Hello all first post! Subwoofer for computer gaming in a small room?

[jpinard]

Hi everyone. This is my first post here and I'm hoping to get some guidance. I had ther Klipsch ProMedia 5.1 surround sound set for my computer and the subwoofer/amp unit died for the second time. So I've decided to use the Klipsh speakers, a slightly older receiver to power my computer gaming setup. So I just need to buy a subwoofer. I'll asterik my vital stats:

* Budget is $200 or less.
* Room is a small office ~12ft x 12ft
* I play all kinds of PC games and sound is very important to me, as is music.
* Would one type of subwwofer be better? Front firing vs. down-firing?

Thank you!

 

[Adam]

Welcome to the forum!

I take it that you're looking for a powered sub. Will you be connecting it to the receiver or to the computer directly (more of a question about connections and not the sub itself)?

I haven't priced subs in a while, but I recalled Dayton subs at Parts Express being a popular recommendation on this site back in the ~2009 timeframe for that price range, so I checked out their site. While not a Dayton, they have the BIC F-12 priced at $200 with free shipping, and it has three reviews from very happy customers. Amazon has that same sub, with 82 reviews (most of which are 4 and 5 stars), for $187 (I don't know if regular shipping is free because I'm a Prime member). One issue might be the size of it in your room.

That was just a really quick search on my part. You might be able to find that sub for less elsewhere, or people here might give you even better recommendations than that sub.

I don't have have any opinion on front versus down firing. I've used both with good success.

 

[bikemig]

I'm thinking of getting this for my office but my interest is more music than gaming, http://www.amazon.com/Energy-ESW-C8-8-Inch-Subwoofer-Black/dp/B0021L9BMO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310315222&sr=8-1. It runs $150.

 

[jpinard]

Welcome to the forum!

I take it that you're looking for a powered sub. Will you be connecting it to the receiver or to the computer directly (more of a question about connections and not the sub itself)?

I haven't priced subs in a while, but I recalled Dayton subs at Parts Express being a popular recommendation on this site back in the ~2009 timeframe for that price range, so I checked out their site. While not a Dayton, they have the (can't post urls yet) priced at $200 with free shipping, and it has three reviews from very happy customers. Amazon has that same sub, with 82 reviews (most of which are 4 and 5 stars), (can't post urls yet)for $187 (I don't know if regular shipping is free because I'm a Prime member). One issue might be the size of it in your room.

That was just a really quick search on my part. You might be able to find that sub for less elsewhere, or people here might give you even better recommendations than that sub.

I don't have have any opinion on front versus down firing. I've used both with good success.

Yes I'm looking at a powered subwoofer. As for down vs. front-firing - I'm not sure when you're supposed to select one vs. the other?

I was looking at BIC America's and am also curious about the Energy sub bikmig posted. Thanks so much for hopping in to offer some advice. I'm really lost!

 

[sholling]

Yes I'm looking at a powered subwoofer. As for down vs. front-firing - I'm not sure when you're supposed to select one vs. the other?

Down-firing tends to be slightly harder to localize while front-firing is sometimes easier to place. If you have anybody living under you then you'll want an isolation pad under a down-firing sub. It's a good idea under a front-firing as well but not quite as critical. Think about where it will go and how the sound will reach you and decide.

 

[jpinard]

Down-firing tends to be slightly harder to localize while front-firing is sometimes easier to place. If you have anybody living under you then you'll want an isolation pad under a down-firing sub. It's a good idea under a front-firing as well but not quite as critical. Think about where it will go and how the sound will reach you and decide.

I have a big desk that all my nerdy computer stuff is on. The subwoofer will go in the corner of the room under an outside ledge of the desk. It's our house so I have no worries about bomming someone out of the bottom floor. Is front-firing for directional impact? Like getting kicked in the pants? Or is it to add an extra direction, like from voices or sound effects?

 

[T0mmy1977]

I personally like Logitech for PC speakers.

Logitech Z623/2.1
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121048

Logitech Z906/5.1
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121050

The 5.1 system is out of your price. I just thought that I would include it. I have Logitech's Z-3200 and it kicks butt for games/music.

 

[sholling]

I have a big desk that all my nerdy computer stuff is on. The subwoofer will go in the corner of the room under an outside ledge of the desk. It's our house so I have no worries about bomming someone out of the bottom floor. Is front-firing for directional impact? Like getting kicked in the pants? Or is it to add an extra direction, like from voices or sound effects?

A front-firing subwoofer works in places where a down-firing subwoofer might not. For example places where it's hemmed on 3 sides.

 

[jpinard]

A front-firing subwoofer works in places where a down-firing subwoofer might not. For example places where it's hemmed on 3 sides.

Wow, that shows how little I know. I thought a down-firing subwoofer didn't care about how hemmed in it would be as it transmitted most of its sound through... hmmm... the floor? In fact the subwoofer in my living room is surrounded by the wall, a full tower speaker, the tv & stand, and a chair. Does it only matter if it's 3-4 walls or random junk like I have?

(and thanks so much for taking the time to answer - what may be - really neophytic questions).