly". There can be more capable subs, even from SVS, the SVS Micro is just if you really need small, the SB1000 is the next step up, but ported models should be considered too. Don't know sub brand/availability where you are, tho. You have an Arendal?

 

[Adaboy4z]

Since you have Kef R3 buy a Kef Kube 12b. It's what I bought to match the Q150's. Sure there probably are better cheaper subs, but if you like same branding and its good for music.

 

[sigbergaudio]

Looks sweet!

I guess there are many subs better than the lowly SVS’s. Just seems like a nice go to-option.
In speakers I generally know what I want, but not at all familiar what to look for in subs.

Since you're in Norway, Arendal seems like an obvious choice. Their subs have a very good reputation.

 

[nygafre]

SVS isn't "lowly". There can be more capable subs, even from SVS, the SVS Micro is just if you really need small, the SB1000 is the next step up, but ported models should be considered too. Don't know sub brand/availability where you are, tho. You have an Arendal?

Sorry, my wording was not very good. I only meant ‘lowly’ as in referring to the lower range of the SVS models. I believe all of their subs are good, and more than adequate for me.

Yes, we have Arendal

 

[nygafre]

Since you have Kef R3 buy a Kef Kube 12b. It's what I bought to match the Q150's. Sure there probably are better cheaper subs, but if you like same branding and its good for music.

Noted

Since you're in Norway, Arendal seems like an obvious choice. Their subs have a very good reputation.

Starting to like the Arendal subs. Cool with a Norwegian brand/manufacturer.

 

[Chrispy]

Sorry, my wording was not very good. I only meant ‘lowly’ as in referring to the lower range of the SVS models. I believe all of their subs are good, and more than adequate for me.

Yes, we have Arendal

Arendal is very good.

ps Have you seen these reviews?

Arendal Sound 1961 1S and 1V Subwoofers Review

We review Arendal's entry-level 1961 1S and 1V subwoofers to determine if their more affordable subs can maintain the phenomenal performance to value we found in their 1723 2V powerhouse. Read on.

www.audioholics.com

Arendal 1723 Subwoofer 2V Review: Power Meets Finesse

We review the Arendal Sound flagship 1723 2V subwoofer, a 132 lbs., dual 13.8" woofer 1,200 watt RMS bruiser. Is Arendal's 1723 V2 subwoofer as good as their THX speakers? Read on.

www.audioholics.com

 

[3125b]

With subs I find it's easy to take the driver size as a measurement for the overall size - it really isn't.
Grab a cardboard box and cut and glue it to size for different subs you are interested in and then see where you could place it.

This is still a 12" sub just like the Arendal 1S, but almost three times the volume and 2.5 times the weight:

Here is a size comparison to help get you started: https://comparesizes.com/comparison...ndal-1961-1S-vs-12-Monolith-THX/1674470270454

 

[nygafre]

Arendal is very good.

ps Have you seen these reviews?

Arendal Sound 1961 1S and 1V Subwoofers Review

We review Arendal's entry-level 1961 1S and 1V subwoofers to determine if their more affordable subs can maintain the phenomenal performance to value we found in their 1723 2V powerhouse. Read on.

www.audioholics.com

Arendal 1723 Subwoofer 2V Review: Power Meets Finesse

We review the Arendal Sound flagship 1723 2V subwoofer, a 132 lbs., dual 13.8" woofer 1,200 watt RMS bruiser. Is Arendal's 1723 V2 subwoofer as good as their THX speakers? Read on.

www.audioholics.com

Looks very good. Almost sold on a Arendal
(just need to save up a little).

With subs I find it's easy to take the driver size as a measurement for the overall size - it really isn't.
Grab a cardboard box and cut and glue it to size for different subs you are interested in and then see where you could place it.

This is still a 12" sub just like the Arendal 1S, but almost three times the volume and 2.5 times the weight:
View attachment 259249

Here is a size comparison to help get you started: https://comparesizes.com/comparison...ndal-1961-1S-vs-12-Monolith-THX/1674470270454

I can relate to this. Even though I read (several places) that the R3’s were quite big, they still surprised me.

As a general thought, I think about 40x40cm is visually as large as I would want. I like that the arendal 1S is a bit slimmer, with a width of 31.5.

But sound quality is most important, so the criteria is not too strict.