Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Adire Rava Speakers by thegage

Model:	Rava
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	$399
Description:	12
Manufacturer URL:	Adire
Manufacturer URL:	Adire

Review by thegage ( A ) on May 06, 2004 at 10:36:07
IP Address: 64.208.165.9

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Off the bat, Iâ€™ll say what others have: I donâ€™t know how Adire can offer this subwoofer at the price they do. I bought mine with the upgraded DPL 12 driver, which added a whopping $25 to the already low (IMO) $399 price.
My goal with this subwoofer was to add the last bit of bottom end to my VMPS Ribbon Monitor 1s. They have a 3db down point of about 32 Hz, but I was looking for a bit below that to add hall ambience on classical and acoustic recordings. The factors that tipped my choice in favor of the Rava were: price (of course!); reasonable size; a nice match, design-wise to the look of the VMPSs; adequate extension (in-room response down to about 20 Hz); continually variable phase adjustment; finally, the ability to parallel-connect the sub input to the output binding posts of the bass amplifier I use to power the VMPS woofers.
The Rava is very well put together for its price. The finish and color of the woodâ€”as well as the rounded cornersâ€”very closely match that of my VMPS speakers, and is very nicely done. I have two minor quality complaints. first, the grille cloth is flimsier than I am used to, and not very tautly stretched across the frame. The result is that, out of the box, the cloth was caught on the wood fibers of the frame opening, creating many puckered and loose areas. Fixing it was simpleâ€”just push out the grille cloth from the backâ€”but I could see how this could lead to pulled threads in the cloth. The second problem was that one of the input binding posts, well, bound. It wouldnâ€™t screw out easily or all the way. Fortunately Iâ€™m not using thick wire to connect it so I havenâ€™t bothered to address it with Adire.
Installation and placement was easy. Iâ€™ve been doing a lot of work on room treatment (bass traps) to even out bass response in my room, which reduces the need to find the one right position, so I simply put the Rava between the main speakers. I had been concerned that the lower level of the Ravaâ€™s crossoverâ€”40 Hzâ€”wouldnâ€™t be low enough and would cause a bit of doubling and bloom with the VMPS woofers. Adire advised me that they didnâ€™t think this would be a problem, and in fact the Ravaâ€™s crossover is set up a bit from its lowest point (maybe 45 Hz or so) to get the best blend. The variable phase has come in handy since the best blend point seems to be about a third of the way up from 0 phase.
Performance wise the Rava has been just what I had hoped for. The benefit to ambience is noticeable and welcome, and there is an added kick to kick drum. It has handled all the â€œkiller bassâ€ CDs I have thrown at it (Peter Gabrielâ€™s UP, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khanâ€™s Mustt Mustt, and others), and also thrown in a few surprises. For example, Iâ€™ve owned John Hartfordâ€™s Mark Twang since it was released almost 40 years ago, but was completely astounded to hear, at the beginning of the song Long Hot Summer Days, the distinct, very low rumble of a truck passing outside the studio.
For associated equipment: http://cgi.audioasylum.com/systems/2270.html

Product Weakness: None for my use.
Product Strengths: Great price, nice finish, great performance.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	See link
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	See link
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	See link
Speakers:	See link
Cables/Interconnects:	See link
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	See link
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 months
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	None for my use.
Product Strengths:	Great price, nice finish, great performance.