Looking for cheap subwoofer to get me by until upgrade

[DanH12]

I have a JBL Bass16 subwoofer and I am not happy with its performance. That and whether I connect the front speakers to the receiver or sub, voices in movies and games always sound muffled. When the front speakers are connected by themselves to the receiver and the sub is not connected, there are no muffled voices. It only has speaker level inputs so I connect it to my receiver with speaker wire to the front ports on the receiver. I think that connecting the subwoofer with speaker wire is part of the problem and that there would be no problem if it had an LFE/subwoofer in jack. The muffled voices drive me nuts. I do eventually want to get a very nice, quality subwoofer but don't have the money right now. I am really only looking to spend about $100 or slightly over that for a subwoofer that can perform better than what I have and that actually has a subwoofer in jack.

Where would you recommend I look to get a cheap subwoofer that will get me by until I upgrade. I see that Best Buy sells BIC America subwoofers for less than $150. Are those decent for the money?

 

[DanH12]

I should also add that my surround system is set up in an 1,100 cu. ft. retangular basement room. As far as cheap goes, I also saw that newegg is selling the Polk Audio PSW10 subwoofer for cheap and the energy S10 might be something to consider as well.

 

[Adam]

Hi. I couldn't find much on the Bass16 unit, but I see that it's powered with a variable crossover. Have you played around with adjusting the crossover? I ask because I've experienced issues with voices on computer systems in which the bass module was playing high enough frequencies to get into the voice range.

I've heard good things about the BIC America F12 subwoofer, and I also put faith in customer reviews (when there are a large number of them). I tend to check out Amazon.com, but Best Buy also has reviews posted. Polk subs tend to not be some of the stronger ones out there, but I have a friend with a low-end Polk from years ago ($100-$200ish) that he's happy with - and I thought it sounded really good in his home. The nice thing about Best Buy is that it's probably easier for you to audition it in your place and return it if you don't like it.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

hmmmm, I think I found your sub's rear panel image:

It tells me - most likely this sub was part of HTIB - it's in very unusual config - it is a powered sub, but doesn't have low level lfe input or crossover adjustment

Do you have the rest of the speakers which came with the kit or did you used sub with different speakers?

I think Energy S10 would serve you better, that said - you have a rectangular room - and it will be very hard to achieve great sound in such shaped room.. Sorry and best of luck to you

 

[Adam]

Thanks for posting the pic. I should have thought of doing that. I saw a page that listed a variable 50-150Hz crossover, but I can't see it anywhere on the plate amp. So, any of my comments related to the crossover might not apply ... until the OP gets a new sub.

 

[afterlife2]

Maybe this one:
Newegg.com - Energy S10.3 Subwoofer Each

 

[markw]

I just picked up one of these to replace my 14 year-old $500 Velodyne VA-1210 which suddenly died.

So far, considering the price, I'm very impressed. $200 on Amazon.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I just picked up one of these to replace my 14 year-old $500 Velodyne VA-1210 which suddenly died.

So far, considering the price, I'm very impressed. $200 on Amazon.

yea, $200 on amazon, but they might change you sales tax...
possibly better deal here: PROVANTAGE: Bic America F12 Formula F-12 12-inch 475 Watt Front-firing Powered Subwoofer

that said, Energy S10.3 might just be a better sub in your smaller room

 

[markw]

Maybe, maybe not.

yea, $200 on amazon, but they might change you sales tax...
possibly better deal here: PROVANTAGE: Bic America F12 Formula F-12 12-inch 475 Watt Front-firing Powered Subwoofer

that said, Energy S10.3 might just be a better sub in your smaller room

That sales tax gambit is a bit of a strew man. Are you suggesting they would not charge tax if legally required to? I live in Joisey and Amazon didn't charge me sales tax.

But, soon all internet sales will require state sales taxes be paid. It's only a matter of time. Large ebay sellers are already starting to feel the heat.

Anyhow, that $200 price I mention can be beat on Amazon by using other sellers listed there. That $200 included free shipping with Amazon Prime, which I have and highly recommend.

I just find being a member of Amazon Prime, at $80/year, too much of a bargain to pass up, what with free two day shipping on many purchases and free Amazon Prime Videos content on my TV via the internet. Heck, having this sub shipped for free almost paid for a year's membership right there.

Using Amazon as a search engine a much lower price can be found, but one must figure on additional shipping charges. For instance, buying from your site would add an additional $31 to New Jersey, and no guarantee of 2 day delivery.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

That sales tax gambit is a bit of a strAw man. Are you suggesting they would not charge tax if legally required to? I live in Joisey and Amazon didn't charge me sales tax.

But, soon all internet sales will require state sales taxes be paid. It's only a matter of time. Large ebay sellers are already starting to feel the heat.

Oh Dear,Relax Mark.
I wasn't recommending tax evasion, but what they say - penny saved = penny earned - I'll leave to OP to decide... PS: Law requires your to report purchases from other states even if reseller didn't charged you

Amazon prime can be of value, especially if one is interested in their video streaming services.... YMMV

Speaking of Amazon charging tax in state - this is not such great news for states at all - the condition to force to charge sales tax was that Amazon will get 5-10 years of tax benefits in this state - so it's free for them. In addition they will build local distribution centers to enable same-day delivery for cheap ... This is not good news for many local B&M retailers....


and Let me HIGHLIGHT This again - BIC F12 is powerful enough for the price, but not Energy S10.3 is better musical sub and better value for OP

 

[96cobra10101]

What about mono price subs? They're pretty cheap.

