100% Music Sub, 2500 cu ft, ~$500, ported or sealed?

[JMath]

I tried to be as explicit as possible in the title. I'm looking for some advice on whether I should stick to the "sealed sub for music" line of thought, considering my room size and budget.

Budget: $500 (this is really on my high end, but I realize this is entry-level for a real sub)
Use: 100% music (ok, maybe a tiny bit of HT down the road, but don't want to spec for that whatsoever)
Room size: ~2500 cu ft.
Pairing with: Audioengine A5+s
Requirements: Must have R+L line level inputs to pair with the A5s (so HSU STF-1 and 2 are out)

My concern is that a sealed sub at this price point will not be adequate for my room size. But what is more important, getting a sealed sub for better musicality, or getting a ported sub to properly fill the room?

The SVS SB-1000 ($499) is probably my top choice right now for a sealed sub, but doesn't seem to match my room size. Maybe I should go for one of the HSU VTFs? What do you think?

 

[shadyJ]

I would go for the Outlaw Audio LFM-1 EX, on sale for $600 shipped at the moment until fathers day. It will have a lot more output and a lot less distortion and compression than the SB1000, especially if run in two port mode. It is a large sub though, so make sure you have the room for it.

 

[Sheep]

What is the room setup? Audioengine speakers are for nearfiled use, you could incorporate a subwoofer the same way. It won't have to be as big if it's right in front of you. I have Mackie MR5 monitors on my computer and they don't need a subwoofer for non critical listening (I actually haven't used them since I moved out). If this is for a computer/mixing setup, I would see if there is something with Balanced inputs and outputs available (if you are using it for that, you'll end up getting real monitors with XLR/TRS inputs. KRK makes studio subwoofers, not sure on the price or performance though. Also, audioengine makes their own as well.

10s Subwoofer KRK SYSTEMS

S8B Powered Subwoofer

SheepStar

 

[JMath]

Thanks for the replies. The listening environment is my living room which is basically combined with my kitchen, one big room (hence the 2500 cu ft). I listen to the speakers both nearfield on the couch and more toward the back of the room (kitchen). So I guess I am kinda in a bind here. The Outlaw Audio LFM-1 EX is just too big, and Audioengine sub I have not heard anything good about. I think I may just pick up the SB-1000 and upgrade using their free return if I feel it is necessary.

 

[j_garcia]

VTF-2 is a 12" sub and variable tune, so you could tune for output and likely it will handle the room better than the 10" SB-1000. Note too that the LFM-1EX is basically an older variant of the HSU VTF-3. The SB-1000 may push the limits in a room that size, but I'd ask SVS that question directly.

 

[rnatalli]

Just a correction, the SB-1000 is 12".

 

[3db]

I would also look at the Rythmik LV-12R which allows you choose between three Q settings so you can optimize it for music or HT. I have my optimized for HT but even in that mode, it sounds really good for music.