Suggest an alternative to a PB10-NSD

[smihalik]

I've been shopping subs for quite some time now and I've gone back and forth on my decision many times. A few months ago I was budgeting about $1500 for something nice, like a PB12-plus. (Keep in mind I'm in Canada, a PB12-plus is $1500 here). Now things have changed a bit. Lots of other expenses have come up. I'm looking to spend around $500 USD. For that price the PB10 seems like a very good bet, but I'm wondering if anyone can suggest something better around the same price.

I know a lot of people will advise me to save my money until I can afford something higher end, but I'm sick of waiting. I want to make a move in the next few weeks. I'm no audiophile. I'm sure a PB10 would blow my mind. Any other suggestions?

BTW, I'm not really feeling going the DIY route anymore. A kit would be acceptable, but I don't want to have to build a box from scratch a waste a whole weekend working on this.

 

[Matt34]

How big is your room? You may want to call SVS directly, they would be best suited to ask for advise.

 

[smihalik]

How big is your room? You may want to call SVS directly, they would be best suited to ask for advise.

Its about 2200 cu.ft.

I had meant suggestions from other brands. I've been looking at Outlaw LFM-1 plus, LFM-1 EX, HSU VTF-2 mK3. I'm wondering what else should be on my list. Anything I may not have considered.

 

[billy p]

Its about 2200 cu.ft.

I had meant suggestions from other brands. I've been looking at Outlaw LFM-1 plus, LFM-1 EX, HSU VTF-2 mK3. I'm wondering what else should be on my list. Anything I may not have considered.

If this means shipping those produts to Canada, than no! I've looked at alternatives last summer and decided svs was the wat to go. I spoke to Jenninfer at Outlaw Audio because they had a free shipping sale. I was told that shipping to Canada was free and I would only need to pay the difference(from what they'd normally charge US customers) which was about $35.00, but with duty and some brokerage fees it came out to an additional $105.00.

 

[lsiberian]

I've been shopping subs for quite some time now and I've gone back and forth on my decision many times. A few months ago I was budgeting about $1500 for something nice, like a PB12-plus. (Keep in mind I'm in Canada, a PB12-plus is $1500 here). Now things have changed a bit. Lots of other expenses have come up. I'm looking to spend around $500 USD. For that price the PB10 seems like a very good bet, but I'm wondering if anyone can suggest something better around the same price.

I know a lot of people will advise me to save my money until I can afford something higher end, but I'm sick of waiting. I want to make a move in the next few weeks. I'm no audiophile. I'm sure a PB10 would blow my mind. Any other suggestions?

BTW, I'm not really feeling going the DIY route anymore. A kit would be acceptable, but I don't want to have to build a box from scratch a waste a whole weekend working on this.

500 would have me looking at audiogon for a used deal.

 

[rnatalli]

HSU is the best alternative to SVS at $500 IMO. One of the VTF models would do just nicely.

 

[croseiv]

500 bucks, including shipping to Canada, limits your options considerably. HSU may offer a decent deal. The PB-10 is probably your best bet for that price.

 

[njedpx3]

For 2200 sq. ft. I would look at getting the PB 12-NSD. It only costs alittle more than the 10 and would work with your room size. Hsu also makes good subs but they are close to the cost of SVS. Sometimes you can get a lower cost b-stock SVS subwoofer; If money is tight that is what I would try to do. B-stock mught have a slight cosmetic flaw but still be acoustically perfect.

your Avitar, BMW M3 ? , if so very cool ... I had a 98

 

[KEW]

500 bucks, including shipping to Canada, limits your options considerably. HSU may offer a decent deal. The PB-10 is probably your best bet for that price.

Interesting. With so many great speaker manufacturers in Canada, you'd think there would be at least one good contender for subwoofers!

It is also interesting that SVS and Hsu seem to be most recommended in the budget price range, and IME, they both have stellar customer support. I have emailed questions to several sub manufacturers. All have responded, but SVS and Hsu both responded with thoughtful emails which required me to give more info before they would give me an answer. In other words, they wanted to make sure they took care of their potential customer, instead of just giving a quick answer so they could move on.