 

[ahblaza]

Oh Dear,Relax Mark.
I wasn't recommending tax evasion, but what they say - penny saved = penny earned - I'll leave to OP to decide... PS: Law requires your to report purchases from other states even if reseller didn't charged you

Amazon prime can be of value, especially if one is interested in their video streaming services.... YMMV

Speaking of Amazon charging tax in state - this is not such great news for states at all - the condition to force to charge sales tax was that Amazon will get 5-10 years of tax benefits in this state - so it's free for them. In addition they will build local distribution centers to enable same-day delivery for cheap ... This is not good news for many local B&M retailers....


and Let me HIGHLIGHT This again - BIC F12 is powerful enough for the price, but not Energy S10.3 is better musical sub and better value for OP

Almost everything from Amazon over $25 has free standard shipping, Amazon has announced that they will have a huge fulfillment and distribution center here in Pennsylvania that will offer same day delivery to PA residents, I don't know if sales tax will be charged. This will affect a lot of B&M stores in PA. for sure.

 

[ahblaza]

What about mono price subs? They're pretty cheap.

$117 delivered, I don't know? Do you mind telling us what speakers you are using?

 

[markw]

Almost everything from Amazon over $25 has free standard shipping, Amazon has announced that they will have a huge fulfillment and distribution center here in Pennsylvania that will offer same day delivery to PA residents, I don't know if sales tax will be charged. This will affect a lot of B&M stores in PA. for sure.

If the distribution is in another state, Amazon will not charge sales tax.

The way it works, if Amazon, or anyone for that matter, has a shipping facility in your state, you have to pay state tax, and that will be done via the merchant. So, when that distribution center goes live, Amazon will have to do some pretty good pricing because they will have to charge shipping AND sales tax. Unless Amazon, with shipping and tax, can come in lower than the local B&M, it may work to their benefit.

They are talking about setting up a shipping center here in Jersey and, when it goes on line, we'll have to pay sales tax and shipping* as well. As for reporting out of state purchases, when they find some way to require vendors to report their sales to every customer in every state to the state, then it'll happen. Right now, that's not a requirement. There is no means of tracking it. Tax preparers can ask, but if they don't say, there's no way for the state to know.

*Amazon Prime members can get free shipping from some merchants.

 

[Tomorrow]

I have an Energy ES8 that's all boxed up and ready to go if you're interested. I'd take 50 bucks plus actual shipping (~35 lbs.) from Oregon. It's in as-new condition. PM me if you're interested.

 

[BMXTRIX]

I think I would be very tempted to just throw a pair of these in the room.

Monoprice 12" Subwoofer

Two of them in the room would likely give a pretty good sound for not a lot of cash layout until something more substantial could be put in place.

 

[ahblaza]

If the distribution is in another state, Amazon will not charge sales tax.

The way it works, if Amazon, or anyone for that matter, has a shipping facility in your state, you have to pay state tax, and that will be done via the merchant. So, when that distribution center goes live, Amazon will have to do some pretty good pricing because they will have to charge shipping AND sales tax. Unless Amazon, with shipping and tax, can come in lower than the local B&M, it may work to their benefit.

They are talking about setting up a shipping center here in Jersey and, when it goes on line, we'll have to pay sales tax and shipping* as well. As for reporting out of state purchases, when they find some way to require vendors to report their sales to every customer in every state to the state, then it'll happen. Right now, that's not a requirement. There is no means of tracking it. Tax preparers can ask, but if they don't say, there's no way for the state to know.

*Amazon Prime members can get free shipping from some merchants.

Thanks Mark, why would Amazon have to charge shipping in my state, I understand the tax but like I said I've purchased many things from Amazon over $25 with free shipping, having a shipping facility in my state would seem to offer more reason to not charge shipping over $25 items. I've purchased items from B&M stores that also had ID sales, I've ordered online through them but only paid shipping and no sales tax...go figure. I agree that Prime pays for it self with as little as one purchase.

 

[ahblaza]

I think I would be very tempted to just throw a pair of these in the room.

Monoprice 12" Subwoofer

Two of them in the room would likely give a pretty good sound for not a lot of cash layout until something more substantial could be put in place.

I agree BMX, for the price and generous 30 day return policy, the OP really has nothing to lose. On the Monoprice site the sub seems to be discontinued but says back ordered?????????

 

[markw]

Shipping costs money, even if it's next door.

If you have Amazon Prime and you buy from Amazon (noted clearly on the face page), not just another vendor which is listed on Amazon, then 2 day shipping is free.

Even if you are a member of Amazon Prime and you buy from a dealer from other than Amazon, then they will charge you shipping.

Shipping charges, if any, are clearly listed with many products listed on Amazon.

As for policies, you have to take that up with the individual vendors.

All know is that I might pay a few bucks more to avail myself of free 2 dy shipping, overall I find the entire "prime" package worthwhile.

 

[ahblaza]

If you have Amazon Prime and you buy from Amazon (noted clearly on the face page), not just another vendor which is listed on Amazon, then 2 day shipping is free.

Even if you are a member of Amazon Prime and you buy from a dealer from other than Amazon, then they will charge you shipping.

Shipping charges, if any, are clearly listed with many products listed on Amazon.

As for policies, you have to take that up with the individual vendors.

All know is that I might pay a few bucks more to avail myself of free 2 dy shipping, overall I find the entire "prime" package worthwhile.

Thanks Mark, that clarifies all..........