Epik Valor with Polk RTi A5 setup (replacing H-100)?

Menasor

Thinking about getting an Epik Valor to replace my H-100. Was watching Transformers on HD-DVD last weekend and the first scene really uncovered the deficiencies in my subwoofer. So... it's time to upgrade!

Anyone have experience with the Valor in an RTi A setup? Or just have the Valor in general? From the response graphs, it should dig 8-10hz deeper with a much flatter response (particularly in the 60-80hz range), and of course have much higher output.

If anyone wants to steer me away to another subwoofer please do now! If there's another subwoofer that'll accomplish that I wish for: extension down to 20hz, great sound quality for both music and home theater, reasonably attractive - please let me know!

Thanks in advance

thsmith

Can you even get a Valor from Epik anymore ? Might want to check their site as they now list a new series of subs.

Menasor

thsmith wrote: »

Can you even get a Valor from Epik anymore ? Might want to check their site as they now list a new series of subs.

Looking to get one used at this time. Let's assume I can get a hold of one right now

leroyjr1

thsmith wrote: »

Can you even get a Valor from Epik anymore ? Might want to check their site as they now list a new series of subs.

They're not selling anymore of the older model subs. What they have left they're using for warranty products only. With the Epiks new subs someone must be selling their Valor to get a new Epik sub.


I would check out Epiks new 18 inch sealed sub if it's in your budget.

leroyjr1

Menasor wrote: »

Looking to get one used at this time. Let's assume I can get a hold of one right now

Check out the avsforum someone is selling their Valor on there.

Ron Temple

Erik Tracy has one with his RTi setup. Really there's no down side for you in comparison to the H100. It's a nice sounding sealed sub that's great for HT in small to mid-sized rooms. If the price is right get it.

sandworms

menasor, I've had my valor for quite some time now and just love it, this sub pressurizes my room at over 2100 sf very well. watching master and commander was unbelievable, those cannons feel like they're in the room. the incredibles, transformers, ski-dooosh of kung fu panda, iron man and the hulk were all top notch with that sub. and music is equally impressive, very fast and accurate. I only have audessy for my eq and it sounds way better than the price i paid, dollar for dollar, above and beyond my expectations. now i can only imagine if i had it calibrated for my room!! some day i'll figure out how to rew this puppy
get the valor before someone else snags it

Erik Tracy

I will second sandworms recommendation -seeing as his config is very similar to mine!

The Valor digs low, hits hard, and is quite the musical sub that also does very well for HT.

But...time marches on and progress continues...keep you mind and ears open to improvements. Yet, if a good deal comes along for older gear...grab it!

Menasor

Thanks for the replies guys! I'm leaning more and more towards it. Anyone hear any bad things about epik sub's longevity? Just a little cautious getting used since there's no warranty

leroyjr1

Menasor wrote: »

Thanks for the replies guys! I'm leaning more and more towards it. Anyone hear any bad things about epik sub's longevity? Just a little cautious getting used since there's no warranty

Longevity??? They haven't been in business that long. Did you look at there new line of subs?

Menasor

leroyjr1 wrote: »

Longevity??? They haven't been in business that long. Did you look at there new line of subs?

The new line... would have to be the Vanquish. How do you think that would compare to the Valor?

leroyjr1

Menasor wrote: »

The new line... would have to be the Vanquish. How do you think that would compare to the Valor?

As soon as I sell my Micropro 4000 I'm going to get the Dynasty.

Menasor

Hm, I'm still concerned about a lack of warranty. Not sure how long these amps last. I'm guessing a pretty long time (like 5+ years)? How does the SVS PB12-NSD stack up against the Valor? Better yet... anything other recommendations in the $500-600 range?

Menasor

*bump* Any opinions of how the a2-300 will stack up against the Valor? I'd guess not near as musical.

apphd

Can't make a comparison on the two, but I do have an A2-300 and am happy with it. I would guess from comments from owners of the Valor that it might indeed do better with music. Although the Ed does not shine in that department it is not terrible at it. In fact IMHO with the right mains and music that is not too demanding it does quite well. I use old Genesis Physics 320's that are sealed speakers with two 8" woofers and a 4.5" mid that need just a little help that for me the Ed does to my satisfaction.

Ron Temple

Menasor wrote: »

*bump* Any opinions of how the a2-300 will stack up against the Valor? I'd guess not near as musical.

