Sub placed inside an end table?

[MDS]

Realistically there are only two locations in my living room for a sub. One is in the back corner next to the little half wall that divides the living room from the breakfast nook area and the patio door. This location is where there were already unterminated RG6 cables and I had them terminated with the intention of putting the sub there. The sub would be directly to your right side, about 4-5 feet away, if you were sitting on the main couch facing the TV wall. The other location would be to the left of the TV.

So here's the issue: I need an end table at that location. In the picture below I've placed a table that usually is in my small middle bedroom so it is not the exact one that will go there, but as you can see it has a lower shelf. If the sub were to go there, it would be placed on that shelf. Now I can go out and look for a similar table that has no lower shelf, but most I've seen do have one. What do you think about placing a sub there, sort of 'inside' the end table?

The space available for a table/sub is ~24" wide and I am currently leaning toward the SVS SB-12 Plus which is barely more than 13" cubed.

 

[abboudc]

Why not just get one of the bigger ones and use it as an end table? The down firing ones look like end tables already...

 

[MDS]

Why not just get one of the bigger ones and use it as an end table? The down firing ones look like end tables already...

Yeah, thought about that too but I don't think I really need a gigantic sub that can do 110 dB at 20 Hz.

 

[mike c]

aren't you good at building stuff? DIY comes to mind.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Yeah, thought about that too but I don't think I really need a gigantic sub that can do 110 dB at 20 Hz.

Yes, but you don't have to drive it hard and it won't reach 110 at 20Hz.
On the other hand, if the smaller sub fits, why not try it. I would place a gasket type of material between it and the shelf to reduce wood to wood vibration

 

[AVRat]

Having recently purchased two PB12-Pluses and tested just one compared to the DT SC I, I think you're shorting yourself by not going with the PB12-Plus. The Rosenut finish and shipping will cost a little more than the SB but I believe it's well worth it.

 

[Adam]

Yeah, thought about that too but I don't think I really need a gigantic sub that can do 110 dB at 20 Hz.

No, you don't really need a gigantic sub. You don't really need a sub at all. It's about what you want, my friend.

 

[MDS]

A larger sub like a PB12 definitely won't be able to be put on the lower shelf of an end table. The thing weighs over 100 lbs - it would BE the end table.

Thanksgiving time is my end date for stage 1 upgrades. I got the new couches, my AV stand should be built in the next week or two, and I'll buy the Toshiba 52LX177 just before Thanksgiving. So why not also get a sub in the same time frame and have everything setup and calibrated before Christmas?

 

[sholling]

Yeah, thought about that too but I don't think I really need a gigantic sub that can do 110 dB at 20 Hz.

Yes you do, you just don't realize it yet.

 

[Adam]

Yes you do, you just don't realize it yet.

Oh, he realizes it. He just figures that if he keeps saying that he doesn't need one, then he might be able to convince himself that's true.

 

[MDS]

I know everyone is happy to spend my money, but how about you all take up a collection for me? If you act fast, you can get me the $3K for the TV before Thanksgiving when I will be forced to spend my own money.

But seriously...this is what I am thinking. I like the idea of a small sub that doesn't weigh a ton and it would be perfect in the location shown in my picture. As I said, I could also put a sub on the front wall to the left of the left main speaker. Those are the only two places possible for a sub in this room.

So what if I do buy the SB12 Plus and then IFF I feel I want more I could get the PB12 Plus and put it in the rear corner and move the little guy to the front of the room. Keep in mind that the PB12 costs as much as I paid for TWO large couches with floating chaises.

SVS did tell me that for my room (16 x 18 x 9) two SB12 might be better. Two SB12 == One PB12 in terms of price.

 

[evan]

end table

I use a pb 12 plus as an end table with a piece of glass on top from another table

 

[Adam]

Of course we like to spend your money...someone has to.

Joking aside, the SB12-Plus is the sub that really got me interested in SVS. The size is great, the performance looks really good for the size, and the photos of it look fantastic. I really like the PEQ and room compensation on my Ultra, and the SB12 comes with both of those. A nice unit, for sure. Heck, I think that you should take them up on their 45-day no-risk trial of one (or two). Don't like it, just send it back with no money out of pocket.

 

[Davemcc]

Have you tried a sub in a near-field placement yet? You might not like it. I tried it with the STF-3 next to my listening chair and found it very distracting. It was very localizable sitting right there next to me.

Based on my (rather limited) experience, I'd look to place an SB12-Plus next to the TV. If that's not enough, add a second SB12-Plus or return it for a PB12-Plus.

 

[MDS]

Have you tried a sub in a near-field placement yet? You might not like it. I tried it with the STF-3 next to my listening chair and found it very distracting. It was very localizable sitting right there next to me.

Based on my (rather limited) experience, I'd look to place an SB12-Plus next to the TV. If that's not enough, add a second SB12-Plus or return it for a PB12-Plus.

I'm going to try it in both locations but aesthetically it would be best in the corner by the couch. No, I've never had a sub that close to me before but in my sister's house the sub is essentially right behind the couch and after calibrating the levels it does not seem distractive. We'll see how it goes...

 

[AVRat]

Not really trying to push your spending limits, just giving our best, honest opinions. After rewatching a few movies, I’m very happy I purchased the PB12s. And yes, the PB12 would make a very nice end table itself, saving you the cost of purchasing a separate table. My subs are placed 5’ to either side of the sofa with no localization perceived.

I don’t know which finish option you’re considering, but there isn’t that big a price difference between the premium finished products.

SVS Rosenut Finish for both plus shipping to Austin.
PB12-Plus - $799 + $99 = $898
SB12-Plus - $749 + $37 = $786

 

[MDS]

I must have been looking at the PB12 (no Plus) because I could have sworn it was $1499. Rosenut would be the winning color.

 

[Sheep]

I'm with Dave, you need to try it out first, it's not what you'd expect. It's great for movie usage, but it gets really annoying with music. When I swapped between rear left corner to front left, the bass became more audible up front too. My sub doesn't have a super low response anyway, so I would rather keep the audible portion.

SheepStar

 

[MDS]

I'm with Dave, you need to try it out first, it's not what you'd expect. It's great for movie usage, but it gets really annoying with music.

So you think it won't be too good if the sub is only a few feet away from the listening position? Ironically, I downloaded the manual for the sb12-plus today and they actually recommend a corner and close to the listening position.

I think I am going to buy this thing by Thanksgiving when I get my new TV. I'll try it and see how it works. Hope I'm not disappointed because that is really the best place for the sub.

 

[Sheep]

So you think it won't be too good if the sub is only a few feet away from the listening position? Ironically, I downloaded the manual for the sb12-plus today and they actually recommend a corner and close to the listening position.

I think I am going to buy this thing by Thanksgiving when I get my new TV. I'll try it and see how it works. Hope I'm not disappointed because that is really the best place for the sub.

I found the vibrations to be distracting and annoying with music. With it that close, ever note makes you shake, not just big kick drums.

SheepStar