Is there a big difference between the Dynamo and the Grotto?

[paul_choor]

I was wondering (because I never heard it myself) if there is a big difference between the ML Dynamo and the Grotto? I want to use it in a surround setting with the Frescos...
I do know that there is a huge difference between the Grotto and the Depth, but I wonder if that big difference is there also between the 2 smallest, because they have almost the same internal parts and also almost the same measurements...

Gr. Paul.

 

[attyonline]

Not really. the Grotto has the analog EQ centered at 25 hz which can be a real helpful for a room node. Drivers are the same. Grotto has servo control which lowers distortion. If I had $1K for a sub, I would likely get a Dynamo and look for a used Velodyne SMS-1 which would rock. But the Grotto is a great choice too,

 

[paul_choor]

Not really. the Grotto has the analog EQ centered at 25 hz which can be a real helpful for a room node. Drivers are the same. Grotto has servo control which lowers distortion. If I had $1K for a sub, I would likely get a Dynamo and look for a used Velodyne SMS-1 which would rock. But the Grotto is a great choice too,

OK!
The analog EQ at 25 Hz and the servo control are quite some differences.
I didn't know/realize that.
What exactly is a SMS-1?

Gr. Paul.

 

[DTB300]

What exactly is a SMS-1?

"Subwoofer Management System" from Velodyne. Works with Any Subwoofer.

It is basically a Subwoofer/Room Equalization System which includes 8 Parametric EQ''s, Microphone, and AutoEQ software (manual mode also availble for even better tweaking). Check out Velodyne's site for the product and more info.

I own one and so do a couple of others here, and it is one of the best additions I have added to my system.

Get better accurate bass without the added boom,
Find the best placement for your Sub,
Real-Time Frequency Curves showing you instantly any changes you made and how it affects the frequency response (15-200Hz),
etc. etc. etc.

Dan

 

[Joey_V]

SMS1 is definitely a must for any sub.... though you can get away with a BFD and going manual. Either way, you need to flatten out your infrasonic response.

 

[paul_choor]

SMS1 is definitely a must for any sub.... though you can get away with a BFD and going manual. Either way, you need to flatten out your infrasonic response.

What is a "BFD"?
And to flatten out the infrasonic response can't be done with the Dynamo and can be done a littlebit with the Grotto with the 25 Hz knob?
Is that right?

Gr. Paul.

 

[DTB300]

What is a "BFD"?

Behringer Feedback Destroyer...

http://www.behringer.com/DSP1124P/index.cfm?lang=ENG

Here is the link for SMS-1

http://www.velodyne.com/velodyne/products/product.aspx?ID=15&sid=129w697o

Dan

 

[paul_choor]

Behringer Feedback Destroyer...

http://www.behringer.com/DSP1124P/index.cfm?lang=ENG

Here is the link for SMS-1

http://www.velodyne.com/velodyne/products/product.aspx?ID=15&sid=129w697o

Dan

OK, Thanks!
And you do advice me too that I should better buy a Dynamo with a SMS-1 in stead of a Grotto without one? Is it that important such a thing?

Gr. Paul.

 

[DTB300]

And you do advice me too that I should better buy a Dynamo with a SMS-1 in stead of a Grotto without one? Is it that important such a thing?

For me, after my experience with the SMS-1, I would not own a Sub without it. The remote control is also a big bonus, and with the code/software upgradable, it will just keep getting better.

Dan

 

[osha7677]

Do audio stores rent these? Seems like it would be for one time use unless you did speaker systems for a living (or moved alot).

 

[topofroc]

I believe the SMS-1 has been discontinued by Velodyne, but they occasionally show up on A'gon and Ebay. Another option worth considering is MiniDSP. It's a programmable DSP that sits in between your receiver/pre-amp and your subwoofer. Combined with Room Equalization Wizard (freeware), it will allow you to do much of what the SMS-1 does - for less money. You will need a bit of a DIY spirit, but it's easy enough to figure it out.

I've been very pleased with MiniDSP controlling the two Dynamo 1000s in my system. Bass is much more controlled. I was even able to add a house curve that boosts bass response between 20-45hz by 6db. Great for movies and TV.

Something to think about...