HSU STF-2 ($349) or SVS PB10-NSD ($429)

[ryounglaw]

Ok I have read all the reviews and I need some help. Which one? My system is as follows, Denon AVR-2309CI (ordered and on the way), fronts (polk RTI 10), center (polk CSI5), rear (FXI A4), and a horrible old Polk PSW10 sub, with a PS# for blue ray and a Samsung 650 52” LCD all with HDMI.

I live in an renovated townhouse in Baltimore for the system is in the living room on the first floor which is 13(w) x 8 (h) x 34 (long). It’s a big open room I know.

I need to keep the sub under $500 but any other money I can save is worth it. Is there really a $120 difference between these subs? The reviews on both are wonderful so what up? I am a novice at this an need to learn a lot more and any help would be appreciated.

Unfortunately we have no high end stored left in Baltimore other than the ultra high end stuff, now that Tweeter is out of business. Its only Best Buy and Circuit City and their inventory is horrible. All low end.

Also if anyone has either of these used I am in the market!!!


Thanks
Ryan

[jostenmeat]

You need as much sub as you can get. Some people can DIY a monster out of your budget, if you were ever inclined to try. I admit, I'm not sure if I would trust myself.

Check out Audiogon for classifieds. Check classifieds on the numerous AV boards.

Then bookmark the b-stock (http://svsound.com/store/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=12) page of SVS, and wait till you see the PB12. It measures very well, and IIRC has a recently redesigned amp and improved connectivity upon the 10". If you have to choose b/w the two listed, Im going to vote SVS.

[Kong911]

If you can save a little more with time...go for the PB12 like jostenmeat said. I owned one myself. Can't never go back my old sub. I'm using the Klipsch as a stool now since I don't know where to put it yet. :D

[j_garcia]

I don't think either of those subs will be quite enough for that room, but between the two I'd go with the PB-10. I had it in a 19x20 high vaulted ceiling room and it did very well, but output still ended up being why I upgraded. Heck, I'd actually say spend a bit more and get the new PC12 for that size of room (though it is about $100 more).

[WooHoo]

If you are comparing the two you are not really talking apples to apples. The STF-2 does not come close to competing with the PB-10 NSD. The STF-2 has a 200 watt amp and goes down to 25Hz at best. The PB-10 NSD is going to give you a 300 watt amp and will play down to 20Hz and perhaps a little lower dependant on room placement. You would have to consider (IMO) the VTF2-MK3 to really compare equally to the PB-10 NSD. The VTF2 is $549!

The PB10 may be the biggest bang for your buck going at $429. My opinion would be that you stretch your budget by $50 and go with the PC-12 NSD if you are OK with a cylinder versus a box. In that size room you are going to need it at a minimum. Whatever you decide good luck!

[j_garcia]

PC12 is $549, same price as the VTF-2. The old 25-31PCi would have been $499. The PB-10 I believe is -3dB at 20Hz, and was -5dB at 16Hz in my room, so in the typical room it should be good for at least 18Hz. The new PC12 is tuned a little bit lower.

[Matt34]

If you are comparing the two you are not really talking apples to apples. The STF-2 does not come close to competing with the PB-10 NSD. The STF-2 has a 200 watt amp and goes down to 25Hz at best. The PB-10 NSD is going to give you a 300 watt amp and will play down to 20Hz and perhaps a little lower dependant on room placement. You would have to consider (IMO) the VTF2-MK3 to really compare equally to the PB-10 NSD. The VTF2 is $549!

The PB10 may be the biggest bang for your buck going at $429. My opinion would be that you stretch your budget by $50 and go with the PC-12 NSD if you are OK with a cylinder versus a box. In that size room you are going to need it at a minimum. Whatever you decide good luck!

If you keep an eye out your can find the PB-10 used for around $250. I know I've seen a few in the past couple weeks going for that price. You could end up getting two for a little more than the price of one new.;)

[T2T]

If you keep an eye out your can find the PB-10 used for around $250. I know I've seen a few in the past couple weeks going for that price. You could end up getting two for a little more than the price of one new.;)

I actually sold mine for a bit less than that - along with a bit of other gear. I now realize how "dumb" I was. Not dumb for selling it at that price ... but, dumb for just selling it. Period. :(

Live and learn. I guess.

Additionally, with the SVS, their warranties are transferable to the new purchaser if the sub is still within the warranty period. Or, at least that's how it's been in the past.