Help choosing new sub

[angelo newbie]

Looking for a sub in the $500 range to complement a new HT/Music room which is L-shaped, about 220 sq. ft. Narrowed my choices down to a Mirage Omni S-10, Polk Audio DSW PRO 500, or SVS PB 10-NSD. I'd appreciate any advice or experiences any of you have had with any of these units. Thanks in advance.

Angelo Newbie

 

[rnatalli]

HSU and SVS always get my vote. If you can push your budget to $600, the MFW-15 is worth a look.

 

[croseiv]

A nod for the SVS. A great product.

 

[mazersteven]

Av123 MFW-15 Subwoofer

http://av123.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=178&category_id=9&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=37

 

[speakerman39]

Looking for a sub in the $500 range to complement a new HT/Music room which is L-shaped, about 220 sq. ft. Narrowed my choices down to a Mirage Omni S-10, Polk Audio DSW PRO 500, or SVS PB 10-NSD. I'd appreciate any advice or experiences any of you have had with any of these units. Thanks in advance.

Angelo Newbie

I have owned the PB10-NSD and now own the Mirage S10. My room is only 706 ft. ^3 and the Omni S-10 is just stellar. The PB10-NSD is w/o a doubt better for ht BUT was NOT very musical at all. If you prefer tight, punchy, well-articulated bass then I recommend the Omni S-10. If, on the other hand, your preference is on ht then I recommend the PB10-NSD. Hope this helps and good luck with your decision.

 

[dorokusai]

I can't avoid being biased, so I won't. I'd think the new DSW series is worth getting your ears on. We spent alot of time on the new product line and the general bad reputation that our subwoofers have had, no argument here folks, isn't the case anymore.

Do we manufacture anything that would threaten the upper echelon subwoofers like a SVS Ultra13? Of course not, but it's a start. I know I've waited for the company to pay attention to this bracket for many years.

Mark
Polk Audio CS

 

[Sheep]

Av123 MFW-15 Subwoofer

http://av123.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=shop.flypage&product_id=178&category_id=9&manufacturer_id=0&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=37

Translation: Buy a MFW-15, but don't get an MFW-15..



...until July.

SheepStar

 

[Sheep]

I have owned the PB10-NSD and now own the Mirage S10. My room is only 706 ft. ^3 and the Omni S-10 is just stellar. The PB10-NSD is w/o a doubt better for ht BUT was NOT very musical at all. If you prefer tight, punchy, well-articulated bass then I recommend the Omni S-10. If, on the other hand, your preference is on ht then I recommend the PB10-NSD. Hope this helps and good luck with your decision.

Note: This comparison is purely subjective and was not done using proper blind protocols.

SheepStar

 

[speakerman39]

Note: This comparison is purely subjective and was not done using proper blind protocols.

SheepStar

Correct, but I have spent a lot of time with each sub and thus drawing my conclusions. However, many others here as well as on other forums claim the NSD drivers are not the most musical. However, it does appear that SVS has improved upon the PB12-NSD in that it is more musical. I also have owned the PB12-NSD. One of these days would love to own an Ultra 13 but it may be a very long time given the state of my cash flow right now.

 

[speakerman39]

I can't avoid being biased, so I won't. I'd think the new DSW series is worth getting your ears on. We spent alot of time on the new product line and the general bad reputation that our subwoofers have had, no argument here folks, isn't the case anymore.

Do we manufacture anything that would threaten the upper echelon subwoofers like a SVS Ultra13? Of course not, but it's a start. I know I've waited for the company to pay attention to this bracket for many years.

Mark
Polk Audio CS

Not sure about the new subs BUT really enjoying my RTi6's, CSi3, and the FXiA4's. May just have to check out the new Polk subs as well. Thanks for the info.

 

[moggi1964]

..or you could consider............

I expect to have an Epik Valor in a couple of weeks and will report in on it.

It is $549 + shipping so is a little over you budget.

Craigsub really likes it and it is SAID to have a good musical performance whilst not disappointing in HT. Like you I have a small room so I think it will do just fine.

 

[Sheep]

Correct, but I have spent a lot of time with each sub and thus drawing my conclusions. However, many others here as well as on other forums claim the NSD drivers are not the most musical. However, it does appear that SVS has improved upon the PB12-NSD in that it is more musical. I also have owned the PB12-NSD. One of these days would love to own an Ultra 13 but it may be a very long time given the state of my cash flow right now.

Why isn't it musical? They have low distortion, flat response (anechoic and group plain), adequate boxes. Time doesn't mean you have a better grasp of something. As a matter of fact, over time you desensitize to your surroundings, especially speakers.

