Maximizing subwoofer value on $500 budget for big room

[ToddMorrill]

I like the reviews on the SVS PB-2000 and I have talked myself into indulging the idea of a subwoofer investment, but I would be more comfortable around $500.

So my question is, is does anyone have a couple of brands that are on the LVL of SVS / HSU the and model numbers that I could pick up that would be comperable to the PB-2000 but in my price range, used, maybe a generation behind, but awesome?


My setup:

* space is an open kitchen living room 30 X 15 feet with 15 foot cathedral ceilings.

* 320 Bee Nad amp

*B&W DM602 s3 mains.

*Space: 15 X 30 feet living room kitchen with sloped ceiling that spans from 9 feet to 15 feet high.


Are you following me?

Give me some keywords to stalk on ebay!

thanks for your help!

 

[shadyJ]

In a room of that size, I would be looking at the Premiere Acoustics PA-150. No other $500 sub stands a chance in that large of a room.

 

[Ponzio]

Give me some keywords to stalk on ebay!

SVS PB-12NSD

 

[ToddMorrill]

Thanks I am researching both, was digging into premier reviews, and I came across PSA (power sound audio) they have some returned xv-15 units priced at 650 with free shipping so I could kind of do that.... so I am thinking PSA XV15-5 or SVS PB-12NSD Hsu VTF3

I want musicality no booming for music AND chest thumps for movies..... so I want the thing to be versatile and hve modes like I think the HSU claims to have.... If i need to add an eq down the line cool, but I want the sub to handle both modes.... so what should i get

Thanks for the help!

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

First of all $650 is not $500 quite a big difference that extra $150 can make
If you value musicality over bass levels and extension you should stick with sealed subs like this one:
http://www.powersoundaudio.com/collections/outlet-center/products/xs15-c

Reaction audio had their S15 sub, now unfortunately sold out
It was priced a bit better, but this one above from outlet is priced ok. Grab it while it's hot

 

[rojo]

You might also consider DIY.

• Dayton 18" HO + knockdown cabinet: $332
• restocked Behringer NU1000DSP iNUKE 1000W amp: $165
• Speakon terminal for cabinet: $3
• Speakon cable (30 feet): $16
  
• Speaker wire: $5
• 2-pack RCA-1/4" TS: $3

Total: $524-ish

Then all you need are a couple cans of matte black Krylon, wood glue, a pound of poly-fil, some bar clamps to assemble the box, and maybe some feet of some sort if you wish. You can be all in for < $600. That 18" sub is going to move more air even than the PSA subs, and you can dial in your preferred EQ with the iNuke amp's built-in DSP.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

agreed, that Dayton packs serious punch, but you could get very similar performance out of HSU VTF3 MK5 15" vented sub, granted for few hundreds more, but spend zero time in building it

 

[ToddMorrill]

Thanks guys, I think i am going to stick with poweraudio feeling like i have really done the legwork, although i admith the dayton is interesting and I dont mind doing the work

@BoredSysAdmin my concern with the sealed is my space is 15 X 30 feet with sloped ceiling from 9 X 16 feet, and I am not sure that the sealed will fill the space, thoughts?

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Fill your giant room? None of these options would, though the Dayton would be more powerful than others. My point is psa vented subs aren't very musical

 

[ToddMorrill]

Does everyone agree that the daytons are more musical than PSA 15 vented inchers? aside from the more work, is there any other downside to the daytons?

 

[shadyJ]

If, by musical, you mean lower distortion and and more linear, yes, the Dayton will be much superior to the XV15. The only drawback is that the Dayton might not have quite as much output around the XV15's tuning point, but below that it will and above it will as long as you give it enough amplification.

 

[ToddMorrill]

ShadyJ can you explain the concept of tuning point, i googled it and came up empty....

 

[billy p]

Hilarious...2 guys whom never even heard PSA products are commenting on the lack of musicality of those said products.

 

[rojo]

I believe the Dayton models better in a larger enclosure. If you can perform your own wood work and your space can afford a taller or longer enclosure (roughly 2'x2'x3' or so I'd guess), you should post a plea in the DIY section for a model. I'm sure TLS Guy could work up something very satisfying. But many have built the knockdown kit and have been pleased with the results with no changes.

 

[shadyJ]

ShadyJ can you explain the concept of tuning point, i googled it and came up empty....

The tuning point is basically the resonant frequency of the ports, the 'elbow' of their response where they will maintain a high output level before rapidly rolling off. All things being equal, the port resonance will give the subwoofer a big boost of output around that frequency band over a sealed design. But between the Dayton and XV15, everything is not equal because the Dayton is a much larger and much superior driver.

 

[ToddMorrill]

I believe the Dayton models better in a larger enclosure. If you can perform your own wood work and your space can afford a taller or longer enclosure (roughly 2'x2'x3' or so I'd guess), you should post a plea in the DIY section for a model. I'm sure TLS Guy could work up something very satisfying. But many have built the knockdown kit and have been pleased with the results with no changes.

Done http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/threads/building-a-sub-box-for-dayton-18-driver-1000watt-inuke.94925/, who are the TLS guys?

 

[rojo]

Done http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/threads/building-a-sub-box-for-dayton-18-driver-1000watt-inuke.94925/, who are the TLS guys?

TLS Guy is a forum member who is rather good at speaker design.