Best sub I can get for 200$ or under?

[Mkilbride]

So I planned to get the Energy Take Classic 5.1's, but I found I could get the Energy Take Classic's by themeslves...for about 180$ less, without the sub, that is.



So I figured about 180-200$, to bring it to the price I was going to pay. Can find a better sub than the one that comes with it, no?

Powered Subwoofer: The ENERGY Take Classic 5.1-Channel Home Theater System features an 8" powered subwoofer with a 200 (dynamic) watt amplifier. The powered subwoofer contains a down-firing injection molded 8" cone woofer with a ribbed elliptical surround inside a bass reflex enclosure with a front firing port. The 8" woofer is powered by a built-in 50 watt (continuous) 200 watt (dynamic) amplifier. The powered subwoofer has a frequency response of 33 to 150Hz. The powered subwoofer offers the following controls and connections on its rear-panel.

What I want is tightness, accuracy, not room shaking, earth shattering bass. I want things to be crisp & clear.

I got the Velodyne VX-11 for my downstairs and it's not bad, but I figured why not check around?

Amazon.com: Velodyne VX-11: Electronics

Thanks.

I was looking at the F-12 and that BIC 12 one..

But I saw this:

It is when this sub is paired with very small speakers that it begins to tarnish; typical of many ported subwoofers, it just doesn't play well above the 80Hz range. For example, Paired with NHT Superzeros, which fall off a cliff at about 85-90Hz, some of the "punchiness" is lost. This frequency response trough is most likely the reason why some reviewers claim that the F-12 sounds "muddy".

Most worrying. I plan to pair it with the Energy Take Classic's...small speakers.

 

[nm2285]

That Energy sub isn't terrible, but I think you can do better. I like the BIC subs if you need output in a larger room, but don't have the $ to go big. I wouldn't call them the most controlled subs. I've had good luck with Pinnacle subs in this price range. I think they're better than the VX-11.
http://www.amazon.com/Pinnacle-Speakers-SUB-SONIX-10-Inch-Subwoofer/dp/B003IT70B2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336915981&sr=8-1

Could also look at Dayton subs from partsexpress
Dayton Audio SUB-1200 12" 120 Watt Powered Subwoofer 300-629
they have 8 and 10" as well.

 

[Rubicon_Joey]

I suggest checking out this list...
List of budget subwoofers ($300 and less) - AVS Forum

 

[Mkilbride]

Saw that, but it doesn't put them in any real order.

As for my room, it's rather small and I don't want the room to be vibrating and whatnot.


Supposedly the F12 doesn't do well with small speakers like the Energy Take, but I don't know.

Maybe pair it with this?

I'd like to get a non-ported one, because I like accuracy.

http://www.amazon.com/Energy-ESW-C8-8-Inch-Subwoofer-Black/dp/B0021L9BMO/ref=sr_1_11?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1336936145&sr=1-11

 

[alphaiii]

If it goes on sale again for $200, the Energy S10.3 from Newegg might be a good option. Unfortunately, at the moment it's up to $300.

 

[Mkilbride]

I went with the BIC-F12.

Amazon should have everything here Tuesday...well, the Receiver I got from Stereo World.

I mean, it was 259$ for a new 1712...or I could do A4L for 230$.

I figured...

30$ more for a brand new, versus a refurb...worth it to me. I didn't get any way to track it, the website doesn't offer a "track my package", but I paid with Amazon Pay, so hopefully I get some kind of tracking number.

It was "Standard" 3-5 day.

Hopefully I get it before the end of the week.

 

[walter duque]

I went with the BIC-F12.

Amazon should have everything here Tuesday...well, the Receiver I got from Stereo World.

I mean, it was 259$ for a new 1712...or I could do A4L for 230$.

I figured...

30$ more for a brand new, versus a refurb...worth it to me. I didn't get any way to track it, the website doesn't offer a "track my package", but I paid with Amazon Pay, so hopefully I get some kind of tracking number.

It was "Standard" 3-5 day.

Hopefully I get it before the end of the week.

Did you check with Powered Subwoofers Add Deep Bass to Home Theaters

 

[Mkilbride]

Here is what I figured.

If the F-12 is to big for my room or I'm not the biggest fan of how it sounds with my speakers...

I can just put it down stairs and take the VX-11 up stairs. As down stairs has more room.