Buying sub.. narrowed it down to 4, ok 2, well actually its 5.

[pdxmonkeyboy]

I have been a lurker on this site for some time and even though at times I wanted to throw my heads up in the air, drive to circuit city and boy some crappy HTB, I am sticking with it as I really do want a nice home theater system. I presently have a decent receiver (onkyo 605), a 42" 1080P sharp LCD, and crappy crap surround speakers that my wife actually DID buy out of the back of a truck about 8 years ago. I am going to upgrade the rest of my speakers (like the axiom reviews) but first I thought I would buy a sub as they are as not as critical to match as other speakers are.

My current room is approximately 16' x 13' x 10' = 2,000 c.f. , however, it is open to the family room which is the same size if not larger. I plan to finish the basement with a front projector, etc in the future (probably around 5 years). It will be about the same size but not open to another toom

I am not a super audio guru but I do appreciate quality. I typically spend the extra money to buy something that I will be happy with (forever) instead of buying something cheap and regretting it or replacing it later. Lastly, although I like my movies large and in charge (i.e. LOUD) the wife and 1 y.o. baby do not.

PHEW!! So I have two "bargain level subs"
1. Bic H-100
2. Dayton sub-120 both of which are under $200.

The next two are:
3. HSU VTF-1 for $400
4. ED A-300 for $350.

Finally, a somewhat local guy is selling a 2month old ED A3-300 with the "upgraded driver" for $400.


The question is... will I be happy with the cheaper subs? Like I said, anything will be better than what I have but I HATE, hate hate, muddy base. I don't like boom just for boom sake. I like my bass clear and defined. Will the lower priced subs give me this? It seems like the A3-300 would be the best "deal" but is it going to be too much for my room? Is there such a thing as too big a sub? I thought I could just turn it down.

Thanks a bunch for your comments and suggestions!!

 

[rnatalli]

The eD or HSU are worth the extra $$ IMO. I skimped on the sub a while back and regretted it later.

 

[annunaki]

You can't have too much, but you can have too little. If it is too loud you turn it down and calibrate. If it is too little, you have to buy a bigger one.

I would do the ED or the HSU if you can get them in your budget.

 

[Gimpy Ric]

I've owned 4 subs, 3 of which I still have. The HSU Research VTF-3 HO is my main keeper, an old MX-200 by MK is backup hooked up to a rarely used 2.1 system, and an Infinity PS-12. The PS-12 is the most bang for the buck. It's replacement is called the PS212.

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?search=infinity+ps+12&i=108PS212

For 300 beans it should be on your short list IMO.

Good Luck!

 

[pdxmonkeyboy]

I saw the infinity, and really liked a set of old infinities I used to have but for $300, I thought I might as well spend $400 and get a sub that most of the forums agree is a step above the infinity.

Out of the ED and HSU, is one going to produce cleaner bass than the other?

 

[bigbangtheory]

If at all possible, and if you can swing the extra dough, look into getting one of the "bargain" subs from SVS. They really should be on your list!

Probably the best bang for the buck, aside from HSU. Just my $.02

 

[pdxmonkeyboy]

I've prommised myself that $400 is the limit. It seems that setting price limits early on is paramount in researching home audio choices.. as there is always something just a little better for a little more $.

So if I'm reading you right, you would go with the 10" HSU over the 12" ED .?

 

[bigbangtheory]

I understand the money restrictions, believe me, I do. When my daughter was born, the financial stream kinda...dried up...for a while.

HSU all the way, and if somehow you come across more money, check out SVS (check them out anyway they do have a b-stock list with reduced prices).

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I've prommised myself that $400 is the limit. It seems that setting price limits early on is paramount in researching home audio choices.. as there is always something just a little better for a little more $.

So if I'm reading you right, you would go with the 10" HSU over the 12" ED .?

What about the Outlaw Audio LFM-1 for $400?
Spec: 225-watts RMS, 1000-watts Peak, 25 - 180 Hz +/- 2dB, SPL: 112 dB.

