a subwoofer you can't go wrong with

[dekaliber]

I'm in the market for a sub under $1000 that will be adept at reproducing music and low enough to competently handle home theater. The application will be a 20x14x8' room, matched to PSB Synchrony One speakers and Synchrony Two center/surrounds. Basically looking for a sub that has been generally well received and proves to be a great bang for the buck.

I've heard good things about HSU Research and SVS, and they both seem to be in my pricerange. The VTF-3 HO from HSU and PB12-Plus from SVS are my top contenders. The PB12 is a bit more expensive. Worth it? What about the VTF-3 MK3, which is $100 less than the HO?

I've also heard good things about Sunfire, REL, and JL Audio, but their shining stars tend to be in a much higher price range. What other options should I consider?

 

[GlocksRock]

You want the SVS 20-39PC+ that is right in your budget and will give you plenty of bang for the buck, and can easily handle the very low end for HT duty, and will still sound fantastic with music.

 

[Adam]

I'll back up GlocksRock. Owning one myself, I'm also a fan of the SVS cylinders. If those fit your aethetic preferences, I'd definitely recommend giving them some consideration. Personally, I'd go for the 16-46 PC-Plus, probably just because it's the closest match to the one that I own that still comes in under $1000.

 

[dekaliber]

What's the advantage of a cylinder vs. a box? I was actually just reading another post where the OP said that his new PB10 bested the 20-39 PC plus he tried.

 

[Chopin_Guy]

And I will second what GlocksRock and Adam have to say. I just got through with a search myself and just set-up my 16-46 PC Plus last night (take a look at the thread 'Saved by SVS' in the sub section as well). All I can say is that it's a very impressive peice of equipment. Our rooms are somewhat similar, mine's 21x17x14, and even with the high ceilings the 16-46 + fills it with ease and clarity. You will not be dissapointed...

 

[Adam]

What's the advantage of a cylinder vs. a box? I was actually just reading another post where the OP said that his new PB10 bested the 20-39 PC plus he tried.

Yeah, you were probably reading Bluesmoke's thread? Most people think that there was something wrong with the cylinder that he got, although it might have been how it was working in his room.

Comparing SVS cylinders to their boxes, cylinders tend to: sound about the same, cost a bit less, weigh less, have a smaller footprint, be taller, not have as nice of a surface finish.

The Ultra boxes appear to go a bit flatter in their response versus the Ultra cylinders, but I think that the Plus line are pretty comparable. SVS has their own FAQ on the differences at this link here. Their customer service is also great, and I'd recommend contacting them with any questions that you have. I've heard the same about Hsu.

 

[GlocksRock]

I'll back up GlocksRock. Owning one myself, I'm also a fan of the SVS cylinders. If those fit your aethetic preferences, I'd definitely recommend giving them some consideration. Personally, I'd go for the 16-46 PC-Plus, probably just because it's the closest match to the one that I own that still comes in under $1000.

Even though the 16-46 still comes in under $1000, by the time you add shipping to the 20-39, you are right at $1000. But either one will be fine, and will put a grin on your face from ear to ear.

 

[Midcow2]

Definitely agree SVS

Maybe a matter of asthetics or how it fits in the room or perfsonal preference in choosing between the Box or Cylinder SVS sub.

My preference is the box sub, but again just a personal preference.

And for a $1,000 budget, I would get the PB12-Plus
http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-plus1.cfm


..... But if you could swing it PB13-Ultra AWESOME

 

[Adam]

Even though the 16-46 still comes in under $1000, by the time you add shipping to the 20-39, you are right at $1000. But either one will be fine, and will put a grin on your face from ear to ear.

Agreed! I thought about the shipping, too, but that 16-46 is just so tasty.

 

[Gimpy Ric]

Before I bought my Ultra I own a VTF-3 HO Turbo and its a really nice sounding sub, great for music and movies. Plenty of output, although not like the Ultra. I would recommend this as a box sub. $810.00 is a good price for this sub.

I pushed mine really hard several times and NEVER bottomed it out, it just shook the room and was very very loud. It's a nice sub.

Ric

 

[mazersteven]

I'm in the market for a sub under $1000 that will be adept at reproducing music and low enough to competently handle home theater.
The application will be a 20x14x8' room,
Basically looking for a sub that has been generally well received and proves to be a great bang for the buck.
I've heard good things about HSU Research and SVS

You should e-mail SVS, and HSU and ask their opinion based on your system uses and room volume.

