Subwoofer recommendation?

[Tungsten06GT]

Well, I thought I was going to wait a while to get a subwoofer, but maybe it's best to just bite the bullet and do it now!

Currently, on the way I have a pair of the EMP impression tower speakers, center channel, and bookshelves. From the review, the towers work well down to 50 Hz with even useable content to 40. This system is going to be set up in a 20x13 living room, that has an opening to a 12x11 dining room and then flows into the 10x10 kitchen. So, with all that in mind, what is going to be my best bet for a sub?

I was thinking something along the lines of 12", with frequency output range just below 20Hz. It'll be on hardwood, so probably front firing is the way to go? From what I've researched, it seems SVS and HSU Research are both quality companies. Should I stick with something from them or keep looking?

Also, with anyones previous knowledge, do the companies tend to have specials around Christmas? Thanks!

 

[rnatalli]

What's your budget and listening habits (HT vs. Music)?

 

[Tungsten06GT]

Well, I don't exactly want to put a budget on quality per say, but for sanity sake I would be ok with spending 5 to 600 max.

 

[Tungsten06GT]

Oh, and sorry I forgot to say that it will be probably a 50/50 mix of movie and HT.

When you say max increase a budget, how much more are you suggesting?

Based upon my room specifications, I just don't want to get a very expensive sub and have it end of sounding like crap due to the setup, when maybe a lesser expensive one would have worked just fine. Either way, I just want something that will work well for everyday listening, but will also be able to crank it every now and then.

Maybe someone can explain differences between 2 to 400 dollar subs, then up towards 5 to 600, and what you really gain but spending more?

 

[Mister House]

Spending the extra duckies now will prevent disappointment later. At the current moment Epik is out of stock due to a huge sale they just had but if you were to pick up a Sentinel after Christmas you will never be let down by it.

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

This 12" sub is by far the best product for the money these days IMHO. You don't have to take my word for it. You can read here --> http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1187723

Happy Shopping!

 

[Tungsten06GT]

Ah man! Why do I always miss the good stuff after the fact?? That does seem like a very impressive sub though.

I do want to do this right the first time; I've learned my lesson before. I don't want to be saying, well maybe I should have gone the extra step...

 

[Matt34]

For that budget in that size of room, DIY would be your best option. It's going to be near impossible to find a commerical sub that will give you sub-20hz useable output in that room, on the budget you have outlined.

For something that is going to have the output needed and 25hz capablities, a pair of these would work very well. You can catch them on sale every once and while for $275.

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-770

 

[Tungsten06GT]

How does Dayton compare to other companies like SVS, HSU, or Epik?

 

[Matt34]

How does Dayton compare to other companies like SVS, HSU, or Epik?

Running two of these will lessen the load that an individual sub will see and you will have a more uniformed in-room FR. Plus the fact that they are 15" subs they will have the advantage in moving much more air than a comparable 12" sub.

The HSU VTF3.2 which I had was a good sub but when pushed hard there was noticable port noise, especially when one port was plugged when I had it set for the lower tune. The Epik's are getting great reviews but you will have to wait till after the New Year before you can even order one.

 

[Tungsten06GT]

I'm kind of looking to only have 1 sub. From what I've found, it seems like the HSU VTF-2 MK 3 and the SVS PB12-NSD are pretty similar, except for the fact that the SVS is front firing vs the downfiring of the HSU. How would either of these work out?

 

[Tungsten06GT]

Is the HSU VTF-3 MK 3 any different from the 3.2 which you mention? It actually seems like a pretty impressive sub...

 

[Matt34]

Is the HSU VTF-3 MK 3 any different from the 3.2 which you mention? It actually seems like a pretty impressive sub...

It's a bigger box and I think has a more powerful amp. Don't get me wrong, I had two of them and they are impressive! Run it with both ports open and you probably will never notice any port noise. Same with the SVS which is very comparable to the HSU 3.3.

 

[Tungsten06GT]

So, I'm basically going from listening to the speakers of my LCD to now a full blown 5.1 system. I'm sure whatever I get I will be happy with, but I'm just wondering at what point does the law of diminishing returns kick in? What price is the sweet spot for a quality sub? Is there anything out there that performs the same as the SVS and HSU, but for half the price?

Sorry if I have a lot of noob questions here...

 

[Matt34]

So, I'm basically going from listening to the speakers of my LCD to now a full blown 5.1 system. I'm sure whatever I get I will be happy with, but I'm just wondering at what point does the law of diminishing returns kick in? What price is the sweet spot for a quality sub? Is there anything out there that performs the same as the SVS and HSU, but for half the price?

Sorry if I have a lot of noob questions here...

Your not going to find anything half the price of the SVS/HSU that will sound as good.

The only other option I can think of is from Elemental Designs: A3-300

I believe the price is with shipping.

http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_41&products_id=102


Review:

http://www.highdefdiscnews.com/?p=17422

 

[Mister House]

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

Do it! lol

 

[Knucklehead90]

There is little difference between front firing and down firing subs that are equal in all other respects.

Elemental Designs make some pretty awesome subs too. Their cabinets are a bit less refined than some other brands - they put the money in the function and not in looks.

 

[Tungsten06GT]

Honestly, I am really considering this sub. The only downsides I see with it at this moment is that I won't be able to get it until after the new year, and it's $800! Which 800 isn't bad, but if I can get similar performance for around 5 to 600, I'd rather go that way. Ugh, I don't know! Tough decisions I know...

I seem to be now be tossing around SVS, HSU, ED, or Epik.. I guess all these companies make a similar product at certain price ranges, I just gotta decide.

 

[Mister House]

I seem to be now be tossing around SVS, HSU, ED, or Epik.. I guess all these companies make a similar product at certain price ranges, I just gotta decide.

As much as I am an Epik fan in all reality you can't go wrong with any of those companies you have listed. Take your pick of them. Maybe cabinet size or cabinet finish or color of woofer is the final decision but still you can't go wrong.

Let us know what you went with and how you love it after you get it.

 

[Jeff R.]

I know you mentioned that you did not want 2 subs. However you can swing dual Elemental Design A2-300's for $600 shipped. I run these in a room that is over 8000 cubic feet and they have incredible output.

 

[Tungsten06GT]

Hmm that is actually an interesting thought..

So, if my receiver is 7.1, how do I handle the connections (Pioneer 21txh)? Do I just get a y-splitter or do I need something else? Will quality of signal be degraded at all?