Nsub is it working?

Posted by: DJnickUK on 10 March 2011

Hi fellow Naim'a'philes.

I recently purchased a Second hand Nsub. Its a beautiful unit.

Problem is that I am not sure if it is working correctly.

This is the first non floor firing sub I have used. I am used to Rels and recently a Rel T5. I know that is a little baby sub in comparison to the Nsub but it had way more presence.

To be honest, there is no real major difference between having the Nsub on or off. There is sound from it, just not particularly deep or powerful.

My system is Celestion A3 fronts, A1 rears and A4C centre. Powered from a Rotel RSP 1570 and RMB 1575 power amp. The sub using the dedicated .1 output / input.

When I do the test tones it fires up and I can set with spl to 75 db but its not a deep, rumbling that I am used to.

I have played with setting the system between 60 and 250 hz Cross over. And speakers large or small it seams to make not much difference.

I have played around with it in many positions and even when there is a loud explosion scene, x men last stand, the sub just sits there quietly producing warmth but not slamming or rumbling as I believe a sub should.

Does this sound like its perhaps faulty?

Please do not get me wrong, it does do something... the intergratiion between the sub and the main speakers is amazing on Sub sweep tests, but its just got no punch. I have even had the gains up at 90 and then it is a little more dramatic but that seams very high for such a small return in sound. Perhaps its room positioning... I do not know.
 Many thanks
Posted on: 10 March 2011 by Richard Dane
The n-Sub works with the room and hence positioning is critical.  You will need a good solid wall and then experiment with the gap between driver and wall.  I usually end up somewhere around 5 and 10cms.  You will then need to find where along a wall works best.  One of the best ways to find this is to start off right in the middle of a wall and then gradually move towards a corner.  Don't be afraid to use the sub very close in to a corner if that is what works best for your usual listening position.  Make sure the sub is well grounded, level and doesn't rock on its spikes.  Try experimenting with the phase - there is no wrong or right here, it will depend on system, position of sub and listening position. 

It will take some time and work, more than most subs in fact, but it's well worth it.  Don't expect the n-Sub to flap your trousers though.  It's all about subtle enhancement and was designed to be able to play in time with music, so it's tight and light on its feet, but there will be punch when it's there on the music if it has been set up correctly.  If you need more "oomph" or a better spread across the room (listening position can be quite critical otherwise) then you just add more sub units.

For all that, there are numerous other subs that are better at movie SFX and explosions.  However, I really don't think there are any better when it comes to music...
Posted on: 10 March 2011 by AMA
Does it make articulated infra bass in 20 Hz -- 40 Hz range (where most of normal speakers roll off)?

I mean I saw a lot of subs which work in 35 Hz -- 100 Hz area and can shake the wall (good for movies when fed with dedicated .1 channel).
But the real musical subs are focused on SPEED while preserving the flat frequency response down to 20 Hz. The first come to my mind are Kharma and REL.
I would love to know if nSUB is capable of doing a similar job.
As usual -- no chance to listen for it at my local dealer.
Posted on: 10 March 2011 by GerryMcg
Originally Posted by AMA:
        Does it make articulated infra bass in 20 Hz -- 40 Hz range (where most of normal speakers roll off)?



As usual -- no chance to listen for it at my local dealer.
It does in my system/room to good effect.  I have an active SL2 system and have the n-Sub set normally at 45hz, although this can vary depending on the music. The n-sub offers great flexibility here with 6 pre-set options.

The n-Sub was my 4th sub and very superior to the others. I even think Richard is being modest with regard to its AV duties. It can and does lift my sofa at times, perhaps this is down to the room.

Gerry
Posted on: 12 March 2011 by AMA
Originally Posted by GerryMcg:
The n-Sub was my 4th sub and very superior to the others. 
Gerry, what were the others?
Posted on: 13 March 2011 by Massimo Bertola
DJnick,

it maybe slightly off topic, but I have discovered the n-Sub to be unsuspectably power cord dependent. When I first connected it I only had an old Cablerie d'Eupin power cord (lenght/Schuko plug issue), which is a ferrite shielded cable that makes everything warmish and slow. The Sub seemed audible and in good tune with the Sats.

Now I have made my usual silicone jacketed, 3x2.5 unshielded power cord and the Sub has changed: bass more tight, more fast, better integrated with the rest. In a way it's something you might not like, but I think this is the actual nature of it.

Cheers,

Max
Posted on: 13 March 2011 by GerryMcg
Originally Posted by AMA:
Originally Posted by GerryMcg:
The n-Sub was my 4th sub and very superior to the others. 
Gerry, what were the others?

In order, a big Sony sub ( first surround system), REL Quake (a bit small for my Room, but still doing excellent service in my second system) and a B&W 675 which I sold.
Posted on: 13 March 2011 by AMA
I'm thinking of a new sealed-design carbon woofer REL G1 sub. Or nSUB. 
I only plan to listen for music -- no movies.