Looking for a new subwoofer

[cwall99]

Have B&W 603 s3s for my left and right main speakers (bi-amped and bi-wired) and a B&W LCR600 as my center channel.

Surround duty is pulled by a terrific old pair of NHT 1.3As (they bottom out around 52 Hz while the B&Ws get down into the mid-30s, I believe).

Pushing the speakers I have a Pioneer Elite 82TXS (plus lots more letters), but that should give you a clear enough picture of what I have for a receiver.

I do have a sub, but it's not a very good one as it bottoms out around 35 Hz.

The room is pretty large, about 25 feet by 25 feet (only 60% of it is my listening area, but it opens into the dining area and kitchen for the balance remaining 40%).

Anyhow, here's what I'm considering:

Hsu Research
Outlaw Audio
B&W ASW610

I think the Hsu and the Outlaw will get me down a little deeper and fuller, but I do like that the B&W will be "paired" with my front channels a little better.

Another point of discussion: does it matter as much to choose a sub from the same manufacturer for a better match among the drivers? I know the guy who wants to sell me the B&W sub wants me to believe that.

While these speakers do double duty for home theater and audio, my preference would be to have a more musical sub. I tend to listen more to pop and some occasional jazz, so it'd be nice to catch the bottom end of an upright bass, but I'm not going to be listening to pipe organ music.

Price range? Less than $600.

Thanks.

 

[rnatalli]

Don't forget SVS. They had a couple of really good deals going the last few weeks.

 

[64met]

I own the Outlaw LFM1ex sub and LOVE IT!!! I believe it was $630 shipped; which IMO is a steal for a sub that goes all the way down to 16 HZ!!! One thing to keep in mind though... it is a downfiring sub; this is my fist sub that downfires... I love the sound it produces. It is BIG!! but after you hear it; you understand why. And for what its worth.... the Oultlaw Customer Service is something special!!! Good Luck!!

 

[cwall99]

Kewl, thanks

I have to admit, I'm not familiar with SVS. I think today is the first time I've seen the name. Will check it out.

I have heard lots of good stuff about the Outlaw subs as well as their whole product line and customer service. I think Dr. Hsu consults with Outlaw on the design of their subs which is why I've been thinking about the Hsu products.

Thanks, to both of you.

 

[Hdude]

Hey 64met

Is your subwoofer placed on hardwood or carpet floor. If it's carpeted have you places anything below your Sub (like tile or a piece of MDF board). I'm asking since I have downfiring sub on order & I have carpeted floor.

 

[mpompey]

Another point of discussion: does it matter as much to choose a sub from the same manufacturer for a better match among the drivers? I know the guy who wants to sell me the B&W sub wants me to believe that.

Your new sub does NOT have to be manufactured by the same company as your mains. Your room and placement options will have more of an impact on how your sub sounds, then if it was made by the same company that made your mains. With that said however, buy a quality sub. Your sub should be your most expensive speaker in my opinion. Unless you are getting it for a really good deal. Good bass, costs money.

I personally own an SVS and have been in love with it. I've heard good things about Hsu Research as well. Be sure to test it out in your listening area. Plus there are some pretty good reviews on this website that can steer you in the right area.

 

[64met]

My Outlaw sub is on hardwood.... strange in the corner of my room it does not walk/move... however; if I place it next to my TV; it moves... there is something that corrects that problem... but for me; the corner works best anyway. As for the spikes on my sub... I just use the furniture protectors for use on hardwood floors.

 

[bandphan]

whats your budget? Mlogan makes soome mighty fine subs, and get very little talk around these boards, as does velo(spl, and dd).

 

[cwall99]

Budget? We don't need no stinkin' budget (I wish)

Top end of my budget would be $600 U.S. Wife would like it to be about 2% of that.

 

[jinjuku]

Also check out Elemental Designs and Epik Subwoofer. You could also look at the Parts Express Titanic kits.

 

[Gimpy Ric]

I'm a Hsu Research owner, and Dr. Hsu and I have talked on the phone several times. Besides being really smart, he knows how to make a musical sub that will dig deep (16 Hz for mine).

If you can spend $699.00 plus $100.00 for shipping, you can get a side firing 12" that will go down to 18 Hz, and compliment your B&W's quite nicely .

http://hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-3-mk3.html

Here is a link to my dual sub setup.

 

[j_garcia]

I was getting 16Hz out of a SVS PB-10 in my 19x20 high vaulted ceiling open to the kitchen room... It was -3dB at 18Hz, -5dB at 16Hz. Impressive for the price and the fact that it is a 10" sub.

 

[croseiv]

I have to give another vote for SVS. My Ultra is just knockin' my socks offf!!!(no I don't work for them-I just own one of their stellar subs)

 

[evilkat]

The outlaw has been great for me too. Takes it down to 20Hz (I have the older model) and in a room that's about 32x28 I can sometimes feel the pressure in my ears Do NOT use if u're in an apartment (like me)...I find that I cannot turn this up much before the neighbors come banging