An overall sound system under $700

[Blues Doctor]

Right now I dismantled my setup for the most part. Bought a set of Powered Studio Monitors and some stands along w/a Behringer DAC. As such, not using a powered sub at the moment. However, there will be some changes in the very near future. But, the PSA S1500's were by far the most musical subs that I have ever owned. The Hsu ULS 15MK2 is no slouch. I prefer my bass to hit on a dime and stop on a dime. Love a tight punchy sound. Especially, when the kick drum is getting with it. Articulation is the key inmho. You would not go wrong with either of the PSA S1500's or the Hsu ULS 15 MK2. I would buy whichever gives a better deal. The SVS SB2000 is another good one as is the Rythmik L12's. Lots of people also like the Rythmik LV12R because it is said to be very good musically, as well as, good with HT. Keep in mind that the PSA S1500's use the Ice amps and come with a full 5-year bumper to bumper warranty.

Cheers,

Phil

Thanks Speakerman. I appreciate your time. Glad I found this site. It sounds like you've owned several true subs in your time. You saying the PSA S1500 was the most musical sub you've ever had really got my attention. I wiil revisit that site. I said earlier that I could stretch sub budget to $800, but after more thought, I would prefer to stay around $500. I need to reign myself back. Now I believe I will try the SB-1000 SVS and the RLS Speedwoofer 10S. I would like to hear the Hsu MK3 in my room too. It's physical size bothers me, but I like it's variable tuning. I am looking for a dedicated music only sub for stereo rig. No HT use. I need to stay realistic about budget, and it is a small apt upstairs! Lol. I try to be considerate of neighbors. So musicality in low end is top priority w/in budget. Fidelity and articulation over boom and SPL. I love the varying input and opinions here. No one in my current circle cares about discussing audio. It's a great pool of knowledge and experience. Helpful to hear others' opinion on real use of components. I am still a few months away from purchase. Waiting on Holiday Sales and funds. I'll report back if anyone interested. Thanks again.

 

[shadyJ]

Consider the Hsu VTF2 mk4, it has an extremely good driver for the price, and should have a performance advantage over the Speedwoofer and PB1000, and not cost a whole lot more.

 

[speakerman39]

Thanks Speakerman. I appreciate your time. Glad I found this site. It sounds like you've owned several true subs in your time. You saying the PSA S1500 was the most musical sub you've ever had really got my attention. I wiil revisit that site. I said earlier that I could stretch sub budget to $800, but after more thought, I would prefer to stay around $500. I need to reign myself back. Now I believe I will try the SB-1000 SVS and the RLS Speedwoofer 10S. I would like to hear the Hsu MK3 in my room too. It's physical size bothers me, but I like it's variable tuning. I am looking for a dedicated music only sub for stereo rig. No HT use. I need to stay realistic about budget, and it is a small apt upstairs! Lol. I try to be considerate of neighbors. So musicality in low end is top priority w/in budget. Fidelity and articulation over boom and SPL. I love the varying input and opinions here. No one in my current circle cares about discussing audio. It's a great pool of knowledge and experience. Helpful to hear others' opinion on real use of components. I am still a few months away from purchase. Waiting on Holiday Sales and funds. I'll report back if anyone interested. Thanks again.

Staying within budget is certainly a good idea. Paying more does NOT always yield you more. That being said, Shady makes for a good point with recommending the VTF2 MK4. Trust me when I say, Shady knows a great deal about subs. He has helped me many times. Personally, I am not too fond of the SB1000. The Speedwoofer 10S or the Hsu VTF 2 MK4 would be my choice. That is, if you are ruling out the SB2000 and/or the Rythmik L12's. But, you are on the right track. It is good that you are covering all of your bases so to speak.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[Blues Doctor]

Consider the Hsu VTF2 mk4, it has an extremely good driver for the price, and should have a performance advantage over the Speedwoofer and PB1000, and not cost a whole lot more.

Thanks Shady. I keep going back to Hsu. I really like the concept of variable tuning. I am trying now to keep cost at $600 or less. I said $800 yesterday, but I've rethought it. My space is small and I want to just enrich my music sound with decent, articulate low end. I believe I'd rather keep sub smaller and use duals, so trying to stay within $1k-$1,200 for pair. I think with inherent room acoustics two smaller subs would suit my stituation better than a larger single. I'd love to run one w/each tower in stereo. Right now I'm leaning towards the Hsu and RSL. I am really curious abt the Speedwoofer for some unexplainable reason. Thanks for your help man. I'll report back on experience and decision after home auditions. Hell, I still have to set up rig. I'm rearranging entire living room to accommodate audio gear! I love being single. My living room is a modest home theater and music listening room. No WAF to think about! Two more subs will make 13 speakers. Lmao. Moving Kef bookshelves to bedroom, so I'll be adding a small sub there too.

