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Post by thezone on Sept 3, 2020 17:10:49 GMT -5
Oh well, I bit the bullet and bought one. Ended up costing AUD$2,650, will be more if I get slugged duty once it hits the country. Thank god my mrs has no access to this site or my paypal account!
Will report back with my review once it arrives! I'm excited!
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Lsc
Emo VIPs 
Posts: 3,435
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Post by Lsc on Sept 3, 2020 17:21:47 GMT -5
Oh well, I bit the bullet and bought one. Ended up costing AUD$2,650, will be more if I get slugged duty once it hits the country. Thank god my mrs has no access to this site or my paypal account! Will report back with my review once it arrives! I'm excited! Awesome! Looking forward to your feedback! |
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Post by thezone on Sept 16, 2020 7:03:06 GMT -5
Airmotiv RS13 Subwoofer Review
So I received my RS-13 but unfortunately it was aesthetically damaged in transit on it's way from Tennessee to South Australia. Emotiva however were amazing and jumped to the rescue issuing a new one to me straight away. Awesome service!
The unit is in working order so I thought while I'm waiting for the replacement to arrive, I would plug it in and spend some time getting to know it. I realize that everyone has there own way of running a sub/subs so this may be a subjective review but I'd like to think I have some idea about what sounds good being a semi-pro musician myself (well a drummer) and having spent a lot of time with sound engineer friends of mine and trying to cut through all the audio BS. With their help I have tried to approach sub integration with a simple as possible scenario.
MUSIC:
At the moment I have 4 subs and not one of them on its own can "seamlessly" fill that lower end of the spectrum with my Dynaudio Contour S3.4 mains. There would always be some frequency that just didn't sit right, so one of my engineer friends lent me an external cross over just to handle the subs, firstly I tried it on two, then three, then all 4. We moved them all around the room, tried different cross over points and eventually got it to sound pretty darn good right at the listening point with just 3 subs. In this configuration, there were no offensive frequencies as I could dial them all out manually. I had the mains set to small in the XMC-1 with a cross over of 90hz and each sub would have it's own small piece of the pie. To complete the picture we also introduced a 25hz high pass filter which really tightened up things at the bottom.
Fast forward a few years and the XMC-2 came along with it's separate LFE and mono sub outputs. I connected the three subs (with xover and hpf) to the left sub output and used them for Bass management only. So I used 4th sub on the LFEoutput and put it behind my sofa. Wow! This really made a difference for movies.
But as far as music went I couldn't help thinking that there was still some improvement to be made so after reading all the material on the RS-13 I decided it may actually be right for my needs and pulled the pin.
Wow people. The RS-13 sub is what I would call the end game in subs and not because it can blow my windows out of their brackets, but because it has such a flat eq curve and so much headroom. Holy moly this thing has blown me away.
I replaced all 3 subs x-over and 25hz HPF with the one RS-13 (connected to the XMC-2 Left mono - so bass management only), kept the baffle in, set it to bypass all internal processing, picked the flat eq setting which rolls off bass slowly under 30hz and sat back and listened critically and non critically to every go-to audio file I had. Insane people. It just takes hold of the lower end and delivers it to you with such precision and clarity, I still cant believe what I am hearing.
They way it seamlessly integrates with the mains is just insane. I can hear bass guitar lines in songs I never even knew existed! The tom toms in drums now have a decay and extension that makes them sound real, I didn't even realize I was missing this information, it's more than just removing offensive frequencies, this is breathing a life into music that I didn't even know existed.
I am now going back through my entire collection of music on a journey of rediscovery.
The boys (and girls?) at Emo have really produced a winner here.
MOVIES:
Who cares. Any 1000w + sub can deliver big powerful bone crushing thumps ( and this one does but it would be wasted using it soley for this purpose).
