I Just bought a Revel Ultima Sub15 NIB...What do I do now ??

[Pinky]

First post and Greetings to all !!
I was directed to this site from another Forum, and from the looks of it, this is where I need to be for help on this setup.
As the title says, I bought this Revel sub sans the LE-1 because 1) it was brand new and 2) I have F52`s and thought it would be nice to have it all Revel. It`s my understanding that this sub has the JBL SUB1500 woofer in it ??

What I need now is an amp and x-over. So far a Crown XTi 2002 has been suggested as was a Crown xls 1000
I only listen to 2 channel music.

So what do you think will work for me ? I`m open to any and all suggestions.

Steve

[Robh3606]

Hello Steve


What I need now is an amp and x-over. So far a Crown XTi 2002 has been suggested as was a Crown xls 1000
I only listen to 2 channel music.

How are you going to roll off the F52's?? The crossovers in those amps are not going to help you there. I suggested the 2002 over on the other forum I didn't realize you might not have that covered. I have a subwoofer thread running here using the 2002. I have an active crossover feeding the subs so I am using the DSP to simulate the BX-63 Bump filter and to flatten the response of the subs in room and not using the crossovers built into the amp.

The Emotiva Preamp has a subwoofer crossover built in for a 2.1 system. I have the pre and it sounds nice not knowing what you have now it's just another possible suggestion

http://shop.emotiva.com/collections/processors/products/usp1


Rob:)

[Pinky]

I`m going to run the F52`s full range and let the sub add to the bottom. That`s the plan unless convinced otherwise.
So the Emotiva would work better you think ?

I`ll check out those threads..thx

Steve

[Robh3606]

You could try it. You can use the L/R 24 or 48dB slopes. Your -6db for the F52 point spec. is 25hz no?? Ideally you would want to tailor the crossover around your in room roll-off. The DSP is only going to work where the subs working so only from 30-25hz and down if you go that way.

Give this a read



Rob:)

[Pinky]

Rob I read that and thanks. I also read an article where the reviewer used the Revel Performa B15 crossed @ 80hz to the F52`s and was rolling the lows off using high & low pass filters. I`m sure his findings where room dependant though very similar in size to my room.
So MAYBE I shouldn`t run the 52`s full range.

I know virtually ZERO about outboard crossovers and how to integrate them.
But I do like the idea of relieving the drivers in the speakers of heavy bass duty leaving that to the sub.
If I where to consider that where would I start ?

Also the Performa B15 subs use a 1000 watt plate amp, couldn`t I incorporate one of those into the mix ?

[Robh3606]

Also the Performa B15 subs use a 1000 watt plate amp, couldn`t I incorporate one of those into the mix ?

Sure that might actually work better depending on the plate amp. The issue is going to be an adjustable high pass for the 52's usually they are fixed or have limited choices. You are going to have to look around to find what you need.

Rob:)

[Pinky]

There was a new Revel B15 amp on the 'bay only like a week ago !! Gone of course. Rob when you say... "The issue is going to be an adjustable high pass for the 52's usually they are fixed or have limited choices..."
You ARE referring to a plate amp here right ?
So if that`s the case then, I`ll dig around and look for a plate amp with the same features as the Revel amps.

All the carnage I`ve read about on the Sub1500`s seems to come from simply over driving them right ? I would imagine in a sane listening level for 2 ch music I shouldn`t have to worry then right ?

[Robh3606]

All the carnage I`ve read about on the Sub1500`s seems to come from simply over driving them right ? I would imagine in a sane listening level for 2 ch music I shouldn`t have to worry then right ?

Yes I am refering to the plate amp and they had defective glue joints on some of the Parts Express close out drivers. Music you should be fine just watch those cannons on the 1812 Oveture

Rob

[Pinky]

I just realized something...How in the world do you hook this sub up for 2 channel listening when there`s only one set of speaker terminals on the back ???

[Robh3606]

Most sub plate amps have a speaker level crossover option. So you would connect the output of your amp to the Speaker Level Inputs and then you would have the high passed Left and Right speaker terminals on the back as well where you would connect your F52's. Take a look at some plate amps and do a search.

What are you driving the speakers with?? List your system.

Rob:)

[Pinky]

I`m using a Parasound HCA 1500A for the F52`s 205 watts/ch. I`m using speaker leads from that to a Rythmik 12" downfiring sub.
Will the Crown XTi series amps work with this sub ?
It caught me off guard to see just the one set of terminals.

