Subs for new home theater build

[hendo24]

Hi all! I am in the process of building a new home theater from scratch and am looking for subs for the system. I haven't picked out the speakers quite yet (asked questions about them in the loudspeaker forum, but they will be towers up front and a 7.2 system ... possibly with 11.2 atmos ceiling speakers)

My room is rather large 564 sq ft and 5346 cu ft (22x27x9). Two level seating with a bar at the very back of the room

So my question for subs specifically...I will be mostly watching movies in this room probably 90% of the time. So I'd like something that hits hard for explosions and what not

My budget is somewhat flexible but I'm hoping to keep the two subs under $2000 total, which has lead me to the following

1. SVS PB2000 for 1600
2. HSU VTF-15H for 1760
3. PS Audio XS15se for 1600

Any thoughts, suggestions?

 

[shadyJ]

The Hsu subs will easily outperform the SVS and PSA subs, however shipping costs bring it close to $2k. Well worth the extra expense though. I might also look at the subs from Reaction Audio. The new Rythmik FVX15 looks to be comparable as well, but for a bit more money.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I echo (pun intended) this. VTF-15H or VTF-3 MK3 HP are very big step above pb2000
However pair of Reaction audio Echo 15 would what you need for sub heathen on budget.

 

[Nachmanowicz]

In a large room like that output is important, and since its home theater use I'd say deff ported. PSA subs tend to have the most output for the money, right?

 

[Tom V.]

Hi all! I am in the process of building a new home theater from scratch and am looking for subs for the system. I haven't picked out the speakers quite yet (asked questions about them in the loudspeaker forum, but they will be towers up front and a 7.2 system ... possibly with 11.2 atmos ceiling speakers)

My room is rather large 564 sq ft and 5346 cu ft (22x27x9). Two level seating with a bar at the very back of the room

So my question for subs specifically...I will be mostly watching movies in this room probably 90% of the time. So I'd like something that hits hard for explosions and what not

My budget is somewhat flexible but I'm hoping to keep the two subs under $2000 total, which has lead me to the following

1. SVS PB2000 for 1600
2. HSU VTF-15H for 1760
3. PS Audio XS15se for 1600

Any thoughts, suggestions?

Minor correction. Dual XS15se are currently $1449 including shipping. Regular pricing is $1499.

With a focus on movie explosions you might be best going ported in this room environment though. From Power Sound Audio you would have three options <$2000.

1)Dual XV15(non SE) at $1499

http://www.audioholics.com/subwoofer-reviews/xv-15-subwoofer

2)Dual XV15se at $1699

3)Dual V1500 at $1999.

Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any other questions about our products.

Tom V.
Power Sound Audio

 

[hendo24]

Thanks for all the replies!

So revamping the list, it looks like this:

Reaction Audio Echo 15 - 1799
Rythmik Audio FVX15 - 1818
HSU VTF15H MK2 - 2016
PSA V1500 - 1999
PSA XV15se - 1699 (this is downfiring, will be a carpeted room. downsides to this?)

Probably any of these will be good. Any votes to spend on the higher side of this list?
It will be used occasionally for music so I want to make sure it isn't too loose and "only useful for HT" if there is such a thing

 

[shadyJ]

Dual VTF15h mk2s have a slight discount, 1995 shipped. The present introductory discount for the Rythmik sub is very good, and the discount for duals is also excellent. The Reaction Echo looks excellent as well. In the face of these other subs, I would rule out the XV15se right away, and I don't even know why Tom would suggest a non se version. If you are willing to give up a couple dB below 20 Hz, a VTF3 mk5 dual drive would be able to hang with these subs, and at lower cost.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

In a large room like that output is important, and since its home theater use I'd say deff ported. PSA subs tend to have the most output for the money, right?

I emailed Jeremy from Reaction audio and based on cea 2010 numbers he sent me for Echo 15 sub I'd say it's clear winner, especially in lower bass region.

 

[GIEGAR]

.
So my question for subs specifically...I will be mostly watching movies in this room probably 90% of the time. So I'd like something that hits hard for explosions and what not
.
Any thoughts, suggestions?

Good timing!

These go on sale in a couple of days: JTR Captivator 1400 ($1600 + shipping)

Put some of your budget towards an acoustic measurement system (like UMIK-1 + REW) to optimise its setup/position and you'll be rewarded with loads of deep, clean bass.

Perhaps plan for a second Cap 1400 down the track.

 

[ATLAudio]

Thanks for all the replies!

So revamping the list, it looks like this:

Reaction Audio Echo 15 - 1799
Rythmik Audio FVX15 - 1818
HSU VTF15H MK2 - 2016
PSA V1500 - 1999
PSA XV15se - 1699 (this is downfiring, will be a carpeted room. downsides to this?)

Probably any of these will be good. Any votes to spend on the higher side of this list?
It will be used occasionally for music so I want to make sure it isn't too loose and "only useful for HT" if there is such a thing

No, the carpeted floor won't effect the down firing...

I like the value you get with the dual XV15se set up. That would be my pick.

 

[hendo24]

I also was looking at the Gamma 18 on Reaction Audio's site. Would a sealed 18 be better or equal to a ported 15? Or should I stick to ported for my room and uses?

 

[shadyJ]

I also was looking at the Gamma 18 on Reaction Audio's site. Would a sealed 18 be better or equal to a ported 15? Or should I stick to ported for my room and uses?

I would ask Jeremy at Reaction. Give him a call or drop him an email, he knows his products better than anyone else.

 

[ATLAudio]

I also was looking at the Gamma 18 on Reaction Audio's site. Would a sealed 18 be better or equal to a ported 15? Or should I stick to ported for my room and uses?

With a 5500^3 room for 90% movies, I'd go with ported dual subs.