 

[Blues Doctor]

Staying within budget is certainly a good idea. Paying more does NOT always yield you more. That being said, Shady makes for a good point with recommending the VTF2 MK4. Trust me when I say, Shady knows a great deal about subs. He has helped me many times. Personally, I am not too fond of the SB1000. The Speedwoofer 10S or the Hsu VTF 2 MK4 would be my choice. That is, if you are ruling out the SB2000 and/or the Rythmik L12's. But, you are on the right track. It is good that you are covering all of your bases so to speak.

Cheers,

Phil

Thanks Phil. I love this place! I am going to seek advice before any audio purchase. I sent an email to Brent Butterworth seeking a recommendation. I will share his reply if he does.

Don't mean to make big deal ove sub purchase, but I am aging and this is probably my last stereo. On limited income and trying to get best sound for reasonable price. Most off us are. I appreciate all the input from you and Shady. It helps to think out loud with others. I'm not that psyched over the SB-1000 either, but the SB-2000 is appealing. I got the impression you thought highly of it Phil. I have almost decided on it, but it is over budget. The L12 looks good too. It's in the money ballpark. I'm going back to Hsu to look at the VTF2-MK4. I was only checking out the MK3 10" font dual ported. It seems like a viable option. Thanks again. I love this stuff!

 

[Blues Doctor]

Lol. After revisiting Hsu site, I like the ULS 15. I'm driving myself crazy, but enjoying the ride. What do you guys think of the ULS-15 at $779 plus $62 S&H/$841, or the SVS SB-200o for $699 free shipping? I would probably just use 2.1 stereo system instead of 2.2. Buy once, cry once.

 

[shadyJ]

I would go for the ULS, the performance for the money is enormous. Here is my recent review of it. I would say you are looking at two to three times the output of the SB2000, if these numbers are correct. By the way, I part company with speakerman where he ways the S1500 is more musical. The ULS-15 smokes the S1500, and yes, I have heard them both. I think speakerman was using it in a configuration that emphasizes deep bass, but the ULS can be adjusted to put more weight on mid bass, if so desired, and this will place more emphasis on traditional music instrument frequencies. I would be willing to bet that the ULS could keep with PSA's sealed 18", the S1800 without much of a problem.

 

[speakerman39]

Lol. After revisiting Hsu site, I like the ULS 15. I'm driving myself crazy, but enjoying the ride. What do you guys think of the ULS-15 at $779 plus $62 S&H/$841, or the SVS SB-200o for $699 free shipping? I would probably just use 2.1 stereo system instead of 2.2. Buy once, cry once.

Be sure to look for the B-stock deals to be had. Most of my gear has been, or still is, refurbished B-stocks. Might as well save some money when you can right? Keep at it as you are getting there. It always feels good when we make a well informed decision.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[speakerman39]

Here is a VTF 2 MK4 B-stock!

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/clearance.html

Not a bad deal for $524 shipped!

Cheers,

Phil

 

[speakerman39]

Here is a SVS SB1000 B-stock for $476 shipped!

http://www.svsound.com/collections/outlet-specials/products/sb-1000-black-ash-outlet-1

Like I said, I am not a BIG fan of the SB1000. But, you have mentioned it several times now so I thought that I would post this!

Cheers,

Phil

 

[speakerman39]

I also say since you treat music importance and HT equally, that you need to highly consider the Rythmik LV12R. Have read many times just how good this sub is w/music, as well as, with HT. It gives an excellent balance of the two inmho. But, it is your money. Just thought that I would point this out to you. Here is a link:

http://www.rythmikaudio.com/LV12R.html

Not bad for $589 shipped! Best wishes!

Cheers,

Phil

 

[speakerman39]

Just found this as well:

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/subwoofers-svs-sb-1000-subwoofer-powerful-compact-2016-09-18-home-theater-93444-nipomo-ca

Cheers,

Phil

 

[Blues Doctor]

I would go for the ULS, the performance for the money is enormous. Here is my recent review of it. I would say you are looking at two to three times the output of the SB2000, if these numbers are correct. By the way, I part company with speakerman where he ways the S1500 is more musical. The ULS-15 smokes the S1500, and yes, I have heard them both. I think speakerman was using it in a configuration that emphasizes deep bass, but the ULS can be adjusted to put more weight on mid bass, if so desired, and this will place more emphasis on traditional music instrument frequencies. I would be willing to bet that the ULS could keep with PSA's sealed 18", the S1800 without much of a problem.

Thanks again Shady. That was a thorough review. Enjoyed reading it and felt it was well written. I had read the reviews of SB and PB2000 before. I know I'm looking over budget again. I go back and forth, but still in research stage. Not in hurry. Just hoping to add sub by Dec, so I still have time. I appreciate your input and advice! The question I will ask, if you don't mind, is which sub would you buy now for a music only stereo set-up of your own that is obtainable under $900? I am assuming you have some experience if you wrote that review. Huge credibility boost. I respect your opinion.

 

[Blues Doctor]

Be sure to look for the B-stock deals to be had. Most of my gear has been, or still is, refurbished B-stocks. Might as well save some money when you can right? Keep at it as you are getting there. It always feels good when we make a well informed decision.

