Quote Originally Posted by kexodusc
IRG -

Your points are quite valid...if you approach from the perspective that this subwoofer has "doubled in price". I don't think it's fair to say that. This is a completely brand new sub not carrying anything over from the original Rava, and hence hasn't doubled in price, not really.

I suspect the Woofer is a $200-$300 unit, the amp would be another $200, and the cabinets are less than $75 in materials and labour, finished. That's $575 tops in cost of materials I think assuming retail prices. That's up from $350 or so in the previous incarnation of the Rava...of course the costs to Adire are significantly lower, but you can see the trend here.
I suspect Adire just wanted to keep the "goodwill" and recognition that the name Rava has, rather than start a whole new name. Which makes sense

Given that Adire has introduced a completely new line fo 10, 12, and 15" Shiva drivers (what the old Rava used), I would suspect a "true replacement" to the original Rava to be coming shortly.
My guess is it'll be in the $450-$500 range, given the improvements in the driver.

IRG, if you really want a Rava, you can pretty much build one yourself quite easily. The Dayton DVC 12" woofer is extremely similar to the Shiva driver (basically rebadged), with a few minor differences. The jury is out as to which woofer is better, but most agree the differences are slim...same manufacturer, common materials, close specs. You could buy the woofer and plate amp for $250 plus shipping...then you'd just need a drill, some gasket tape, polyfill and a cabinet.
Not sure if you could build your own cabinet or not, but even having a local woodshop build one or getting Lowes to cut the exact sizes wouldn't cost $100...I think Lowes charges just a few dollars to cut a sheet of MDF to your sizes...you just glue/screw it together for under $60. That leaves $50 for finishing - buy a nice veneer, stain and bang - you have a pretty excellent sounding 12" sub.

Or, for less money buy the 15" Quatro woofer...it'll outperform both and is cheaper right now. The tradeoff is it's a even bigger in your room.
I have thought about the Parts Express sub kits (assuming these drivers are the same as what you are talking about). I could do their kits, but I don't think I want to attempt making the cabinet - not so handy or patient with this kind of thing. Maybe some day - I just have little time available for these type of projects, unfortunately. Baby #3 on the way!.

Anyway, I will respectfully disagree with you on some points. Maybe it is only semantics, but I see this sub as only half new. Yes, a new driver, and a larger amp/eq, but it is still the same cabinet, same dimensions, and same name. Plus I think we are only guessing on the prices, so who knows what it really costs. And I have no problem with them making more money - heck that is the whole point of having a business, but this sub which at least right now, is a direct replacement for the original Rava, is twice the price. I still say it should look a little different and have a different name, otherwise the direct comparison to the original is unavoidable. If your guess that a true replacement for the original Rava is coming in the $400-500 range is true, then that would be welcome news, and I hope and suspect that they will do this also. But by then, it may be too late for me, but considering how slow I am with this purchase, you never know.