Edit:
To be fair I also hooked it up on the LFE channel, removed the baffle and selected the deep curve profile. The real low end is actually excellent, it has plenty of dynamics and thump but it's not harsh at all, it manages to deliver really deep punches but without making your ribs feel like they will crack. It's all class. I managed to find a movie scene that has brutal initial impact but then a constant very low slowly decaying note, there are no wildly modulating sub harmonics, it controls the sound so well, the note seems smooth and non offensive as it decays. I don't think I can explain it any better.
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Post by cwmcobra on Sept 16, 2020 7:54:26 GMT -5
Thanks for posting the first review of the RS13. Glad it met your expectations and appreciate the details you've shared. Sounds like a winner!
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Post by Hair Nick on Sept 16, 2020 8:20:10 GMT -5
Airmotiv RS13 Subwoofer Review
So I received my RS-13 but unfortunately it was aesthetically damaged in transit on it's way from Tennessee to South Australia. Emotiva however were amazing and jumped to the rescue issuing a new one to me straight away. Awesome service! The unit is in working order so I thought while I'm waiting for the replacement to arrive, I would plug it in and spend some time getting to know it. I realize that everyone has there own way of running a sub/subs so this may be a subjective review but I'd like to think I have some idea about what sounds good being a semi-pro musician myself (well a drummer) and having spent a lot of time with sound engineer friends of mine and trying to cut through all the audio BS. With their help I have tried to approach sub integration with a simple as possible scenario. MUSIC: At the moment I have 4 subs and not one of them on its own can "seamlessly" fill that lower end of the spectrum with my Dynaudio Contour S3.4 mains. There would always be some frequency that just didn't sit right, so one of my engineer friends lent me an external cross over just to handle the subs, firstly I tried it on two, then three, then all 4. We moved them all around the room, tried different cross over points and eventually got it to sound pretty darn good right at the listening point with just 3 subs. In this configuration, there were no offensive frequencies as I could dial them all out manually. I had the mains set to small in the XMC-1 with a cross over of 90hz and each sub would have it's own small piece of the pie. To complete the picture we also introduced a 25hz high pass filter which really tightened up things at the bottom. Fast forward a few years and the XMC-2 came along with it's separate LFE and mono sub outputs. I connected the three subs (with xover and hpf) to the left sub output and used them for Bass management only. So I used 4th sub on the LFEoutput and put it behind my sofa. Wow! This really made a difference for movies. But was far as music went I couldn't help thinking that there was still some improvement to be made so after reading all the material on the RS-13 I decided it may actually be right for my needs and pulled the pin. Wow people. The RS-13 sub is what I would call the end game in subs and not because it can blow my windows out of their brackets, but because it has such a flat eq curve and so much headroom. Holy moly this thing has blown me away. I replaced all 3 subs x-over and 25hz HPF with the one RS-13 (connected to the XMC-2 Left mono - so bass management only), kept the baffle in, set it to bypass all internal processing, picked the flat eq setting which rolls off bass slowly under 30hz and sat back and listened critically and non critically to every go-to audio file I had. Insane people. It just takes hold of the lower end and delivers it to you with such precision and clarity, I still cant believe what I am hearing. They way it seamlessly integrates with the mains is just insane. I can hear bass guitar lines in songs I never even knew existed! The tom toms in drums now have a decay and extension that makes them sound real, I didn't even realize I was missing this information, it's more than just removing offensive frequencies, this is breathing a life into music that I didn't even know existed. I am now going back through my entire collection of music on a journey of rediscovery. The boys at Emo have really produced a winner here. MOVIES: Who cares. Any 1000w + sub can deliver big powerful bone crushing thumps ( and this one does but it would be wasted using it for this purpose). So happy to read that this subwoofer has done so much for your system. The secret power of this subwoofer is for music since it is incredibly fast, accurate, and detailed. |
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Post by thezone on Sept 25, 2020 18:25:55 GMT -5
So to add to this thread. I am now the proud owner of 2 x RS-13s. They are connected to the XMC-2 one at the front for Bass management and one at the rear of the room for LFE.
