Need advice on what subwoofer to get

[tchest77]

I have a Definitive Technology Supercube 2, and the amplifier is acting up so I was looking to replace this unit. My instinct, was to go with a new Def Tech supercube 4000 or 6000 until learned that there are many other companies, I've read about SVS and HSU, they seemed to be more in favor when reading about them on this site. SVS also has user reviews on different sites online (like on Amazon and Best Buy),but I can't find a sites with HSU user reviews where customers can leave their comments or star review.

My room size is 18ft x 13ft x 8 ft, and my main use would be for movies; size of sub isn't a problem. My other speakers are 4 Definitive Technology BP7006 speakers and one CLR 2002, all have built in subwoofers. I was looking at Hsu VTF-2 or 3, and the SVS PB 2000 or sb3000, didn't know if these are a good choice for my room size or desire, or what other recommendations.

I really didn't want to spend more than $1000, and obviously the more I could save the better, but could spend a little more if a recommendation leaned in that direction.

I appreciate your time and any assistance or recommendations.

Thank you!

 

[Kingnoob]

I have a Definitive Technology Supercube 2, and the amplifier is acting up so I was looking to replace this unit. My instinct, was to go with a new Def Tech supercube 4000 or 6000 until learned that there are many other companies, I've read about SVS and HSU, they seemed to be more in favor when reading about them on this site. SVS also has user reviews on different sites online (like on Amazon and Best Buy),but I can't find a sites with HSU user reviews where customers can leave their comments or star review.

My room size is 18ft x 13ft x 8 ft, and my main use would be for movies; size of sub isn't a problem. My other speakers are 4 Definitive Technology BP7006 speakers and one CLR 2002, all have built in subwoofers. I was looking at Hsu VTF-2 or 3, and the SVS PB 2000 or sb3000, didn't know if these are a good choice for my room size or desire, or what other recommendations.

I really didn't want to spend more than $1000, and obviously the more I could save the better, but could spend a little more if a recommendation leaned in that direction.

I appreciate your time and any assistance or recommendations.

Thank you!

I have a stereo integrity for my theater room the one in my signature .
Real shame the ultra 16” sub is 3 grand it’s way cheaper to diy sub built ; who needs triple ports haha .

Pic is the 24” that wipes the floor of some 3-7k brand built subs .
Not hard to find a powerful sub for that price , wish I had a def tech I’d hook it to a different amplifier there so small but big output .


Ultimate bass lover !! si ht15 dvc.
Free the reptile aliens

 

[Danzilla31]

I have a Definitive Technology Supercube 2, and the amplifier is acting up so I was looking to replace this unit. My instinct, was to go with a new Def Tech supercube 4000 or 6000 until learned that there are many other companies, I've read about SVS and HSU, they seemed to be more in favor when reading about them on this site. SVS also has user reviews on different sites online (like on Amazon and Best Buy),but I can't find a sites with HSU user reviews where customers can leave their comments or star review.

My room size is 18ft x 13ft x 8 ft, and my main use would be for movies; size of sub isn't a problem. My other speakers are 4 Definitive Technology BP7006 speakers and one CLR 2002, all have built in subwoofers. I was looking at Hsu VTF-2 or 3, and the SVS PB 2000 or sb3000, didn't know if these are a good choice for my room size or desire, or what other recommendations.

I really didn't want to spend more than $1000, and obviously the more I could save the better, but could spend a little more if a recommendation leaned in that direction.

I appreciate your time and any assistance or recommendations.

Thank you!

There are a ton of good options for a room that size one question though is it a room open to other areas of the house or one that is closed off

Some good company options are
Rythmik
SVS
HSU
Monoprice: the monolith line of subs not there cheaper ones
Power Sound Audio or PSA
The options you've listed above are all solid and good options for that room size
Although I'd go with ported not sealed like the SB 3000 since your mainly movies.
My favorite out of all the ones you listed are the HSU especially the VTFmk3 I hope I got that right they have the weirdest longest names lol but for the money that sub is awesome bang for your buck. Just a killer and it would rock that room
But all your other ideas are good as well
It just depends on your needs and preferences you want from the sub you buy.

 

[lovinthehd]

I have a Definitive Technology Supercube 2, and the amplifier is acting up so I was looking to replace this unit. My instinct, was to go with a new Def Tech supercube 4000 or 6000 until learned that there are many other companies, I've read about SVS and HSU, they seemed to be more in favor when reading about them on this site. SVS also has user reviews on different sites online (like on Amazon and Best Buy),but I can't find a sites with HSU user reviews where customers can leave their comments or star review.

My room size is 18ft x 13ft x 8 ft, and my main use would be for movies; size of sub isn't a problem. My other speakers are 4 Definitive Technology BP7006 speakers and one CLR 2002, all have built in subwoofers. I was looking at Hsu VTF-2 or 3, and the SVS PB 2000 or sb3000, didn't know if these are a good choice for my room size or desire, or what other recommendations.

