Infinity SW-12........any good?

[speakerman39]

Hello peeps. I noticed that vanns has the Infinity SW-12 on sale for $400. The sub comes with a 500 watt rms amp and most of the reviews have been positive. I am not aware of a 12" sub for less money that offers this kind of performance-well......ummm at least NOT on paper. But, how good is the SW-12 really in terms of musicality albeit tightness and punchiness as well as good extension for ht performance?? Are there any members here that currently own OR have owned the SW-12 that could offer their experience(s) with this sub? My all new room with be just a tad over 1000 ft.^3 that is enclosed. I prefer a tight, punchy, accurate bass-line that also has good extension. Will the SW-12 suffice or are there "other" subs out there that can offer me what I am looking for at around the same price point? Lastly, would the RABOS kit be worth the extra money if I should decide to go with the SW-12?? Please enlighten me as it will be most appreciated. Peace!!!!!

 

[j_garcia]

Cadence offers a 15" sub for $400 with a 500w amp (backordered). http://www.cadencestore.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=137&idproduct=398 Plenty of output, but doesn't dig extremely deep - will get you to 20Hz though.

I think there was one person here who owned/owns this sub and said it was decent, but for $429 you could also get the SVS PB-10. It did 18Hz in my room and still had some output at 16Hz.

 

[speakerman39]

Cadence offers a 15" sub for $400 with a 500w amp (backordered). http://www.cadencestore.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=137&idproduct=398 Plenty of output, but doesn't dig extremely deep - will get you to 20Hz though.

I think there was one person here who owned/owns this sub and said it was decent, but for $429 you could also get the SVS PB-10. It did 18Hz in my room and still had some output at 16Hz.

Hi John and thanks for posting. I used to own both a PB10-NSD and a PB12-NSD and found them both to offer awesome ht performance BUT lacking musically speaking. The SB12 plus would work but is a bit more than I want to spend right now. Most of the other options are "out of stock" or "back-ordered". Not sure if I want to wait a long time for a sub. The SW-12 is only $400 delivered to my door. Looks to be a good deal but am not too sure. Got any other ideas? My new room is so much smaller than what I did have as well as being mostly enclosed. The room is a tad bit over 1000 ft. ^3. Musicality is the most important factor but I still need good extension for ht. I will be using Polk Rti6's for fronts powered by an Onkyo 705 receiver. Any suggestions would be helpful as I know you are quite knowledgeable regarding this great hobby.

 

[Seth=L]

I can't imagine the Infinity subwoofer beating the SVS on anything if it was set up properly. HSU has typically been well received for being musical and I have to agree, they offer tight bass. The STF-2 is a great subwoofer that digs deep and hits quick. It blends much better than any subwoofer I have ever owned, even my M&K.

 

[j_garcia]

Hi John and thanks for posting. I used to own both a PB10-NSD and a PB12-NSD and found them both to offer awesome ht performance BUT lacking musically speaking. The SB12 plus would work but is a bit more than I want to spend right now. Most of the other options are "out of stock" or "back-ordered". Not sure if I want to wait a long time for a sub. The SW-12 is only $400 delivered to my door. Looks to be a good deal but am not too sure. Got any other ideas? My new room is so much smaller than what I did have as well as being mostly enclosed. The room is a tad bit over 1000 ft. ^3. Musicality is the most important factor but I still need good extension for ht. I will be using Polk Rti6's for fronts powered by an Onkyo 705 receiver. Any suggestions would be helpful as I know you are quite knowledgeable regarding this great hobby.

I thought that was you who previously owned the PB-10 and -12. Didn't you replace them with an HSU? It is going to be somewhat difficult to get both extension and musicality at $400. Seth already said it - if you weren't happy with the SVSs, the Infinity isn't likely to do a better job than either of them. I found the CSX-15 to be fairly musical, but it doesn't really have authority down low. I'd say STF-2 or VTF-2 from HSU if you haven't already done so. I used to have the VTF-2 and the PB-10. I kept the PB-10 for extension and output, but the VTF-2 was a bit better with music. That was the 10" version of the VTF-2 though, the current model is a 12" (and $500). This might be the best trade off as you can configure it for output or extension depending on your needs; I left mine in max extension all the time.

A sealed sub should get you where you want to be musically, but unless you start looking at a much higher price range, it is going to be difficult to also get good extension.

 

[Alex2507]

Having spoken with you regarding subs, it is my opinion that you are not going to be happy with anything short of an Hsu of some sort. I'm afraid that you've been spoiled and have become a sub snob.

 

[arnyplmr]

from the days of research ive been doing, and all of the reviews ive been reading, the cadence seems to be a better choice in that price range. unless you want to save up more money and get an svs

 

[j_garcia]

For $400, the Cadence CSX-15 is a good sub, though it is hard to say when they will have more in. It has a lot of output and sounded good when I had it. It did require some tweaking of placement to get the sound I was after. I didn't run numbers on that guy, but it handled everything I threw at it. The CSX-12 is not as good with music, and won't compete with the likes of the SVS PB-12.

 

[arnyplmr]

i just looked at cadencestore.com and it says the new shipment of csx-15's will not be in until April 15th. good thing im going with the 12

 

[speakerman39]

I can't imagine the Infinity subwoofer beating the SVS on anything if it was set up properly. HSU has typically been well received for being musical and I have to agree, they offer tight bass. The STF-2 is a great subwoofer that digs deep and hits quick. It blends much better than any subwoofer I have ever owned, even my M&K.

Hi Seth hope all is well. Not sure if the Infinity wouild be better than the SVS or not but like you I doubt it. With that said, how do you think the STF-2 would do in a 1000 ft. ^3 room??? I will be using Polk Rti6's for my fronts. My new ht room will also be closed in. Please share your thoughts.

