Zephyr, thanks for the comments. I could probably get the blend of the sub right just with the controls on the Rythmik. I find the low pass crossover better on the SMS-1 as the slope is adjustable. I actually cross the sub above the cut off point of the mains. When you do this, sub positioning is extremely critical. IME, the sub distance from the listening position must be the same or less than the woofers of BOTH main speakers. Both main speakers must be the same distance from the listening position as well. I like the sub slightly closer than the mains and then to use the phase knob on the sub to blend them together. I don't have it perfect yet, as I would need another set of good ears to help with the final tweaking, but it is very close. Done this way, I find the sub much less able to be localized. I am making a guess here, but it seems as if the sub and mains are both electrically and acoustically in phase with each other. If I can hear where the sub is at, I have it turned up too loud. I then use the SMS-1 as a remote volume control for the sub. I know this is not technically accurate, but it allows me to adjust for recordings with too much or not enough bass from my listening seat with the remote control. This hobby is about enjoying listening to music, and I find this method to help me in that regard. Fortunately I have a dedicated room where sub positioning is not an issue. I will post the details of my system hopefully within the next month or two. Happy listening.

csmgolf January 17, 2015 15:12

Zephyr, good to talk with you again also. I no longer have the Summits. Several speakers have come and gone since then, including Legacy Focus SE. The Focus ended up being too much speaker for my smallish room (12 x 15 1/2 x 8). My new speakers are the Vapor Audio Arcus. They give me most of the power and scale of the Focus and most of the finesse, staging, and refinement of the Summit. On top of that, they don't overpower my room and I can play them as loud as I can stand without them falling apart sonically (the biggest flaws of each of the other two speakers for my listening preferences and tastes).

The rest of my system has changed as well. I will be updating my system page within the next month or so after some other pieces are in place. The other key pieces are LSA Statement Plus integrated amp, North Star Designs 192 cd transport and Excelsio DAC and a Sound Science DC powered music vault and a Audio Magic Stealth power conditioner that has been upgraded to mini reference level by AM. Rythmik F12Se sub with Velodyne SMS-1 add low end impact. I have an assortment of high end cables through out.

csmgolf January 17, 2015 01:52

Great looking system and layout Zephyr. I bet it sounds amazing.

csmgolf January 15, 2015 22:31