Buy a new sub or amp my old one?

[6thSense]

I recently upgraded my 15+ old Tecnics receiver to an entry level Yamaha 377 as it fit my price point and I was looking for a device that had HDMI pass-through. I am still using my 10in Infinity towers and wanted to use my 12in Technics SB-W33 Subwoofer. Well after I hooked up my sub, I realized these new receivers require a powered sub, versus the passive one I have.

I will mainly use this for movies, sports, my kids video games and occasionally music. I've been looking at relatively cheap sub's such as Polk, Yamaha & Pioneer (all under $150) but all of them were 8-10in and it made me wonder. Is it possible I could add a plate amplifier to it? Or is this even possible?

Not sure if this is the right forum to place it in, but I'm just curious as I am not necessarily an audiophile...but I do want the right sound.

 

[afterlife2]

Welcome. I'd recommend you get something newer. I'd recommend these in order:
SVS-PB1000: http://www.svsound.com/specials/outlet-specials/pb-1000-outlet
or
NXG BAS-500: http://www.amazon.com/NXG-Technology-NX-BAS-500-500-watt-Subwoofer/dp/B008FSTU4G
or tight budget:
Dayton 1200 http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1200-12-120-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-629

 

[j_garcia]

This can be used as a sub amp, but since it was on sale, they're out of stock.

http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-apa150-150w-power-amplifier--300-812

so the next choice would be this one

http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sa230-230w-subwoofer-amplifier--300-813

 

[markw]

Since "relatively cheap" is not a really exact figure and leaves a lot of wiggle room, I'd say the three subs mentioned by Afterlife were pretty good recommendations.

Now, if you could come up with a more specific budget, more suggestions might be available.

 

[6thSense]

Yes I am on a budget and ideally would like to stay under $150. Anything more I might as well save up and get one in the $300-$400 range. Honestly I haven't been speaker shopping in years. I've always stayed with Infinity, JBL or Cerwin Vega. Are those Dayton sub's pretty good?

 

[markw]

Yes. Dayton is good for the price, as are all of those AL mentioned.

But, as for those speaker manufacturers you mention, they specialize in speakers, not subs.

If you want a more pricey sub, shoot for manufacturers that make only subs, or least specialize in them. Hsu and SVS come to mind.

But, you may find when upgrading to a more expensive sub, having an inexpensive, decent spare powered sub in the family is not a bad thing.

 

[3db]

I 3rd Afterlife's recommended subs. (3rd doesn't sound as cools as 2nd )

 

[j_garcia]

I just bought my kids a Dayton 10" slim form factor sub and it does surprisingly well for the price. Not going to rattle the walls, but definitely fills in the bottom octave. No complaints for the price.

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/threads/first-pic-of-the-new-room.28576/page-14#post-1077238

 

[h2oyo]

When the budget is a major concern I agree the Dayton subs are a good bang for the buck.

 

[SurvivalDad]

I'd go next level with it. Newer is the way to go.

 

[6thSense]

After the advice of you guys and reading a few more reviews, I definitely think that I am about to purchase the Dayton Audio SUB-1200 12" 120 Watt Powered Subwoofer. I do however have a question regarding subwoofer cables. Forgive me for being a noob.

I have a Yamaha 377 receiver which only has one RCA subwoofer output. I read or saw somewhere that you just use the red RCA from the back of the subwoofer and plug the other end to your receiver. Maybe I'm over thinking this, but I see two cords I was interested in getting...

One is the 2-male to 1 male - amazon .com/gp/product/B00NGV23XC/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1DCPNQKKEISZB

The other is the 1 male to 1 male - amazon .com/Mediabridge-ULTRA-Series-Subwoofer-Cable/dp/B003FVYXY0/ref=pd_sim_e_4?ie=UTF8&refRID=0M00TN19Z86BFCHXKDYP

Which one would be better for my subwoofer and receiver? Would that 2-to-1 one give slightly better sound? Or does it even make a difference?

 

[afterlife2]

the 1st one should do the trick. It's how I have mine setup in my stereo setup. There will not be any difference in sound. You're gonna love the 1200. Enjoy.