Help with Subwoofer Choices...newb

[j_garcia]

I've owned both the PB-10 an VTF-2 (in max extension) at the same time. I kept the PB-10 because it clearly went lower without effort, where the VTF-2 seemed to struggle on the lowest content. For music, due to the higher tune, I'd give the edge to the VTF-2, but the PB-10 was not far behind it. Neither was really quite enough for the size of room I have though, but I was still quite impressed with the PB-10 for the price. I thought HSU had a Canadian distributor so they would be able to at least offset some of the costs? In which case I'd be looking at a STF-3.

 

[Sheep]

I've owned both the PB-10 an VTF-2 (in max extension) at the same time. I kept the PB-10 because it clearly went lower without effort, where the VTF-2 seemed to struggle on the lowest content. For music, due to the higher tune, I'd give the edge to the VTF-2, but the PB-10 was not far behind it. Neither was really quite enough for the size of room I have though, but I was still quite impressed with the PB-10 for the price. I thought HSU had a Canadian distributor so they would be able to at least offset some of the costs? In which case I'd be looking at a STF-3.

JG,

I have seen you make this same post about a hogillion times. This must come up alot eh? They need a sticky for it.

SheepStar

 

[kellyk75]

Thanks for all of your help again everyone. Posted 1000 times or not, it is a first for me and I feel like I have made an informed decision. PB10-ISD is on its way. Be here right before new years. What an awesome way to introduce 2006.

STF-3 isn't readily available and will cost $300 more...... so SVS it was.

 

[Sheep]

Thanks for all of your help again everyone. Posted 1000 times or not, it is a first for me and I feel like I have made an informed decision. PB10-ISD is on its way. Be here right before new years. What an awesome way to introduce 2006.

STF-3 isn't readily available and will cost $300 more...... so SVS it was.

Right, I forgot that the 599 price is US.

The STF-2 is still good, but the PB-10 will have it beat with extension and THD.

Post your findings once all said and done!

SheepStar

 

[dwmayo1]

Sub Choice

Hi KellyK77, I just went through the same ordeal you are going through.

After doing a lot of research, I ended up with the Outlaw LFM 2. Now some people may say that a 8 inch sub is not worth it...Trust me when I say they would be hard pressed to take this position after listening to this sub!

I guess the number one question you have to ask yourself is, what are you trying to accomplish in your system? My agenda was not to piss off the neighbors or more importantly piss off my wife. I wanted to add some additional "warmness" to my B&W 603 S3 speakers powered by AVM 20 Amp and preamp. The transition from fronts to sub is totally transparent! can it rock? You bet it can! As far as accomplishing my goal, the Outlaw sub did just that and the B&W's sound awesome, in both HT and more importantly in music!

Happy hunting and keep in mind that size is not the most important component when looking to purchase a sub.

hope this helps and good luck with your decision.

dave in buffalo

 

[jaxvon]

I have the Hsu STF-1, which is very very similar to the LFM-2. I can say with confidence that it's a great subwoofer, especially for the size. The only weaknesses I can find are the lack of super low extension and the fact that it starts to bottom out with heavy bass content at reference levels (only if I have it set as a bassaholic volume though).

 

[kellyk75]

Hey guys & gals, just an update. I decided to go with the PB10-ISD, and I have to say..... WOW! It is not quite as tight as I thought it would be closer to midrange and it is A LOT bigger than I thought. Guess I should have looked closer at the dimensions. I am very happy overall....... it is the highlight of the system, but I am already getting the upgrade bug for the centre & fronts. I have a bit of calibrating to do and a bit of research on how to do it right. That may change my mind when all said and done. I am not used to having a good system, so I may be experiencing sound shortfalls in the programs I am watching. I notice that there is a big difference in quality from 1 DVD to another.

If I did update the front speakers (centre also), would it make a big difference to go with a different brand of speakers than the athena surrounds? With the Athena point 5's, the centre could be a bit warmer and more accurate with sound effects. I am probably expecting too much for the price I paid and for 4" drivers.

Overall, I am really happy with the system and apreciate all of your help. Thanks again

 

[Sheep]

The Front and rear sound stage don't have to be all from the same line of speakers. BUT, its good to keep all the speakers in the same company(panning effects etc).

Make sure you have your PB-10 set up correctly in your Reciever. IT has no cross over knob so it all have to be done onboard. Once you get the right blend, you might find the boomieness to go away.

SheepStar

 

[kellyk75]

I really don't have anything to compare too, so it probably isn't boomy. I am guessing some good punch from a good set of towers would fill in the mid that I am used to hearing from my car stereo and my parents old Infinity bookshelves. Probably the Athena's are the shortfall in that area. The crossover (needs tuning) is set at 80 Hz. I have been reading the Help boards and it should probably be set at 90 Hz. The specs for the piont 5 says 80 Hz for the surrounds, 60Hz for the centre. All speakers are set to "Small", so I guess I just need to play with it a bit more.