Cheers,

Phil

I will check B Stock. I'm all about saving $. I've never done that, but I'm open to it. Thanks for the encouragement.

 

[Blues Doctor]

Thanks again Shady. That was a thorough review. Enjoyed reading it and felt it was well written. I had read the reviews of SB and PB2000 before. I know I'm looking over budget again. I go back and forth, but still in research stage. Not in hurry. Just hoping to add sub by Dec, so I still have time. I appreciate your input and advice! The question I will ask, if you don't mind, is which sub would you buy now for a music only stereo set-up of your own that is obtainable under $900? I am assuming you have some experience if you wrote that review. Huge credibility boost. I respect your opinion.

I suspect you really value Hsu subs.

 

[Blues Doctor]

Here is a SVS SB1000 B-stock for $476 shipped!

http://www.svsound.com/collections/outlet-specials/products/sb-1000-black-ash-outlet-1

Like I said, I am not a BIG fan of the SB1000. But, you have mentioned it several times now so I thought that I would post this!

Cheers,

Phil

I've pretty much ruled out the SB-1000. I've learned more that sways me somewhere else.

 

[Blues Doctor]

Thanks again Shady. That was a thorough review. Enjoyed reading it and felt it was well written. I had read the reviews of SB and PB2000 before. I know I'm looking over budget again. I go back and forth, but still in research stage. Not in hurry. Just hoping to add sub by Dec, so I still have time. I appreciate your input and advice! The question I will ask, if you don't mind, is which sub would you buy now for a music only stereo set-up of your own that is obtainable under $900? I am assuming you have some experience if you wrote that review. Huge credibility boost. I respect your opinion.

And in defense of Speakerman, he said the S1500 was the most musical sub he ever owned. He didn't say it was more musical than any other sub, just the ones he had.

 

[speakerman39]

I would go for the ULS, the performance for the money is enormous. Here is my recent review of it. I would say you are looking at two to three times the output of the SB2000, if these numbers are correct. By the way, I part company with speakerman where he ways the S1500 is more musical. The ULS-15 smokes the S1500, and yes, I have heard them both. I think speakerman was using it in a configuration that emphasizes deep bass, but the ULS can be adjusted to put more weight on mid bass, if so desired, and this will place more emphasis on traditional music instrument frequencies. I would be willing to bet that the ULS could keep with PSA's sealed 18", the S1800 without much of a problem.

Actually, both the ULS 15MK2 and the S1500 were very good with music and/or HT. However, just thought that the S1500 had a slight edge on the ULS 15 MK2 sub over all. At least to me with my own ears and in my own living-room it did. The Hsu also looked noticeably better inmho. The PSA also has a 5-year bumper to bumper warranty and both of mine were B-stocks. Even my ULS 15 MK2 sub was a B-stock. The ULS 15 MK2 sub's warranty is not as long. However, I preferred the S1500's and that is why I ended up with two of them and sold the ULS 15 MK2 off. The OP would be very hard pressed going wrong with either if these inmho. Keep in mind that I never measured them. My subjective opinion is just that. Things were just noticably tighter and punchier to me with the S1500. If I had preferred the ULS 15 MK2, then I would have ended up with two of them instead of the S1500's.

Cheers,

Phil

 

[shadyJ]

Thanks again Shady. That was a thorough review. Enjoyed reading it and felt it was well written. I had read the reviews of SB and PB2000 before. I know I'm looking over budget again. I go back and forth, but still in research stage. Not in hurry. Just hoping to add sub by Dec, so I still have time. I appreciate your input and advice! The question I will ask, if you don't mind, is which sub would you buy now for a music only stereo set-up of your own that is obtainable under $900? I am assuming you have some experience if you wrote that review. Huge credibility boost. I respect your opinion.

Under 900 for music, I would go for the ULS-15 mk2. Second place would be the Rythmik L22. I think the next most competitive sealed subs up from the ULS would probably be the Rythmik E15HP or F15HP, and they cost a chunk more than the ULS. The Rythmik LX12 looks like it could be a good choice too, but I want to know more about it.

 

[herbu]

I know I'm looking over budget again. I go back and forth

Really? We hadn't noticed.

Listen, Doc. That should tell you something if you really only want to "cry once". If you are willing to consider ~$900 now, do you believe you'll never wonder and itch about "what if", if you get a $500 sub today? I don't.

You're already discussing w/ 2 knowledgeable sub guys. That's why you don't see a bunch of others chiming in. And my sub recommendations mean squat next to these guys. BUT I will urge you to carefully consider your "one time" purchase. If these guys tell you there is a big difference in the performance of a $500 vs $900 sub, do you think you'll really remain satisfied w/ the $500 one?

I say get the best you can reasonably get. Your pleasure will remain long after the financial sting is gone. (Of course, my wife is usually the one that defines "reasonably" for me.) Don't be stupid.