Help! Subwoofer decision

[Buckeyefan 1]

Need some advice... I'm looking for a solid 12" subwoofer in the $200-$300 price range. I don't need much more due to the size of my room, but would like something that can handle HT at loud volumes. I have a Denon 3805 receiver with a good Polk 7.1 set up. I don't care for any of the Polk subs except for the 505, which is twice what I want to spend.

I have four in mind at this price range. Has anyone auditioned these or own them? Are there any others out there better than the four listed? I've tried ebay for "deals" but other than the Cadence XSUB, there's not a lot out there. Thanks in advance!

Venturi V1220 http://www.bicamerica.com/subs_specs.htm

Cadence XSUB http://www.ubid.com/actn/opn/getpage.asp?AuctionId=601402260

JBL E250P http://www.ubid.com/actn/opn/getpage.asp?AuctionId=900945365

Acoustech H100 http://www.ubid.com/actn/opn/getpage.asp?AuctionId=601404942

 

[WoodieB]

I haven't heard any of the subs you listed, but just have an observation. You have an excellent AV receiver and nice surround setup. You just are not going to get a sub to do your system justice in that price range. Save up until you can spend $600.00 or more and check out the offerings from Hsu and SVS. I have an SVS PC-Ultra mated with a Denon 2805 and Axiom speakers. Granted it's a $1200.00 subwoofer, but there is probably nowhere you can spend the money that will make as much difference in your HT setup as getting a QUALITY subwoofer. You can get away with a smaller sub due to your room size, but don't skimp on it. You won't be sorry for spending the extra dough.

Just my 02hz worth

 

[Rock&Roll Ninja]

To be terribly honest, the four subwoofers you listed range from "total crap" to "mediocre in a small room". I suggest you save your money for a Hsu STF-2, SVS PB10-isd, or buy two Dayton 10" subs from HERE

 

[hammong]

I gotta agree with these two guys -- your subwoofer is going to provide serious impact to your home theatre, and skimping with a cheap sub when you could spend just a little more and get a "decent" sub will end up costing you more in the long run. If money is your top priority, then you should consider a better quality 8" or 10" sub instead of a cheap quality 12" one.

Greg

 

[zzyzx_2005]

I have the same question. I'm newbie to HT, just set up mine, with Denon AVR-1905, and OEM version of Red Rose Spirit Theater Monitor speakers (http://www.redrosemusic.com/spirit_ht.shtml)
Trying to find a subwoofer to fit my setup, around $300.
Thanks in advance,

David

 

[Rock&Roll Ninja]

IMHO the only powered subwoofer worth paying for, and costing under $299 is the 10" Dayton model. And you could buy two of them for that price.

 

[zzyzx_2005]

Thanks for the advice, what do you think of this subwoofer?
http://www.audioadvisor.com/store/productdetail.asp?sku=WHARFDX10SR&product_name=150 Watt, 10-Inch Powered Subwoofer

David

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

A lot of those subs are the "cannister" type. I don't think the wife would approve. I can splurge up to $600. Is this a better buy? I have a 10" "box" vented sub now. I want to make sure there's a huge difference. I'm not sold on 10".

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3275&item=5757672300&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

 

[jaxvon]

If you want a Hsu, then I think you'd do best to just go on over to their site and purchase them directly. Hsu and SVS are great values for subwoofers. I'd suggest you check them out.

 

[jmgillespie]

What do you guys think would be the best choice for me here's what i've got for HT.

Yamaha 5660
Paradigm cc270
Paradigm Legends fronts and rears
10" jbl subwoofer from last speaker system it is boomy

Here's what I'm looking at:

PDR 12
PW2200
Definitive Supercube I
Two PDR 10's
Two PDR 12's

No HSU or SVS subs I work at a electronics store so this what I have to work with because I get a hell of a discount. Also have klipsch subs but like the others better. I'm in college living at home so right now its all setup in my bedroom Fronts are about 5' from me and rears 2' from me I know its over kill for this room but when I move out I will have a larger room to put it in so I'm planning for the future 80% movies 20% music (rock and hiphop) I'm leaning towards the two pdr12's because i've heard two subwoofers is the best way to go if you can and for me will end up cheaper then 1 of the pw2200's or supercubes.

 

[hammong]

The Definitive Tech Supercube 1 is a fantastic sub, but some people have claimed it might get boomy in certain placements because of the passive radiators on 2 sides. Personally, I think it's a good sounding unit, especially if you can get a discount on it.

Placement of your subwoofer, no matter what brand or configuration, is extremely critical. Just putting it where it "looks good" typically won't give you the best sound, and might well give you horrible sound! You need to experiment with placement until you find the right balance between boom, volume, frequency response, and overall quality of sound. Often moving the sub just 2-3 feet will make a profound difference in sound quality, sometimes you have to move it clear across the room. Please, please, please, experiment with placement before you make any final judgements about your existing sub or when evaluating a new sub.

Greg

 

[warpdrive]

What do you guys think would be the best choice for me here's what i've got for HT.

Yamaha 5660
Paradigm cc270
Paradigm Legends fronts and rears
10" jbl subwoofer from last speaker system it is boomy

Here's what I'm looking at:

PDR 12
PW2200
Definitive Supercube I
Two PDR 10's
Two PDR 12's

No HSU or SVS subs I work at a electronics store so this what I have to work with because I get a hell of a discount. Also have klipsch subs but like the others better. I'm in college living at home so right now its all setup in my bedroom Fronts are about 5' from me and rears 2' from me I know its over kill for this room but when I move out I will have a larger room to put it in so I'm planning for the future 80% movies 20% music (rock and hiphop) I'm leaning towards the two pdr12's because i've heard two subwoofers is the best way to go if you can and for me will end up cheaper then 1 of the pw2200's or supercubes.

The PDR series isn't well known for its bass capabilities (more of one note type bass). While it's true two is better than one, the PW2200 is such a hugh improvement over the PDR series, it's a no brainer, the PW2200 is a better sounding and cleaner sub.

I'd go for the PW2200 myself, as I've heard this and it is a GOOD sub. Can't speak for the Supercube. The PW2200 reaches down below 20Hz nearly flat which is something the PDR is not capable of no matter how many you have