Need a sub..

[2channelstereo]

I have been using pre-boxed computer speakers for along time now (IE Logitech) and have finally upgraded. I did alot of research and settled on the Audio Engine A5's. Breaking them in right now, and waiting to find some speaker stands for positioning, but I would like to add a sub to the setup.

The room is about 13'x13', and is my bedroom. There are no big objects besides my bed in there right now. Price range would be about $300-$500 ($500 being the absolute max). Current sound source is my laptop.

My primary listening is of Trance (Vocal heavy stuff) and Drum'n'Bass. I do listen to rock as well. So with these music genre's in mind, I absolutly love bass, and want something that performs. My main desire with this sub tho is Clarity! I want the system to sound beautiful, for lack of better words. Crisp and clear!

I would prefer to purchase locally as well, so any suggestions would be awesome.

 

[Midcow2]

here are two really good subs in your price range:

I have been using pre-boxed computer speakers for along time now (IE Logitech) and have finally upgraded. I did alot of research and settled on the Audio Engine A5's. Breaking them in right now, and waiting to find some speaker stands for positioning, but I would like to add a sub to the setup.

The room is about 13'x13', and is my bedroom. There are no big objects besides my bed in there right now. Price range would be about $300-$500 ($500 being the absolute max). Current sound source is my laptop.

My primary listening is of Trance (Vocal heavy stuff) and Drum'n'Bass. I do listen to rock as well. So with these music genre's in mind, I absolutly love bass, and want something that performs. My main desire with this sub tho is Clarity! I want the system to sound beautiful, for lack of better words. Crisp and clear!

I would prefer to purchase locally as well, so any suggestions would be awesome.

here are two really good subs in your price range:

SVS PB10-NSD $429
http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-10nsd.cfm

Hsu VTF-2 MK 3 Subwoofer $499
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-2-mk3.html

 

[j_garcia]

I listen to a lot of Techno/Trance/Electronic and I've owned the PB-10. A square room is always an issue for bass, but the PB-10 shouldn't have any problem filling a room that size. I owned a former version of the VTF-2 and it is also an excellent sub.

This one is also in your price range: http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/lfm1plus.html If I am not mistaken, it was also designed by Dr. Hsu.

 

[2channelstereo]

A question regarding sub-hook up the A5's. Looking at the back of the main speaker it has a RCA Sub output with a L/R option. Does this mean I can power two subs? Or how I would I go about hooking up a sub? For example the PB10 with the single wire output.

Little new with this kind of stuff, so still learning.

 

[Midcow2]

A question regarding sub-hook up the A5's. Looking at the back of the main speaker it has a RCA Sub output with a L/R option. Does this mean I can power two subs? Or how I would I go about hooking up a sub? For example the PB10 with the single wire output.

Little new with this kind of stuff, so still learning.

Get a small RCA cable and connect to both L and R. For some reason subs had a left and right input, but I have never, or very rarely, seen a receiver that outputs steroe dsub signals!

this connects your cable to both the left and right
http://www.amazon.com/RCA-Y-Adapter-Male-Female/dp/B0002ZPK08

 

[j_garcia]

Subs have a R&L input for those stereo input, as most stereo receivers / integrated amps only have stereo outputs rather than a single mono output. It doesn't matter though, because those two inputs are summed before they are amplified so the net result is the same as far as what the sub "sees".

 

[Midcow2]

$1000 System

A question regarding sub-hook up the A5's. Looking at the back of the main speaker it has a RCA Sub output with a L/R option. Does this mean I can power two subs? Or how I would I go about hooking up a sub? For example the PB10 with the single wire output.

Little new with this kind of stuff, so still learning.

2 front speakers - Cambridge Audio S30 $219
http://spearitsound.amazonwebstore.com/Cambridge-Audio-S30-Speakers-Black/M/B00198LYMU.htm?utm_campaign=froogle&utm_medium=organic&utm_source=froogle

SVS-PB10-NSD subwoofer $429
http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-10nsd.cfm

Yamaha RX-V363 receiver $169.98
http://www.taaffephoto.com/item_detail.php?item_id=118111

Bluejeans cables ~$100
http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/component/index.htm

 

[2channelstereo]

Thanks for the suggestion, I've already picked the A5's tho, and am very happy with them. I don't really want to cluter my room with a receiver, hence why I went with powered speakers.

PB10 sounds pretty nice with reviews, and I've found a canadian dealer which makes it easier for me!

 

[j_garcia]

Powered speakers aren't going to work directly from a source; you would still need a preamp in the picture IMO, or an integrated amp or old stereo receiver, to control volume at the very least.

 

[2channelstereo]

Audioholics did a review for the Audio Engine A5's, so that's where I found them...45watt amp with 70w peak. They work just fine

 

[jvgillow]

The computer is the preamp here so he's fine.

 

[2channelstereo]

Like I said before, I'm very new to all of this, having only purchased 2.1 computer speakers before hand. So, any information is good!

In regards to speaker stands, what height should I look for? I've read that the speakers should be positioned at eye level, but am really not sure as most stands seem to be about 2' high?

 

[j_garcia]

24" stands shouldn't be too hard to find - most manufacturer's that I've seen carry them. Within a few inches isn't going to be out of the question though. Yes eye, or rather ear level for the tweeter is what you are looking for in most cases because the tweeter is playing the most directional frequencies. Then the separation of the two across the front and the distance they sit from you are also key to getting the most out of them - note that if the speakers are farhter away from you, closer to the floor is not a good thing because the first reflection off the floor will also arrive at your ears very early causing you to lose some of the speaker's imaging and clarity.

http://www.racksandstands.com/24-in.-to-30-in.-l5-c7-A34~3.html

 

[2channelstereo]

I'm pretty sure I'm now addicted to good sounding equiptment, and I'll more or less be upgrading these speakers with in the next 6 monthes.

With that in mind, I'm thinking of going with a diff SVS sub for the time, to save from upgrading later. Been reading countless reviews on SVS, and they sound awesome. Would the PB12 NSD/2 be overkill for my current speakers?
http://audioengineusa.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=76&osCsid=02b060af1da4a3b29fafadd2283736c9 <--Is what I'm currently using.
If not the dual 12, I think I'd go with the single 12, as I enjoy my bass.

Any more oppinions, or recommendations for subs in that price range, would be great!

 

[j_garcia]

There is pretty much no such thing as too much sub. It is all about calibration and your personal taste, but you can never go wrong getting the best sub you can afford.

 

[2channelstereo]

Turns out the PB12-NSD/2 is discontinued, and the retailer in Canada has none in stock, that's disapointing. Any suggestions on if/where I could pick one up? I can't post in the classifieds yet...not enough posts or something.

 

[j_garcia]

It has been discontinued for a few months and you missed out on the sale price...however for a 13x13 room, you might want to just look at a single Plus which will give you as much output as a NSD/2 AFAIK, and actually should have better overall response (that may be why the NSD/2 is no longer available).

 

[2channelstereo]

Finally made up my mind, placed an order for the PB10 today. Glad delivery time is only 4 days! Very excited

 

[mazersteven]

Finally made up my mind, placed an order for the PB10 today. Glad delivery time is only 4 days! Very excited

Congratulations. Excellent subwoofer.

 

[j_garcia]

Congrats. Let us know what you think once you have some time to play around with it.