I picked these up for the price of the drive. I've never seen anything like these and they peaked my interest, I was told they were removed from a theatre. The previous owner said they have some weird water bladders inside that are supposed to do some funky science stuff, basically more felt bass. It is a dual opposing bandpass setup, with the water bladders in the sealed chamber. the bladders are supposed to be made of some special vinyl, I can hear water sloshing around when I moved them. We will see how they perform.
There are 5 total units; 4 of the smaller dual 10" models, and 1 larger dual 15" model. 3 of the smaller units are missing the woofers, so just the cabinets. I was immediately drawn to the dual 15" model, the woofers looked stout. A quick test with a voltmeter showed both subs as open. I pulled them out and then noticed they were dvc. They were only wired to one coil, and those were blown, the coils not being used seem to test fine. I'm not sure if they were designed to only use one of the voice coils but I am thinking about just trying it on the 2 good ones. I know they can only be used with half their rated power, whatever that is.
There is virtually nothing out there on these things, but I did find some old thread about an advertisement. It said the 10" model went for around $800, and the 15" model around $1400 (circa 2003-ish). No power handling specs, nothing. The fact that there is nothing out there on them and they went out of biz long ago, makes me question the water bladder tech. Non the less, they should be fun to mess around with. The box is made with 1" birch plywood. I haven't torn into the 10" model yet, but I did ohm them out and they tested ok.
Anyone heard of these?
There are 5 total units; 4 of the smaller dual 10" models, and 1 larger dual 15" model. 3 of the smaller units are missing the woofers, so just the cabinets. I was immediately drawn to the dual 15" model, the woofers looked stout. A quick test with a voltmeter showed both subs as open. I pulled them out and then noticed they were dvc. They were only wired to one coil, and those were blown, the coils not being used seem to test fine. I'm not sure if they were designed to only use one of the voice coils but I am thinking about just trying it on the 2 good ones. I know they can only be used with half their rated power, whatever that is.
There is virtually nothing out there on these things, but I did find some old thread about an advertisement. It said the 10" model went for around $800, and the 15" model around $1400 (circa 2003-ish). No power handling specs, nothing. The fact that there is nothing out there on them and they went out of biz long ago, makes me question the water bladder tech. Non the less, they should be fun to mess around with. The box is made with 1" birch plywood. I haven't torn into the 10" model yet, but I did ohm them out and they tested ok.
Anyone heard of these?
Attachments
I found this on another forum. No wonder that big one seemed heavy, it says it weighs 465lbs full, with two 15 gallon water bladders. Also 600 watts rms seems low for the size of this woofer(15"), but it would make sense if they were only using 1 coil. The 10" model uses much smaller single vc woofers but is also rated 600 rms.
The SRT/IBS HS Subwoofer series is a low frequency range system that brings increased sound vibrations, as well as, increased tactile feel to auditoriums and theaters. The ultra low frequency response improves cinema sound quality by providing high definition sound vibration that is felt by the audience. All bass speakers give you the noise, but not always the sound. It takes a special effort to capture these sounds. In other words, a special dedication to incorporate these sounds into a production. But no matter how much effort has been put into the sound, a bass speaker has been putting out the same old sound; until now.
Current bass speaker technology allows the listener to feel the sound by blasting the volume at uncomfortable audio levels. For the first time, listeners can hear and "Feel The Sound"™ and sensations associated with explosions, gun fire, jet blasts and even the beauty of classical music without the discomfort of excessive sound pressure levels.
The Patented HS series offer the only bass speakers utilizing patented (US Patent#5,281,777) Hydro-Acoustic technology and revolutionary cabinet design featuring: high definition delivery of bass sound, greatly decreased peripheral sound levels, extended delivery of low end sound below 10 Hz (vibratory response). The HS series helps the film industry solve three of the biggest problems including; amplification of low end frequencies, sound resulting in excessive SPL, amplification of problematic, large, low end sound waves created, and bleed through to adjacent theatres.
The HS series (HydroSonic® systems) use a water filled bladder that acts as a natural resonator, boosting bass response and producing vibration. The audience is able to "Feel The Sound" without having to increase theater volume to unpleasant levels.
The HS10 Model includes two 10 inch subwoofer drivers coupled with water that is specifically designed for smaller theaters seating up to 250 people. The HS-12 Model includes two 12 inch subwoofer drivers coupled with water that has been designed to comfortably handle audiences of up to 425 people. The HS-15 Model includes two 15 inch subwoofers/drivers coupled with water that is specifically designed for large theaters seating 350 people or more . All models feature a flat black finish that prevent unwanted reflection.
COMPONENTS AND CONSTRUCTION
Technical Specifications
The HS series is a low frequency range loudspeaker system for theatre, cinema, and auditorium use. Designed for cinema application, the HS series optimizes the behind the screen application and is configured to provide the audience with precision low frequency vibration through the use of both controlled low frequency audio sound and ultra low frequency resonance.
The LP enclosure houses two vented band pass subwoofers that are coupled with two strong and durable vinyl water bladders.
The cabinets are constructed of white birch or maple and their strong internal bracing provides for the unwanted panel resonance as a result of acoustical propagation of sound waves behind and near the screen. The systems are coated with a durable protective flat black finish.
