5" speakers plus sub or 6" speakers

[sccoopy]

Hi, my first post here.

I am thinking to buy my first budget system to be used in my living room. I got a Pioneer integrated amp from my father. My friend has an Onix X-sub that he can let me have for $100ish. Now I only need speakers. Should I buy a pair of 5" speakers and my friend's sub or just buy a pair of 6" speakers? I am looking at PSB B15/B25 series or polk Rti4/Rti6 series. The total cost are basically the same. Any suggestions are appreciated!

 

[Joe Schmoe]

Is this for music or movies? I would use a sub for movies if my HT speakers were less bass-capable. On the other hand, I never use a sub for music because it is almost impossible to integrate with a 2-channel system.

 

[sccoopy]

Can you explain a little bit? I read the manual of X-sub, I think I can split my pre-out signal, one to the sub and the other to the main in. I will use them for 70%music and 30%movies.

So you are saying that for movie purposes, 5"speakers plus sub is better than 6" speaker?


Thanks

 

[mazersteven]

So you are saying that for movie purposes, 5"speakers plus sub is better than 6" speaker?

IMO you should choose a speaker for it's sound quality, and not the size of the driver.

Are you able to audition either of the speakers you have mentioned?

 

[mike c]

subwoofers are easy to integrate to 2 channel/music systems, you just need a subwoofer that doesn't have much THD (read: not crappy)

personally, i'd go for this option:
EITHER the rti4 or rti6 will do for now ... save the money, wait til you can save about 300-450 bucks for the sub and you will have a much better system.

the x-sub is around 200 bucks new ... 100 bucks for an old one isnt much of a deal IMO.

 

[andychen]

never mind

 

[Midcow2]

ideas

Hi, my first post here.

I am thinking to buy my first budget system to be used in my living room. I got a Pioneer integrated amp from my father. My friend has an Onix X-sub that he can let me have for $100ish. Now I only need speakers. Should I buy a pair of 5" speakers and my friend's sub or just buy a pair of 6" speakers? I am looking at PSB B15/B25 series or polk Rti4/Rti6 series. The total cost are basically the same. Any suggestions are appreciated!

Here is a Audioholics thread discussisng the PSB speakers:
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38690&highlight=monitor+Audio+br2

I assume your budget is $400-500; I would also look at some other bookshelf speakers:

Cambridge Audio S30
http://wildwestelectronics.ecommerce-site-search.com/?catalog=wildwestelectronics&query=Cambridge+Audio+S30&.autodone=nsearch.html&x=28&y=11

Mordaunt Short : http://www.wildwestelectronics.net/mordaunt-short-book-shelf-speakers.html

I would forgo the Onix sub and save up for a good sub later, such as SVS or Hsu. Here is a reivew on it http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/subwoofers/onix-x-sub


If you can audition the speakers then go and listen to them and pick the ones that sound best to you!

 

[andychen]

never mind

 

[andychen]

never mind

 

[mazersteven]

I would forgo the Onix sub and save up for a good sub later, suchas SVS or Hsu. Here is a reivew on it http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/subwoofers/onix-x-sub

Are you saying that the x-sub is not a good subwoofer? I tried to find your thread in the review section of your personal experience with the x-sub, but couldn't locate it. Can you provide a link?

 

[Midcow2]

Onix x-sub is a good deal at $100

Are you saying that the x-sub is not a good subwoofer? I tried to find your thread in the review section of your personal experience with the x-sub, but couldn't locate it. Can you provide a link?

The x-sub is a fairly inexpensive sub to start with at $199 MSRP.
Here is what the Audioholics review said. :
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/subwoofers/onix-x-sub
Pros:
Great aesthetics
Performs above price point for music
Small form factor which is easy to place

Cons:
Port chuffing during low bass

I then went and reread the entire Audioholics review and looked at other reviews. For the price point the x-sub is rated very good. The only problem is frequencies 25 Hz and below. For $100 it is a great deal!

I currently have definitive tech sub and a Klipsh sub, but my next purchase will be the SVS PB13-Ultra. I am really impressed with the SVS subwoofer line. I also like the Hsu subs as a second choice. ( One review compared the hsu St1 to the Onix x-sub very favorably). Again for $100 the Onix x-sub is a good deal!

