AV123 Rocket ULW-10 vs. Energy 1 S10.3

[cdye]

I'm looking at piecing together something similar to the recommended $5k system, and I'm looking for advice on the subwoofer.

Although the Rocket ULW-10 (350W) is recommended, a local installer has a package that includes the Energy 1 S10.3 (800 W/200 RMS) speakers for $500.

I think I've read Energy is a good brand, but given the 800 W vs. 350 W, shouldn't I just go with the 800 W subwoofer? I know Watts aren't anything, but it just seems like I'm missing something.

FWIW, I'm also plan on getting the Yamaha V2600 receiver and the recommended Axiom Audio front speakers.

Thanks for your help.

 

[Jack Dotson]

I don't have experience with either, but I just wanted to chime in (sorry don't meant to steal your thread) as I've also been very interested in the Rocket and would very much like to hear from some owners.

 

[Sheep]

I have alot of experience with the Energy S10.3, but none with the Rocket.

Its a decent subwoofer with good output to 25Hz and below. I compared it to the Velodyne DLS5000R(15incher), and thought it was much tighter, and went just as low. The velodyne had more output, but The Energy was the clean winner in "clean" sound.

SheepStar

 

[kia303]

My opinion, please note that I do not bash other companies because this is a very subjective hobby. I own two UFW-10's and they are tight and of great build quality with a real wood veneer, that may not matter to you. I have heard the ULW-10 and although it is not a UFW it is quite good and has the same build quality.

Now as to your question about the watts, the amp on the Energy is a 200W amp, the 800W claim is not the actual continuous wattage, but the dynamic peak of the amp, please forgive me if you already knew this. Most manufacturer's, AFAIK, do not list the dynamic peak of the subs amps. I have never heard the Energy sub so therefore I can not comment on how low it can go or how good the bass sounds, Energy does claim it can go down to 21Hz which is lower than the ULW-10, 26Hz.

Where I am confused is the comment you made about the package that the installer has, what speakers are coming with the Energy sub for $500? If it is the TAKE system, then $500 for the sub and the satellite's seems like a pretty good price, MSRP on the sub alone is $500. The ULW-10 will cost you around $399, family pricing IIRC, so for the $500 you quote for the package from the installer you will be getting speakers and a sub? Like I said, part of your post was a little confusing to me so I am sorry if I misunderstood.

To conclude the ULW will not go as low, it has a higher rating for the amp at 350W(continuous) and is finished in a real wood veneer. The Energy can go lower, I assume has a vinyl finish and is 200W(continuous). The review(Home Theater) I read about the Energy claims some boominess was detected and it weighs about five pounds less than the ULW-10. The ULW-10 won a "Best of 2005" from Audioholics and their test claims a flat response down to 24Hz. If you were comparing the ULW-10 to the SVS PB10-ISD then I would say it would be a tougher call for me to make, I do not think that the Energy sub is in the same class as the ULW-10. If the installer is willing to offer a 30 day return then you could always grab both of them and decide for yourself. If you do not like the ULW-10 then you are out your shipping costs. Good luck and happy shopping.

 

[kia303]

I was typing while Sheep was posting his impressions of the Energy, there are two different impressions for you. He has heard the Energy and I have heard the ULW, the ULW is also a clean and tight sounding sub and very musical.

 

[Sheep]

I was typing while Sheep was posting his impressions of the Energy, there are two different impressions for you. He has heard the Energy and I have heard the ULW, the ULW is also a clean and tight sounding sub and very musical.

Yeah, I have never heard the ULW, but I would assume its a great sub. The Energy isn't the tightest sub, but its good for the $$.

SheepStar

 

[silversurfer]

Doesn't the ULW-10 also come with a 1-channel auto para EQ?

 

[gene]

The Rocket ULW-10 is a hard sub to beat for the money. It has commendable performance, awesome cosmetics/build quality, and a useful single band PEQ.

Rocket ULW-10 Review

 

[cdye]

Excellent responses, everyone. . . and thank you for the VERY detailed response, Kia.

I really know almost nothing about home theater setups. To quickly recap my history, I've been thinking about buying surround sound speakers for about a year, but never got serious about it. I have a nice big TV (61" LCD projection) that has *waits for group to throw things at me* decent sound from the TV speakers.

My wife and I finally decided to get a surround sound system in December. I started by shopping for wireless HTIB (Sony FX100W) mainly because we didn't want to deal with wiring rear speakers. After reading reviews and stopping by a local (Tampa) Bose store and listening to the demo, my wife wanted a Bose Lifestyle. Oh man, were they good at marketing towards women (no offense to anyone out here). . .

After looking at the pricetag of the Bose, I figured I'd search for something better for less money. After talking with a friend at work, he recommended this site, so here I am!

Regarding the package, the local rep is selling the subwoofer alone for $500. He was kind enough to itemize for me.

I did know that Watts can really just be used as a marketing gimmick, but I didn't know how to tell the difference. From your post, it looks like I should be looking at "continuous wattage", which I did not see when looking for details on either website. . . but I will check them.

Thanks again for all of your help. You all are great!

 

[Jack Dotson]

I was typing while Sheep was posting his impressions of the Energy, there are two different impressions for you. He has heard the Energy and I have heard the ULW, the ULW is also a clean and tight sounding sub and very musical.

Good to hear from someone who owns a set of the UFW-10's. I'm kicking around the idea of replacing my SVS20-39PCi with a pair of these. The SVS is an awesome HT sub for sure, but I'm just not getting the tight/detailed performance I want for music.

Have a few questions and hope you, or someone can help.

I measured my main speakers (Veritas 2.3i) in-room frequency repsonse from my listening position, using warble tones and a RS meter (readings include compensation for meter error utilizing chart from SVS website):

1K=75db, 200Hz=87.5, 125=88.5, 100=88, 80=78.5, 63=79.5, 50=78.5, 40=88.5, 31.5=85, 25=79, 20=80.

As you can see I've got a serious notch from 50-80Hz. Good news is my main speakers have good in-room extension to about 30Hz. When I found this I took some quick measurments of just my sub, and then with my sub and main speakers with 80Hz crossover. Still had notch, so it appears to be a characteristic of my room.

I see the UFW-10's have the single EQ and I was curious if you've had a chance to experiment with it. If so, do you think it could resolve my issue?

I'm also a bit concerned with the output of the 10. I know they have a pretty beefy amp, but sealed enclosures also tend to be less efficient. Have you felt they are limited in overall output capabilites?

 

[kia303]

I am not sure if the single band EQ will eliminate your problem but it certainly can not hurt. I think you might be better off ordering RDES with the Subs or try it with your SVS. I owned a 25-31pci before the UFW-10's, I am happy with my decision to go with the dual 10's. They will not go as low as the SVS, but I have never felt that they were limited and I absolutley love them for 2.1 channel music. I have gone back and forth between selling my dual 10's and ordering a UFW-12 but I am not so sure if that is an upgrade for me!