You can still take a gander at Craigsub's list over a tweak city audio. He rated the Valor quite highly for an entry level sealed sub. The eD sub tied with the PB10. The PB12NSD was going to score even higher, somewhere in the mid-90s, but SVS and Craig came to an agreement not to include the sub on the list since he was planning to compete with them. That list is a guide not a gospel, but it's certainly comprehensive.

If you're still interested in Epik, then give Chad a call and discuss the models and how they compare to the Valor.

Menasor

How's the PC12-NSD? I hear it should be comparable to the PB12-NSD since a Cylinder design will cost less but perform equal or better than a boxed design. I don't believe I've seen it on Craigsub's list though

Ron Temple

Menasor wrote: »

How's the PC12-NSD? I hear it should be comparable to the PB12-NSD since a Cylinder design will cost less but perform equal or better than a boxed design. I don't believe I've seen it on Craigsub's list though

IDK...the PC12 is now in a 35" cylinder...don't know where the tuning is. I would think it's got similar output and extention to the PB12. You should probably ping techsupport@svsound.com and ask.

Menasor

Ron Temple wrote: »

IDK...the PC12 is now in a 35" cylinder...don't know where the tuning is. I would think it's got similar output and extention to the PB12. You should probably ping techsupport@svsound.com and ask.

yeah everything I've read leads me to believe they're pretty much equal. interesting...

Menasor

Went and ordered a PC12-NSD in B-stock for only $499. I'm excited!

Ron Temple

Menasor wrote: »

Went and ordered a PC12-NSD in B-stock for only $499. I'm excited!

Congrats, the PC12 is very close to the old Plus, which I owned and was a hell of a sub.

Kex

Menasor wrote: »

Went and ordered a PC12-NSD in B-stock for only $499. I'm excited!

Congratulations dude! That's a great price for a good sub! I hope it lives up to (or exceeds) all of your expectations.

apphd

Congratts Menasor, you have been working steadily at building a nice system.

Looks like you are almost there with what should be a great sounding set-up, or are there with a 3.1.

Menasor

Thanks for the kind words guys! I'll definitely post pics when I get everything set up.

Ron, maybe you should come over first. I don't want to go over to your place and get upgraditis from listening to your pc13-ultra :P

Menasor

apphd wrote: »

Congratts Menasor, you have been working steadily at building a nice system.

Looks like you are almost there with what should be a great sounding set-up, or are there with a 3.1.

Thanks! Last piece missing is probably an Emotiva XPA-3. My amp is only 2 channel right now and I think the center channel could definitely benefit from more power

Ron Temple

Menasor wrote: »

Thanks for the kind words guys! I'll definitely post pics when I get everything set up.

Ron, maybe you should come over first. I don't want to go over to your place and get upgraditis from listening to your pc13-ultra :P

Yep, you should probably stay away (it's a PB13 in Rosenut). Seriously, I've heard the H100 and it's a nice entry level sub. The PC12 is about 3 times that sub. You're going to love it. Depending on your living situation, your neighbors might not.

Menasor

Ron Temple wrote: »

Yep, you should probably stay away (it's a PB13 in Rosenut). Seriously, I've heard the H100 and it's a nice entry level sub. The PC12 is about 3 times that sub. You're going to love it. Depending on your living situation, your neighbors might not.

3x the sub?? Wow!

The neighbor that's on the other side of my living room wall actually also has a decent setup from what I've heard, and his bass could get pretty loud. Good thing is that they don't care about the noise levels. However, I have a feeling that if mine's really loud, they would just crank theirs louder to compensate...

Ron Temple

Menasor wrote: »

3x the sub?? Wow!

The neighbor that's on the other side of my living room wall actually also has a decent setup from what I've heard, and his bass could get pretty loud. Good thing is that they don't care about the noise levels. However, I have a feeling that if mine's really loud, they would just crank theirs louder to compensate...

I should correct myself, you should get 3 times the H100 below 30hz (about 9-12db, more with room gain) and at least 2x (5 -7db) above 30hz. The H100 drops like a stone around 27-28hz.

Menasor

The beast is here! Here's a bad pic of the setup I took real quick with my iphone before going to work today. Better pics coming soon:

Ron Temple

Menasor,

Did you get that clanking sound during calibration taken care of?

Menasor

Ron Temple wrote: »

Menasor,

Did you get that clanking sound during calibration taken care of?

Hey Ron,

Haven't gotten to recalibrate it. Maybe I should get a test tone CD and see if it's responding ok from 17hz to 80hz? Do you have one to recommend? Thinking of ways to do this without going out and spending money on an SPL meter. But if that's the best way to do it, I'll go ahead and grab one from the Shack