 

[speakerman39]

I thought that was you who previously owned the PB-10 and -12. Didn't you replace them with an HSU? It is going to be somewhat difficult to get both extension and musicality at $400. Seth already said it - if you weren't happy with the SVSs, the Infinity isn't likely to do a better job than either of them. I found the CSX-15 to be fairly musical, but it doesn't really have authority down low. I'd say STF-2 or VTF-2 from HSU if you haven't already done so. I used to have the VTF-2 and the PB-10. I kept the PB-10 for extension and output, but the VTF-2 was a bit better with music. That was the 10" version of the VTF-2 though, the current model is a 12" (and $500). This might be the best trade off as you can configure it for output or extension depending on your needs; I left mine in max extension all the time.

A sealed sub should get you where you want to be musically, but unless you start looking at a much higher price range, it is going to be difficult to also get good extension.

Yeah John this is Phil-glad you remember me. Anyways, I am really not looking to spend another $500 but may have to. I did replace my SVS sub(s) with a Hsu 3.3 but had to get rid of my gear due to roof issues where I reside. However, I am happy to say that I will be moving into a much newer place w/o water leak issues. I already have begun to assemble my new set-up. So far I have the Polk Rti6's for fronts, Csi3 for my center, and the Rti4's for rears. I plan to add the Fxi surrounds as soon as my budget allows. I also just bought an Onkyo 705. Whenever the BR players come down in price, I also plan to buy one of them. For now, all I really need is a sub that will go in a much smaller room. Perhaps the STF-2 would be an excellent choice. How do you think it would blend with the Rti6's?

 

[speakerman39]

Having spoken with you regarding subs, it is my opinion that you are not going to be happy with anything short of an Hsu of some sort. I'm afraid that you've been spoiled and have become a sub snob.

Heya Alex-how is it going? You know me well and I am a bit picky. However, my needs have changed significantly and as such am exploring all possibilities as a means to save some money. You are right though in that I am spoiled.....Ha!Ha!

 

[speakerman39]

from the days of research ive been doing, and all of the reviews ive been reading, the cadence seems to be a better choice in that price range. unless you want to save up more money and get an svs

After owning a PB10-NSD and then a PB12-NSD I am a bit leary of owning another SVS sub. I am aware that the Ultra 13 is stellar but way out of my budget right now. The SB12Plus is also a bit out of my price range. Furthermore, I am not interested in a Cadence at all. I am, however, considering Hsu, Outlaw, and Epik to name a few. Thanks for you help though.

 

[speakerman39]

For $400, the Cadence CSX-15 is a good sub, though it is hard to say when they will have more in. It has a lot of output and sounded good when I had it. It did require some tweaking of placement to get the sound I was after. I didn't run numbers on that guy, but it handled everything I threw at it. The CSX-12 is not as good with music, and won't compete with the likes of the SVS PB-12.

John no offense but I will have to pass on the Cadence sub(s). If I have to I will spend a bit more. Hsu 2.3 may be a viable option but it only has a 250 watt rms amp which bothers me. The LFM-1Plus looks much more inviting but like most is out of stock. Seems to be a common trend nowadays.

 

[speakerman39]

i just looked at cadencestore.com and it says the new shipment of csx-15's will not be in until April 15th. good thing im going with the 12

Yeah most seem to be out of stock or has a long delay before your sub is built. Not sure if I am going to wait too long. At least if there are other options out there anyways.

 

[j_garcia]

I think the STF-2 can handle a room that size, but it won't give you great extension being -3dB at 25Hz.

 

[speakerman39]

I think the STF-2 can handle a room that size, but it won't give you great extension being -3dB at 25Hz.

Hey John -3db @25 Hz would be good enough for me. I got to take some actual measurements of my new room today and the room is only 706 ft.^3 with a flat ceiling. However it is longer than it is wide giving it an oblong shape if you will. Hope to be moving into my new home in about a month which totally depends on the weather. I do agree the STF-2 would be a good choice. How would (2) STF-1's do? I have read on various posts that some have gotten 25 Hz extension out of the STF-1's which is very impressive. Placement would also be easier with the dual 8" subs. Or, do you think a single 10" would be more suited??? Please get back to me. Have a great day.

 

[Seth=L]

It would be easier and in all likelyhood better to get one STF-2 rather than dual STF-1s. Placement will become more difficult with the STF-1s, the output of the STF-2 is higher than dual STF-1s if I remember correctly. The STF-2 gets down to at least 20 hz in my room.

 

[j_garcia]

STF-2 should still have some output below 25Hz, it is just that is where it will start to drop off. That is what my VTF-2 did too, but it was a very large room too. I'd opt for a single STF-2 also, at least to start with. I would expect 25Hz out of a STF-1, but it will already be rolling off at that point vs the STF-2.

 

[speakerman39]

It would be easier and in all likelyhood better to get one STF-2 rather than dual STF-1s. Placement will become more difficult with the STF-1s, the output of the STF-2 is higher than dual STF-1s if I remember correctly. The STF-2 gets down to at least 20 hz in my room.

Wow Seth that is impressive. Do you think the VTF2.3 would be worth the extra money over the STF-2? The room is only 706 ft. ^3 but it is longer than it is wide resulting in an oblong shape. The front wall is a little under 7.5' wide and the side wall is a tad over 12' in length. The 7' ceiling is also flat. Would a 12" sub like the 2.3 be too much for my room OR would the STF-2 be more optimized? The low 20's is plenty of extension for me but tight, punchy, well-articulated bass that has distinctness in the transient response is essential to my well-being..... In other words, I am looking for a sub that is very musical and offers good extension and some dynamic capability for ht. How musical is the STF-2 and how would it blend with my Polk Rti6's powered by an Onkyo 705 receiver?