Best Subwoofer for Klipsch Quintets?

[pbc]

Admittedly confusing specs. In the manual it says 200hz, everywhere else, 150hz. I think the amp has a cross over knob that permits a 40-150hz cross over. So I'm guessing the only way to defeat this is to use the speaker level connections instead of the line-in?

 

[Adam]

...heck this pos sony has a 28-200 range...

That there is a good example of needing the details on what those specs mean. I've seen Sony systems rated at +/- 10 dB, and others where there's no indication of what that means. The fact that something can be measured across that range doesn't mean that it has any real meaningful output to the edges.

Btw, you mentioned it sounding muddy. Have you run MCAAC? Also, do you have an SPL meter - and if so, have you measured the response in your room at different frequencies? I ask because poor performance can also be due to placement. I have what can only be considered a diminutive "sub" in the 2.1 computer speaker system - it used to sound horrible when I had it under my desk like the sub that I had before it, but once I moved it to the side of the desk, it started to sound really (really) good.

 

[malibumike]

That there is a good example of needing the details on what those specs mean. I've seen Sony systems rated at +/- 10 dB, and others where there's no indication of what that means. The fact that something can be measured across that range doesn't mean that it has any real meaningful output to the edges.

Btw, you mentioned it sounding muddy. Have you run MCAAC? Also, do you have an SPL meter - and if so, have you measured the response in your room at different frequencies? I ask because poor performance can also be due to placement. I have what can only be considered a diminutive "sub" in the 2.1 computer speaker system - it used to sound horrible when I had it under my desk like the sub that I had before it, but once I moved it to the side of the desk, it started to sound really (really) good.

I suppose muddy isn't the best description...i have run mcaac, moved the sub all over etc. It just doesnt have the punch, i'm looking for. the quintets are so crisp, i just think the sub is not a tight enough match for them. i've not used an spl meter.

 

[Adam]

Any way to go to $650? The SVS SB12-NSD will be fairly flat out to 200 Hz and go pretty low (especially once you add in room gain). Audioholics has a review of it here, including frequency response plots.

EDIT: Oops. The gloss black is $680.

 

[malibumike]

Any way to go to $650? The SVS SB12-NSD will be fairly flat out to 200 Hz and go pretty low (especially once you add in room gain). Audioholics has a review of it here, including frequency response plots.

EDIT: Oops. The gloss black is $680.

680 is too much unfortunately, i do appreciate the suggestion though. Piano black look is ideal as well.

 

[malibumike]

Here's another thought i had. upgrade the left and right channels to these, then i could set them to large in mcaac, could possibly buy a 120hz max sub because the 2 bookshelves would cover frequencies below 150hz?

http://m.bestbuy.com:80/m/e/product/detail.jsp?skuId=2138167&pid=1218310759891

 

[pbc]

Here's another thought i had. upgrade the left and right channels to these, then i could set them to large in mcaac, could possibly buy a 120hz max sub because the 2 bookshelves would cover frequencies below 150hz?

Klipsch - Icon 5-1/4" 2-Way Bookshelf Speakers (Pair) - KB-15 - Best Buy

You'd still have a center that is only capable to 120hz or so though. Is the matching center to these on sale?

 

[malibumike]

You'd still have a center that is only capable to 120hz or so though. Is the matching center to these on sale?

Ah, I didnt think of that.. center channel is not on sale.

 

[Adam]

What center channel do you have? I didn't see you mention one.

 

[malibumike]

What center channel do you have? I didn't see you mention one.

I have 2 sets of these...of course one of the center channels are not being used.

Quintet Home Theater System | Klipsch

 

[pbc]

I have 2 sets of these...of course one of the center channels are not being used.

Quintet Home Theater System | Klipsch

Almost bought a set of those for my father in law when he was looking (ended up with some Athena's). The quintets sounded pretty decent.

Surprised the CC is actually rated at 125hz vs 120hz for the L/R given the Center has two mid-range woofers vs 1.

 

[afterlife2]

I have these Icons and love them: Klipsch Icon VB-15 2 Way Home Theater Bookshelf Speakers (Pair) - Black 743878020519 | eBay
Center was on ebay last week gone now keep checking they are always there. Crisp dialogue and I've Tried JBL and Infinity centers and no match for them IMO: VC - 25 Center Speaker | Klipsch

 

[pbc]

Here is Arch's FR graph that he just sent me. Pretty good. I think you could safely cross your speakers at the top range of the sub's x-over (150hz).

The red line is the one to pay attention to. Get the Jamo, and use the $200 you've saved vs your budget to upgrade your front speakers, or another Jamo!

 

[Archaea]

^

The Jamo's a nice sub for the money. It'll play nice with your satellites crossed over at 150hz. It's not an SPL king, but it does things right in a smaller to mid sized room.

I don't think they'll be around much longer though. They seem to be selling out at the discontinued price pretty quickly. All it really seemed to take was a solid review to get them moving because they've been sale priced at several places since December 2011 timeframe and in stock at that price for 9 months. After they got a bit of press they are all sold out from two of the bargain places - Vanns, and WWS. PBC told me they were still on Amazon at $299 currently. I'd jump on it if interested --- you'll have a hard time finding another bargain sealed sub with solid 20hz (in room) performance for $300 in my experience.

The measurement PBC shared above is close mic FWIW.

 

[malibumike]

Thanks for taking the time to test the high end for me. You have all sold me on it. Just ordered one. Figured I will either upgrade my front soundstage or buy a second jamo after I have some time with it.

 

[malibumike]

Ordered 2, limited stock was making me nervous, lol. I'll have them both together on wed. I will take plenty of photos. I'm freakin pumped!

 

[afterlife2]

I'm glad you did look at the price now: Amazon.com: Jamo SUB650 650W Closed Subwoofer (Black Ash): Electronics

 

[malibumike]

I'm glad you did look at the price now: Amazon.com: Jamo SUB650 650W Closed Subwoofer (Black Ash): Electronics

Noticed that too, makes me feel all warm inside for getting them @299/pc.

 

[malibumike]

Received my subs last night. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to spend much time with them before having to leave. First impression is great though. They definitely sound like a big upgrade from my previous subwoofer. Definitely less boomy, and have already heard sounds that were missing before.

Build quality is better than I had expected. Though if I had to nitpick I noticed the led gain on one of the subs is much more resistant to turn than on the other - which is smooth. I also noticed one sub auto shuts off 30 seconds or so after the other (I've never had that feature on a sub, so that might be normal)...again, nit picking.

I have not ran MCACC yet, or played around with the phase or boundary gain on the sub. Maybe someone can suggest how I should set these?

Looking forward to playing around more tomorrow, will take some pics, and hopefully have them posted by the end of this week.

 

[malibumike]