Is anyone using the Ruark Audio subwoofer?

[csb]

I am considering buying the Ruark Audio RS1 subwoofer.

It was only released a few months ago and I haven't found any reviews that actually test the speaker. All reviews just talk about the specs, features and looks.

Has anyone bought this sub?

I have Ruark Audio MR1 Mk2 speakers so I'd like to hear from anyone that has the RS1 connected to these.

[Leo.G]

I'd never heard of the brand but their own site has some good reviews on the item, if you can believe them?


https://www.ruarkaudio.com/products/rs1-subwoofer


Though I'm going to look into their speakers, from what I've read the things are amazing.

[csb]

Thanks for the link, Leo. I didn't notice Ruark site had reviews.

Can the reviews be trusted? So I checked the reviews for the MR1 speakers - over 500 customer reviews, mainly 5 star with a few 4 stars. This seems to agree with external reviews: Great speakers and very popular.

The RS1 sub gets similar reviews, although only 22 reviews which seems inline with being a new product; released in September.

So I think I will buy the sub after another day of consideration. It is on sale with free shipping at NAPF Electronics.

PS I recommend the MR1 Mk2 speakers. Decent bass when I set equaliser with increased bass and treble.

Currently I have a 10" Sherwood sub connected to the speakers so equaliser is flat.

[Leo.G]

From what I read they do sound amazing. Now I just have to scrimp and save if I want a set but I'm guessing another must have astronomy accessory will come up and keep me broke.
Disability pension so I collect as I can, I get there eventually.

[JA]

By all means read the reviews, pour over the tests and objective tests, but never forget the ultimate test : listening. Go to an audio store with your favourite music and have a listen. If you can't audition them, then consider something else.

Best
JA

[csb]

Yes, having a listen would be best.

However, only one hifi store in Adelaide seem to stock Ruark Audio, via online search. I called the store and they don't have the sub and not planning to stock it. I called another store but they don't stock Ruark.

I think I'll hold off a little while.

Thanks for replies.

[Leo.G]

There's always eBay, a lot of businesses advertise on there now, worth a look to see if anyone has one?
Still doesn't help you with an actual demonstration. You get to the store and the young fella puts some disgusting Rap crap on to demonstrate the quality.
Sorry, personal gripe, IT'S NOT MUSIC!
I can't believe the number of people in their 40s I hear blasting that crap out in their cars.
They probably think my rock and roll favourites are just as disgusting I guess.

[csb]

I just checked ebay. Zilch!

Listening would be great so I know if it gives better sounding bass than my current subwoofer. I've listened to a Bose Wave music system and that gave such a smooth bass. That is that bass I'm after but not the Bose system.

That bass is very suitable for soft rock, progressive and instrumental hits.

I'm also amazed when over 50s turn rap on. So aggressive, violent and antisocial. That music is a sign of things to come.

[JA]

Since subwoofers have been mentioned I cannot let it pass without a mention that if it's subwoofers you want (for life) then allow me to suggest the JBL B380 (uses the JBL 2235 15 inch driver) and JBL B460 (uses the JBL 2245 18 inch driver). These were JBL High-end statement products of the 80s and 90s and will still out-perform what's available today. You are unlikely to be able to find original versions today and they would be in the multi thousand $ range due to collectability to some audiophiles, BUT you can still find the 15 inch driver (JBL 2235) and 18 inch (JBL 2245) on which they are based on the second hand market, albeit they are expensive too, just not as much as the complete sub. Both of these subwoofers have highly compliant surrounds, a free air resonance of 20 Hz, high sensitivity (93dB & 95 dB 1W/1m) and giant magnetic structures (The 2235 driver weighs in at over 10kg with a 8.5kg magnetic structure and the 2245 weighs in at ~14kg) If you are very handy or have a friend who is a cabinet maker, then go DIY.

They are not small (JBL B380 is 127 litres and the B460 HUGE) and require use of an active filter, the JBL BX63 which provides +6dB of eq at ~26 Hz. The filter can easily be emulated in many of todays room eq products etc. The BX63 filter provides active equalisation before the driving amplifier and allows in the case of the B380 for an enclosure size of 127 litres instead of something like 225 litres (4.5 ft^3 v 8 ft^3).

Whilst not small, they will do justice to the bottom few octaves like nothing else, with great frequency extension to 20Hz, high SPL and most importantly freedom from distortion and dynamic compression when partnered with a good amplifier.

The B380 and B460 are both vented (bass reflex) designs, but if you like sealed enclosures I can also recommend the NHT1259 subwoofer with active eq in an ~100 litre (? Memory?) cabinet, it has excellent low frequency extension, but is lower sensitivity and has lower power handling than either of the JBL subwoofers and hence lower maximum output.


Best
JA

[csb]

Thanks Ja, your last post caused me to think. I am wanting a nice bass sound not actually the Ruark sub. So I will need to visit the hifi store that sells the same Ruark speakers that I have and listen with various subs connected.

I'm not am audiophile but when I found that music with a subwoofer sounds so lush I decided I need a sub. My current sub is my 2nd but I haven't got the right feel/mood yet.