Can I use a different brand subwoofer to my surround speaker setup?

[Stryker48]

Thanks for taking the time to advise me.

I currently have 5 of my 5.1 speaker setup (all Paradigm same series) and looking for a suitable subwoofer and was wondering if I could use another brand like Polk Audio or should I stick with Paradigm?

I have no idea the importance of timbre matching subs, I'm a newbie at all this.

All 5 of my speakers are timbre matched.
FRONTS: Paradigm Cinema 110's
CENTER: Paradigm Cinema 110
SIDES: Paradigm Cinema 90's

If someone could please advise me, I would be very grateful.

Thanks in advance
Steve

 

[GO-NAD!]

Thanks for taking the time to advise me.

I currently have 5 of my 5.1 speaker setup (all Paradigm same series) and looking for a suitable subwoofer and was wondering if I could use another brand like Polk Audio or should I stick with Paradigm?

I have no idea the importance of timbre matching subs, I'm a newbie at all this.

All 5 of my speakers are timbre matched.
FRONTS: Paradigm Cinema 110's
CENTER: Paradigm Cinema 110
SIDES: Paradigm Cinema 90's

If someone could please advise me, I would be very grateful.

Thanks in advance
Steve

No timbre matching required for a sub. So, the sky's the limit, as far as choosing a new one is concerned. I'm a Paradigm fan, but you can get better bang for your buck with other brands. Do you have a budget in mind?

 

[Alex2507]

I have no idea the importance of timbre matching subs ...

You can't timbre match a sub to a speaker since they play completely different things so it's of no importance. Polk and Paradigm subs don't get many recommendations that I'm aware of. For recommendations post your budget, room size and subwoofer size constraints if any then brace yourself for the recommendation of not only exceeding your budget but doubling the exceeded number by getting two subs.

Welcome to the forum and nice speakers so far.

 

[Stryker48]

Thanks for your prompt response it's much appreciated.
My max budget would be $600.
That been said, I'm open to buying used and hoping to pick up one for around $300 ideally!

 

[rnatalli]

No reason to match the sub.

In the $300 range, HSU and eD are the best picks IMO. $600 opens up SVS and Epik in addition to HSU and eD. I personally like HSU subs as I find they're more articulate, but I've recently had a chance to hear a sealed eD sub and they sound great. Here are two models in your price ranges:

http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_138&products_id=892
http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_138&products_id=681

How big is your room?

 

[Stryker48]

BTW, i forgot to thank you for the welcome and compliment. "OOPS!"

I needed a compact system due to space restraints and decided on the Paradigms.
I didn't go for their package, which includes subwoofer and dipole surrounds.
Reason: The dipoles didn't suit my application and the sub from what I hear is just OK.

 

[Stryker48]

Thanks for the recommendations and links, much appreciated. I will certainly look into those.

Also for the good news that I don't have to match.

I have been looking at a couple of sub reviews and the Polk Audio Pro 400 (I think that's the model) has great reviews.

 

[sholling]

As others have said it's impossible to recommend a sub without the room size in cubic feet. And that has to include any attached spaces not closed off by a door.

 

[Stryker48]

Thanks for your response.

I have an awkward room, I hope I can explain with reasonable clarity.

The room is 25 feet long x 12 feet wide.
The back wall is long and straight
The front wall has protrusions - let me try and explain ....
I have a closet jutting out from the wall by 3 feet (closet is 2.5 feet wide) - 3 feet from the left side of the wall.
My TV wall (next to the closet) is 10 feet
I then have stairs along the rest of the wall, which juts out 2.5 feet as well.

So essentially my living room listening and viewing area is on 10 x 12 with
Open space to the left and a larger open space to the right.

I hope that makes sense.
If not, perhaps I should draw a diagram.

 

[GO-NAD!]

Thanks for your response.

I have an awkward room, I hope I can explain with reasonable clarity.

