Help choosing a subwoofer

[alessandro]

I'm in the market for a new subwoofer.
My current subwoofer is an AR 10 inch, 100 or so watts, ported sub.
I'm looking to replace it with a more serious sub. I've used ED speakers in my car and I really like them, aside from that I've only heard a Velodyne sub, don't recall which model it was.
I'm opened to all suggestions. My budget is ~$800.
The room is fairly large and opened probably 6000 to 7000 cubic feet since it also opens up to the kitchen and the loft on the second floor.
I mostly listen to music with the occasional movie here and there.

 

[bandphan]

http://www.rythmikaudio.com/F15.html, but to fill that massive room it will tough

 

[sholling]

That space is going to be maxing out most <$1000 subwoofers and you may wind up eventually wanting two. Hsu Research's largest subs are rated to what they call level 4 - up to 6000 cubic feet. The cheapest of those is $700 plus shipping. I'd also give SVSound a call and see if they have anything that fits the bill. Both make outstanding subs.

 

[alessandro]

Thank you both for the replies. I will check into these.
Would a sealed sub work better for what I'm using it for?
I will consider a second sub later on. I will see how the one sounds and perhaps add a second if needed.

 

[Halon451]

Thank you both for the replies. I will check into these.
Would a sealed sub work better for what I'm using it for?
I will consider a second sub later on. I will see how the one sounds and perhaps add a second if needed.

I personally wouldn't recommend a sealed enclosure for that room - sealed boxes tend to require more power to obtain the same output, although the advantage is that the typically deliver tighter, more controlled bass. The ported subs from both Hsu and SVS mentioned above are outstanding in the fact that both companies manufacture subs that have tremendous output, are ported, and deliver very detailed low frequency notes.

 

[bandphan]

The rythmik hits over 100dbs across a wide spectrum.

 

[BufordTJustice]

Maybe this will work.

You're gonna get the most bang for your buck via an Internet Direct audio company. I have an eD A2-300 and it fills a pretty large room (36Wx20Lx9H) pretty well. It only has a 12" driver and 200 watt RMS amplifier (700 watt dynamic). The following sub has a 15" driver and 500 watt RMS amplifier (1200-1500 watt dynamic). The A5-350:

http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_41&products_id=618

It's $850 and should do a better job of filling your requirements than any other sub I can think of off the top of my head. I am VERY happy with my A2-300. I think you would find the performance impressive for the price. I agree that, if you're a bass-head, it will be difficult to fill your room to proper levels for under $1K. If you're a 'normal' listener, the A5-350 should work for you. As always, I recommend 'crawling for bass'. This means, in case you don't know, placing the sub at your listening position and crawling on your hands and knees around the perimeter of the room to search for the place where the bass is strongest and of highest quality. Place the sub in the position and your listening position should reproduce sound of the same quality. Good luck in your search, as there are MANY quality subs out there for good prices.

 

[sharptailhunter]

I just purchased the PB12-Plus from SVS. The thing is simply awesome. I don't know much at all about the numbers and all that jazz that people like to quote with subs. All I can say is that the bass sounds to me like I would want bass to sound. It hits when it's suppose to, and it fills the background when it needs to. I listened to a lot of HT systems and I think the bass was where most people struggled. Either it was too much, i.e. couldn't hear voices, only deep noises. Or, the systems were loud without bass. To me, loud and bass are not the same.

Unfortunately the PB12-plus is a little out of the price range you quoted. And, I'm not saying that it's the sub for you. I will say that SVS was super easy to work with and I am COMPLETELY satisfied with their products. I would call them or email them and see what they have to say. I don't think you can go wrong with their stuff.

 

[Jeff R.]

If your budget is $800, by an ED A3-300 now and save another $200 and then buy the second. If you truly have only $800 you could get dual ED A2-300's and have a very impressive setup. I would stay the dual sub route, I think you will get a better all around performance in your room.

 

[alessandro]

If your budget is $800, by an ED A3-300 now and save another $200 and then buy the second. If you truly have only $800 you could get dual ED A2-300's and have a very impressive setup. I would stay the dual sub route, I think you will get a better all around performance in your room.

This is a good idea. Instead of trying to get one large/powerful sub, go with two slightly not so large/powerful. Subs. I leaning towards this route.
I'll get one sub at first, get a feel for how it performs in the room, then can get a second sub if necessary.

Thanks again for everyone's responses and information.

 

[Halon451]

This is a good idea. Instead of trying to get one large/powerful sub, go with two slightly not so large/powerful. Subs. I leaning towards this route.
I'll get one sub at first, get a feel for how it performs in the room, then can get a second sub if necessary.

Thanks again for everyone's responses and information.

One better sub is almost ALWAYS better than two lesser subs. Since the low freq output is non-directional you have to discard typical loudspeaker placements and it's effects on "rounding" out the sound so to speak. You may have a bit better balance with two subs, but your low end will still be limited by each of the subs' capabilities.

 

[6L6X4]

I second all the SVS recommendations. I bought one of their subs and am totally happy with my purchase. Their quality and value for the money is outstanding.

Another option may be one of the kits from Parts Express where you just install the driver and amp into the cabinet and presto, instant subwoofer.

 

[KEW]

One better sub is almost ALWAYS better than two lesser subs. Since the low freq output is non-directional you have to discard typical loudspeaker placements and it's effects on "rounding" out the sound so to speak. You may have a bit better balance with two subs, but your low end will still be limited by each of the subs' capabilities.

That is not what this article indicates:
http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/get-good-bass/two-subs

Here, two sealed 8" Axiom EP400's provided better quality performance than one ported 12" Axiom EP500.

 

[Halon451]

That is not what this article indicates:
http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/get-good-bass/two-subs

Here, two sealed 8" Axiom EP400's provided better quality performance than one ported 12" Axiom EP500.

Yes I've seen that article, which is why I said in most cases not all. Typically smaller subs are simply not capable of producing adequate SPL at the lowest audible frequency range (i.e. 20Hz region). Subs in the 8" or 10" categories are better at providing more "punch" which takes place in the 50-60Hz range or so, and even then if they are quality subs. So while this article provides a prime example of an exception to this concept, IMO it's unfair to state that the debate over two subs vs. one is effectively won by it.

 

[Barryd]

I have the sunfire hrs 12 sub and am very happy with the performance.
1000 watts in a 11"by 11" eclosure.for aroun the price range you are looking for.
Goodluck in your search.

 

[dalumberjack]

I second HSU. I had one VTF3-MK3 and loved it so much I got a second one.

Now I am wondering why I didn't get a uls-15 in the first place

But my wife is probably happy I didn't. The window frames and doors in the house shack enough as it is!

 

[njedpx3]

That space is going to be maxing out most <$1000 subwoofers and you may wind up eventually wanting two. Hsu Research's largest subs are rated to what they call level 4 - up to 6000 cubic feet. The cheapest of those is $700 plus shipping. I'd also give SVSound a call and see if they have anything that fits the bill. Both make outstanding subs.

Good recommendations! Also look at the SVS B-stock cosmetically flawed slightly but acoustically perfect at lower cost.

I think for that size room two subs are in order.

Peace and Good Sound

Forest Man