Compact Subs: eD A5s-300 vs Emotiva Ultra Sub 12

[sholling]

In a 3000cuft room? Both companies claim that their sub with fill the space with power to spare. The prices are about the about the same. The eD is supposed to go a bit lower but has a crude industrial finish and their amplifiers seem to have a flaky reputation for reliability. The Emotiva is a bit smaller and a lot better looking but is brand new and untried. I just wish the Emotiva dipped a bit lower or the eD was a bit prettier. Thoughts?

A5s-300 Subwoofer
Price: $550 shipped
Subwoofer Driver Size: 12" x 1
Power: 500W
Dimensions: 15.5" wide x 15.5" high x 17.25" deep
Frequency Response: 19-100Hz
Weight: 69lbs

Emotiva Ultra Sub 12
Price: $500 shipped
Power: 300 watts RMS, 500 watts peak
Subwoofer Driver Size : 12" x 1
Dimensions: 14.5” wide x 14.5” high x 15.25” deep
In-Room Frequency Response: 22Hz-200Hz
Typical In‐Room SPL: 110‐113db
Weight: 38lbs.

 

[rnatalli]

The eD is supposed to go a bit lower but has a crude industrial finish and their amplifiers seem to have a flaky reputation for reliability.

Emotiva has had its share of problems and their new subs are completely new so who knows what awaits. I would go with the eD myself as they're more established with regards to subwoofers and it seems they have the amp situation under control. Plus, the eD has better specs.

 

[Jeff R.]

I think I would opt for the ED. I actually like the finish on my ED subs. You may be surprised.....Not to mention the fact the ED weighs twice the weight seems to indicate a better overall cabinet construction and possibly better electronic/speaker. Not the weight is a guarrantee, but it seems to correspond to quality in more times than not.

 

[sholling]

Thanks! I have a few weeks to think on this but if eD has the bugs out of their amps then that's probably the way to go. At least for now I'm leaning that way.

 

[T2T]

I actually like the finish on my ED subs. You may be surprised.

Like you, I'm also happy with the finish on my A3-250 sub. It's not as rough as some might think. I've also had a (version 1) A3-300, which did have the "truck bed" liner finish on it. All I can say is that the new finish they've been offering (odye, I believe) is quite a bit better as far as WAF is concerned.

 

[rnatalli]

I too think the finish is pretty good on eD subs. I prefer it over the fake wood ash look.