The room is 25 feet long x 12 feet wide.
The back wall is long and straight
The front wall has protrusions - let me try and explain ....
I have a closet jutting out from the wall by 3 feet (closet is 2.5 feet wide) - 3 feet from the left side of the wall.
My TV wall (next to the closet) is 10 feet
I then have stairs along the rest of the wall, which juts out 2.5 feet as well.

So essentially my living room listening and viewing area is on 10 x 12 with
Open space to the left and a larger open space to the right.

I hope that makes sense.
If not, perhaps I should draw a diagram.

It might be simpler to just calculate the volume and post that figure...

A great way to improve your performance cost ratio, is to build a DIY sub. If you have even basic woodworking skills, you can build a sub. If that might be of interest, just post in the DIY Forum that you are interested. Give a budget and the maximum size that you can accomodate (It's generally easier and cheaper to build a large, great sounding sub, than a small great sounding sub). One (or more) of the sub-building gurus will help you. I can build 'em, but I can't design 'em.

If that's not for you, and since you live in TO, check out Sonic Boom Audio. They are in Richmond Hill and are the authorized dealers for SVS. Subwoofers are SVS's specialty.

 

[Stryker48]

Thanks again for all your advice and recommendations.
As far as building one, I think I would prefer to leave that to the professionals.

I will certainly check out the SVS's as Sonic Boom Audio - Thanks!

As far as calculating the volume of the room, do I calculate the entire room (living room/dining room) or just the living room with home theatre setup?

Total room size = 280 square feet
Ceiling Height = 9 ft.
Living Room area = 120 square feet

 

[GO-NAD!]

Thanks again for all your advice and recommendations.
As far as building one, I think I would prefer to leave that to the professionals.

I will certainly check out the SVS's as Sonic Boom Audio - Thanks!

As far as calculating the volume of the room, do I calculate the entire room (living room/dining room) or just the living room with home theatre setup?

Total room size = 280 square feet
Ceiling Height = 9 ft.
Living Room area = 120 square feet

The total "air space", including any adjoining areas would provide for a more accurate judgement of your needs. You may be listening in the living room, but if it's completely open to the dining room, you'll be "bleeding" SPL's, i.e. volume, into that space as well. You'll want to ensure that your sub can make up for that pressure loss.

 

[Stryker48]

Thanks, it makes more sense to me now.
I appreciate your help.
Now to find the "right" subwoofer for my budget

I realize that size does matter when it comes to audio.
That been said, I don't think my speakers warrant anything bigger than a 10" and besides due to space constraints, I would prefer stay small as possible.

I'm going to look into all the recommendations.

Again I'm very grateful for your and everyone else's help and input.

 

[njedpx3]

Thanks, it makes more sense to me now.
I appreciate your help.
Now to find the "right" subwoofer for my budget

I realize that size does matter when it comes to audio.
That been said, I don't think my speakers warrant anything bigger than a 10" and besides due to space constraints, I would prefer stay small as possible.

I'm going to look into all the recommendations.

Again I'm very grateful for your and everyone else's help and input.

This SVS would fill you room but stretch your budget. PB12-NSD $599
http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-pb12nsd.cfm

Another choice ,nit quite as good, but still very good sound is to get two Dayton SUB-12 HT for $155.23 each
http://www.amazon.com/Dayton-SUB-120-Watt-Powered-Subwoofer/dp/B000C9NV78


Good Luck and Good Sound!,

Forestr Man

 

[sholling]

Okay so if I understand your description correctly the room is roughly 2700cuft. Is this correct? If so a SVS PB12-NSD or a Hsu Research VTF-2 would be good choices.

 

[Stryker48]

Thanks! I will look into both of those as well. Much appreciated

 

[Stryker48]

Yes you are correct.
So now 2 recommendations for the SVS PB-12NSD (I will have to take a close look at these, even though they are at the limit of my budget.
If I were lucky to find one USED, what would I expect to pay?
Thanks again for all your help and input.