sony subwoofer vs. xsub from av123

[guynexdoor]

Hi all

I went on this forum for the first time a few months ago in hopes of learning and building a HT system. I ended up buying 6 polks speakers, and the onkyo 605. I still lack a sub, and I've read that the x-sub from av123 is a good budget sub.

However, I saw this subwoofer from SONY.
http://bfads.net/Sony-200W-Powered-Subwoofer-at-Best-Buy

it's only 99 dollars on BF...

SHould I just buy this sub? or shell out more money for the x sub.

remember, I haven't had a sub since buying my components, so I'll be really thankful once I get a sub of any kind I think.

Thanks

 

[Seth=L]

The x-sub has a better fit and finish, much better. The Sony subwoofer is too cheasy looking for me. I don't know how good or bad the Sony sounds because the only place I have listened to it is in the store in a poor environment. The X-sub gets good reviews and people really like the. The X-sub is also smaller.

 

[STRONGBADF1]

Hi all

I went on this forum for the first time a few months ago in hopes of learning and building a HT system. I ended up buying 6 polks speakers, and the onkyo 605. I still lack a sub, and I've read that the x-sub from av123 is a good budget sub.

However, I saw this subwoofer from SONY.
http://bfads.net/Sony-200W-Powered-Subwoofer-at-Best-Buy

it's only 99 dollars on BF...

SHould I just buy this sub? or shell out more money for the x sub.

remember, I haven't had a sub since buying my components, so I'll be really thankful once I get a sub of any kind I think.

Thanks

I own the X-sub and like it alot. It's very musical IMO and gos lower than I thought it would. It won't shake my room (approx 13' x 20' x 8') but it sounds nice.

I have not listened to that Sony sub but I have heard other Sony subs and I would go with out and save up for something better.

Good luck,
SBF1

 

[Gasman]

I will mirror what Seth & Strong said.

I also have heard the Sony in store, but that does not say much (due to enviroment).
However, I have heard a 10" Sony sub in a bedroom 5.1 setup, and although it actually had some depth (mainly from small in-room), it was very one-noted sound.
Meaning it was not musical, by any means.
But as i said, that was the 10" version.

But for 99.00 it could be a good deal for a small room setup. Just don't expect wall shaking bass.

My suggestion, go into the store (now) and do a quick listen. If it even remotely sounds ok (to you), then purchase on BF for 99.00
If you miss the deal on BF, then by all means, pass on that sub (going for 179.00 at some on-line stores)

 

[Seth=L]

E-A-G-L-E-S has a killer deal on a Paradigm PDR-8 here.

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37420

It really won't get any better for the money IMO.

 

[eddiem67]

This is a no brainer...X sub

 

[rnatalli]

This is a no brainer...X sub

Agree with that.

 

[Davemcc]

I still have my older Sony SA-WM250. It's not all that bad for what it is when used in a small room. The sub you are looking at is newer, larger and more powerful than mine. For $99, I don't think you will be dissappointed.

Compared to the x-sub (which I haven't heard), the Sony is a 12" vs x-sub 8", Sony is 180w RMS vs x-sub 150w, Sony claims 20hz extension vs x-sub at 28hz and the Sony is on sale for half the price of the x-sub. I think I would go with the Sony in this case.

 

[gus6464]

I wonder if everyone is saying x-sub just because it's from av123.

 

[mazersteven]

I wonder if everyone is saying x-sub just because it's from av123.

I don't think AV123 has anything to do with it. If the sub was a product of SVS, HSU, Elemental Design, or even Velodyne it would be recommended over Sony.


And for the record I am not a fan of the x-sub. IMO one should wait till they have the funds to purchase a better performing subwoofer. IMO the subwoofer has a major impact in your listening or viewing experience that it should be done right.

 

[rnatalli]

The x-sub is one of the best budget subs. But like mazersteven says, it would be worth saving for a step up like the HSU STF-2.

 

[TurboDean]

Would an Infinity PS10 be a viable option? I'm a newb, so I don't know, but $180 shipped seems to be relatively cheap at vanns.com. (Sorry, the forum won't let me post links yet.) I came across it this evening during my research on subs.

guynexdoor, do remember to figure in shipping costs in your budget. I have seen those costs up to $70 just on the small subs I have been looking at. FWIW, the AV123 x-sub is on my list of possibilities as well at just under $250 shipped, as is the Hsu SFT-1 @ ~$275 shipped. See hsuresearch.com.

Dean

 

[GlocksRock]

I wonder if everyone is saying x-sub just because it's from av123.

I say get the x-sub just because I don't want anyone giving any more money to Sony.

 

[duncan618]

If you need to, save up your money and purchase once and never again think about it twice, an SVS sub. Then move on to wondering if you have good enough surrounds or if your receiver is up to snuff. IMO.

 

[GlocksRock]

If you need to, save up your money and purchase once and never again think about it twice, an SVS sub. Then move on to wondering if you have good enough surrounds or if your receiver is up to snuff. IMO.

I totally agree, it's better to save up and do it right the first time than to lose money by sellling what you just got not too long ago for an upgrade that you should have done originally.

 

[Davemcc]

I'd buy that Sony for $99 even if it's just to hold on to until a friend of less discriminating taste wants something usable and cheap. You know, just kind of have it hanging around like Brandine's boots.

http://www.geocities.com/TelevisionCity/Set/6060/telephoneline.GIF

 

[davidtwotrees]

You know, just kind of have it hanging around like Brandine's boots.

Guffaw! I didn't know what the heck you were talking about, Dave, but talk about a picture being worth a thousand words!

ps. so how many discs do you have stored on your SE80? I use the 320 upload rate and it sounds great. do you like the sound through analog out or optical out?

 

[Davemcc]

I don't know exactly how many discs, but probably in the upper 300's. I have 4668 tracks stored with room for 7939 more tracks, or 546.9 recording hours left. I'm using the 192K bitrate and optical output.

Like so many other things, I've been meaning to redo the discs I listen to most (or should I say loudest) at the 320 bitrate to see if there is a difference. Input on this is most welcome. Do you prefer analog or optical? I haven't really tried the analog yet.

 

[davidtwotrees]

I just tried it the other night. Optical is louder for some reason. Not sure if it is the Fireball, or my prepro that does that. I think the sound is too close to call. I've always went with 320......although I've seen studies that claim 190 is the magic number where you can't tell from the cd.....
I've looked at the menus and I haven't seen anywhere that shows how much space I've used or have left on the hard drive.....how do you do that?

 

[Davemcc]

If you hit options, then go into delete music it will give you a summary of your available disc space and tracks available. I haven't felt any pressing need to re-record anything at 320 bitrate. The 192 seems fine to me.