Opinions on these two Subs

[ematthews]

Just looking at these two options, which would you choose and why. I know there are a ton of options out there but these two have spiked my interest. This will be 95% music and on occasion running it with 5.1 audio. My new room size is 13x17x8 with a large double door size opening on the north end of the 13x..

Outlaw Audio Ultra X12

Power Sound audio 15S

 

[Steve81]

You can get an idea of how they might compare looking at the measurements of their predecessors:

http://www.data-bass.com/data?page=system&id=105
http://www.data-bass.com/data?page=system&id=58

The 15S features a more potent 725W ICE amp from SpeakerPower versus the outgoing model's 550W BASH. Not how many changes were made on the Outlaw side, but the new model is a bit smaller, and they're also touting a new amp (still rated at 350W). For 95% music, I'd probably lean towards the PSA, but I don't think you'd really go wrong with either.

 

[ematthews]

Read all the specs. Looks like the Outlaw is a great buy. I do need the volume however since I'm a bass head and like the deep end. That's the only reason I'm looking at the Power Sound option.

 

[Steve81]

If you're looking for volume and depth, the PSA 15V or Hsu VTF-3 MK5 HP might be a better bet.

 

[3db]

If you're looking for volume and depth, the PSA 15V or Hsu VTF-3 MK5 HP might be a better bet.

Am I reading these graphs incorrectly? The Outlaw one port mod plays louder by 5db at 20 Hz at 18% distortion compared to 22% for the PSA .

 

[Steve81]

Am I reading these graphs incorrectly? The Outlaw plays louder by 5db at 20 Hz at 18% distortion compared to 22% for the PSA .

Nope. The Outlaw is a vented sub, so it should do better around tune vs the sealed PSA. OTOH, there's a lot more to sub performance than burst output at 20Hz, particularly for 95% music usage.

 

[lsiberian]

I prefer the sound of ported system for orchestra, opera, musicals and the like. I prefer the sound of sealed systems for rock, pop, and the like. Your preference might be different of course, but ported bass systems in my experience often aren't forgiving of poorly mastered content.

 

[shadyJ]

Hsu VTF3 mk5 will rock them both. I would also look at the Rythmik FVX15, and, if you are not in a rush, the Reaction Audio Gamma 15.

 

[Auditor55]

Just looking at these two options, which would you choose and why. I know there are a ton of options out there but these two have spiked my interest. This will be 95% music and on occasion running it with 5.1 audio. My new room size is 13x17x8 with a large double door size opening on the north end of the 13x..

Outlaw Audio Ultra X12

Power Sound audio 15S

I would choose PSA over the Outlaw for mainly music. I prefer sealed sub for music, especially for Smooth Jazz over ported, which is the type of music I listen to, which doesn't have subterranean deep bass, but does have lots fast and punchy type bass. I don't think down firing ported subs are best for music, so I wouldn't choose the Outlaw. What type of music you listen to?

 

[ematthews]

Just for reference. I had the Rythmik f12 and couldn't seem to get enough volume out of it. I need a nice low end with room to spare. It took a while to get adjusted to the Rythmik after spending a long time with a cheap ported Polk sub. I now know the difference between a quality sounding sub... All I need now is headroom for the larger room too. The big 120lb plus sub weights scare me a bit since I know I will have to move it myself. I also like the low price of the Outlaw.

 

[Auditor55]

Just for reference. I had the Rythmik f12 and couldn't seem to get enough volume out of it. I need a nice low end with room to spare. It took a while to get adjusted to the Rythmik after spending a long time with a cheap ported Polk sub. I now know the difference between a quality sounding sub... All I need now is headroom for the larger room too. The big 120lb plus sub weights scare me a bit since I know I will have to move it myself. I also like the low price of the Outlaw.

What do you consider nice low end?

 

[ematthews]

Nice low end would be deep enough to feel and hear with enough volume that I didn't have to turn it up to 11... Also not bloated. Fast when it's called for without bloom.

 

[3db]

I wonder in a blind listening test if people could tell the difference between a ported and sealed sub of similar quality when it comes to music. I say similar quality in reference to ematthew's post number 10 when he compared the Rythmik to the Polk.

 

[Cosmic Char]

I can hear the difference in my Hsu when the ports are open and closed. I tested several different setups.

 

[Steve81]

I wonder in a blind listening test if people could tell the difference between a ported and sealed sub of similar quality when it comes to music. I say similar quality in reference to ematthew's post number 10 when he compared the Rythmik to the Polk.

I can't say I heard a pronounced difference in sighted listening running my old PB13 sealed vs ported w/ music when I tested it. For HT, the difference was obvious at higher playback levels.

 

[lsiberian]

You probably will need to build a custom sub to meet your desires.

 

[ATLAudio]

Between those subs and your taste is 95% music, I'd do the PSA.