Help choosing a subwoofer.

[Still In 2nd]

I've just ordered a new 5.0 system and need a subwoofer to go with it. My system will be:

Denon S960H AVR
Panasonic BD820 UHD Blu-Ray Player
PS4 Pro
Gaming PC (9900k/2080ti)
Q Acoustics 3030i (LR), 3090i (C), 3010i (S)

My listening room is the living room section of a 1 bedroom apartment with a greatroom, 10x13 open on the right side to a dining/kitchen area that is 14x17, with 8-foot ceilings (about 3000 cubic feet). I'm in an apartment, so rattle the windows levels of bass is not feasible, but I figure if I get too much subwoofer, I can turn it down until I get into a house next summer and can let loose. I mostly want a sub to fill in the low frequencies with clean bass that will blend well with the rest of my system.

My primary usage is gaming (40%), TV (30%), Movies (20%; mostly Blu-Ray and UHD Blu-ray, meaning HD Audio) Music (10%). My music is mostly Youtube videos and Amazon Music. So the most demanding area when it comes to clarity is the least used, and the least demanding (gaming/TV) is most used.

Right now I'm considering these:

SVS SB2000, PC2000: My reading indicates that the biggest difference between these two is that the ported version gets about 6db more extension in the low end, meaning four times the SPL. It's also about $100 more, but comes with the soundpath isolation feet standard, so the cost difference to me would only be $50. I put the PC here instead of the PB because I like the form factor better, and they seem to perform the same.

Hsu VT2 MK5: It's roughly the same price shipped as the SB2000, and seems to be a lot more customizable. It also might be more sub than I'll ever need. Also, of all the subs on my short list, I like the look of this one best.

Rhythmic L12 (Sealed) LV12F: Haven't been able to find many reviews of these, but they're in the right price range.

RSL Speedwoofer: It's considerably less money than any of the others, even for the wireless version, but doesn't go nearly as low, seeming to bottom out at about 30hz. Given my needs, that might be plenty.

Right now the RSL is what I'm leaning towards; I figure if it's not enough I could return it and get something else.

Thoughts, suggestions?

 

[mazersteven]

Don't forget these guys. Call them and ask their recommendations

Top Rated Home Theater Subwoofers

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www.powersoundaudio.com

 

[Still In 2nd]

Thanks for the suggestion. Their prices are a little higher than what I want to spend right now. I'd prefer to keep it around $700 at the most; less if possible.

 

[Pogre]

I think a pair of RSL Speedwoofers would be a good way to go for you. Dual subs are always better than one for smoother bass response across a wider area. The Speedwoofer isn't a huge sub, but has very respectable output for a sub its size, your room isn't too awful big and 2 of them should be able to handle it well.

My 2nd choice would probaby be the PC2000. I want one or 2 of those myself! I have noticed this trend lately tho with the SVS 2000 series. Why choose between SB and PC? Why not PB or PC? I'm not real big on sealed subs anymore. You get so much more bang for your buck with ported designs and when they're designed well are just as "musical" as a sealed sub. The only time I'd consider sealed is if I had a small room and it was a pretty powerful sub.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

I've just ordered a new 5.0 system and need a subwoofer to go with it. My system will be:

Denon S960H AVR
Panasonic BD820 UHD Blu-Ray Player
PS4 Pro
Gaming PC (9900k/2080ti)
Q Acoustics 3030i (LR), 3090i (C), 3010i (S)

My listening room is the living room section of a 1 bedroom apartment with a greatroom, 10x13 open on the right side to a dining/kitchen area that is 14x17, with 8-foot ceilings (about 3000 cubic feet). I'm in an apartment, so rattle the windows levels of bass is not feasible, but I figure if I get too much subwoofer, I can turn it down until I get into a house next summer and can let loose. I mostly want a sub to fill in the low frequencies with clean bass that will blend well with the rest of my system.

My primary usage is gaming (40%), TV (30%), Movies (20%; mostly Blu-Ray and UHD Blu-ray, meaning HD Audio) Music (10%). My music is mostly Youtube videos and Amazon Music. So the most demanding area when it comes to clarity is the least used, and the least demanding (gaming/TV) is most used.

Right now I'm considering these:

SVS SB2000, PC2000: My reading indicates that the biggest difference between these two is that the ported version gets about 6db more extension in the low end, meaning four times the SPL. It's also about $100 more, but comes with the soundpath isolation feet standard, so the cost difference to me would only be $50. I put the PC here instead of the PB because I like the form factor better, and they seem to perform the same.

Hsu VT2 MK5: It's roughly the same price shipped as the SB2000, and seems to be a lot more customizable. It also might be more sub than I'll ever need. Also, of all the subs on my short list, I like the look of this one best.

Rhythmic L12 (Sealed) LV12F: Haven't been able to find many reviews of these, but they're in the right price range.

RSL Speedwoofer: It's considerably less money than any of the others, even for the wireless version, but doesn't go nearly as low, seeming to bottom out at about 30hz. Given my needs, that might be plenty.

Right now the RSL is what I'm leaning towards; I figure if it's not enough I could return it and get something else.

Thoughts, suggestions?

The rsl will go down to 20hz but it definitely won’t knock you through the back of the couch with crazy output. It’s actually a pretty outstanding little subwoofer and RSL has great CS. Having said that, the HSU or PC2k would be better long term options imo, as your looking to move into a house. And as you said, you can turn it down.

 

[mazersteven]

Since your in a temporary living situation, and Movies and Music are low % of usage. Get one of these. Your cost is lower, still filling your immediate need, but not putting out alot of cash for something that might not preform in your next living situation. Just a Thought

Home

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www.parts-express.com

 

[lovinthehd]

FWIW extension is how low the sub's f3 is essentially, it isn't expressed in dB....and 6dB wouldn't be four times the spl in terms of loudness...altho 6 dB would require 4 times the power (takes a doubling of power to gain 3dB spl).

I like the Hsu if you don't go for the RSL. You really can't go wrong with any of the selections....especially in typical apartment use all of them can probably get you evicted