Best small sub help

[ematthews]

I had the Rythmik f12 sub and thought it was great but it was really big. I am looking for a small sub for my 2.1 music only system. It should be sealed and can be passive or powered. Any suggestions?

 

[WaynePflughaupt]

If you want something small that probably limits you to an 8- or 10-inch sub. Ordinarily I wouldn’t recommend an 8-inch sub, but Audioholics gave the Velodyne MiniVee a stellar review. It got down to 30 Hz (40 Hz is more common for 8-inchers) and the reviewer said it sounded great.

If you don’t mind used, you might look into Velodyne’s SPL-8 or SPL-10. I’m using the latter with my computer and like it a lot, especially the small size. There were also SPL-800 and -1000 versions, as well as the “R” version that came with measurement mics and room correction. None of these were cheap when new, you can get good deals on them used.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt

 

[rojo]

I had the Rythmik f12 sub and thought it was great but it was really big. I am looking for a small sub for my 2.1 music only system. It should be sealed and can be passive or powered. Any suggestions?

The CSS SDX10 models well in this sealed box. According to WinISD it'll do about 92dB at 16Hz in that config, around 106dB between 49-72Hz, and it has a Q of 0.7. Pair it with this amp and you even get a remote control. (You'll hit Xmax with more power than that, so the traditionally recommended Crown amp or similar would be overkill and wouldn't give you the cool remote control.)

If you're looking for something already made, Golden Ear and JL Audio come to mind as offering a big bang in a small package. There's also the Hsu VTF-1 MK2 which is fairly diminutive, as well as the SVS SB-1000.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

This is what I'm thinking. You owned the Rythmik F12, which is considered an excellent subwoofer already.

So if you are going to "replace" it, I think you might look for something different, not another equivalent smaller size sub.

Another point you might discuss is the sealed vs ported design. The myth that sealed subs are somehow "tighter" or more "musical" is really just a myth. Look at the bass from the Revel Salon2. It is ported, yet tight and musical like any sealed system. I think in some cases "tighter" and "musical" might be confused with "less bass"; turn down the bass and all of the sudden it's tighter and more musical.

 

[Steve81]

As far as small subs go, the SVS SB-1000 comes to mind. The cabinet is just a 13" cube, which undercuts the F12 a bit, though still not quite at the size class of the Minivee:

Rythmik F12: 15.75" W x 15.75"H x 18.5"D (w/ grill)
SVS SB1000: 13.5"H x 13"W x 14"D (w/ grill, feet, and amp)
Velodyne Minivee: 10.9"H x 10.4"W x 12.8"D

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Another idea is to have Nathan Funk build you a custom sealed sub. You could tell him the dimensions you want and whether you want it to be powered internally or externally.

What size were you thinking?

 

[crossedover]

This Energy sub also performs well http://www.energy-speakers.com/subwoofers/?sku=ESW-M8, however if your pairing with your RBHs I'd recommend a Salk rythmik combo with passive radiators.

 

[j_garcia]

SB-1000? 13" cube.

http://www.svsound.com/subwoofers/sealed-box/sb-1000

*edit - saw that Steve recommended that too. That's probably what I'd go with.

 

[Sheep]

I have the Velodyne SPL-800, it's a good little subwoofer. Only problem is the price tag relative to SB-1000s and other small subwoofers. I'm finding in my new theater room, with my couch sitting closer to the center of the room then rear (nothing I can do about it, bar gets in the way) the lower end output is lacking (room is 17x12 or so). In the corners and the general hot spots it's okay, but I think an SB-1000 would be a better choice, and get a couple of them for the same price.

SheepStar

 

[ematthews]

This is what I'm thinking. You owned the Rythmik F12, which is considered an excellent subwoofer already.

So if you are going to "replace" it, I think you might look for something different, not another equivalent smaller size sub.

Another point you might discuss is the sealed vs ported design. The myth that sealed subs are somehow "tighter" or more "musical" is really just a myth. Look at the bass from the Revel Salon2. It is ported, yet tight and musical like any sealed system. I think in some cases "tighter" and "musical" might be confused with "less bass"; turn down the bass and all of the sudden it's tighter and more musical.

I hear ya.... The Rythmik never seemed to get loud enough for my taste. I was being told hey it's more accurate and no lingering grey matter.. Well, I guess I like a little more boom to my music. Tight but deep and something I can feel.

 

[ematthews]

Another idea is to have Nathan Funk build you a custom sealed sub. You could tell him the dimensions you want and whether you want it to be powered internally or externally.

What size were you thinking?

To be honest. I love the way my Martin logan sits in a corner. You can hide it and it looks like the shape of an old stop light. These shape fit much better in my small room. The Rythmik was a huge end table.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

To be honest. I love the way my Martin logan sits in a corner. You can hide it and it looks like the shape of an old stop light. These shape fit much better in my small room. The Rythmik was a huge end table.

So does the Martin Logan sub sound good enough? Do you need another sub?

 

[ematthews]

ML sounds good but it's my HT sub in the other room. I use it in here at times when I am board and want to play around. It's a little loose but is also about 8 years old..