LFE
I cant understate how good this sub is. I have already detailed how good it is for music above but it is equally just as good as an LFE sub. I have the baffle removed and the deep curve profile selected. The low end has both brutal attack and yet smooth and subtle decay with no no wildly modulating sub harmonics, it controls the sound brilliantly. I have never enjoyed watching movies so much.
I played the scene from the Star Wars 4k BD where the death star destroys Aldereaan, there is an initial impact and then a delayed deep rumble after the explosion continues and it literally feels and sounds as though there is an earth quake in my area. My wife came out of the shower (which is at the other end of the house) shocked and said "What the hell was that?" : )
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Lsc
Emo VIPs
Posts: 3,435
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Post by Lsc on Sept 25, 2020 18:53:53 GMT -5
Wow. Sounds like it’s a great sub! Thanks for sharing.
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Post by JKCashin on Sept 25, 2020 23:43:30 GMT -5
My wife came out of the shower (which is at the other end of the house) shocked and said "What the hell was that?" : ) Well that made my day! |
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Post by bobcel on Sept 27, 2020 10:02:02 GMT -5
My wife came out of the shower (which is at the other end of the house) shocked and said "What the hell was that?" : ) Wow,if this sub will get naked women running, I'm down. It appears this sub has great HAF |
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Post by garbulky on Sept 29, 2020 14:13:42 GMT -5
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Post by bobcel on Sept 29, 2020 15:34:17 GMT -5
Well that would be "Husband Acceptance Factor"  |
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Post by thezone on Sept 29, 2020 23:48:06 GMT -5
No HAF unfortunately, sad to say my wife is royally pissed that I bought two of these as they are very large (apparently).
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Post by reggieburris on Sept 11, 2021 7:00:49 GMT -5
Having owned all dual SVS PB-1000s thru PB-4000s (the latter I still own), I feel the RS13s (duals) hold their own admirably. Where they shine is in the deep bass and it’s authoritative and smooth.
They are very similar to the PB-3000s in that they can hit hard but they don’t have as much mid bass, however they master the low end to mid bass transition a bit smoother. I loved my PB-3000s, which I recently sold, but after purchasing the dual RS11s that sounded so good, I yearned for the big brothers.
The convenience of the RS13s’ size and the creamy bass, fast response and no chuffing, no matter how hard you drive them. Add the quality build, matt finish, easy controls, and discounted price for the duals, these are hard to beat. Honestly they sound like a smaller PB-4000, which I think have some of the smoothest bass I’ve ever heard.
I could have purchased larger subs, sealed, passive radiated, or ported, but I chose these and I’m happy. I’ll never badmouth the PB-3000 but the RS13’s size to output ration with its aesthetics, are hard to beat.
In summation, I’ll remain an SVS fan and may recommend them, but at this moment in time, the RS11 and the RS13 have stolen my musical heart.
