Front Firing vs. Down-Firing Subs

[Halon451]

I have to say, since I began upgrading my HT system, I've really caught the "bug", and keep looking for other ways to improve the quality of my home entertainment. This is a warm, familiar concept here on this forum since I've been a part of it, as I have seen from so many posts - the neverending quest for more...

My question at this point: I decided that I would go ahead and purchase a second subwoofer for my system, and upon making that decision I began researching various subs on the market.

One thing I have never really figured out up to this point - some subs are down firing, others are front firing. Since low frequency notes are non-directional anyway, what is the actual difference between the two types?

My current sub is a Sony 12" Front firing sub - situated in close proximity to my left front channel speaker. I plan to purchase another sub and place it on the opposite side next to the right front channel speaker. I've seen very good models that incorporate either of the two designs.

Just wondering what the consensus is out there in Audio-land as far as differences (if any) and/or preferences.

Thanks!

 

[abefroeman]

There is very little difference between the two. If I were in your shoes, I would sell the sony, and add the money you get from it to your sub budget. Even if it is only 50 or 100 dollars.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Ideally you want the two subs to be the same if you go this route. I would just get one good sub and leave the Sony of of the mix. Not sure how big your room is but one of the SVS's or HSU's should fit the bill. My room is ~8,000 cubic feet and my sub handles it pretty well.

You wont hear or feel any difference between front and down firing subs.

 

[Halon451]

Anyone want to buy a Sony sub?

Seriously, that thought had already crossed my mind - it was an impulse buy on account of a good selling price at the time and it was worlds better than what I had before (which isn't saying much). I might be able to get some $$ back for it on a sale, and look into some of the brands that have been championed on this forum. It was a BB purchase - and I know they have a rather relaxed return policy; I may even try to take it back to the store and see what happens - I haven't had it for very long.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

less than 30 days?

Anyone want to buy a Sony sub?

Seriously, that thought had already crossed my mind - it was an impulse buy on account of a good selling price at the time and it was worlds better than what I had before (which isn't saying much). I might be able to get some $$ back for it on a sale, and look into some of the brands that have been championed on this forum. It was a BB purchase - and I know they have a rather relaxed return policy; I may even try to take it back to the store and see what happens - I haven't had it for very long.

 

[JKnPA]

Hmmmmmmmmm...

Anyone want to buy a Sony sub?

Seriously, that thought had already crossed my mind - it was an impulse buy on account of a good selling price at the time and it was worlds better than what I had before (which isn't saying much). I might be able to get some $$ back for it on a sale, and look into some of the brands that have been championed on this forum. It was a BB purchase - and I know they have a rather relaxed return policy; I may even try to take it back to the store and see what happens - I haven't had it for very long.

Another post................. another upgrade ?

 

[Halon451]

less than 30 days?

It's actually just a bit past - that's why I can hope that their return policy is relaxed enough for me to bring it back in. I still have the box, the manual, etc. I had seriously considered taking it back a week or two after I purchased it, and I'm kicking myself now for not going with my gut instinct. All is not lost either way - I'll get a better sub one way or another, even if I have to sell the Sony off elsewhere.

 

[Warpdrv]

So what are the subs that are on the chopping block here...?

 

[Halon451]

So what are the subs that are on the chopping block here...?

The Sony - it's gone. It was a Sony SA-W3000, 12" powered sub. Since the rest of my speaker system is the JBL Venue series, I decided to go with the JBL sub of the same line - the JBL Venue 12. It was really this sub that first brought my attention to the Venue series (as I am on a strict budget here), and figured it was even a little out of my price range, but I started upgrading to the other Venue series speakers and had purchased the Sony at a reduced selling price from Best Buy.

Luckily, even though it was past the 30-day point for BB's return policy, they accepted the Sony back and I was able to get that JBL. The difference in quality was apparent even before I hooked it up and put a single note through it.

I figure maybe it's a stepping stone to some of the more expensive SVS or HSU models out there (those do look very nice), and I will eventually get there I'm sure, but I'm still a relatively young aspiring audiophile - I've got to see what works best for me and what doesn't.

I do appreciate all the feedback guys.

 

[abefroeman]

How do you like it?

 

[Halon451]

So far it's not bad. It's definitely got more power on the low end than the Sony, but that was to be expected. I like the fact that it has a "Normal/LFE" switch that allows me to effectively bypass the sub's built-in LPF altogether and use the receiver's crossover, so I no longer have any worries about phasing issues, etc.

Like I mentioned, it's not top of the line by any means, but I think it will work quite well for a while at least.