Originally Posted by
Leadfoot
The D15 SE arrived yesterday. Here are a few impressions:
Packaging/Shipment: The unit arrived via UPS and tipped the scales at 102lbs! I was bit concerned when it arrived as it seems like one of the UPS guys dropped it on a corner -- the corner of the box was pushed in about two inches. However, the ample amount of foam around the unit prevented any damage. Upon opening the box, I did note a very nice cloth shroud the unit was enclosed in. It is worth noting that the power cord came in a separate box via USPS, which was odd but not problematic in the least. Overall: 10 of 10.
Pre-Sale Support: I received no less than four e-mails from Ascend with status of my orders. My phone call to Ascend was answered by an actual person on the second ring, and my question answered immediately. Overall: 10 of 10.
Documentation: The unit arrived with only a one-page quickguide. While I would have appreciated a fancier manual complete with much of the information on the website, this is probably a minor issue. On the bright side, the information on the website is very good and made installation and tuning a snap. Overall: 8 of 10.
Aesthetics: First off, this sucker is big! I can understand why some are using it for an end-table -- the size is just perfect for that. The piano-gloss black finish is immaculate, not a scratch or swirl to be seen anywhere. The driver is also very impressive -- this is my first foray into aluminum drivers -- too bad that pretty driver is hidden from view (but understandable given the design). Overall: 10 of 10.
Performance: The heck with all of the above meaningless stuff -- it's all about performance. I gotta tell you all, this unit didn't disappoint in the least. Bass was extremely tight (much tighter than any sub I've listened to -- admittedly a limited number compared to some of you bass-buffs). While I suspect there are better subs out there, I couldn't be more impressed with the sub's performance. Overall: 10 of 10.
Versus the Velodyne: No comparison really, the D15 has better range on the low-end, tops out much higher SPL-wise (and I have the crooked pictures in my condo to prove it! :eek: ), and most of all provides much tighter and more accurate bass. I tested my six reference materials (three video - Bourne Ultimatum, Lord of the Rings, and Transformers; and three audio -- Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon, Primus: Pork Soda, and Beastie Boys: Check your Head) and the D15 SE beat the Velodyne hands-down -- louder, tighter and more musical bass was the result. Gone was the boomy and rough around the edges sound of the ported 12" Velodyne. It was replaced with a much more realistic and musical sound of the Rythmik. Even with movies, where many folks seem to prefer a slightly boomy bass, I prefered the tight accurate sound of the non-ported Rythmik.
All in all, I am very pleased with my choice and I'm looking forward to years of enjoyment from the Rythmik sub -- and hope this unbiased review will help others evaluate Rythmik's offerings.
Take care...Mike