Are the Sub1500 woofers dual voice coil ?

[Robh3606]

Which set of jacks do I use to connect my preamp to my amp?

Although it looks like there are two sets of inputs on our stereo amplifiers, there is actually only one set. They are labeled INPUTS. The other set of connectors are labeled LOOPING OUTPUTS. These would be used to send the stereo signal on to another amplifier. Daisy chain several amps to run multiple pairs of speakers. Do not use the LOOPING OUTPUTS as an input.



Use the looping outputs to drive the subamp at line level or to drive the 2002 amp. What preamp are you using??

Rob:)

[Pinky]

Rob, I have no idea what loops are but that`s why I`m asking around on what to do.

I`ve been happy listening to and owning all sorts of components I started in '78.
My fledgling audiophile ears were opened when I moved up to an SAE 2400 MKIV 200 watt amp hooked up to my AVA modified Dynaco Pat5 SuperFet preamp going into a set of Magnepan speakers for a start.

The point being, I`m not new by any means just confused with some of these components that are being suggested and how to fully implement them. But I don`t want to leave anything on the table (within reason ) and am eager to learn.

The setup I currently have is very very modest but sounds really nice.
Vinyl only..no CD.
For years my Bellari VP129 phono pre with an old 60`s Telefunkin tube has been nice,(might upgrade later ) it runs straight into my amp with nothing in between. It has a volume control, works sweet ! Been lovin' it !

BTW..The Rythmik sub actually sounds pretty good it was built to suppliment my 1.6 Maggies so it works with the small drivers that are in the F52`s

Steve

[Robh3606]

Rob, I have no idea what loops are but that`s why I`m asking around on what to do.


They are on the back of your amp. Don't you have your manuals?


I`m using speaker leads from that to a Rythmik 12" downfiring sub.
Will the Crown XTi series amps work with this sub ? It caught me off guard to see just the one set of terminals.


So you are already using the speaker level inputs to drive it. It's a powered sub so what does the Crown have to do with it??

One set of terminals on what??

Rob:)

[Pinky]

They are on the back of your amp. Don't you have your manuals?

So you are already using the speaker level inputs to drive it. It's a powered sub so what does the Crown have to do with it??
Just asking if the XTi will do all I need to integrate the sub into the system'

One set of terminals on what??


Rob:)
I`ve got all my manuals/boxes etc..just never had the need before to change anything. Didn`t know..I do now..cool!

I was referring to the Revel sub as only having one set of terminals.

[Robh3606]

I was referring to the Revel sub as only having one set of terminals.

It's not a powered sub why the surprise??

Rob:)

[Pinky]

It's not a powered sub why the surprise??

Rob:)
I understand that..what I don`t understand is, how does it work if all it has is one speaker connection ?.

Do you believe that a Crown XTi amp will fit the bill ?
Btw..Chris @ Revel said that the plate amp module from the B15 would work very well with this sub and is available for purchase.
Unfortunately it`s nearly $1300.00 !!!

[Mr. Widget]

I understand that..what I don`t understand is, how does it work if all it has is one speaker connection ?.

Do you believe that a Crown XTi amp will fit the bill ?It is a single woofer in a sealed box. Period. It was designed specifically to be used with the matching Mark Levinson built Revel sub amp that could power two woofers if needed but it would also feed a single woofer a summed mono signal.

There are many amps that will work. I'd suggest you need a solid 500 watt amp that either has a built in DSP and the ability to sum a mono output, or you need a crossover/processor and a good solid basic amp.



Widget

[Mr. Widget]

Btw..Chris @ Revel said that the plate amp module from the B15 would work very well with this sub and is available for purchase.
Unfortunately it`s nearly $1300.00 !!!Not to be rude, but based on the apparent level of your understanding of these systems, I think it would be money well spent.


Widget

[Pinky]

Thanks Mr Widget..I`m a fast learner or maybe half fast :) and I`ll delve into it all and though I appreciate your input but there`d be no way I`d spend that much for a plate amp.

In your opinion do YOU think an amp like the Crown XTi series would cover it ?
http://www.crownaudio.com/media/storagebk/amp_htm/xti2files/XTi2%20datasheet.pdf

[Mr. Widget]

In your opinion do YOU think an amp like the Crown XTi series would cover it ?
http://www.crownaudio.com/media/storagebk/amp_htm/xti2files/XTi2 datasheet.pdfI have no opinion as I have never used one. Rob bought one recently. I do think it will require a knowledgeable user with some quality test equipment to get the most out of it.


