B&W ASW 825 vs ASW750

[josko]

Could somebody explain the difference between thewse two, other than the 'Rohacell' driver in the 825 and paper/kevlar in the 750? The specs seem identical.
I' m looking for a subwoofer to match a set of 803's (front), 805S (rear) and Htm4 (center). B&W says the ASW825 is the 'timbre-matched' subwoofer for that system, but I'm wondering what I'd give up by choosing the less expensive ASW750. I had a chance to compare them briefly, and really couldn't tell the difference.

I'm most interested in high quality music reproduction. I understand both above units are pretty accurate (vs. boomy) but still, should I be looking at a servo-controlled sub, such as a Velodyne DD. How would the velodyne DD-12 compare to either of the above? (I realize it's more expensive.)

Are there other subs I should be looking at to match the above speakers? Thanks in advance

 

[lsiberian]

Could somebody explain the difference between thewse two, other than the 'Rohacell' driver in the 825 and paper/kevlar in the 750? The specs seem identical.
I' m looking for a subwoofer to match a set of 803's (front), 805S (rear) and Htm4 (center). B&W says the ASW825 is the 'timbre-matched' subwoofer for that system, but I'm wondering what I'd give up by choosing the less expensive ASW750. I had a chance to compare them briefly, and really couldn't tell the difference.

I'm most interested in high quality music reproduction. I understand both above units are pretty accurate (vs. boomy) but still, should I be looking at a servo-controlled sub, such as a Velodyne DD. How would the velodyne DD-12 compare to either of the above? (I realize it's more expensive.)

Are there other subs I should be looking at to match the above speakers? Thanks in advance

I must say that I'm not impressed with the B&W subs I've heard. And I must caustion you against going with their subs.

SVS, HSU, Velodyne, JL Audio, Danley Sound Labs, JTR, Epik are among the best commercially available subs out there.

I've heard the 700 series bookshelves and they are amazing, but the subs are not in the same class. In fact they seem not to be the masters of bass in my opinion.

 

[josko]

Thanks for the heads-up. I went back, and the dealer carried only Velodyne among those on your list. I did like the Velodyne DD-15 and may well end up buying it instead.

I'd really like to hear the other units, but can't find dealer who carries them AND the B&W 800 line, so I can hear them together. Which brings up a point of how do folks audition subwoofers? I can't seem to gain much by listening to a subwoofer just by itself.
How prevalent is in-home auditioning? Do any of those makers offer in-home tryouts? I wouldn't mind springing for two-way shipping if I end up with the right unit.
What's the best way to find 'the perfect subwoofer'?

 

[chris357]

I'm the least educated guy on this site so my explanation is going to be non technical and probably filled with holes.. that said..

a sub is doing pretty much one thing.. adding low end effects. If you buy any of the brands on that list you will probably be happy as they are all really good.

alot of these companies are internet direct so I'm sure they have some sort of return policy but paying 2 way shipping on a 100 pound sub could get costly and eat into your actual sub budget.

so I suggest just combing the forums reading reviews I know this subject comes up daily on here so just read through old posts on what people say about there subs they own and use that to lead you in the right direction.

on a side note Epik is located near where I live so thats kinda cool and makes me like them a little more

 

[nibhaz]

I must say that I'm not impressed with the B&W subs I've heard. And I must caustion you against going with their subs.

SVS, HSU, Velodyne, JL Audio, Danley Sound Labs, JTR, Epik are among the best commercially available subs out there.

I've heard the 700 series bookshelves and they are amazing, but the subs are not in the same class. In fact they seem not to be the masters of bass in my opinion.

+1 QTF

B&W subs are okay, but defiantly not worth their asking price!

Just follow Isiberian's list and you won’t go wrong.