Help with Subwoofer decision

[Jon5783]

I am wondering if there are any subs out there that are in the $300-$400 price range that will out perform the B&W ASW1000. I have been talking with a buddy of mine that is willing to sell his ASW1000 but we haven't discussed price.

I am only looking to spend less than $400 and was wondering if there is anything else that would be a better use of my money. Currently i have a 40W 8" altec Lansing computer sub that I am perfectly happy with when watching movies (probably because i haven't heard better) but it is lacking when listing to music. I have read some reviews that the ASW1000 isn't that great for music and that its response is very dependent on room placement. My only problem is that i only have two places to put it (within cabinet behind TV, at the rear corner of my room)

 

[Adam]

Who in their right mind uses a 40W, 8" sub?! You should drive to your friend's house right now, with cash in hand.

 

[myke]

Trust me the computer sub is not cutting it. If you are happy with it you will be super happy with one of the others. I dont know anything about the B&W sub but for your range of 3-400 you have a few options if you bought brand new. Read through the forums. I have been on the hunt for one myself. Im just trying to decide what I really want my budget to be and how fast I want it sitting in my living room is the problem...

 

[Adam]

I think that he should upgrade tonight. I bet that he could be to his friend's house in, hmmm, 50 minutes.

Kidding aside, that computer sub is actually pretty impressive - but mostly only when it's fed a Dolby Digital bitstream. For analog audio feeds, it's not the best, though, and certainly not up to par with a "real" sub like the B&W, SVS, or the like. However, it's probably more of a sub than most people think of for computer speakers.

I have an impression that one of the things that holds that sub back, as well as any other one, is locating it in the cabinet behind the TV.

Jon - have you tried your current sub in the rear corner of the room?

 

[jliedeka]

For less that $400, you could get a Hsu STF-2 shipped to your door. I haven't tried that one but am considering it for a bedroom system.

Jim

 

[Jon5783]

Jon - have you tried your current sub in the rear corner of the room?

I have not tried to move it. But I know i won't be ultimately satisfied with this sub. For now its not worth the time...(in my wifes opinion). I'll probably just leave it there until I get a new one.

My speakers sound great when they are cranked up but then the sub distortion is noticeable. I have been turning off the sub when I listen to music at high levels

I have been looking at the 1200 watt rms 8" Polk from newegg thats only $350 but its reviews said its no better than a computer system subwoofer which I thought was odd due to the huge power output.Does anyone have any experience with this sub (Polk DSW Micro-Pro 1000) I also read a review about the B&W ASW1000 that said it was great for movies put lacked the punchy bass.. Should I look at sealed enclosures for the punchy bass?

 

[adwilk]

That poor B&W sub, has it just been sittin in the computer room ever since the arrival of the Ultra? Thats just sad.

OP, the B&W will destroy the Polk at the same price point. I have yet to hear a Polk sub that I thought was worth even half of what they cost.

The B&W seems like a good deal... offer him about 20 less. I hear he's a pushover. Take some veggie corndogs to sweeten the deal a bit.

 

[Adam]

Sadly, the Morningstar Veggie Corndogs have been discontinued. I think that I might now begin to weep...forgive me.

Back to the sub talk...

 

[rnatalli]

HSU and eD both have subs in that price range and either will crush the B&W across the board.

 

[Adam]

HSU and eD both have subs in that price range and either will crush the B&W across the board.

Why do you say that they will crush the B&W? I'm curious, not defensive. Thanks.

 

[Adam]

Jon - you might want to also consider getting (or building) a product like the Subdude or Gramma from Auralex. There's been a decent amount of discussion on those here lately.

 

[Jon5783]

So I moved my sub to the rear of my room

Now I know i need a better sub.. I moved the sub to every position in my room from the wall enclosure behind my tv and the sub sounds worse!! the Sub cannot reproduce any sort of kick-drum without it sounding muddy... And now it is not as loud as it was in the enclosure. I will be showing pictures later.. I am now serious about a new sub... well i was before but now I want one today!!!

 

[Adam]

...well i was before but now I want one today!!!

50 minutes away...

 

[Jon5783]

Well

50 minutes away...

We still haven't discussed price... my wife can be over in 15 minutes.. I'm sure she will love to pick it up. hehe.. She's just been dying for a new sub..

 

[Adam]

We still haven't discussed price...

No, we haven't. I'm more focused on if it's a good match for you. I'm still waiting for rnatalli to explain the comment about the other brands crushing the B&W. I don't want you to get a sub that you don't like.

She's just been dying for a new sub..

I imagine that it's all she talks about.

EDIT: I just PM'd rnatalli about this thread.

 

[Jon5783]

Will the eD A3-250 sub crush the ASW100 b&W?

I have been looking at the A3-250 and was wondering if anyone has any experience with this sub.. I would want the A3 over the A2 versions because of the better woofer even though its more than i want to spend ($400).

 

[Adam]

You're not getting many responses here. Have you been able to find some good info in articles or on other sites?

 

[Jon5783]

I'm thinking of just splurging

No one seems interested in this thread. I should add some excitement!! Well thats not going to happen. I have been reading reviews and comparing subs for the past week. I should just go with the SVS PC12-NSD, Approx. $620 with shipping:My Dad seems pretty happy with his older lowest-level SVS cylinder from about 5 years ago .

 

[bandphan]

If you want to spend a little more, and dont need the peq on the amp, check out Rythmiks 15"

 

[Adam]

If you want to spend a little more, and dont need the peq on the amp, check out Rythmiks 15"

Well, for just a little bit more, he should move to an SVS Ultra.