A Sub for Sub $500 Price :-) [Archive] - Audioholics Home Theater Forums

bd997

03-09-2009, 07:04 PM

What do you guy recommend for a sub for around $500 bucks? Its going to be only for movies and its a good size room so I assume I would need a 12". Keep in mind the floor is all marble and I have 10' ceilings... not sure if it matters.

emorphien

03-09-2009, 07:12 PM

You may not necessarily need a 12", but you may not necessarily be able to get a 12" from many brands for under $500. I'd look at SVS and HSU as both tend to represent good value and performance. Under $500 you're limited to 8 or 10" models. Depending on how big a good size room is that might or might not be a big issue.

alexwakelin

03-09-2009, 07:13 PM

Most people around here will recommend something from SVS or Hsu.

http://www.svsound.com/products-sub.cfm

If you have some tools and are handy it is hard to beat the value of a DIY build such as the Infinity Kappa Perfect 12.

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45528

Exactly how big is your room? Marble floors will be pretty bad for accoustics, you might want to invest in some rugs.

alexwakelin

03-09-2009, 07:15 PM

You may not necessarily need a 12"
True, but unless you live in an apartment, I don't think anyone ever regretted getting the most powerful sub they could afford.

performance. Under $500 you're limited to 8 or 10" models. Depending on how big a good size room is that might or might not be a big issue.

It's over the stated budget, but the SVS PB12 is going for $599.

bd997

03-09-2009, 07:16 PM

the SVS SB-12 any good?
http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-sb12plus.cfm

tcarcio

03-09-2009, 07:17 PM

I second the DIY route. You will get a much better sub for less money than you can buy one for.

alexwakelin

03-09-2009, 07:19 PM

the SVS SB-12 any good?
http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-sb12plus.cfm

Search this forum for threads about SVS subs, I have never seen anything but glowing reviews about their products and customer service.

emorphien

03-09-2009, 07:25 PM

True, but unless you live in an apartment, I don't think anyone ever regretted getting the most powerful sub they could afford.

I agree, just stating that within his budget he is limiting that a bit.

It's over the stated budget, but the SVS PB12 is going for $599.Currently they appear to be on sale for $570, something having to do with backorders I think.

the SVS SB-12 any good?
http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-sb12plus.cfm

Yes it's supposed to be a good sub but as I understand it the less expensive PB12-NSD is probably going to give you more output. It's bigger though, the SB-12 falls towards the smaller side so you're paying extra to get what it offers in a compact size, but it doesn't have as much output as other subs.

DIY is definitely a good route to go, but if you're not sure you want to jump in to that all the way there are some sub kits you can get that seem to be pretty good deals and require a lot less manual effort and skill.

bd997

03-09-2009, 07:30 PM

how about the cylinder subs they have?

http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-cyl-pc12_nsd.cfm

bd997

03-09-2009, 07:35 PM

I agree, just stating that within his budget he is limiting that a bit.

Currently they appear to be on sale for $570, something having to do with backorders I think.

Yes it's supposed to be a good sub but as I understand it the less expensive PB12-NSD is probably going to give you more output. It's bigger though, the SB-12 falls towards the smaller side so you're paying extra to get what it offers in a compact size, but it doesn't have as much output as other subs.

DIY is definitely a good route to go, but if you're not sure you want to jump in to that all the way there are some sub kits you can get that seem to be pretty good deals and require a lot less manual effort and skill.

so you recommend the less expensive PB12-NSD?
http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-pb12nsd.cfm

Or

the HSU VTF-3 MK3 Subwoofer

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-3-mk3.html

alexwakelin

03-09-2009, 07:35 PM

how about the cylinder subs they have?

http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-cyl-pc12_nsd.cfm

It looks like the cylinder subs hit a tad lower then the boxed subs. I think the main advantage is the smaller footprint you get with the cylinder shape, but some people don't like have a big "water heater" in their living room.

emorphien

03-10-2009, 08:58 AM

so you recommend the less expensive PB12-NSD?
http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-pb12nsd.cfm

If you have the space for it I would, even SVS does. The SB12 is really meant for those that have limited space.

the HSU VTF-3 MK3 Subwoofer

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-3-mk3.html

That would be an excellent choice as well.

bd997

03-10-2009, 11:17 AM

But the PB12-NSD is only 325W is that enough??

emorphien

03-10-2009, 11:21 AM

lsiberian

03-10-2009, 11:36 AM

I wouldn't strictly worry about the specs on the amp but rather the actual rated output of the sub, but a ported sub generally plays louder than a sealed sub meaning the PB12-NSD doesn't need as much power to play louder than the SB12.

Not necessarily. I think what you meant to say was ported subs tend to have better extension. That is the point of porting anything. Is to give the speaker or sub lower extension.

At 40hz or higher a sealed sub can easily produce similar response to a ported, but good sealed subs do tend to require more power.

I think for your use a cylinder would be great. Most folks are impressed by any sub they get as long as it's a good brand. hell even the 15" kit from Dayton impresses people and it comes with everything for around 350.

lsiberian

03-10-2009, 11:40 AM

But the PB12-NSD is only 325W is that enough??

