room size, 1/2 subs, current choices

[xandrellas]

Hey folks,

Theater room is 12x18ft, 7.5ft walls, vault ceiling caps at 10 feet and goes upward lengthwise of the room, floor is carpeted, window is covered, fairly acceptable acoustically.

Currently using 2 x dynamo 700 martin logans (front left, wired into marantz 6011 receiver. 2nd is wireless in back-right of room). Considering going to a balancedforce210/212.

Would 1 x balanced force w/PBK ran against it outperform the 2 x config? I tend to prefer warmth and accuracy over mega impact. This room will also be used for music listening. Current speaker setup is ML ESL-C center, ESL stats, sub/subs mentioned above and TBD for surround/sides/overheads.

Thoughts?

 

[shadyJ]

A Balanced Force sub should be an upgrade over two Dynamo 700s for output and extension. However, it may have a worse frequency response since it is only one sub vs two. If you are in the continental USA, there are higher performing choices for less money than the Balanced Force. IF you are abroad, there should still be better deals. The Balanced Force subs are not bad, but I would want a 212 at the very least, and I would try to get 2 of them.

 

[xandrellas]

Hi Shady - I'm in continental USA. I suppose from a practicality perspective... if tacking on $1,600 more for a BF210 (or $2,600 more for 212) compared to the $1,400 for 2 x dynamo 700s doesn't seem to parse out as a major up.

I am certainly game to read recommends for such a situation. My ears will ultimately be the final answer.

 

[shadyJ]

For 1600, here are some choices that are likely higher performing (you will want to get 2, not 1):
RBH I-12e
Hsu Research ULS-15 mk2
Rythmik LVX12
SVS PB2000

Two of any of those would be a major step up from 2 Dynamo 700s or a BF212

 

[xandrellas]

Yeah I was actually looking at 2 x SVS SB13's though I am a bit unsure due to not having audtioned. I'll see if I can go audition a set soon. I can deal w/a 2-3k increase in cost

 

[lovinthehd]

Yeah I was actually looking at 2 x SVS SB13's though I am a bit unsure due to not having audtioned. I'll see if I can go audition a set soon. I can deal w/a 2-3k increase in cost

Just keep in mind subs are pretty dependent on the particular room and placement within; auditions in a showroom may not tell you much. The Best Buy/Magnolia stores sometimes have them I believe, though I'd purchase direct from SVS myself (and I think the best way is to take them up on their free in-home trial period, as that's the best place to audition subs...in your room with your gear and if they don't work out ship 'em back).

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Just keep in mind subs are pretty dependent on the particular room and placement within; auditions in a showroom may not tell you much. The Best Buy/Magnolia stores sometimes have them I believe, though I'd purchase direct from SVS myself (and I think the best way is to take them up on their free in-home trial period, as that's the best place to audition subs...in your room with your gear and if they don't work out ship 'em back).

Yep. This.

 

[xandrellas]

Well noted. The magnolias near me are pretty solid about return policy (45 days) but there's some more schlep involved and some of their recommends haven't been hitting home w/me lately. I'll contact SVS