Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Stereo adire rava review

Equipment Used:

Axiom M22ti
Kenwood VR-405 (receiver)
M-Audio Delta 44 (sound card)

Music Used:

Blank and Jones - Relax
Sasha - Airdrawndagger
DJ Tiesto - Magik Journey
Paul Oakenfold - Southern Sun (Solar Stone Chillout Mix)

I spent a lot of time trying to decide which subwoofer to purchase. I had the opportunity to audition the B&W ASW600 locally, while the other possibilities were only available through internet mail-order. I had come to the conclusion that by the time I add shipping and customs to a Hsu or SVS order, the price would come out substantially higher than my wallet would allow. So, I ended up ordering the Adire Rava because of its positive reviews and relatively low price tag.

After ordering the sub, I had to wait 15 days for it to arrive. This wait was a little unnerving, as you could imagine. Anyways, I finally got it. My first impression was that this thing is massive. I didn’t think that 65lbs, 18x18x18 inches would be as big as this. It has a great finish (I got the black), the construction is incredible. This thing is like a tank. The front grill has a really sturdy wood frame. The amp looks great, secure binding posts, stiff dials, removable power cord, full variable phase, and the usual other things. 250watt, 650rms, it’s a big step up from my 100watt merak sub.

Onto the sound.. First thing I noticed when I powered it up: there is no hum. With my old sub there was a quiet constant hum, especially distracting when trying to sleep (its in my bedroom), especially with no power off switch. Even if there was a hum on the rava, the power can be turned off from the sub. As for sound quality, this is exactly what I wanted. The bass is undoubtedly clean, but the biggest thing that strikes me is it’s warmth. It’s almost a comforting bass. My previous sub hit you right in the chest with a blunt object, while the rava has some grace to it. But even with this grace, it can certainly kick. As soon as I played out some music I heard multiple things in my room rattling. I had to spend awhile finding out where all the rattling was coming from, and fix each location. It can definitely pound when the volume is cranked up. It gives you a nice visceral impact that shakes your internal organs out of place. Perfect! I only tested it with music, no HT, but for music it went as low as I could have ever asked of it.

In terms of integration with the M22’s.. very clean, providing a nice transition. It really compliments the axiom sound, and gives the 22’s a definite weight and substance. I really can’t imagine going back to my old 8” merak, let alone listening without any sub! In my own opinion, this sub destroys the B&W ASW600 which I auditioned beforehand. I didn’t listen to the 600 in my house, but what I heard at the store really didn’t impress me at all.

I really don’t know how I could be any happier with an Hsu or SVS sub. The Adire Rava has preformed to beyond my expectations.

Cool. Thanks for posting your thoughts!

I've heard quite a few good responsed regarding the Rava. It was actually in the running before I got my Hsu. How much did the Rave cost, shipped to Canada?

I too listen to some B&W gear before going Axiom. I didn't listen to their "higher end" gear, as it's too damn expensive, but their 600 series speakers and sub pretty much suck. The speakers were really muddy, and the sub was too boomy.

Shipping to Canada was $52.85 US. Plus I had to pay $138.00 CND customs and taxes when it arrived. So.. that's a total of $738.00 CND. And you know, the B&W would have cost me a total of $862.00!

Hmmm...just curious, but what did the Hsu VTF-2 cost to have it shipped up there?

I checked the shipping price for both the VTF-2 and the 25-31PCi and I believe they were both around $50 USD as well.

Nice little review chrono.
That is the only first hand consumer review i've read from someone on the Adire that wasn't posted to Audiroreview or in a review mag (and there is not many).
A friend turned me on to the Adire offerings awhile back and i ended up with the EP350 anyway primarily due to the finish options available at the time.
I've always been curious as to the potential and sound of the Adire subwoofers.

chrono,
Good review. I built my own sub based on the Shiva. Did you look at the Canadian Adire distributors? I know Creative Sound in BC sells Adire.

Frank
(not in Canada but a fan of Adire)

The adire site only lists two Canadian retailers.. the closest one to me is in Kingston, Ontario, which is still three hours away. On their site they seem to only have the components, and not the pre-built subs. I probably wouldn't consider building my own because I really don't know the first thing about building speakers (maybe something I would pick up in the future though).

Creative Sounds does have that sub listed on their site for 559 CAN plus $38 for shipping.

The Rava and Rava SE are great little subwoofers. I am glad you like it. Personally, I am about to buy an Adire Tumult 15" Driver to possibly replace my Eminence 15 LF Magnum - Hard decision in front of me (Incredible accuracy and nice power vs Incredible power and nice accuracy) lol.