Advice on Sub specs

[xxDrWhamxxx]

My first post to the site, yay!
I am seeking feedback on which sub would be best suited for my application.
I have 2 subwoofers - the specs are as follows:

Sub # 1 -
8" Bass Reflex Driver in Band Pass type enclosure,rear firing.
Freq response 35hz-200hz adjustable.
50W RMS min @ 8 ohms 45hz-150hz <1%THD.
Power Consumption 40W (Humm really?).
Normal/Reverse Phase capability.
Speaker Level (3V/4.4k ohm) or Line (.3V/50k ohm) input capable.
L/R output for additional speaker connection, appears to be 50W 8 ohms 1%THD @ 60hz capable but I'm not sure on the actual specs on the speaker out terminals, the manual isn't clear.

Sub #2 -
8" Bass Reflex Driver in Standard Enclosure, down Firing.
Freq response 50hz-250hz, adjustable.
60W RMS @ 8 ohms.
Speaker or Line level inputs.

Sub #2 is New, I have not actually received the product yet so I am unsure of the remaining specs.
Sub #1 is approximately 14 years old, one of the first pcs of audio equipment I invested in long ago, but it is still in "like new" condition, both cosmetically and in performance, I have it connected to my Sony 5.1 rec and it sounds fine to me.

What I am trying to decide is which to keep and which to give to a friend in need of a sub. Sometimes "new aint always better", so I've heard. I figure I might be able to determine by the specs which one may be the better choice, with a little help from this forum
I guess the smartest thing to do is wait until I recieve the new sub and simply compare the 2, but I would like to give my friend one sooner due to vacation timing.....
BTW - My application is predominately gaming, in my small "man cave" - Sony 5.1 STRDH510, Sony Surround and Center, Aiwa (small) L/R Cabinets, Xbox360, PS3, Vizio 42"120hz LCD, 1 comfy swivel rocker w/storage ottoman, several gaming posters and 1 personally autographed photo and movie from the "Full Metal Jacket" man himself, R. Lee Ermy

Any thoughts on the subject?

 

[j_garcia]

I'd give up the older sub Neither has specs that would make one seem significantly better than the other, so I'd be inclined to keep the newer one. Band Pass subs generally aren't so great either, so it seems like a win-win.

 

[xxDrWhamxxx]

Thx

Thanx for the reply. That's something I wasn't too sure on - The Band Pass vs. down firing. Your right, the specs seem really close, I figure the differences would actually be the enclosure and the fact that one has a lower response (35hz) than the other, both of which would not likely be a big deal.
Next Question:
Would the down firing possibly give me a tighter bass sound than the band pass. I'm guessing maybe, since my room is carpet over a wood floor, a bit more acoustical dispersion in the floor I guess? (Is that the right term to use?)

 

[j_garcia]

Better sound is going to depend entirely on the quality of the sub itself - driver, design, amp, etc... so it is hard to tell just comparing the specs. I'd listen to them both once the new one comes in and let that be the deciding factor