I really didn't want to spend more than $1000, and obviously the more I could save the better, but could spend a little more if a recommendation leaned in that direction.

I appreciate your time and any assistance or recommendations.

Thank you!

I don't find much value in Amazon or BestBuy reviews in general and many internet direct subs would not be represented on such retail sites. Hsu has a long history with subs and provides excellent value.

Another forum you can check is avsforum.com or avnirvana.com.

Other sub specialists you might look at are are Rythmik, Power Sound Audio, Seaton, JTR, Funk, JL and Deep Sea Sound...even Outlaw Audio has a couple very good subs.

Personally I would never consider DefTec for subs...their only attribute tends to be small form factor and they are somewhat famous for spec exaggeration on the low end....

 

[NINaudio]

I'd avoid the SC4000 like the plague. I had one in my home theater and it really struggled with movies, eventually what led me to build my own. You'd be much better off with a PB-3000 or HSU VTF-15h mk2.

 

[snakeeyes]

The room dimensions aren’t that big. A pair of HSU VTF2 would work well but would be a little over your budget. You could buy one now and add a 2nd later.

 

[CajunLB]

The room dimensions aren’t that big. A pair of HSU VTF2 would work well but would be a little over your budget. You could buy one now and add a 2nd later.

I was thinking the e same thing. If the room is sealed/closed even better. If you’re used to a Supercube a pair of these will impress you.

 

[ryanosaur]

Snake is on the money here!
Spend a little more. Good woofage like that usually doesn’t come cheap, and those VTF-2s have a great reputation. I like this option!

 

[tchest77]

Thanks for the feedback, I appreciate your time! The room is open on each side, these are entrances/exits to the room without doors; kitchen on one exit, hallway to other rooms on the other.
I'm going to have to figure it out. I will look into the options presented. I'm open for anything further.

Thanks again!

 

[Pogre]

Thanks for the feedback, I appreciate your time! The room is open on each side, these are entrances/exits to the room without doors; kitchen on one exit, hallway to other rooms on the other.
I'm going to have to figure it out. I will look into the options presented. I'm open for anything further.

Thanks again!

That's going to make a difference. The added space counts with subwoofers, but a single VTF-2 will still blow the Supercube out of the water. The additional open space bolsters the argument for a pair of them. I don't even think a pair of 15" VTF-3 MK5s would be overdoing it, but understand your budget constraints.

A lot of folks skimp on the sub (me too in the beginning) and don't know what they're missing. Good subwoofage is so often underrated. Dirty distorted bass has a way of permeating through the whole system in ways you don't realize until you've heard a truly good subwoofer. A clean sub can elevate your whole system from top to bottom. I think you're in for a pleasant surprise. I'd go minimum with a pair of VTF-2s if you can swing it. There is a small discount for buying 2 at once.

 

[Danzilla31]

You can always buy the absolute best sub you can afford just 1 of them and then save up and buy the second one down the road.
It's best to get the best that u want even if it's one at a time so you don't do what most of us do and go through upgraditis down the road. And have to spend more on buying the better ones we really wanted on the first place

Basically go big or go home LOL

 

[tchest77]

Thank you. I'll consider any options. Would one VTF3 be better then 2 VTF2's? For my space size, is two VTF3's too much bass (get one and maybe down the road get the a second), or would the VTF2's be more appropriate? Also, my receiver only has one sub output, is there a recommendation of a receiver that offers two sub outputs? My current receiver is a Pioneer VSX-92TXH.

 

[snakeeyes]

Thank you. I'll consider any options. Would one VTF3 be better then 2 VTF2's? For my space size, is two VTF3's too much bass, or would the VTF2's be more appropriate? Also, my receiver only has one sub output, is there a recommendation of a receiver that offers two sub outputs? My current receiver is a Pioneer VSX-92TXH.

Many of us don’t believe there is such thing as too much bass.
Dual subs are nice so you can even out the bass throughout the room. You can avoid localization of where the bass is coming from.
I have dual VTF2 mk5 subs in my living room. It is open to the hallway and kitchen and dining nook maybe similiar to how you describe yours. The ceiling is only 8.5 ft so about 3400 cubic ft of volume or so if you calculate all that together. It is plenty of bass for that setup. Mine are both at about 20% gain or less so I could crank them a lot higher if I wanted. I can imagine what dual VTF3 would be like.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Yeah, I like snakes advice. @shadyJ has a lot of experience with the HSU lineup but I think he’d agree that your hunch is right.
You can still use your current AVR. You just need a splitter. Single male rca to dual female. Less than 10 bucks. It does make setup a little more hands on but somebody here will help make easy work of it.

 

[shadyJ]

Thank you. I'll consider any options. Would one VTF3 be better then 2 VTF2's? For my space size, is two VTF3's too much bass (get one and maybe down the road get the a second), or would the VTF2's be more appropriate? Also, my receiver only has one sub output, is there a recommendation of a receiver that offers two sub outputs? My current receiver is a Pioneer VSX-92TXH.

