D

DubPlate

Audioholic Intern
I currently have a polk psw 505 and klipsch r112sw (both ported). I want to upgrade to matching subs because the capabilities of my current subs are quite different.

I am leaning toward sealed because I listen to about 90% music and I am trying to keep the size of the subs to a minimum. I am also looking to increase my extension to as close to 20hz as I can get, without braking the bank, while also going dual. Trying to keep total under $1000.

I see that the svs sb 12 nsd is being sold for $ 399 and I am very interested.

Room about 2200 cubit feet.

My question is, do you think two svs sb 12 nsd will at least match my current setup for extension and volume?

Asking because I don’t want to spend money money to get subs that won’t at least match the performance I already have in the psw 505 and klipch r112sw.
 
S

shadyJ

Speaker of the House
Staff member
Small, sealed subs at this price point don't do much at 20 Hz because they won't have very high-excursion drivers, which would necessarily raise the price a lot more. If you want actual extension from a $500 sub, you will need to go ported. If you are adamant on getting a sealed sub in this price range, one I might consider is the Monoprice Monolith 10" THX Select and run it in sealed mode. That driver has insanely high excursion for a 10" and so will actually give you a little deep bass. If you can raise your budget just a bit and also relax your size restrictions, check out the Hsu VTF-2 mk5. It actually has pretty good performance in its sealed operating mode, it actually has a big performance advantage against the SB12-NSD even when running sealed.
 
D

DubPlate

Audioholic Intern
Small, sealed subs at this price point don't do much at 20 Hz because they won't have very high-excursion drivers, which would necessarily raise the price a lot more. If you want actual extension from a $500 sub, you will need to go ported. If you are adamant on getting a sealed sub in this price range, one I might consider is the Monoprice Monolith 10" THX Select and run it in sealed mode. That driver has insanely high excursion for a 10" and so will actually give you a little deep bass. If you can raise your budget just a bit and also relax your size restrictions, check out the Hsu VTF-2 mk5. It actually has pretty good performance in its sealed operating mode, it actually has a big performance advantage against the SB12-NSD even when running sealed.
Impressive, audioholics have it flat down to 20hz, Even in sealed mode. Size is also impressive! Given the size of my room, do u think one of these may do, especially if place close to my mains, on the same wall, to help integration, and minimize localization?
 
S

shadyJ

Speaker of the House
Staff member
Impressive, audioholics have it flat down to 20hz, Even in sealed mode. Size is also impressive! Given the size of my room, do u think one of these may do, especially if place close to my mains, on the same wall, to help integration, and minimize localization?
If you are talking about the VTF-2 mk5, probably one would be enough in terms of output, but the reason to get two isn't output, it's a more even response with no localization. The nice thing about two is that if you place them right, you can use a higher than normal 80 Hz crossover point for much greater mid-bass punch. The subs are definitely going to be more capable from 80 Hz to 150 Hz than your speakers. Anyway, you could start with one, and if that doesn't do the trick, get another.
 
D

DubPlate

Audioholic Intern
What kind of music? Some EDM and hip hop will extend into the 20s occasionally. Most mainstream music stays well above 30Hz. Good performance down to 20Hz costs $$$. Do you need it? Speedwoofer 10s get rave reviews in your price range.

https://rslspeakers.com/products/rsl-speedwoofer-10s/
I do listen to electronic stuff like Beats Antique, Bass Nectar, Amon Tobin that get down low, though I have never verified how low they go. My main reason for wanting to get close to 20hz is because of movies. I don’t watch a lot of movies, when I do I like a good rumble.
 
Y

yepimonfire

Audioholic Samurai
Fwiw I've had problems being able to localize subs crossed at 80hz when placed anywhere but the front wall. In my bedroom setup, the sub is the flattest sounding along the rear wall in the right corner, but is easily located.

Placing a second sub along the left wall in the middle not only solved the localization problem, but further smoothed out the bass, and gave me about 6dB more headroom to boot.

Lastly, most of the tactile kick in the chest in lfe falls in the 30-80hz range. I've done a few comparisons between subs that roll off in the mid twenties and subs that extend into the infrasonic range and the difference is subtle at best.






Sent from my LM-X210(G) using Tapatalk
 
KahunaB14

KahunaB14

Enthusiast
I originally bought a SB12-NSD but after reading that ported was better in larger rooms I ordered the PB12-NSD as well (moving to bigger house near future).

Anyway - I have only used the PB12-NSD (never opened the SB12) and after roughly 1 month of having it I am planning to go dual DIY 18" in the future - like dual Dayton Reference 18" in 4ft cubed sealed boxes.

The base on the ported PB12-NSD digs deep and strong for movies, string bass, bass guitar, organ music, and rap/hip-hop. Will rattle the walls given the song/movie. Really great sub and I will probably never sell it. Its really well built and matches my Klipsch Reference fronts/center in external appearance perfectly (WAF).

However I personally feel that mid bass for electronic music kick drums or any kick drums is lacking tactile feel from 10 feet away in a 1,900 ft cubed room (open on one side however) at -15dB volume on the AVR. (I am also running the PB12-NSD about 6 points hot on the AVR FYI) This is my opinion, but having been to concerts like beats antique / skrillex etc. in my past I appreciate your desire for that thump to the chest feel. That is what I am after as well.

Now - I have no experience actually hearing a dual 18" DIY sealed setup - I'm just saying dual DIY is worth a look IMO given your price range and sound preference.
 

Latest posts

newsletter

  • RBHsound.com
  • BlueJeansCable.com
  • SVS Sound Subwoofers
  • Experience the Martin Logan Montis
Top