Claims are claims. I've claimed to have a 15inch dong, but you don't see me eagerly trying to prove it. The fact that you heard other claims about it not being musical, is enough to push you to that opinion. Until you have proper comparisons done, I would stay away from the "BUT was NOT very musical at all" statements.

SheepStar

 

[mike c]

here's my vote for the SVS.

even if people say some other 'unknown' subwoofer is better, customer service is king.

svs = great customer service.

nuff said.

 

[speakerman39]

Why isn't it musical? They have low distortion, flat response (anechoic and group plain), adequate boxes. Time doesn't mean you have a better grasp of something. As a matter of fact, over time you desensitize to your surroundings, especially speakers.

Claims are claims. I've claimed to have a 15inch dong, but you don't see me eagerly trying to prove it. The fact that you heard other claims about it not being musical, is enough to push you to that opinion. Until you have proper comparisons done, I would stay away from the "BUT was NOT very musical at all" statements.

SheepStar

Well, I experimented with placement and sent Ed Mullen tons of pics of my listening environment. No matter where the PB10-NSD and the PB12-NSD was placed neither were very musical. What do I mean you ask?? Well, for starters is was NOT punchy and articulate AND not a whole lot of definition or distinctness in the transient response. Furthermore, the bass was slow and always behind the music thus muddying things up. Down low both were excellent especially with ht applications BUT my preference has been and will continue to be on musical performance. You are correct in that this is purely subjective as I do NOT have any fancy measuring equipment. However, I do know what sounds good and neither the PB10-NSD NOR the PB12-NSD would suffice. Ed Mullen worked with me for a while and things did improve with his help. But, I was still was not getting what I wanted. I have also owned a Mirage S12 as well as a Hsu VTF-3 MKIII and BOTH were much more tight, punchy, and more articulate. I now have a much smaller room and the Omni S10 is very impressive. It gives me what I want. Wished I had more room as I may have opted for a 12" sub of some sorts. Right now, things are a bit cramped. Lastly, I am NOT here to step on someone's toes but am trying to honestly answer the op's question. Just so I am clear-if the op has preference more for musical performance imho the Omni S10 will deliver the goods. If the op preferences are more for ht applications then by all means the PB10-NSD is the way to go. It is okay to disagree as I can agree to disagree.

 

[speakerman39]

Mike, I second the notion of SVS having top-notch customer service. I mean, ED Mullen himself called my home several times assisting me with proper room placement. Now that is customer service if you ask me. The people at SVS really do want you to be happy with your purchase and will go out of their way to achieve that goal. I would buy an Ultra 13 w/o hesitation if I had the funds to do so. It also appears that the PB12-NSD has had some significant improvements in the amp thus improving performance musically speaking. If I had the space in my new ht room, I may have opted for the new PB12-NSD as the Omni S12 is no longer available. The Energy S12.3 is just too expensive for my budget. For now, I am very happy with my Mirage Omni S10. Another poster mentioned the Epik Valor but once again space is rather limited. But I was considering the Valor.

 

[moggi1964]

How much space do you have Speakerman39?

You are getting me worried about just how over the top I may have gone with the Valor in my very small HT room (1100 cubic feet)

Actually I'm not worried really though I do recognise that with a sub the size of the Valor I may limit the places I can put it to get optimal performance. Thankfully not a problem for the OP I don't think.

 

[Halon451]

Correct, but I have spent a lot of time with each sub and thus drawing my conclusions. However, many others here as well as on other forums claim the NSD drivers are not the most musical. However, it does appear that SVS has improved upon the PB12-NSD in that it is more musical. I also have owned the PB12-NSD. One of these days would love to own an Ultra 13 but it may be a very long time given the state of my cash flow right now.

I've got the PB12-NSD and I can tell you that it gets down with some music just fine. I love it. I have no complaints whatsoever either for music or HT.

 

[Halon451]

I've claimed to have a 15inch dong, but you don't see me eagerly trying to prove it.

Let's keep it that way too Sheep, no offense.

 

[Soundman]

I've claimed to have a 15inch dong, but you don't see me eagerly trying to prove it.
SheepStar

Wow! Looks like it's getting a little PG-13 in here!

 

[speakerman39]

How much space do you have Speakerman39?

You are getting me worried about just how over the top I may have gone with the Valor in my very small HT room (1100 cubic feet)

Actually I'm not worried really though I do recognise that with a sub the size of the Valor I may limit the places I can put it to get optimal performance. Thankfully not a problem for the OP I don't think.

Oh man don't fret my friend. My room is much smaller coming in at only 706 ft. ^3. If I had the room, chances are I may have opted for a larger sub. I believe you will be fine.