 

[pdxmonkeyboy]

can't post link

 

[pdxmonkeyboy]

until I have 5 total posts

 

[pdxmonkeyboy]

I don't mean to come off as ungrateful, but somehow I think you missed my above posts. I wasn't really asking for more choices or options I wanted an honest evaluation of the ones I listed.

How about you tell me WHY instead of just throwing out more options. I mean, if a particular sub has merit above and beyond the ones I choose (after pouring over 100's of posts) then give me some more info.

Wouldn't that be more helpful than saying.. Why not this sub... http://cgi.ebay.com/12-INCH-POWERED-ACTIVE-SUBWOOFER-SPEAKER-NO-RESERVE_W0QQitemZ220162980930QQihZ012QQcategoryZ3275QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


it's got an LED and loudness indicator and its only $80 shipped!! Have you thought of that one?

 

[Gasman]

What about the Outlaw Audio LFM-1 for $400?.

I would have no problem getting a LFM-1 (but in pairs), and I almost did.

But this should tell you something.
LFM-1 Weight: 38 lbs
HSU VTF1 Ship Weight 56 Lbs

Not that I am a fanboy, but yes I have had 3 HSU subs. (they are great bang for the buck, only better IMO, is build it yourself.)

As well, I had 1 of the H100 (BIC budget sub) and it is great for the price, but is overmatched by almost all HSU subs.

My .02

 

[Gimpy Ric]

What about the Outlaw Audio LFM-1 for $400?
Spec: 225-watts RMS, 1000-watts Peak, 25 - 180 Hz +/- 2dB, SPL: 112 dB.

Sounds like a winner.

 

[pdxmonkeyboy]

Sounds like a winner.

Model discontinued, the LFM-1 + is now $549 +shipping

 

[jostenmeat]

The eD or HSU are worth the extra $$ IMO. I skimped on the sub a while back and regretted it later.

I would do the ED or the HSU if you can get them in your budget.

I like what rnatalli and annunaki say. The entry level HSU are quite musical and "nimble", which is what you would prefer over boom (and so would I), but I find they are a bit lacking for earth-shattering HT effect/extension/power (something I don't think I can live w/o anymore! Easy for me to say, I spent a ton). However, very musical for the money. I have not heard ED subs, but some very knowledgable folks think they they surpass even HSU and SVS for the same money. The HSU subs are not very sexy. Im not a big fan of the finish. Again, quite musical however.

For Outlaw, they had for a while there, a combo package of their best sub with Velo SMS-1 for $1k. I've already offered here before, and I was going to again, to split costs with you straight down the middle. Would save you $150 and me $100. Too bad it doesn't like that deal is offered anymore(?).

gl.

 

[jinjuku]

I vote for the eD A-300

 

[Warpdrv]

I typically spend the extra money to buy something that I will be happy with (forever) instead of buying something cheap and regretting it or replacing it later.

Just a thought... "Forever" won't be that far off if you under buy.

Maybe upgrade you thoughts to the A3 - 300 for $450.00 will be the "never need to upgrade" scenario...

It will be worth it in the end...

Everyone here will tell you... bigger is better, and there is a reason for it..
Always better to go that extra couple of bucks... and be happy for quite some time... then to have to spend again in the future and feel like the original purchase was a waste of $$....

 

[AVRat]

If you can listen to the ED A3-300 locally and it meets your need, that sounds like the best buy.

 

[Gimpy Ric]

Just a thought... "Forever" won't be that far off if you under buy.

Everyone here will tell you... bigger is better, and there is a reason for it..
Always better to go that extra couple of bucks... and be happy for quite some time... then to have to spend again in the future and feel like the original purchase was a waste of $$....

AMEN! When I ordered my sub, I almost went into shock when I realized I spent a grand for bass . But the Hsu VTF-3 HO Turbo is bad *** ! And no its not pretty, but then again, its for your ears dummy, not your eyes!