Yeah I’ll add to what’s being said that bass is very room dependent. Unlike mid and high frequencies, which we hear as mostly direct sound, at low frequencies it’s nearly entirely reflected sound. This means there really isn’t a sub sound, it’s a room sound. Whatever the room does to your sub is what you hear. Most of the differences people hear in subs comes from the dynamic differences between them. What that means is that the sub with the loudest clean output over the widest bandwidth is the best sub.
That also means that sub age isn’t that important. A good sub is a good sub. The difference between the PB3000 and the PB4000 is minimal. It’s mostly looks and an app. The performance is similar. If someone upgraded from one to the other and heard a difference then either they are a)nuts, b)had a broken sub, or c)set them up differently.
I’m currently reviewing the ML 1100x and it’s a great sub. We can argue over value, I do think the SVS and HSU offer more sub for the dollar. At the same time, I have a handful of other subs in the room and I hooked them up implace of the 1100x and I actually couldn’t hear a difference. That included replacing the 12” sub with my 18” sub. If I pushed things with the right music the 1100x would reach its limit and I am sure i would hear the 18 stand out, but for this music and at these levels, I only heard my room.
So...get the most sub from the brand you are most comfortable owning. I highly suggest judging the “most” sub based on the CEA-2010 measurements where available. Don’t worry about a dB or two difference, but when you start seeing 3, 6, or even more decibal differences, that should tell you something.