325w is enough for some spaces and not enough for other spaces and listening preferences.

For every time you double the wattage you get 3 db. 1 db is considered audible by careful listening. But 3 db is really when you can tell a difference in most cases. So to tell the difference in volume you would need to double the wattage to 750w.

Your wants depend on application, listening preferences, and budget. Unless you already have a plunge router, and a saw I don't suggest the DIY approach at your budget. Tools cost money and take time to learn and use. Mistakes will likely be made on your first build. Such as uneven cuts and other things.

alexwakelin

03-10-2009, 01:51 PM

325w is enough for some spaces and not enough for other spaces and listening preferences.

For every time you double the wattage you get 3 db. 1 db is considered audible by careful listening. But 3 db is really when you can tell a difference in most cases. So to tell the difference in volume you would need to double the wattage to 750w.

Your wants depend on application, listening preferences, and budget. Unless you already have a plunge router, and a saw I don't suggest the DIY approach at your budget. Tools cost money and take time to learn and use. Mistakes will likely be made on your first build. Such as uneven cuts and other things.

SVS subs have pretty good SPL output for the wattage of amp they use, so their drivers probably have decent sensitivity. Wattage isn't everything.

emorphien

03-10-2009, 04:17 PM

Not necessarily. I think what you meant to say was ported subs tend to have better extension. That is the point of porting anything. Is to give the speaker or sub lower extension.

At 40hz or higher a sealed sub can easily produce similar response to a ported, but good sealed subs do tend to require more power. I meant what I said, I just didn't state it very clearly. Your statement

but good sealed subs do tend to require more power.
Is what I was implying.

Dizastical

03-11-2009, 08:01 PM

SVS PC12NSD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have two! When I had one I was amazed by the sound quality. Now I am speechless every time I watch a movie! Plus for $550 each you cant go wrong.

Dave

LabRat

03-17-2009, 09:17 PM

bd997,

For what it is worth I have the SVS 25-31 PCi (going for ~ 500 buck). I have been very happy w/ it and do not regret the purchase at all.

Good luck...

lsiberian

03-17-2009, 09:38 PM

bd997,

For what it is worth I have the SVS 25-31 PCi (going for ~ 500 buck). I have been very happy w/ it and do not regret the purchase at all.

Good luck...

3 posts and you already want to sell something?:p

I guess you saw that Infinity DIY and now you got the itch.

mycroft

03-18-2009, 07:44 AM

my $.02 - I got an SVS PB12 NSD a few months ago, and have nothing but good things to say about it. No real basis of comparison, but this sub handles anything that I realistically want to throw at it.

I got it used (for several several months) for $492, including shipping on this forum. I get a feeling that I got lucky and/or had really good timing to get it at this price. (Thanks again, Factor! :D)

I had been considering the cylinder, as it is slightly cheaper, and the shape would seem to work more naturally with the physics than a cube. However, there's no else's aesthetic considerations in play here, in my case. Again, people have mentioned this compared to the smaller footprint.

Anyway, good luck in your search!

LabRat

03-18-2009, 08:38 PM

Hi Isiberian,

I plan to keep the SVS. You must be a mindreader. I am considering buiding a 5.0 set (some day). Let me know how the madisound turn out; they look like a good deal and fun project... I have OK speakers but a bit of a mis-match now (Paradigm MM in front and Older Bostons (when still made in USA) for center and rears...

P.S. Only 3 posts but have been reading this site for a long time:)

"Live long and prosper"

TheFactor

03-19-2009, 12:24 AM

SVS PC12NSD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have two! When I had one I was amazed by the sound quality. Now I am speechless every time I watch a movie! Plus for $550 each you cant go wrong.

Dave

Those are great subs!!!

meloman

03-26-2009, 02:18 AM

so you recommend the less expensive PB12-NSD?

Or

the HSU VTF-3 MK3 Subwoofer

The HSU vtf-2/-3 receive quite a bit of praise. Good thread, thanks for the input as I am also in the market for a sub.

GregLee

03-26-2009, 08:25 AM

SVS and Hsu subs have excellent reputations. For something quite a bit cheaper, currently $182 from Amazon with free shipping, check out the 15" Sony SA-W3800 (which is probably at its best with fronts that can handle high bass). I haven't heard it yet.

ryounglaw

03-27-2009, 12:23 PM

Try audiogon, you just missed a PB-12plus for 500

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?homesubw&1243136385&/SVS-PB12-Plus-

FloridaDude007

03-28-2009, 10:26 AM

I might try the SVS PB12-NSD, I have narrrowed it down to that or the Velodyne DLS 5000R. I don't think I will go back to HSU again.

I ordered a HSU sub years ago, and they shipped me a joke.
I simply couldn't hear it unless I was 4 inches from it. To this day I think they shipped me a defective unit or it got damaged in transit. Called them up and the guy said, "you need two." I returned it and bought a Velodyne.

Maybe I'm missing it, but does anyone notice on the HSU website they don't provide any details on the materials in their products? If you go over to SVS website they have tons of facts about their materials, their woofers and cones, etc. but I find HSU to be kind of quiet about it.

TheFactor

03-28-2009, 11:02 AM