Best sub under $500

[d9999]

Need to match a good sub for a 20x20 room. I am looking to stay under $500 but can go a little more if needed.

I am getting a Polk Tsi 500 setup and just looking for a sub to match.

Thanks!

 

[d9999]

Also I have a flat screen on the wall and a sectional up against the opposite wall of the tv. Hardwood floors but will be adding a few rugs. The left side of the room is open as I have a table. Ceilings are 10 ft high. I don't know if there is any other detail I should point out. I am really concerned with movies and music, so want something thats a great bang for the buck and does the job for my setup! Thanks everyone!

 

[d9999]

Also should I get ported or not?

 

[j_garcia]

I had a 19x20 room before and both the size and shape are going to work against you. Under $500 is probably not going to cut it. It will take a pretty decent sub to give good performance in a room like that.

The Cadence CSX-15 MkII might work and is right at $500. Probably not going to get as deep as a higher priced sub, but will definitely have the output thanks to being 15":
CSX15 Mark II - Cadence Sound Store

Stepping up the budget, the Outlaw Audio LFM-1EX is AH rated for large rooms:
Outlaw Audio LFM-1 EX Powered Subwoofer

And the similar HSU VTF-3: (Hsu also designs the Outlaw subs)
http://hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-3mk4.html

 

[d9999]

What about the hsu stf 2 or fv12? I read good stuff about those.

 

[j_garcia]

Yes, the Rythmik FV-12 should be an excellent sub as well, though I am not sure about it handling a larger room, which is the only reason I didn't mention it. The STF-2 definitely will not cut it in a room that size.

I'd also say the SVS-PB12 but it is probably a bit above the price range at the current price.

 

[d9999]

Basically its two sides and each side is approximately 20x20. So one side has the home theater and the other is like a dining / bar area. Doorway in the middle and right side is entertainment. Thanks j garcia for your help.

 

[j_garcia]

So it is one area that is 40x20? Is it separated and can be closed off or one large space? If it is one large space, that is a really big room to fill.

 

[theJman]

So it is one area that is 40x20? Is it separated and can be closed off or one large space? If it is one large space, that is a really big room to fill.

Agreed; it would probably take twice the OP's original budget to even get anemic output. I'm not sure a $500 sub is going to do much of anything, to be quite honest.

 

[d9999]

Basically look at it like this

you enter the room. The right side of the room is 20 x 20. The left side of the room is 20 x 20.

The right said has the entertainment system.

The left side has the coffee table and bar.

___________________________________
I TV I
I I
I I
I TABLE I
I I
I I
I I
________________ ________Sofa_____
I I
I I

 

[d9999]

My picture didn't come out as planned lol

 

[d9999]

The total size of the room is 40 x 20. But only the right side which is 20x20 will have the entertainment center. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[j_garcia]

When talking subs though, the whole space that it needs to fill is what is important. A large, long room works to your benefit for bass as it lets the lower frequencies develop a bit better, however the large size requires more oomph to fill. It also depends on how much bass you are looking for too though. There is "enough" and "awesome". We all want awesome , but that isn't always a simple task. In a room that big, a $500 sub I am going to say will be enough, not awesome. Perhaps something like the Epik Legend.