Data
Nominal Impedance
HS10 3.5 Ohm
HS12 3.5 Ohm
HS15 3.5 Ohm
Minimum Impedance
HS10 1.3 Ohm
HS12 1.3 Ohm
HS15 1.3 Ohm
Frequency Response
HS10 26-125 Hz
HS12 31-125 Hz
HS15 28-125 Hz
Sensitivity
HS10 99dB
HS and LP 12 96dB
HS and LP 15 96dB
Low Pass Crossover
HS10 80 Hz
HS12 80 Hz
HS15 80 Hz
Driver Complement
HS10 Two 10" Drivers
HS12 Two 12" Drivers
HS15 Two 15" Drivers
Power Handling
HS10 600 Watts RMS X 800 Watts Peak
HS12 600 Watts RMS X 1200 Watts Peak
HS15 600 Watts RMS X 1200 Watts Peak
Dimensions/Weight
Weight Height Width
Depth
HS 10 80lbs(E) 172lbs (F) 36 ½" 17" X 17"
HS 12 114lbs(E) 240lbs(F) 46" 19 1/4" X 18 3/4"
HS 15 225lbs(E) 465lbs(F) 49" 23 3/4" X 23 ½"
Water
HS10 5.75 Gal each, 11.5 Gal total
HS12 7.75 Gal each, 15.5 Gal total
HS15 15 Gal each, 30 Gal total
The SRT/IBS HS Subwoofer series is a low frequency range system that brings increased sound vibrations, as well as, increased tactile feel to auditoriums and theaters. The ultra low frequency response improves cinema sound quality by providing high definition sound vibration that is felt by the audience. All bass speakers give you the noise, but not always the sound. It takes a special effort to capture these sounds. In other words, a special dedication to incorporate these sounds into a production. But no matter how much effort has been put into the sound, a bass speaker has been putting out the same old sound; until now.
Current bass speaker technology allows the listener to feel the sound by blasting the volume at uncomfortable audio levels. For the first time, listeners can hear and "Feel The Sound"™ and sensations associated with explosions, gun fire, jet blasts and even the beauty of classical music without the discomfort of excessive sound pressure levels.
The Patented HS series offer the only bass speakers utilizing patented (US Patent#5,281,777) Hydro-Acoustic technology and revolutionary cabinet design featuring: high definition delivery of bass sound, greatly decreased peripheral sound levels, extended delivery of low end sound below 10 Hz (vibratory response). The HS series helps the film industry solve three of the biggest problems including; amplification of low end frequencies, sound resulting in excessive SPL, amplification of problematic, large, low end sound waves created, and bleed through to adjacent theatres.
The HS series (HydroSonic® systems) use a water filled bladder that acts as a natural resonator, boosting bass response and producing vibration. The audience is able to "Feel The Sound" without having to increase theater volume to unpleasant levels.
The HS10 Model includes two 10 inch subwoofer drivers coupled with water that is specifically designed for smaller theaters seating up to 250 people. The HS-12 Model includes two 12 inch subwoofer drivers coupled with water that has been designed to comfortably handle audiences of up to 425 people. The HS-15 Model includes two 15 inch subwoofers/drivers coupled with water that is specifically designed for large theaters seating 350 people or more . All models feature a flat black finish that prevent unwanted reflection.
COMPONENTS AND CONSTRUCTION
Technical Specifications
The HS series is a low frequency range loudspeaker system for theatre, cinema, and auditorium use. Designed for cinema application, the HS series optimizes the behind the screen application and is configured to provide the audience with precision low frequency vibration through the use of both controlled low frequency audio sound and ultra low frequency resonance.
The LP enclosure houses two vented band pass subwoofers that are coupled with two strong and durable vinyl water bladders.
The cabinets are constructed of white birch or maple and their strong internal bracing provides for the unwanted panel resonance as a result of acoustical propagation of sound waves behind and near the screen. The systems are coated with a durable protective flat black finish.
Data
Nominal Impedance
HS10 3.5 Ohm
HS12 3.5 Ohm
HS15 3.5 Ohm
Minimum Impedance
HS10 1.3 Ohm
HS12 1.3 Ohm
HS15 1.3 Ohm
Frequency Response
HS10 26-125 Hz
HS12 31-125 Hz
HS15 28-125 Hz
Sensitivity
HS10 99dB
HS and LP 12 96dB
HS and LP 15 96dB
Low Pass Crossover
HS10 80 Hz
HS12 80 Hz
HS15 80 Hz
Driver Complement
HS10 Two 10" Drivers
HS12 Two 12" Drivers
HS15 Two 15" Drivers
Power Handling
HS10 600 Watts RMS X 800 Watts Peak
HS12 600 Watts RMS X 1200 Watts Peak
HS15 600 Watts RMS X 1200 Watts Peak
Dimensions/Weight
Weight Height Width
Depth
HS 10 80lbs(E) 172lbs (F) 36 ½" 17" X 17"
HS 12 114lbs(E) 240lbs(F) 46" 19 1/4" X 18 3/4"
HS 15 225lbs(E) 465lbs(F) 49" 23 3/4" X 23 ½"
Water
HS10 5.75 Gal each, 11.5 Gal total
HS12 7.75 Gal each, 15.5 Gal total
HS15 15 Gal each, 30 Gal total
Review for one of the home models here:
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/way-down-deep-ii-srt-hydrosonic-hs-12s
https://www.soundandvision.com/content/way-down-deep-ii-srt-hydrosonic-hs-12s
According to the patent # 5895896, as disclosed in U.S.Pat.No.5,281,777 issued to Alton Jr., the flexible bladders receive acoustic pressure waves generated by the loudspeakers.
The water bladder produces "about a 32% increase in vibrational effect over a stacked speaker design".
Considering tactile transducers are several orders of magnitude more efficient in making things shake ("vibrational effect") the water bag technology seems rather wasteful.
Drivers look substantial, but with only one coil working will be low efficiency and may have limited excursion in one direction-which would make them "shake" more
.The IBS subwoofers may exacerbate IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
A quick test with a low frequency sine wave or 9volt battery in either polarity applied to the terminals should determine if the excursion is symmetrical.
Reconing the drivers may cost less than equivalent units.
At any rate, the the cabinets should be useful..
Art