Two VTF-2 mk5s would about equal a VTF-3 mk5 in midbass and should have an edge in deep bass. The biggest advantage would be the response smoothing effects of multiple subs, if you can place the subs in locations that leverage that advantage. Two VTF-3 mk5s would be a pretty beastly system. If you like to drive the system to chest-punching levels, then that is something to think about. If you don't need that kind of output, VTF-2 mk5s should suffice.

 

[Danzilla31]

Thank you. I'll consider any options. Would one VTF3 be better then 2 VTF2's? For my space size, is two VTF3's too much bass (get one and maybe down the road get the a second),or would the VTF2's be more appropriate? Also, my receiver only has one sub output, is there a recommendation of a receiver that offers two sub outputs? My current receiver is a Pioneer VSX-92TXH.

Also keep in mind Is rather have something and not need it then need it and not have it. Lol

2 VTF3's would like Shady said just be beastly in that room But bear in mind they will give you effortless headroom at all levels deep bass and on up

That can't be disregarded I'd rather have 2 monster subs just loafing along giving me all the dynamics and chest punch I want without taxing the amp which leads to longer life and less overall wear and tear

Then a good but lesser system that has to work a bit harder to get you there

My 2 SVS PB 4000's are way overkill for my theater room but I get all the sweet bass I want and these beasts aren't even breaking a sweat

I'm planning on getting 2 more PC 4000's probably at the end of the year to round out the system

Unless my interest in that new RBH sub gets the best of me. .

I really like those getting a quote from someone right now just waiting on them to get back to me

 

[Kingnoob]

That's going to make a difference. The added space counts with subwoofers, but a single VTF-2 will still blow the Supercube out of the water. The additional open space bolsters the argument for a pair of them. I don't even think a pair of 15" VTF-3 MK5s would be overdoing it, but understand your budget constraints.

A lot of folks skimp on the sub (me too in the beginning) and don't know what they're missing. Good subwoofage is so often underrated. Dirty distorted bass has a way of permeating through the whole system in ways you don't realize until you've heard a truly good subwoofer. A clean sub can elevate your whole system from top to bottom. I think you're in for a pleasant surprise. I'd go minimum with a pair of VTF-2s if you can swing it. There is a small discount for buying 2 at once.

Probably does not take much to beat supercube even low end klipsch if subs with easily beat it . What ever happened to Yamaha servo sub and why did they not make anything big enough for movie dynamics ? Discontinued
Hope someday I can afford a better sub !

Ultimate bass lover !! si ht15 dvc.
Free the reptile aliens

 

[tchest77]

I never got into owning sub's before. When I bought my system, approx 10 yrs ago, I just got what I thought was good. Never felt the need to upgrade until my sub started to fail, then realized, there are tons of options not in stores; I never thought more then one sub would help, but now I have learned.
Going in the direction of 2 subs, which I am excited about, but I am not quite clear on the benefit; please help me to understand as you can I see I don't know much about this. I saw that someone recommended a Y cable to split the receivers sub output, but wouldn't this distribute/split the receivers power out, therefore minimizing the amount of power going to each sub, thus perhaps giving a better balance of sound, but less power delivered to each sub? Also, could it be possible that the sound waves could possibly cancel each other out as they come into contact with each other? In either case, if a receiver had two self designated sub outputs, wouldn't this have better sound out to each sub as opposed to the outputs sound being split?
Eager to learn, thanks for helping!

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

I never got into owning sub's before. When I bought my system, approx 10 yrs ago, I just got what I thought was good. Never felt the need to upgrade until my sub started to fail, then realized, there are tons of options not in stores; I never thought more then one sub would help, but now I have learned.
Going in the direction of 2 subs, which I am excited about, but I am not quite clear on the benefit; please help me to understand as you can I see I don't know much about this. I saw that someone recommended a Y cable to split the receivers sub output, but wouldn't this distribute/split the receivers power out, therefore minimizing the amount of power going to each sub, thus perhaps giving a better balance of sound, but less power delivered to each sub? Also, could it be possible that the sound waves could possibly cancel each other out as they come into contact with each other? In either case, if a receiver had two self designated sub outputs, wouldn't this have better sound out to each sub as opposed to the outputs sound being split?
Eager to learn, thanks for helping!

Splitting the signal from the AVR is not the same as splitting the power from the AVR as you’re thinking. The signal from the sub out is very low power and will tolerate being split a number of times. Maybe as many as 8 times before you’d have to boost the signal.
Dual outs are many times split the same way by the factory while others will set level and distance but EQ together.

 

[tchest77]

Good information by all, it really helped me to get a gauge on what direction I may go in.
So just trying to see how 2 subs would be placed in my room, and if it would work well with my room configuration. The only place I could really put them is in the front of the room, one on one side and one on the other side of my tv console, subs would be approx 5 feet apart, parallel from each other (I may be able to do 3ft apart if I can fit them under my tv shelf on each side of my center). Would this placement be beneficial, is there a min or max distance they should be apart?