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ttocs
Global Moderator 
I always have a wonderful time, wherever I am, whomever I'm with. (Elwood P Dowd)
Posts: 8,170
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Post by ttocs on Sept 11, 2021 9:27:16 GMT -5
Airmotiv RS13 Subwoofer Review
Fast forward a few years and the XMC-2 came along with it's separate LFE and mono sub outputs. I replaced all 3 subs x-over and 25hz HPF with the one RS-13 (connected to the XMC-2 Left mono - so bass management only) . . . . . MOVIES: Who cares. Any 1000w + sub can deliver big powerful bone crushing thumps ( and this one does but it would be wasted using it soley for this purpose). Edit: To be fair I also hooked it up on the LFE channel, removed the baffle and selected the deep curve profile. The real low end is actually excellent, it has plenty of dynamics and thump but it's not harsh at all, it manages to deliver really deep punches but without making your ribs feel like they will crack. It's all class. I managed to find a movie scene that has brutal initial impact but then a constant very low slowly decaying note, there are no wildly modulating sub harmonics, it controls the sound so well, the note seems smooth and non offensive as it decays. I don't think I can explain it any better. Since this thread received suscitation . . . Great review! Thanks for sharing. Sorry I missed it last year. One correction please: LFE can be in a separate channel if so desired, but it is not "removed" when using only one subwoofer output and setting that as Mono, it still gets sent to this channel setup this way. When using only the Left Sub Output and set as Mono, that channel will receive Bass Management and .1 LFE signals. If Center Sub Output is set as LFE, then only LFE will be sent to the Center Sub Output. If there are any Small Channels then Bass Management will send the bass for the Small Channels to the Large Channels. If all channels are setup as Large and there are no subwoofers, then LFE is sent to all the Large channels, no BM needed. (be careful with this one!) The LFE Only Option for the Center Sub will only show up in system setups with channels setup as Large, otherwise it is not available. |
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Post by JKCashin on Sept 11, 2021 15:16:42 GMT -5
Thanks reggieburris for that review (and for other folks who also reviewed). After quite a bit of "research"... well, ok, like most people when I say "research" I mean I've read some reviews and watches some YouTube vudeos, but I digress... after my "research" I had pretty much settled on an SB-3000 (well, a pair actually) because it checked pretty much all the boxes for me, probably the same boxes most of us here would want checked, but a few other boxes I'm thinking might not be so "common", such as the desire for a die-cast or similar basket. At any rate, I made the decision quite some time ago that the SB-3000 was the right ROI for me, but even then, it was not perfect. Over the last 2.5 or so years I have periodically revisited my decision... doing more "research" but still arriving at the SB-3000 as the unit most close to my needs for the price. I've held off purchasing the subs because every time I was ready to do an update to my system, there were areas where I could get more bang for my buck... going from an XMC-1 to an XMC-2, going from an AVR-as-external-amp to XPA-10 (4+3S), upgrading all but L+R speakers.... and because I already had subs that were honestly quite satisfactory. But again.... every time I "double checked" my subwoofer upgrade path plan, I came to the same conclusion. That is, until recently. You see, the SVS-3000 does pretty much everything I want my subs to do, but it also does other things I don't care for my subs to do, like the app-enabled DSP. With the exception of having an inbuilt amplifier, I want my subs to be pretty basic.... driver(s) in a box with an amplifier. I don't really need to be able to set phase, crossover, etc., as my XMC-2 does all that for me, and even if I were to become dissatisfied with what the XMC-2 could do in the bass management area, I could add a MiniDSP 2x4HD to give me pretty much more control than just about any built-in I have seen from mainstream subwoofer providers, at least anywhere near these price points. I am a believer in buying the product that suits as many of your needs as possible, without going beyond your needs. Maybe I am wrong on this, but my thinking is since the money I spend pays for all of the product, including the features I don't want or need, all other things being equal I am better off making sure the bulk of the money I spend is spent on the aspects I care about. So that got me to thinking how nice it would be if there was an SB-3000 class unit that didn't have the cost of the extensive DSP and application integration cutting into my budget. When the RS13 was released, it triggered another "double check" round for me, and this time the end conclusion was not so clear. This unit checked all (but one) of the boxes I care about that the SB-3000 checked,, and it did so with a simpler design... the DSP was a much simpler