Looking for a subwoofer recommendation

[Manin]

Currently running: Polk RTi10's for mains, CSi5 center channel and FXi3's for surround. Receiver unit is a Denon AVR-787.

I need a good subwoofer, was looking at the Polk PSW-505 but am seeing some pretty negative reveiws outside the Polk website. Any comments?

 

[majorloser]

There are quite a few really good subwoofers out there on the market. Just don't get caught up in the "fanboy" posts that will surely follow.

There are a few things to keep in mind when selecting a subwoofer:

• How much you want to spend
• Size and shape of room
• Type of room furnishings
• Any WAF that needs addressed

Here's a decent link to a guy who's tested most of the subs on the market for reference:

http://www.tweakcityaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11

 

[Manin]

There are a few things to keep in mind when selecting a subwoofer:

• How much you want to spend
• Size and shape of room
• Type of room furnishings
• Any WAF that needs addressed

Well, I want to spend no more the $300. The room is my enitre upstairs, 8' ceiling in the center 12' then angled down to match the roof for about 3'. it's carpeted with a big couch, chair-and-a-half and a recliner.

As for the WAF, I'm engaged but she knows I'm getting a sub, I've built the spot for my sub into my ent center I built (I would post pics but I don't have enough posts yet)... Here's a link: http://www.ls1truck.com/upload/files/141/Ent Center.jpg

The opening for the sub was dimensioned originally for a PSW505 (16 1/8" x 15 1/8" x 18 3/16"). The opening is bigger than that but, whatever sub i find will have to be front firing, I don't think a down firing set-up would work well sitting back in there.

 

[majorloser]

I don't know if this will quite fit in your space, but can't beat the "boom for the buck" catagory:
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=300-770

I'll give this as just an example since it's double your price range, but it's a nice compact sealed box 12" subwoofer:
http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-sb12plus.cfm

These would also be fine examples. Both made by Velodyne:
http://store.audioholics.com/product/1860/20/chrysalis-by-velodyne-starfire-10-subwoofer
http://store.audioholics.com/product/1861/20/chrysalis-by-velodyne-starfire-12-subwoofer

 

[Manin]

I don't know if this will quite fit in your space, but can't beat the "boom for the buck" catagory:
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=300-770

I'll give this as just an example since it's double your price range, but it's a nice compact sealed box 12" subwoofer:
http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-sb12plus.cfm

These would also be fine examples. Both made by Velodyne:
http://store.audioholics.com/product/1860/20/chrysalis-by-velodyne-starfire-10-subwoofer
http://store.audioholics.com/product/1861/20/chrysalis-by-velodyne-starfire-12-subwoofer

Thanks for all the info!!!

So would you not recommend a Polk PSW505?

 

[Davemcc]

Here's a link: http://www.ls1truck.com/upload/files/141/Ent Center.jpg

It looks like the previous member's posts have you hooked up for a decent sub. Personally, I think I'd try to swing the SVS SB12 if at all possible.

So.......LS1truck.com, eh? Do tell. I loved my LS1 Camaro SS and I love my LS3 Vette even more. I'd be quite interested in hearing about your truck or whatever you've got going on over there.

 

[Manin]

So.......LS1truck.com, eh? Do tell. I loved my LS1 Camaro SS and I love my LS3 Vette even more. I'd be quite interested in hearing about your truck or whatever you've got going on over there.

My LS1Truck member page... if you can get there without signing up.

I've got a 2001 Chevy Silverado, Reg cab short bed, 5.3L LS series engine with K&N FIPK, Pacesetter headers with off-road "y" pipe, Flowmaster series 40 muffler, Comp Cams cam with new springs, a computer tune, SS wheels and 4.56 gears in the rear. Ran 14.09 in the 1/4 at 96 mph and put 300hp to the wheels on the dyno. I love that truck. Next project: Twin Turbos.

 

[mazersteven]

Why is this in the wrong section?

 

[mazersteven]

So would you not recommend a Polk PSW505?

Polk Audio is not known for their subwoofers performance.

Cadence CSX-12
http://www.cadencestore.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=137&idproduct=396

 

[Gimpy Ric]

Why is this in the wrong section?

Should be i subs & small block chevy forum

Forget the Polk sub, its junk from what I read around here. At risk of being a "fanboy" try SV Sound (SVS) subwoofers:

http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box.cfm

All are front firing I believe. Nice looking truck BTW.

*EDIT*

Try these dimensions on for size: Enclosure dimensions: 22H x 16.5W x 21D inches (22D with grill)

http://www.epiksubwoofers.com/ValorOverview.html

Finding a front firing, front ported sub may be a challange, except for the SVS NSD series. The Epik Valor is sealed.

Good Luck!

 

[Davemcc]

My LS1Truck member page... if you can get there without signing up.

I've got a 2001 Chevy Silverado, Reg cab short bed, 5.3L LS series engine with K&N FIPK, Pacesetter headers with off-road "y" pipe, Flowmaster series 40 muffler, Comp Cams cam with new springs, a computer tune, SS wheels and 4.56 gears in the rear. Ran 14.09 in the 1/4 at 96 mph and put 300hp to the wheels on the dyno. I love that truck. Next project: Twin Turbos.

Nice truck. Awesome times with simple mods on the 5.3L. The TT setup sounds like it's going to be killer.

Try these dimensions on for size: Enclosure dimensions: 22H x 16.5W x 21D inches (22D with grill)

From the dimensions given earlier, it appears that that sub is too large for the opening. I generally try very hard to find suggestions within the stated budget, but in this case, given the size constraint and the performance potential of the SB12-Plus compared to similar sized subs, I have to think it's the best option if the budget is flexible at all. It seems to me that there is a serious performance sacrifice for putting any of the lower priced subs of that size into that space. Budgets can be a real buzz-kill sometimes.

 

[Gimpy Ric]

From the dimensions given earlier, it appears that that sub is too large for the opening. I generally try very hard to find suggestions within the stated budget, but in this case, given the size constraint and the performance potential of the SB12-Plus compared to similar sized subs, I have to think it's the best option if the budget is flexible at all. It seems to me that there is a serious performance sacrifice for putting any of the lower priced subs of that size into that space. Budgets can be a real buzz-kill sometimes.

Sorry, I forgot the OP gave dimensions. Thanks for pointing that out. And I agree with you on the SB12-Plus...Its nice but maybe a budget killer.

 

[Manin]

Currently running: Polk RTi10's for mains, CSi5 center channel and FXi3's for surround. Receiver unit is a Denon AVR-787.

I need a good subwoofer, was looking at the Polk PSW-505 but am seeing some pretty negative reveiws outside the Polk website. Any comments?

Well, I went ahead with it... I bought a PSW505 and it will be here today!

ah, New toys... i love the feeling.

I'll let you guys know what I think of it once I get it set-up!