Sub suggestions for a novice?

[Evinlaw]

I am slowly building out my new home theater system for my living room and ready to venture into the purchase of a subwoofer. This will be my first purchase of a sub, so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

My budget is somewhat limited (around $500). The room is 23’x17’ and 22’ tall, so I have a lot of space to fill up. The system will be used for HD television and movies (50%), music (30%), blue ray and PS3 (20%).

I am installing (in-wall) my L/C/R speakers this weekend, Aperion Intimus 6LCR’s (thanks for the advice AVRat) and its all running to an Onkyo SR608. I will need to wait on the surrounds and I would eventually like to add a second sub, but one will have to do me for a while. Thoughts, ideas, inspirations?

 

[shadyJ]

The SVS PB10 and Epik Legend are $500, but shipping puts them over that. Both are supposed to be very good. The Elemental Designs A3-250 is kind of a PB10 clone, and is only $450 shipped, that should be a good sub too. If you have some elasticity in your budget, look at the Elemental Designs A3-300, the Hsu VTF2, or the Outlaw Audio LFM-1 Plus, although they are all 600 shipped, but they would be a step up from the $500 subs. You will get your moneys worth with any of these, so there are no wrong choices here.

 

[sholling]

I second shady's suggestions with the caveat that I'd start saving for a second. In the mean time I'd study some of the educational materials posted on the main site to learn to maximize the impact of a single sub. Perhaps place it near-field as an end table.

 

[Pyrrho]

You are in luck. Read the review at:

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/subwoofers/ultra-12

Here is a choice quote:

At the time of writing this review, Emotiva had this sub on sale for $429 with FREE shipping. Nothing at this price can touch this. [emphasis added]​

http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/subwoofers/ultra-12/ultra-12-conclusion

The subwoofer is currently on sale for $429 with free shipping in the continental U.S.:

http://emotiva.com/ultra_sub12.shtm


If my budget were $500, that is what I would buy, especially if I had a large room. (Incidentally, I am a happy owner of SVS subwoofers. But mine cost more than that.)

 

[sholling]

The Emo is a great little music sub but in 8000cuft? I have very serious doubts. Maybe 3000cuft if 100% music, but not for home theater. The Emo has almost nothing below 30hz.