Sub Shopping, I would love some input!

[headcheese_bbq]

I'm currently shopping for a new sub for the HT/music system, and should perform both functions well. I prefer a tight fast sub for music. The room I'm in is somewhat small, 15x12, so not sure if a full size is a good idea, for footprint and overbearance being potential issues. I've been shopping svs, hsu, ED, but I need input to push me to make a decision, I'm so indecisive!
Thanks in advance!!

 

[sholling]

Is that the total size or does that room open into another space? What's the ceiling height? Assuming that's the total room size and an 8' ceiling that's only 1440cuft. I seriously considered an eD A5s-300 but it wasn't quite enough sub for my 3000cuft room and I didn't have room for two. SVS's 12" sealed sub is rated for up to about 2400cuft and might be good option as well. I wound up picking the Hsu ULS-15 for my room (15-200hz +/- 1db).

If your total space is much larger than 3000cuft I'd consider a ported sub or multiple subs.

 

[headcheese_bbq]

Well it does open into the "kitchenette", its a listening cubby of sorts. Yes 8ft ceilings is correct. Although I running large front speaks (wharfe's diamond 9.6), I just want to make sure the bass remains extremely tight and not boomy in this smallish room.

 

[sholling]

Then you need to include the kitchenette in your room size calculations.

Boominess isn't simply a matter of sub output. Most of it has to do with sub quality, sub-placement, and the room itself. For example my family room has a bit of an odd shape and I had to install a pair of bass traps. I no longer have any boominess in that room, just tons of good clean bass on tap when the material calls for it.

The nice thing about big powerful subwoofers is that you can always turn down the sub's volume. Other than adding a second sub there is no way to turn up a too small sub past 100%.

It doesn't look like Wharfedale publishes detailed frequency response specs for that speaker (28-24k -6db) but I think I'd set them as small and set crossover at 60 or even 80hz.

BTW if you're in an apartment or condo you'll want to keep neighbors in mind when selecting a sub. For example I wouldn't want a rear base port hammering a shared wall and I would probably avoid down firing subs if I had somebody below me. I'd also plan on using a SubDude.

 

[jamie2112]

I am really digging the ED subs myself.I have only heard 2 but the were both super fast and very tight and controlled.Just my 2 cents..........good luck with your purchase.

 

[headcheese_bbq]

Neighbors aren't an issue, I live in the cuts. Has anyone heard the Emo ultra 12's? They are down from 599.99 to 359.00 OTD right now....

 

[krzywica]

Neighbors aren't an issue, I live in the cuts. Has anyone heard the Emo ultra 12's? They are down from 599.99 to 359.00 OTD right now....

I haven't heard them but I have a friend that just got one and he is blown away with it for the price.

 

[Davemcc]

I've been pretty impressed with my Hsu. Your room is about the size of mine so I suggest the VTF-2 would give you all the quality you want but still rock that room.

On the other hand, I've heard some of the early prototype Emo subs and was quite impressed. Their new offerings may be worth looking into as well.

 

[krzywica]

I've been pretty impressed with my Hsu. Your room is about the size of mine so I suggest the VTF-2 would give you all the quality you want but still rock that room.

On the other hand, I've heard some of the early prototype Emo subs and was quite impressed. Their new offerings may be worth looking into as well.

Yeah I love my HSU as its excellent for both music and movies....but it would be quite a but more expensive than the Emo's at there current discounted prices.

 

[sholling]

Neighbors aren't an issue, I live in the cuts. Has anyone heard the Emo ultra 12's? They are down from 599.99 to 359.00 OTD right now....

I considered them but they are brand new and the specs didn't impress me. But the price is pretty good.

 

[headcheese_bbq]

Pulled the trigger on an Emotiva Ultra 12. I'll be sure to let everyone know how it sounds in my room.

The specs are actually pretty good on this sub, woofer has a die cast aluminum frame, para-aramid blended fiber cones, cross bracing, 300w RMS, 500w peak, xlr inputs.

 

[Stripes]

I considered them but they are brand new and the specs didn't impress me. But the price is pretty good.

Two of the Ultra 12's wooped my ULS's a** , maybe they dont dig down in the sub 20hz but I cant tell that by listening, they are so much stronger in the midbass than the ULS. The ULS also would show its limits and bottom out on me when pushed hard, the Ultra's have shown none of that. The only advantage I found my ULS had was to be a slight bit more musical. But when you look at the price comparison the Ultra's blow the ULS out of the water.