One SVS SB16-Ultra Sub or two of something else?

[CB22]

I'm running a 5.2 Klipsch RP set up. Currently have my 2 "boomier" R-10SW subs. I'm thinking upgrading to something that has more of a "refined" bass. From the research I did I'm looking a getting sealed sub. And the reviews seeming to be really like the SB16. Can justify the cost of 2 SB16's thought for the price and my room size, which is 11x16&1/2, and the fact that it's total overkill. Budget is 2k.

Question: If I upgrade, what would be a good sub that has the clarity of bass & fits in the buget?

 

[Foxrox]

If i had a $2k budget for subs in a room that size I would definitely get 2 subs for the evened response.

I think you would find even ported subs in this price range to be quite refined in comparison to your 10s.

That being said, any $1k 15” sub should be plenty in a room that size unless you’re a major bass head. Two $1k 15” subs, sealed or ported, is going to be amazing. You can never go wrong with SVS, but the most commonly recommended subs on this forum are here:

http://www.hsuresearch.com/subwoofers.html

The max boom for buck for a single $2k sub might be this:

http://www.jtrspeakers.com/captivator-1400.html

For a single, monsterously powerful sealed sub, stretch the $2k a bit:

http://www.jtrspeakers.com/captivator-s1.html

And another high-quality option for a pair of sealed subs for $2k:

https://www.powersoundaudio.com/products/S1500

Happy shopping!

 

[everettT]

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/uls-15mk2Dual.html

But I’d prefer

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-15hmk2Dual.html
More flexibility

Since your room isn’t large and based on the assumption that two units will give more flexibility for smoothing.

If you have space you could easily go the 3 unit route

 

[shadyJ]

I would get a couple of the Hsu 15"s, and any of their 15"s will be great. You could always run the ported subs in sealed mode if you wanted, so if you went with the VTF-3s or VTF15hs, you could seal them if you so desired.

 

[CB22]

Thanks for the advice fellas. I'm gonna sleep on it for a couple day but probably gonna pull the trigger on these:

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/uls-15mk2Dual.html

 

[theJman]

Can justify the cost of 2 SB16's thought for the price and my room size, which is 11x16&1/2, and the fact that it's total overkill.

Define "overkill"? On most HT forums that word is considered heresy.

The major advantages derived from dual subwoofers come about if you have flexibility in placement and are comfortable tuning them. Without both, the value they can provide diminishes significantly; aesthetics or symmetry can't dictate location, yet that's what frequently occurs. Tuning them correctly often requires a more hands-on approach as well, something not everyone is comfortable with.

Multiples are routinely used to solve a problem; room modes which negatively impact the experience. Do you have that problem now? If there is just one main listening position you might not, in which case duals won't offer much value. The boominess you hear now may be due to low quality subwoofers, but it also may be related to room modes (where duals could help). Your ears can tell you a lot in that regard, but without measurement gear most of the critical information remains unknown.

Do you have more than one location where people sit? If so, do you have multiple areas where you can place subwoofers? The answer to those questions will provide key decision points for you. Sometimes one really nice subwoofer is better than multiple average ones, sometimes it's not.

 

[LAB3]

Opinions vary on subs as most are really good, that makes this hard to pick one without listening to it in your room. I have a SVS and several Klipsch have come and gone over the years. SVS Customer Service and return policy is awesome you can try any of their subs and if you don't like it SVS will pick it up. My PB 13 Ultra is awesome as my rom is about the same size. I chose the PB 13 Ultra when it was the TOTL as It has three ports that can be plugged as some like sealed for music and open for movies best of both designs..HSU etc etc are all good subs if it was me I would go BIG on ONE sub for that room size. If you move and the next room is larger add a second BIG sub. IMHO go BIG on fronts and subs and build around it.

 

[2channel lover]

I'm running a 5.2 Klipsch RP set up. Currently have my 2 "boomier" R-10SW subs. I'm thinking upgrading to something that has more of a "refined" bass. From the research I did I'm looking a getting sealed sub. And the reviews seeming to be really like the SB16. Can justify the cost of 2 SB16's thought for the price and my room size, which is 11x16&1/2, and the fact that it's total overkill. Budget is 2k.

Question: If I upgrade, what would be a good sub that has the clarity of bass & fits in the buget?

In your roughly 1600 cf space...the sb16 is obviously more than enough bass, but she's going to need optimum placement.

I would go with a pair of HSU VTF15Hmk2 for your budget...better balance to eliminate localization issues and still more than enough ummpphh without ever sweating much.

 

[CB22]

Thought I'd give you guys an updated pulled the trigger on the HSU ULS MK 2 about two months ago and holly smokes. LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT. For both home theater and music is sounds amazing! What an upgrade for the price.


& this came on the box:
https://imgur.com/gallery/rugKt

 

[speakerman39]

Thought I'd give you guys an updated pulled the trigger on the HSU ULS MK 2 about two months ago and holly smokes. LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT. For both home theater and music is sounds amazing! What an upgrade for the price.


& this came on the box:
https://imgur.com/gallery/rugKt

Congrats on the purchase! I also owned a ULS 15 MK2 and loved it as well. Mine was a B-stock that cost me only $762 shipped! Did you get (2) of them? Don't forget Kevin@Hsu will give you a small discount on future purchases. Every little bit helps inmho. Feel free to post more pics as we all love speaker porn.


Cheers,

Phil

 

[theJman]

Thought I'd give you guys an updated pulled the trigger on the HSU ULS MK 2 about two months ago and holly smokes. LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT. For both home theater and music is sounds amazing! What an upgrade for the price.

You choose wisely. I reviewed that model a few years back and was very impressed by it. Enjoy them.

 

[CB22]

I only bought 1 sub. Just wanted to make sure I was happy with it first. As of two months ago the subs were the weakest link in my system so that what I upgraded. I will most likely to purchasing another in the n. With still having the budget for another sub - I'm in between on that or spending the extra $ on acoustical treatments. Thanks for the tip about Kevin and the discounts! Spoke to one of the sales people on the phone and very nice folks.

Here's the speakers set up:
I tried putting the bass in the right corner but the speakers were too close together need a bigger room.
I'm noticing bass localization at low listening levels but as soon as I crank up the volume for a move, I couldn't tell ya where the sub is.

And the brains of the operation:

 

[WookieGR]

I've built sonotube subs using 15" drivers that have far exceeded anything the SVS subs can do. Or any other sub for that matter. I do have plans for two new 18" driver sonotube sub builds later in the year that will both go as low at 14Hz. Imagine two 18" drivers in your theater room with frequencies so low you can't hear them but do feel them at less than $1600 fully amplified. Always consider DIY for the subwoofer if you can and have the space.

 

[CB22]

That’s awesome & im sure your neighbors will not be happy with those 18inch drivers. One day if I have a fully dedicated home theater room I would love to do 2 or 4 in wall subwoofers using some like these:

http://www.rythmikaudio.com/DS1500ci.html

From what I’ve read Rythmik seems to be a good brand for custom installs.