Subwoofer Recommendation: Yam SW315 vs Klipsch KSW-10

[royboy]

Hello,

I am trying to complete an entry level HT and gaming setup. I purchased some Klipsch Quintet III's, and I am thinking about purchasing the Yamaha Rx-765.

I would like a subwoofer recommendation:

• Yamaha SW315
• Klipsch KSW-10
• Other recommendation

My room is 9'L x 8'W x 10'H, and my budget could go up to $300. If you make a recommendation, please provide a reason that contrasts well with the other options. (E.G. Yamaha's subwoofer is magnetically shielded, whereas most in this price range are not - including the Klipsch KSW-10) or (The Klipsch has data on sensitivity, which is important in deciding a subwoofer - whereas the Yamaha does not, making the Yamaha a questionable buy.)

I prefer listening to techno with tight bass, and movies/video games - so boomy isn't on the menu. Thank you so much for your assistance. Your opinion will be greatly appreciated.

-Mike

 

[jostenmeat]

I prefer listening to techno with tight bass, and movies/video games - so boomy isn't on the menu. Thank you so much for your assistance. Your opinion will be greatly appreciated.

-Mike

Coming from someone who has never built a speaker or sub:

1. You want to build your own. At this budget anyways. If impossible, maybe a Dayton, or some pre-fabbed kit.

2. Where you place the thing. Google and/or search AH for "crawl for bass". IOW, put the sub AT the LP, and crawl around! Where it sounds best is the right spot.

3. Where you sit as well. If you are up against a wall, well, you are against a wall, figuratively, as far as SQ.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

jm is right,
also this sub is a good option for you:
http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_41&products_id=406

 

[royboy]

Realm of possibilities....

Thank you for the replies, gentlemen.

I have difficulty considering building a sub for 2 reasons: 1) Now introduced is a much higher permutation of possibilities - which sub will I buy? which box will I buy? how will I wire it? how will I seal it? should I pack it with insulation? At $300, I don't have room to buy box after box, trying to get that right sound. 2) In the end, with as little experience I have listening to subs, I just wouldn't know if the result would sound as good as say, the Klipsch sub I mentioned.

The Elemental Design sub looks like a great quality sub, maybe even too much sound for my little room. I am very impressed with how low the frequency goes. However, I might ask one question: what justifies the additional $135 OVER the Yamaha or Klipsch I mentioned? Contrasting qualities assists me in aligning my priorities. Are you basing your recommendation on experience? Have you experienced the other two manufacturer's subs?

Finally, thanks for the great tips on how to locate my sub for optimal quality. I will certainly take that into consideration. Please offer any more opinions you feel may help me; they will be appreciated.

-Mike

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

First of all, Sub should cost at least as much as 3/4 of cost of rest of speakers combined.
Both Klipsch is nice little sub for very small rooms, but it wont provide you with real tactile response, you know "gut punching"/"skin shivering" effects.
Yamaha's FR - 20 - 160 Hz (-10 dB) - doesn't encourage much confidence and without T/L graphs we can only imagine what's it's real (+/- 3b) FR response would be. Both are nice,


But, eD is in completely different class - It is guaranteed to be your best value/SQ for the money if you aren't afraid of three things - 58lb shipping weight, it's size: W:13.75",H:13.75",D:24.5" and last but not least - disturbing neighbors...

It's like comparing 1/4 mile runs of Civic and Mustang GT (both stock)

 

[anamorphic96]

Neither of the subs listed would be my first choice. Both will only get to the mid 30hz range the fall off quickly.

For that size room the HSU STF-1 is the sub I would suggest. It's a tad over budget with tax and shipping. But for your kind of music it will be nice tight, and clean sounding sub with solid output to 25hz. The specs say 32hz but it's a gentle roll off.

Magnetic shielding is not really useful anymore since most people don't have the sub close enough to tv's to cause an issue, and with LCD tv's its not an issue.

Most if not all subs have an auto on/off feature.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

*cough* eD A2-250 FR: 18-100Hz +/-3dB *cough*

 

[royboy]

I think we're on the right track

Gentlemen,

Thank you very much for this information. Thanks to you, I'm now discovering the build-to-order internet companies that specialize in subwoofer design. I'd heard quiet whisperings of SVS, Hsu, and eD in forums but couldn't distinguish these companies from the hype.

At this point, I'm seriously considering bringing my budget up to $350 dollars. It appears that Hsu and eD have a variety of subwoofers that look appealing.

Before I decide, I would like to know if there is any downside in upgrading from an 8inch to a 10inch driver when I live in a place where, right now, I couldn't benefit from the volume increase. Does driving large speakers at lesser volume bring SQ down? Will I perceive higher distortion as a result of having a large 10inch in a room more appropriate for an 8 inch? (I don't plan to be in this apartment much longer, hence the upgrade consideration.)

Thank you for your assistance, I believe you've helped me make my sound system 10x better than it would have been.

-Mike