implementation. It was much closer to my ideal of most of my money going into the things I want. I say "all but one" because my checklist includes "sealed sub", and the RS13 missed that one, being ported. Over time, more-and-more RS13 reviews became available, and I read every one. Most of the reviewers addressed the ported nature of this sub, indicating that it didn't seem to exhibit any port chuffing and was up to the task of being musical.... talking about seamless integration, speed, accuracy.... etc. In short it was begininng to look like there was a ported sub that somehow didn't exhibit any of the issues some ported subs have, at least not in a way I should be concerned about. As a bonus, Emotiva seems to have done all this magic without bloating the cabinet to an unreasonable size, as seems to be the case with many of the other ported solutions I have considered (I am looking at you, PB-3000). So now I am thinking of changing my upgrade path.... two PB11 and one PB13 I am thinking. Thanks to those who have reviewed this sub.... makes life easier for me! |
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Post by thezone on Sept 17, 2021 4:03:57 GMT -5
Airmotiv RS13 Subwoofer Review
Fast forward a few years and the XMC-2 came along with it's separate LFE and mono sub outputs. I replaced all 3 subs x-over and 25hz HPF with the one RS-13 (connected to the XMC-2 Left mono - so bass management only) . . . . . MOVIES: Who cares. Any 1000w + sub can deliver big powerful bone crushing thumps ( and this one does but it would be wasted using it soley for this purpose). Edit: To be fair I also hooked it up on the LFE channel, removed the baffle and selected the deep curve profile. The real low end is actually excellent, it has plenty of dynamics and thump but it's not harsh at all, it manages to deliver really deep punches but without making your ribs feel like they will crack. It's all class. I managed to find a movie scene that has brutal initial impact but then a constant very low slowly decaying note, there are no wildly modulating sub harmonics, it controls the sound so well, the note seems smooth and non offensive as it decays. I don't think I can explain it any better. Since this thread received suscitation . . . Great review! Thanks for sharing. Sorry I missed it last year. One correction please: LFE can be in a separate channel if so desired, but it is not "removed" when using only one subwoofer output and setting that as Mono, it still gets sent to this channel setup this way. When using only the Left Sub Output and set as Mono, that channel will receive Bass Management and .1 LFE signals. If Center Sub Output is set as LFE, then only LFE will be sent to the Center Sub Output. If there are any Small Channels then Bass Management will send the bass for the Small Channels to the Large Channels. If all channels are setup as Large and there are no subwoofers, then LFE is sent to all the Large channels, no BM needed. (be careful with this one!) The LFE Only Option for the Center Sub will only show up in system setups with channels setup as Large, otherwise it is not available. Hi ttocs, Sorry I omitted in my original review that, at that point (when I just received my first RS13) that my old M&K sub was still connected to the center sub output for LFE duties. So as far as I understand it, the RS13 connected to the left sub output and set to Mono would only be receiving the summed output of all speakers set to small under the cross over point set in the XMC-2? Let me know if I've gotten that wrong. Cheers |
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Post by thezone on Sept 17, 2021 4:10:56 GMT -5
Thanks reggieburris for that review (and for other folks who also reviewed). After quite a bit of "research"... well, ok, like most people when I say "research" I mean I've read some reviews and watches some YouTube vudeos, but I digress... after my "research" I had pretty much settled on an SB-3000 (well, a pair actually) because it checked pretty much all the boxes for me, probably the same boxes most of us here would want checked, but a few other boxes I'm thinking might not be so "common", such as the desire for a die-cast or similar basket. At any rate, I made the decision quite some time ago that the SB-3000 was the right ROI for me, but even then, it was not perfect. Over the last 2.5 or so years I have periodically revisited my decision... doing more "research" but still arriving at the SB-3000 as the unit most close to my needs for the price. I've held off purchasing the subs because every time I was ready to do an update to my system, there were areas where I could get more bang for my buck... going from an XMC-1 to an XMC-2, going from an AVR-as-external-amp to XPA-10 (4+3S), upgrading all but L+R speakers.... and because I already had subs that were honestly quite satisfactory. But again.... every time I "double checked" my subwoofer upgrade path plan, I came to the same conclusion. That is, until recently. You see, the SVS-3000 does pretty much everything I want my subs to do, but it also does other things I don't care for my subs to do, like the app-enabled DSP. With