What's the best sub-woofer I can buy in the sub-$150 price range

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I

index2020

Audiophyte
Hi,

I'm a newbie in the HT world. I'm finally trying to setup a home theater system to go with my Samsung 1080p HDTV, RCN HD Cable Box, Western Digital HD TV, a regular DVD player and an iPod.

Constrains (1) I don't want to spend more than $1,200 on the receiver + speakers (2) we live in a small Manhattan apartment so I'm trying to avoid a 7+1 speaker setup. Am interested in high sound quality and future scalability.

This is what I have in mind --
- Onkyo TX-SR606 7.1 Channel Home Theater Receiver
- Polk Audio PSW111 Compact Powered 8-Inch Subwoofer
- 2 Polk Audio Monitor 30 Bookshelf Speakers OR 2 Polk TSi 100 Speakers

I had made a post in the General Discussion forum and replies suggested that I should post in the sub-woofer section to get a good alternative to the Polk Audio PSW111 Compact Powered 8-Inch Subwoofer.

Thanks in advance,
 
annunaki

annunaki

Moderator
Other than the two choices above I would say increase your budget or consider DIY options. Honestly speaking of course for good overall performance.
 
Chopin_Guy

Chopin_Guy

Senior Audioholic
Index,

Welcome to the forum!! Now, I know you posted in the subwoofer section but I am going to make some reccomendations in terms of a total system that might be a better choice for your given budget. First off, I see in the speakers you listed you only gave a PAIR of Polks so I assume you are wanting to start with a 2.1 setup and expand in the future---which is a good way to start IMHO.

Here is my reccomendation for a $1,200 start that will give you much better sound:

1. Denon AVR-2808ci -- AVR -- $582 shipped (6 ave. Electronics)
2. Polk RTi6 Speakers PAIR -- $205 shipped (Ebay)
3. SVS PB10-NSD Subwoofer -- $490 shipped (SVS direct website)

Total -- $1,277

So yes I went $77 over but this will be a FAR better performaning and sounding system than the original suggestion and if you need to cut back some money, as you said you live in a small Manhattan apartment--you could go with the Denon 2308ci through the same store and that will be $449 instead...you won't miss the extra power of the 2808 if you are in a small room....but the 2808ci is such a great deal right now....

Hope this helps....
 
j_garcia

j_garcia

Audioholic Jedi
Do not buy the lower end Polk subs. Go with the Dayton.
 
M

malovich

Audioholic Intern
I know your looking for a sub but might I suggest since you live in an apartment, check out tactile transducers such as those made by Buttkicker($$$$), Aura($), and Clark synthesis($$to$$$). a plate amp or old reciever or rack amp would power it/them well without the sound transferring to the other apartments. This would allow more money to go towards the mains and receiver yet they are components that shouldn't need upgraded in the future like a cheapish sub.
 
C

ChunkyDark

Full Audioholic
Have you thought about just going 2.0? For ~1200 you could get a nice receiver to drive some good towers that would have just as good (if not better) bass than a cheap sub. That would give a lot of flexibility down the road when adding surrounds and a sub. You mentioned living in an apartment so perhaps they would be too big.
Try to listen to those polks and compare to some others out there. Personally I think they are over priced for the performance.
 
I

index2020

Audiophyte
Thanks for the feedback everybody!

I see that the Polk 111 is quite unpopular here. BTW, any thoughts on the low end Onkyo (SKW 204) or Yamaha (SW225) subwoofers? These seem attractive because they are small.
 
Chopin_Guy

Chopin_Guy

Senior Audioholic
You do not want to go with either of those subwoofers either....the system that I suggested to you above is about a much better 2.1 setup for around $1,200 including your AVR. You could even go with the Denon 2308ci to save money and get a pair of the SVS SBS-01 bookshelves for $225 instead of the Polk Rti6's....I have read very good things about those bookshelf speakers and would give you a nice SVS 2.1 setup that is easly expanded in the future....

Denon 2308ci - $449 shipped
SVS SBS-01 Bookself Pair -- $ 255 shipped
SVS PB10-NSD Subwoofer -- $ 490 shipped

Total: $1,194

Much better use of your $1,200.....otherwise trying to get a sub, that can perform on any practical level, for sub-$150 is useless IMHO....you would be better off saving up your money for a sub later and going with a better AVR and higher-end set of bookshelf speakers to begin with....
 
E

edmcanuck

Audioholic
Listen to Chopin_Guy's suggestions. If you do, you'll end up with an awesome system that you can build on. If you go with your plan, you're screwed from the start.
 
Gimpy Ric

Gimpy Ric

Moderator
Chopin_Guy said:
You do not want to go with either of those subwoofers either....the system that I suggested to you above is about a much better 2.1 setup for around $1,200 including your AVR. You could even go with the Denon 2308ci to save money and get a pair of the SVS SBS-01 bookshelves for $225 instead of the Polk Rti6's....I have read very good things about those bookshelf speakers and would give you a nice SVS 2.1 setup that is easly expanded in the future....

Denon 2308ci - $449 shipped
SVS SBS-01 Bookself Pair -- $ 255 shipped
SVS PB10-NSD Subwoofer -- $ 490 shipped

Total: $1,194

Much better use of your $1,200.....otherwise trying to get a sub, that can perform on any practical level, for sub-$150 is useless IMHO....you would be better off saving up your money for a sub later and going with a better AVR and higher-end set of bookshelf speakers to begin with....
Click to expand...
Believe me this is one of your best options. The SVS Bookshelves sound amazing, and you couldn't find a better starter system to build on. The sub is also very capable, musical and plays deep. Best part is you can try the speakers and sub for 30 days, no questions asked if you want to return it. SVS is an Ohio based company, with an excellent reputation around here. I have their top of the line sub, a PB13-Ultra that cost $1700.00 bucks. Its awesome.

Think about it. I'll give you links to everything if you like.

Ric
 
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I

index2020

Audiophyte
OK people, Chopin Guy's got me convinced. One last question --

any thoughts on where I should buy from. I see tons of variations in prices online and would like to find a reputed buyer... any thoughts...?

In case forum rules don't permit retailer recommendations, please send a PM.
 
Chopin_Guy

Chopin_Guy

Senior Audioholic
Index, I am glad we could help you out on this and you will be really SO much more pleased with this set-up and will be blown away by the performance that SVS gives you---which dollar for dollar is outstanding.....

For the Denon 2308ci(449) or 2808ci(598) --depending on what way you decide to go-- the prices I have been giving you are through 6ave electronics (www.6ave.com). But being in NYC, you could use J&R and they will match their prices for you and you won't have to ship as you can go pick it up at your local store...

For the SVS speakers and subwoofer...thier website is simply www.svsound.com and you can find the models I suggested very easily on there....

Let us know if there is anything else we can do to help and please let us know what you wind up doing and how you like it....enjoy man!!!
 
I

index2020

Audiophyte
And one last question, ... dare I ask, any thoughts on the Definitive Tech ProSub 60?
 
Chopin_Guy

Chopin_Guy

Senior Audioholic
You can NOT do better for $1,200 than the system suggested to you...end of story...
 
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