Carver Sunfire Subwoofer for Computer?

[sharkeeper]

Has anyone tried one of these for a computer subwoofer?

All of the other "multimedia speaker systems" aren't true subwoofers. (meaning extension to a genuine 20Hz that you can feel!)

The SF is a pretty compact unit with a 2.7 kW amp that would seem to fit my needs in a tight space. They can also be found on ebay cheap. I've never heard them but they are supposed to work pretty well. I think it would couple nicely to a pair of Rush Monitors or even the inwall Jamos.

Cheers!

 

[Woodchuck2000]

$580 is hardly cheap...

Has anyone tried one of these for a computer subwoofer?

Unlikely... It would probably sound great with sufficiently beefy speakers to match it though.
This said, it costs more on its own than the best computer speaker sets so it's not surprising that it has deeper and more powerful bass.

It's not a 2.7kW amp btw, it's a 2.7kW transformer. A 2.7kW subwoofer would be sufficient for a medium-sized cinema...

 

[sharkeeper]

Actually the amp can develop that much power. It would sound terrible for high frequencies. Making the unit so small makes it rather inefficient at lower frequencies. Having large X max really helps as well. 2.7 kW will do a small club with very high efficiency speakers.

For something that can put out a genuine 20Hz at decent level, $600 IS cheap especially when you consider it is self powered.

Computer speakers just cannot compare. The ones I've listened to just don't have sufficient low end punch. I guess they're ok for rap where accuracy doesn't matter and if the woofers flutter and fart it adds character to the "music" so to speak! :Q

Cheers!

 

[apoppin]

I think it would sound just fine mated with a good speaker system. . . . however . . . Then you would find flaws in your sound card and need to upgrade that . . . then your case fan "noise" would be too irritatingly noticeable in the softer passages . . . You'd have to throw out your MP3 collection - even CDs are lacking . . . it just doesn't ever "end" for audiophiles.

 

[sharkeeper]

You'd have to throw out your MP3 collection - even CDs are lacking . . . it just doesn't ever "end" for audiophiles.

It never ends...of course it never ends. I haven't even seen the beginning of the end.

Computer is cool and quiet. P4, no scsi and no big fans. Noisiest component is keyboard clacking away. I also have a denfoss cold plate (1.3 kW) ticking away to keep the wines cool and that thing is about to be replaced with a grunert 1 hp kompressor.

Anyways, this would just be for a system to get by with (on a boat) so I think I can deal with that. MP3s? You're kidding right? I'm just starting to convert a lot of 30 ips tapes to 24/192 and 24/96 digital. I also have a boatload (no pun intended) of 48KHz stuff too! Built in speakers sound real nice and are VERY tight in the 90Hz range but are crossed at 75 with a butterworth to protect the drivers from overloading from too much LFE. Some of my organ pieces are quite demanding on the lower frequency ranges. I have a few Velo ULD18's but they are too big and heavy to even think about dragging onboard.

I even thought about building a 12 meter folded transmission line and loading it with six dynaudio 300 cm woofs but I just don't have the time. :sigh:

Cheers!

 

[apoppin]

Of course I am kidding.

I am just saying the Carver Sunfire Sub would sound great . . . but then would be OVERkill for just about any computer system . . . as with any audiophile endeavor, you upgrade one component and then notice all the other "weaknesses" in your system.

If you have the money, go for it!

 

[sharkeeper]

but then would be OVERkill for just about any computer system

Overkill? What does that mean?

My wife says I'm worse than Tim Allen. (Too Time) At least I don't blow stuff up. By accident anyways.

Cheers!

 

[apoppin]

o·ver·kill Pronunciation Key (ovr-kil)
n.
1. Destructive nuclear capacity exceeding the amount needed to destroy an enemy.
2. Excessive killing.
3. An excess of what is necessary or appropriate for a particular end

Overkill - that is - to anyone BUT an audiophile.

Your wife is very perceptive.

 

[fastman]

my .02...be careful bringing magnetically stored media near this speaker as I believe it is not shielded. As far as the price/performance, I would look a getting a Hsu. Unless you have this already laying around.

 

[ElFenix]

i'd have to look into one for my regular stereo first but i guess you could hook it up

 

[sharkeeper]

HSU's are good but do produce too high of a distortion level when driven hard. Very good for rock lovers. They can take a beating.

I'm just looking for a compact solution that's about the size of a typical computer system SW yet can give at least another octave on the bottom end!

The magnetic shielding issue is a problem and can be addressed with mu metal plates.

Cheers!