Another sub to consider

AV123 MFW-15
http://av123.com/component/page,shop.product_details/flypage,shop.flypage/product_id,265/category_id,9/manufacturer_id,0/option,com_virtuemart/Itemid,37/

 

[dekaliber]

Thanks for everyone's feedback! You guys are a lot more helpful here than ahem, another popular AV Forum.

I was comparing some tests on Home Theater Shack and noticed that the HSU had a slightly flatter frequency response than the SVS.

Regarding the cylinder and possible interactions with respect to room modes alluded to in the other post, would a cylinder with its ports on top be more likely to create nulls in a room than a boxed sub?

 

[Adam]

Regarding the cylinder and possible interactions with respect to room modes alluded to in the other post, would a cylinder with its ports on top be more likely to create nulls in a room than a boxed sub?

Excellent question, and one that is out of my league. However, I will bet you that SVS can answer that question. They probably know more about that topic than anyone here (maybe not, so no insult intended to anyone). They have always been pretty quick with their e-mail responses to me. I got responses on weekends all of the time. In fact, once they took just over 24 hours to respond, and they sent me a free t-shirt! I don't know if that's normal, but it shocked me.

EDIT: Hsu customer service may also have some good insight on that. I believe that they used to make cylinder subs, although they don't anymore.

 

[GlocksRock]

I got a free t shirt from SVS too, they also replied to my emails quickly, even on the weekend. Also, don't forget to check out their B-stock page, you may find what you are looking for for even less money.

 

[Chopin_Guy]

Yes, do keep on eye on the B-stock as I got my 16-46 + for $902 shipped and the sub was simply an exchange...so it was still new...you can find a good deal if you are patient. Last I looked all they had were one box ultra and pc ultra.....

 

[Warpdrv]

Thanks for everyone's feedback! You guys are a lot more helpful here than ahem, another popular AV Forum.

I was comparing some tests on Home Theater Shack and noticed that the HSU had a slightly flatter frequency response than the SVS.

Regarding the cylinder and possible interactions with respect to room modes alluded to in the other post, would a cylinder with its ports on top be more likely to create nulls in a room than a boxed sub?

This will completely depend on your room...

Every room is different, so saying HSU is Flatter or SVS is flatter would be a misnomer... Most rooms require some EQ to get flat, but not all... I have dual SVS Plus/2's in my (gynormous) great room and they provide me with a very flat response, but Its not a square room and is open all over the place. But I am also using a Velodyne SMS-1 EQ to help in the task of flattening.

Want my opinion, Save up for a bit more and get a Ultra 13... Almost everyone I know who has bought a SVS and feels how good the bass is, starts to think about upgrading... Do it top notch the first time and never doubt...

Where do you live... there are a few B-Stock models on B-Stock Page.... https://svsound.com/store/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=12

Also there is one on Audiogon in Maine
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?homesubw&1225284443&/SVS-PB13-Ultra-Rosenut

The PSB's are supposed to be pretty nice, I hope you enjoy them.... Good luck on your sub hunt...

 

[dekaliber]

This will completely depend on your room...

Good point -- I guess I just thought that something that's flat to begin with would be easier to get flat independent of where I move, etc. with acoustic treatments, EQ, etc.

Want my opinion, Save up for a bit more and get a Ultra 13... Almost everyone I know who has bought a SVS and feels how good the bass is, starts to think about upgrading... Do it top notch the first time and never doubt...

This has haunted me in the past, so it's a valid point to consider. I bought the PSB Synchrony Ones and never looked back. But I'm wondering if the PB13-Ultra is too much for my needs. I live in an apartment building, so I can't be constantly rattling my neighbors' pictures off their walls.

 

[GlocksRock]

The ultra would definitely be overkill for an apartment, as would the Plus series. But at least you would be set if you ever moved to a house.

 

[Midcow2]

The ultra would definitely be overkill for an apartment, as would the Plus series. But at least you would be set if you ever moved to a house.

LOL, it might cause the house move much quicker than expected or planned!

 

[dekaliber]

Well, just put in an order for a SVS 20-39 PC-Plus. Can't wait to hear how it sounds!!! Thanks to everyone for their input.