another help with sub choice

[tonedeaf]

Well,you folks helped me choose my speakers and receiver,now its time for the sub or subs.(my first system)
O.K.,room dimensions,basement rec room.Drywalled,drop ceiling,and paneling 3'up from floor,carpeted.
L-shaped.largest rectangular dimension,20'x11'6"x7'6"
small rectangular dimension,7'x6'x7'6".This smaller area has 3 doorways,2 of which have doors and can be closed.One is a travel through to another room.There are stairs in this area also.Door at the top that can be closed.Hall is approximately 4' wide by 6 1/2' high.
I would really like to keep the budget at around 800 or so.
Recommendations?I'm running infinty 362's,152's and c350 center,onkyo 807.
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Side note,SVS is 45 minutes from my home!
P.S. What is the difference between ported and sealed?

 

[shadyJ]

If you wanted to buy from SVS, the best thing to get in your budget is the PB12-NSD or PC12-NSD. Some other good subs in your budget are the Epik Empire, although shipping will bring it over your budget. Also look at the Elemental Designs A5-350. Hsu Research has the VTF3 mk3, and Outlaw Audio has the LFM-1 EX. These subs will rock your room, you can't go wrong with any of them.

 

[shadyJ]

By the way, the main difference between ported and sealed is ported subs will have a lot more output since both sides of the cone is moving air as opposed to the one side of a sealed design. Some feel that sealed subs have better sound quality, but that is a generalization. It might be true for cheap subs, but a well designed ported sub can sound as good as a sealed design. There are a lot of other trade-offs and advantages in each design, but that is pretty much the bottom line.

 

[sholling]

First read the information from the stickies. They explain the difference between sealed and ported and advantages and disadvantages. Both are good reads. There are lots of advantages and disadvantages but to keep it simple a sealed sub is smaller but requires more amplifier power to play loud/fill a room.

By my calculations you're space is roughly 2500cuft with all doors closed so you should be able to get something nice and stay within budget. What's I'd do after reading the stickies is speak with SVS (have a sketch with rough dimensions and openings ready) and have them size you a sub and then see if they will let you visit. I'd also contact Elemental Designs and ask about options (1 large sub vs 2 of their $400 subs), and contact Hsu Research about a VTF3 mk3.

Personally for movies I like something capable of dipping down to at least 20hz and with output to spare. It's just sweet feeling the sound of helicopter blades. Oh and if you decide on down firing subs I'd budget enough for a SubDude.

From the stickies:
Myths About Subwoofers
Subwoofer Terminology

 

[bread29]

I have an HSU VTF-3 MK3 paired with an MBM-12 and it rocks my home! The 3MK3 drops below 20hz and is very musical as well. My listening room is 3960 sqft with a large opening into the kitchen and it still does the job. My only other subwoofer has been a Klipsch, so I am biased toward HSU. Hope this helps and good luck!

 

[tonedeaf]

How about SVS's cylindrical subs,anyone own one,any listening experience/
Thanks,Len