the exception of having an inbuilt amplifier, I want my subs to be pretty basic.... driver(s) in a box with an amplifier. I don't really need to be able to set phase, crossover, etc., as my XMC-2 does all that for me, and even if I were to become dissatisfied with what the XMC-2 could do in the bass management area, I could add a MiniDSP 2x4HD to give me pretty much more control than just about any built-in I have seen from mainstream subwoofer providers, at least anywhere near these price points. I am a believer in buying the product that suits as many of your needs as possible, without going beyond your needs. Maybe I am wrong on this, but my thinking is since the money I spend pays for all of the product, including the features I don't want or need, all other things being equal I am better off making sure the bulk of the money I spend is spent on the aspects I care about. So that got me to thinking how nice it would be if there was an SB-3000 class unit that didn't have the cost of the extensive DSP and application integration cutting into my budget. When the RS13 was released, it triggered another "double check" round for me, and this time the end conclusion was not so clear. This unit checked all (but one) of the boxes I care about that the SB-3000 checked,, and it did so with a simpler design... the DSP was a much simpler implementation. It was much closer to my ideal of most of my money going into the things I want. I say "all but one" because my checklist includes "sealed sub", and the RS13 missed that one, being ported. Over time, more-and-more RS13 reviews became available, and I read every one. Most of the reviewers addressed the ported nature of this sub, indicating that it didn't seem to exhibit any port chuffing and was up to the task of being musical.... talking about seamless integration, speed, accuracy.... etc. In short it was begininng to look like there was a ported sub that somehow didn't exhibit any of the issues some ported subs have, at least not in a way I should be concerned about. As a bonus, Emotiva seems to have done all this magic without bloating the cabinet to an unreasonable size, as seems to be the case with many of the other ported solutions I have considered (I am looking at you, PB-3000). So now I am thinking of changing my upgrade path.... two PB11 and one PB13 I am thinking. Thanks to those who have reviewed this sub.... makes life easier for me! Everything you have said makes perfect sense! I just want to add, regardless of which way you go, upgrading the subs improved the SQ in my music and HT substantially more than I ever imagined it would, but now I have them I feel stupid that I thought this way. Such an important part of the sound spectrum that I think is undervalued in society today! Also the RS 13 is a gorgeous looking sub, and I love the smoked glass panel with subtle blue lights at the top rear. Just sayin'! |
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Post by reggieburris on Oct 22, 2021 20:09:25 GMT -5
As the past owner of Dual PB-3000s and dual PB-2000 Pros, and current owner of Dual RS11s, dual RS13S and dual PB-4000s, I have hands on listening experiences with the subs above.
The RS11s were easier to tune that he PB-2000s but has less deep bass but better mid bass or at least in the listening arena.
The RS13s play a tad deeper that the PB-3000s but the PB-3000s have more mid bass and rumble. The RS13s are more pleasing to look at and are a bit smaller but they aren’t better than the PB-3000s. I could leave with either sub and they are more similar than different, besides the size difference and of course the looks.
The finish of the RS subs set them apart. The Matt black is superior to the vinyl on the SVS. There are times my RS13s sound as deep as my PB-4000s but with the parametric eq, the PB-4000s pulls away at lower depths.
I love what RS subs bring to the table and I’m keeping mine.
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Post by thezone on Jan 1, 2023 18:23:21 GMT -5
So after two years of ownership, I thought I would report that I am still extremely happy with these subs, particularly at how musical they are. But I have noticed that they have been discontinued? I would have thought that the cost to make such a bespoke item like this, wouldn't be fully recovered until it had been in production for a while?
Real shame as they are amazing subs.
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Post by lukewayne on Jun 27, 2023 10:00:00 GMT -5
So after two years of ownership, I thought I would report that I am still extremely happy with these subs, particularly at how musical they are. But I have noticed that they have been discontinued? I would have thought that the cost to make such a bespoke item like this, wouldn't be fully recovered until it had been in production for a while? Real shame as they are amazing subs. I came to this thread for the same reason. Bought one when they were new. Loving it. Just noticed today that they are discontinued, and not really replaced with anything similarly equipped… Does anyone know why the RS13 disappeared so quickly? |
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