Opinions on Subwoofer Epik Castle/BIC H-100

[Matt85]

First a little background.

I live in an apartment, and I work nightshift. Pretty much the 2 things that go worst with HT.

I have been planning on getting an Epik Castle. But, I am very concerned that given my situation, it will not be money well spent. And I really don't want to be "that neighbor". So I am also considering a BIC H100.

Ive got a fairly decent sized apartment, vaulted ceilings, about 3000cft opening up into a kitchen/dining area, but I know it won't contain the Castle.

I previously used a Logitech Subwoofer from my Z-5500 setup, and it was not really good, but not too bad either. I never had any complaints with it, and I think that the BIC would be a big jump in performance, but possibly not big enough to affect my apartment neighbors, ya feel?

I am primarily 99% HT and gaming. So a musical sub is not important.

I guess I just need opinions.

It seems that the sensible choice would be the BIC, then when I get a real house, get a real sub. I have heard good things about the BIC for HT too.

On the other hand, I have pretty good speakers, Sierra-1s, and I am concerned that the BIC may not be able to keep up.

If you we're in my shoes, what would ya do?

Thanks,

Matt

 

[Midcow2]

Look at SVS or Hsu subwoofers

For the $999 retail price range the SVS-PB12 Plus or the Hsu VTF-3 HO Turbo are better subwoofers. Or at least the are the most liked and most popular

 

[Matt85]

For the $999 retail price range the SVS-PB12 Plus or the Hsu VTF-3 HO Turbo are better subwoofers. Or at least the are the most liked and most popular

I've looked pretty closely at Epik and it seems that they are on the up and up. They are fairly new though. But according to craigsub, the epiks are very nice, and the castle is up there with the PB13 Ultra.

I know one man's ranking of something doesn't make it gold, but let's face it. He has personally auditioned these subs. So I trust him.

Im sure HSU would be awesome as well. But, I am really more concerned with the apartment issue, and I am kind of leaning towards the H100 until I get a house, and just wondering if others would do the same. I am also wondering how inadvisable it would be to get a subwoofer that won't be up to speed with the Sierras?

I guess my question was a little too specific.

I am more concerned with having an over-achieving subwoofer in an apartment complex, or if I should just get a bang for the buck budget woofer til I get into a place where I can use the better sub.

 

[darien87]

I live in an apartment, and I work nightshift. Pretty much the 2 things that go worst with HT.

I would think that working nightshift would be ideal for HT in an apartment complex. Your down time is during the day, so you can watch movies and crank it up while most people will be at work.

 

[Shadow_Ferret]

Even if you're in the apartment for years, don't you just think you'd be happier knowing you have a nice quality sub? You won't be able to crank either sub up very loud since you are in an apartment anyway. Besides, the stats on the H100, depending on where you look are it only goes down to 28hz, maybe 24hz at the most. Even if you're going budget, don't you at least want depth?

 

[trnqk7]

I would save your money and get the one better one now instead of buying two subs over some unknown time period. Just b/c the Epik can play crazy loud doesn't mean you have to turn it up...just like if you own a sports car doesn't mean you have to roast'm off at every stop light. It just means you can Seriously though, get the Epik or SVS or Hsu, whatever, and just leave the gain turned down. Then turn it up when you get your own place.

 

[Matt85]

Yeah man, of course I want depth. I am just concerned that the depth will be felt equally by my neighbors.

Somehow I am convinced that the H100 won't be as noticable to the neighbors as the Epik would be.

 

[trnqk7]

Like I said, just turn it down...it's the volume (dB level) of the low note that they will notice, not the fact that it's played. Get the good one if that's what you want and can afford. You won't regret it.

If you need to, have a friendly conversation with your neighbors...invite them to let you know if they ever have an issue with the volume level...ask them if they want to come over and watch a movie...etc. It shouldn't end up being a big deal., imo.

 

[Soundman]

Like I said, just turn it down...it's the volume (dB level) of the low note that they will notice, not the fact that it's played. Get the good one if that's what you want and can afford. You won't regret it.

If you need to, have a friendly conversation with your neighbors...invite them to let you know if they ever have an issue with the volume level...ask them if they want to come over and watch a movie...etc. It shouldn't end up being a big deal., imo.

That's the best thing to do. They won't complain about it if they know they have a free invitation to the party!

 

[moggi1964]

Surely if you turn it up they ALREADY have a free invitation to the party; without having to leave the comfort of their own home

From what I have READ any of the ones you suggested will be brilliant. Personally, I like trying out the new guy whenever possible so have plumped for an Epik but until I heard about Epik it was going to be a Hsu.

Best of luck and let us know what you decide to go and then how it sounds.

 

[jaysonbarnett]

hey matt all you need to do is call CHAD at epik subwoofers and you know the epik valor is a sealed sub and might not be as loud, but has great quality. I also agree with everyone else just turn the gain down alittle, and when you are spending 700 plus on something you want to make sure it is worth the price. You can not go wrong with any of the brands that were mentioned and if i were you i would want to go with quailty. Call chad and explain your needs and see if he can help you if not call a different company and ask the same thing until you feel you made the right choice. Have fun and the bigger sub is always more FUN!!!!!!

 

[Adam]

...have a friendly conversation with your neighbors...invite them to let you know if they ever have an issue with the volume level...ask them if they want to come over and watch a movie...etc. It shouldn't end up being a big deal., imo.

I agree with trnqk7 and Soundman...this is excellent advice. IMO, the reason your neighbors would get mad is if they think that they don't have control over their environment. Set the stage and let them know that they can always just ask you to turn it down (and then do that), and I'll bet that they almost never ask.

I'm with the group on this one - if you have the money, buy a great sub now and just keep it turned down as necessary, then let it lose once you get into your own place. If you don't have a lot of spare change, you certainly can get by with a smaller sub in an apartment versus in a house (most times) because the physical volume of the listening area is so much less. My B&W sub was plenty for my apartment, but it just wasn't the same when I got my house.

 

[gliz]

if you live in a apartment, do you really want a sub?

 

[trnqk7]

Yes In all seriousness though-you still want/need the bottom end of the sound spectrum. Besides-he's going to buy a sub anyway, so he might as well make the right choice the first time, right?

 

[Matt85]

I appreciate all the advice.

Yes the bottom end is very important to me.

I guess I will go with the Epik, and just keep it down after 10pm.

I can also get crafty with it, and time my movie watching with the maintenance guys that mow the property lawn; my neighbors will blame them for the infrasonic waves!

 

[Ron Temple]

Your neighbors are going to love you.