Small sub

[ParadigmDawg]

What's the smallest sub that I could find for my office system that would work with the A5's? Looking for extension around 35hz.
http://www.audioengineusa.com/tech_stuff_a5.php

 

[GlocksRock]

I'm sure someone could make you a DIY sub with either a 6.5" or 8" subwoofer that would sound great. JL Audio makes a 6W3V3, that would probably make for a great little sub.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Thinking $200-300.

Would prefer a non-DIY on this one. Unless someone wants to just make me a box.

I'm sure someone could make you a DIY sub with either a 6.5" or 8" subwoofer that would sound great. JL Audio makes a 6W3V3, that would probably make for a great little sub.

 

[Alex2507]

Matt had some cheap small sub solution that he was in love with.

 

[GlocksRock]

does parts-express sell prefab boxes for small subs? I have Klipsch promedia PC speakers and they both use a small 6.5" sub that sounds really good for what it is.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Maybe this one:
http://www.metroplextrading.com/p-3566-klipsch-sw-350-8-inch-350-watt-subwoofer-black.aspx
Its 8" and claims

FREQUENCY RESPONSE 31-120Hz +/-3dB

or this one:
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/stf-1.html

 

[sholling]

Depending on the layout of your office that sounds like it might be a job for a Hsu STF-1 (review), although the larger STF-2 is only $20 more. The problem that I ran into in my crowed home-office was placement. I found that placing a sub right next to my desk created a sound-wall effect with all of the bass reflected away from me. With limited remaining space I needed to place mine under a set of low shelves across the room and that location made down-firing impractical for me so I wound up going with front-firing/front-ported. In a corporate office it may also be impractical to have a rear bass port hammering a wall between you and the next office. If that's the case some of the small eD offerings might do the trick but they do bust the budget by $25-50 however that includes shipping.

 

[KEW]

I can recommend the Martin Logan Dynamo as a well built and musical sub. It is more articulate than my SVS SB12-plus.

I have yet to see anything to rival it for balancing SQ, cost, and compact size. It is essentially a 11.7" cube (plus amp control knobs and grill in the depth direction and legs in the height direction)

I gather you are looking for even smaller, but most of the suggestions so far are bigger boxes or about the same.

It is $450 shipped, and over your stated budget, but I thought I'd add it just in case.

 

[MatthewB.]

I mangaed to get a new DefTech Prosub 800 for 215.00 at Ultimate (overstock item) and it is very clean down to 38Hz before it starts to drop, it's -3db is at 34Hz, I use it on my center channel only down to 40Hz but gives room filling bass without distortion.

 

[WmAx]

If you have a cheap jigsaw to cut the hole for the driver and plate amp.....

I offer you 2 options (different prices - same SQ - just different LF extension and SPL) that can't be beat by any retail option.

OPTION 1
Parts Express cabinet, 1 cubic foot, pre-finished, $125:
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=302-800

CSS TRIO 8" driver with XBL motor and 13mm linear one way excrusion(the best 8" sub around until you go to TC or JL W7 units), $85:
http://www.creativesound.ca/products.php?make=CSS

300 Watt O Audio plate amp, $160:
http://www.oaudio.com/300W_SUBAMP.html

Use some 3" tubing to make a 18"-20" long port with a single 90 degree band to fit in the cabinet.

Response down to about 30Hz, practically speaking.

About $400 total estimated price with parts/accessories/shipping.

Where else can you get a 14" cubed small sub with this performance for $400? I have no clue....

OPTION 2 (Super-Econo)
BTW, you can also pull this off for about $200 if you don't need so much SPL and can make do with a little less extension. You can buy the Dayton 8" powered sub.
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-631

It has a good cabinet and amp. Discard the driver. Install the TRIO 8 driver and install the appropriate port tube(3" diameter x 17" L). You will still get in room output, very clean/hi fi, in the 105dB range(with corner placement) from about 40Hz on up. Use extra thick acoustic stuffing to have smooth response with no peaks in this small cabinet. Cabinet 11" x 14" x 15".

-Chris

 

[Davemcc]

I'm very impressed with my Era Sub8. It's tiny, like 14.5 x 12 x12.5 but it is an excellent performer for music listening with extension to 35Hz. It's not really in your budget but somehow I can't see you settling for something sub-par (pun intended). I think that you'll buy something cheap and upgrade at least twice before settling on something you find suitable for your tastes. Get the right one first.

Here's a pic of the Sub8 next to my PB12-Plus.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Can you just give me yours?

I'm very impressed with my Era Sub8. It's tiny, like 14.5 x 12 x12.5 but it is an excellent performer for music listening with extension to 35Hz. It's not really in your budget but somehow I can't see you settling for something sub-par (pun intended). I think that you'll buy something cheap and upgrade at least twice before settling on something you find suitable for your tastes. Get the right one first.

Here's a pic of the Sub8 next to my PB12-Plus.

 

[Davemcc]

Can you just give me yours?

Is your name Alex?

 

[ParadigmDawg]

It is if you will give me that sub.

What do they go for? Looks like there was a guy on Graig's List selling one for $250 but its gone.

Is your name Alex?

 

[Alex2507]

Is your name Alex?

I'm only thanking you on the off chance that you want to drop that off with me when they finally let you into this country so that you can try out some clam cakes and chowder. I know the best place for it too.

 

[Rickster71]

Costco has a small 8" sub on display for $99.00 I think it was an Energy, though not 100% sure.

EDIT: it's this one, but Costco version has a gloss black finish: http://www.energy-speakers.com/na-en/products/esw-8-specifications/
Saw it on display near me the other day. I'm pretty sure they all carry some of the same stuff. Cheap enough to get two.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

For 99 bucks, that may be the way to go.

Costco has a small 8" sub on display for $99.00 I think it was an Energy, though not 100% sure.

EDIT: it's this one, but Costco version has a gloss black finish: http://www.energy-speakers.com/na-en/products/esw-8-specifications/
Saw it on display near me the other day. I'm pretty sure they all carry some of the same stuff. Cheap enough to get two.

 

[STRONGBADF1]

Small & affordable. You'll have to reserch to see it the quality is good enough for your purpose.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001GON5CE/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_3?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000AOAEF2&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=019AKT8DXDGJS9TJXPC4

 

[Rickster71]

For 99 bucks, that may be the way to go.

They have a 90 return window too.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Good point. I have to run and do a lunch at a Doctor's office which happens to be down the street to a Costco. I will see if they have them here.

I only use the office system when I am working on reports or surfing the internet so I like they idea of going inexpensive.

They have a 90 return window too.