 

[3db]

I'm a PSB fan and prefer the B25s over the Polks. The B25 is a formidable speaker for its size and with solid tight bass, life like mids and detailed but smooth highs. Imaging and soundstaging are its forte.

 

[mazersteven]

The x-sub is a fairly inexpensive sub to start with at $199 MSRP.
Here is what the Audioholics review said. :
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/subwoofers/onix-x-sub
Pros:
Great aesthetics
Performs above price point for music
Small form factor which is easy to place

Cons:
Port chuffing during low bass

I then went and reread the entire Audioholics review and looked at other reviews. For the price point the x-sub is rated very good. The only problem is frequencies 25 Hz and below. For $100 it is a great deal!

I currently have definitive tech sub and a Klipsh sub, but my next purchase will be the SVS PB13-Ultra. I am really impressed with the SVS subwoofer line. I also like the Hsu subs as a second choice. ( One review compared the hsu St1 to the Onix x-sub very favorably). Again for $100 the Onix x-sub is a good deal!

Your statement "I would forgo the Onix sub and save up for a good sub later, such as SVS or Hsu."

When you say "save up for a good sub". Your saying the x-sub is not a good sub? I'm just trying to understand your personal experience with the x-sub, not Audioholics.

 

[sccoopy]

I currently have definitive tech sub and a Klipsh sub, but my next purchase will be the SVS PB13-Ultra. I am really impressed with the SVS subwoofer line. I also like the Hsu subs as a second choice. ( One review compared the hsu St1 to the Onix x-sub very favorably). Again for $100 the Onix x-sub is a good deal!

but do we buy things if it is a good deal? the offer is $100ish, final price is possibly $130. The total cost of B15 plus x-sub is still higher than B25. If the x-sub cannot produce that much of bass improvement over B25, is it worth the investment? I was told that other than bass, matched 6" speakers may offer more than 5" speakers

 

[mazersteven]

but do we buy things if it is a good deal? the offer is $100ish, final price is possibly $130.

Before I purchased the x-sub for $130. I would purchase this subwoofer.

Dayton SUB-120 12" 150 Watt Powered Subwoofer
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=300-635

 

[sccoopy]

Wow, that looks like a good choice with larger woofer than x-sub, so it has more bass than onix without being boomy? I have to do more research then.

Before I purchased the x-sub for $130. I would purchase this subwoofer.

Dayton SUB-120 12" 150 Watt Powered Subwoofer

 

[Midcow2]

Wow, that looks like a good choice with larger woofer than x-sub, so it has more bass than onix without being boomy? I have to do more research then.

here is a review on the Dayton http://www.satelliteguys.us/v-receivers-amplifiers-speakers/100724-dayton-120-sub-150w-12-subwoofer-review.html

 

[markw]

To state the obvious...

With either speaker, 5" or 6", I'd say a sub is mandatory. don't expect that extra inch to make that much difference.

And, while the Onix might be "decent", if you can find a Dayton sub, either assembled or in kit form, for around $100 - $150 range, I'd strongly recommend it. Their SUB-80, SUB-100 and SUB-120 come to mind.

 

[Midcow2]

My sub selection process

Your statement "I would forgo the Onix sub and save up for a good sub later, such as SVS or Hsu."

When you say "save up for a good sub". Your saying the x-sub is not a good sub? I'm just trying to understand your personal experience with the x-sub, not Audioholics.

When I buy a sub, I do it for one reason for the low bass.

I don't think the Onix x-box sounds good for low bass. I agree with Audioholics and others conculsions. It is good for the price point.

However if you buy an inexpensive sub, then that is what you end up with a cheap sub that you will replace when you can afford it!

I wouldn't buy a Dayton or a Onix X-sub. Here is the sub I would prefer, but it costs $429 http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-10nsd.cfm

YOMD

 

[allargon]

here is a review on the Dayton http://www.satelliteguys.us/v-receivers-amplifiers-speakers/100724-dayton-120-sub-150w-12-subwoofer-review.html

Interesting testimonial. It's good to know that the cabinet and not the drivers/amps are what made the sub live out less to its full potential.