$350 Budget Sub Help

[Buckweb]

I have a budget of up to $350. The sub will be strictly used for music (Hip-Hop and occasional Dubstep). I have a Denon 1613 receiver and a pair of Klipsch KB-15 speakers. I'm thinking about putting them either in my room, which is approximately 11.5 x 11.5 x 8, or possibly the living room which is 15 x 16 x 8 with an attached kitchen (I know there is quite a difference in space). I've been looking at getting the HSU STF-2, but I think that might have problems if placed in the larger space.

Please post suggestions. Thanks.

 

[Steve81]

Hi there Buckweb,

The Hsu STF-2 is a solid choice; it should handle either of your rooms reasonably well, although you have to keep in mind that it has limits. I'd imagine if nothing else, it should keep up just fine with the Klipsch KB-15s you've got. Here is an older, but still useful review to give you an idea of what it's capable of:

Hsu Research STF-2 Subwoofer Test & Review

One other sub off the top of my head that may be worth a look is the Klipsch RW-12D over at Newegg since it drops into the 300s every so often.

 

[Jeff R.]

How about at pair of these....Rate well and with dual you will have better in room response and better output....BIC F12 have been rated as a very good value for the $$.

PROVANTAGE: Bic America F12 Formula F-12 12-inch 475 Watt Front-firing Powered Subwoofer

 

[j_garcia]

How about at pair of these....Rate well and with dual you will have better in room response and better output....BIC F12 have been rated as a very good value for the $$.

PROVANTAGE: Bic America F12 Formula F-12 12-inch 475 Watt Front-firing Powered Subwoofer

That may net you more bass, but I doubt that two F12s are going to be better sound quality than the HSU. More isn't always better.

 

[Jeff R.]

However he does express concerns about the HSU not having enough output handle his large open space......so over driving the HSU to try and do something it can not do is not a great scenario either.

I listen to quite a bit of Hip Hop and Dubstep and the Dubstep really pushes the subs hard.....maybe harder than a most movies do. I am not sure how much clarity and tightly controled bass will matter in this style music.

 

[j_garcia]

At just $250 right now, I'll throw in the Cadence CSX-12 MkII. The room I had it in was 23x14 with a 20' angled ceiling and it did surprisingly well.

However he does express concerns about the HSU not having enough output handle his large open space......so over driving the HSU to try and do something it can not do is not a great scenario either.

Agreed, but the STF-2 should not have an issue even in the larger area mentioned IMO.

I listen to quite a bit of Hip Hop and Dubstep and the Dubstep really pushes the subs hard.....maybe harder than a most movies do. I am not sure how much clarity and tightly controled bass will matter in this style music.

Dubstep/D&B/Techno IMO are best suited to a good sub, so that's a different story I listen to a fair amount of electronica also.

 

[Transmaniacon]

You could take a look at the BIC PL-200. You can get it for $279 at AcousticSoundDesign and it is a solid performer.

 

[ImcLoud]

The bic subs are nice for the money, I feel they will make more bass, but the hsu will have high quality...
Its an old fashioned quality vs quantity......

 

[rnatalli]

The Epik Legend was selling for $399 + free shipping, but I believe they sold out. HSU would be my next choice.

 

[Buckweb]

Hi there Buckweb,

The Hsu STF-2 is a solid choice; it should handle either of your rooms reasonably well, although you have to keep in mind that it has limits. I'd imagine if nothing else, it should keep up just fine with the Klipsch KB-15s you've got. Here is an older, but still useful review to give you an idea of what it's capable of:

One other sub off the top of my head that may be worth a look is the Klipsch RW-12D over at Newegg since it drops into the 300s every so often.

In my situation would you get the HSU STF-2 or the RW-12D?

 

[Steve81]

In my situation would you get the HSU STF-2 or the RW-12D?

Depends. If you're looking to push the limits, the Klipsch should deliver a bit more output; OTOH, the Hsu has a stellar reputation when it comes to sound quality (not to imply that the Klipsch will sound bad by any means), and still offers quite a lot of output by most standards.