Widget

[HCSGuy]

What about a velodyne SMS-1 and any good power amplifier - you can use the auto-setup and then play from there. I haven't looked lately, but remember seeing them go for $225 or so on audiogon..
http://velodyne.com/product-accessories/management-systems/sms-1-digitalmanagement-system.html

[Mr. Widget]

What about a velodyne SMS-1 and any good power amplifier - you can use the auto-setup and then play from there. I haven't looked lately, but remember seeing them go for $225 or so on audiogon..
http://velodyne.com/product-accessories/management-systems/sms-1-digitalmanagement-system.html

That would get my vote for control and ease of use. You can get one secondhand and a used high power amp and you should be good to go.


Widgets

[Pinky]

Looks promising ! Will the Velo SMS allow me to high pass to the 52`s ?

Question...where`s all the sub builders that used the JBL SUB1500 woofer ??? That`s basically the same one in this Revel.
You would think there would be tons of suggestions and a whole slew of parts listed that have been used.

I`ll check the search box again..maybe I`ve overlooked something there.

[4313B]

You would think there would be tons of suggestions and a whole slew of parts listed that have been used.I think all the spiders separated from the frames and people sold them to local Marinas for use as boat anchors.

Something tells me that Parts Express "got took" and they passed their pain on to people that had some kind of faith in JBL transducers.

[Mr. Widget]

I think all the spiders separated from the frames and people sold them to local Marinas for use as boat anchors.

Something tells me that Parts Express "got took" and they passed their pain on to people that had some kind of faith in JBL transducers.Well... sort of.

Of the 20+ that I bought for myself and others, I know of a couple that were blown up due to an over zealous love of clean deep bass and at least one that was definitely improperly glued, but the vast majority are still in use 8 years later.


Widget

[4313B]

:rotfl:

I sure like them. I got lucky and didn't have any failures. I feel bad for all the folks that did. Kind of irritated actually, since it was determined that the pads weren't properly prepped before the adhesive was applied.

[1audiohack]

All six of mine ate still working. Two of them have kindof funky looking adhesive at the spider/basket joint so I bought a couple of cone kits as a hedge against disaster but all is still well some years down the road. So, if anyone has a couple of boat anchor baskets they would like to rid themselves of, let's talk!

Hi Pinky;

I have always driven my SUB1500's with 800 to 1200 (at 4 Ohm) watt per channel Crown amps like the K2, CE4000 or the venable M600 while using a DBX 260 or 4800 for crossover, shaping, and LF protection.

I wish I had some experience with what you have and could be of more help. I agree with the comment that without the original amp or some real knowledge of it that some experimenting will be in order.

Has anyone here seen a voltage drive curve of one of these?

[Pinky]

Hi Pinky;

I have always driven my SUB1500's with 800 to 1200 (at 4 Ohm) watt per channel Crown amps like the K2, CE4000 or the venable M600 while using a DBX 260 or 4800 for crossover, shaping, and LF protection.

I wish I had some experience with what you have and could be of more help. I agree with the comment that without the original amp or some real knowledge of it that some experimenting will be in order....'

Thanks..I`ll take my time no need to be in a hurry. The learning curve would still be in place even if I had a Revel plate amp I suppose. So what I plan on is seeing what would be an improvement over the factory setup. From what I`ve seen the LE-1 wasn`t actually a stellar performer even though it was some serious $$$
Thanks guy`s

[Mike F]

Thanks Mr Widget..I`m a fast learner or maybe half fast :) and I`ll delve into it all and though I appreciate your input but there`d be no way I`d spend that much for a plate amp.

In your opinion do YOU think an amp like the Crown XTi series would cover it ?
http://www.crownaudio.com/media/storagebk/amp_htm/xti2files/XTi2 datasheet.pdf

I would steer clear of the XTI series altogether, very unreliable in my experience.
Go with and older Crown or BGW.

[maxwedge]

Well... sort of.

Of the 20+ that I bought for myself and others, I know of a couple that were blown up due to an over zealous love of clean deep bass and at least one that was definitely improperly glued, but the vast majority are still in use 8 years later.


Widget
:dont-know:

[maxwedge]

I like QSC to power mine with a DBX 260 doing the filtering. I use a RMX2450 with one sub1500 per channel. I swapped out the fan in the amp for one that's quieter.;)

[Pinky]

Thanks guy`s I decided on a Dayton SA 1000.
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=300-811

[Mike F]

Looks like a decent unit at a good price, enjoy!