 

[smihalik]

500 bucks, including shipping to Canada, limits your options considerably. HSU may offer a decent deal. The PB-10 is probably your best bet for that price.

I'm not including shipping or brokerage fees in that price. For the sake of simplicity I was quoting USD retail price. I figure A $500 USD sub will cost me about $700 Cdn once all fee's are paid. I'm comfortable around 600-800 canadian all included.

The PB10 will cost me $710 tax in, shipped. I'm wating on a quote from HSU for a VTF-2 MkIII. Asuming pricing is about the same, give or take $50-100, which would you take?

 

[smihalik]

Interesting. With so many great speaker manufacturers in Canada, you'd think there would be at least one good contender for subwoofers!

It is also interesting that SVS and Hsu seem to be most recommended in the budget price range, and IME, they both have stellar customer support. I have emailed questions to several sub manufacturers. All have responded, but SVS and Hsu both responded with thoughtful emails which required me to give more info before they would give me an answer. In other words, they wanted to make sure they took care of their potential customer, instead of just giving a quick answer so they could move on.

That has been my experience with both companies as well. Very impressed with their level of service. I've email a few other companies. Some haven't responded at all, while others respond with a two sentence answer, as if they we just trying to get through their e-mails as fast as possible.

 

[billy p]

You could give this guy a shout he builds some really nice stuff and Canadian.

http://www.funkywaves.net/catalog.cfm?item=fw_10_1

 

[shadyJ]

If you can get the Outlaw LFM-1 EX for a good price, you should go for that sub. All it is, essentially, is a down-firing version of the Hsu VTF3. I think it would outperform all the other subs mentioned so far, the PB10, the PB12, and the VTF2. The LFM-1 EX has a more powerful amp, a larger enclosure, two ports, and can be easily tuned for the application. Something else you might look at which is in its league is the Epik Sentinel, which is on sale right now for the same price.

 

[Jeff R.]

You could try an ED A3-300. $550 and I think shipping is free.

 

[Bluesmoke]

To be blatant honest, after you do all the math and costs, you'll choose the PB12 - guaranteed. There's no other option in Canada in the price/performance and what you need/looking for.

 

[billy p]

To be blatant honest, after you do all the math and costs, you'll choose the PB12 - guaranteed. There's no other option in Canada in the price/performance and what you need/looking for.

x's..........2

 

[fredk]

The best value kit I can think of is this one from CSS, but you would have to cut wood and finish it so its probably not what you are looking for.

When I looked into this, SVS was the most cost effective solution.

 

[smihalik]

If you can get the Outlaw LFM-1 EX for a good price, you should go for that sub. All it is, essentially, is a down-firing version of the Hsu VTF3. I think it would outperform all the other subs mentioned so far, the PB10, the PB12, and the VTF2. The LFM-1 EX has a more powerful amp, a larger enclosure, two ports, and can be easily tuned for the application. Something else you might look at which is in its league is the Epik Sentinel, which is on sale right now for the same price.

I'm waiting for a quote from Outlaw on that actually. If shipping isn't too bad It's definitley the one I'm leaning towards. I was looking at the Epik Sentinel as well, however Epik doesn't ship to Canada.

 

[bandit]

I second the mention of the Elemental Design option... They seem to be expanding there options now offering both sealed and ported versions of their 12" model for $550 usd. and will be offering veneer options soon in addition to the standard black.

 

[billy p]

I'm waiting for a quote from Outlaw on that actually. If shipping isn't too bad It's definitley the one I'm leaning towards. I was looking at the Epik Sentinel as well, however Epik doesn't ship to Canada.

Maybe this will give you some perspective... http://www.thefinalcost.com/shipments/calculate/

I already mentioned what outlaw would likely charge in a eariler post.

Otherwise good luck, Bill