Hi,
What a great forum. I am lucky to have stumbled across this forum in my efforts to research a subwoofer purchase. I have spent the last several days (off and on) reading posts, but am having a tough time divining some of the terminology and lack the familiarity with the model numbers to know what manufacturer makes it (so I can check the pricing). I am hoping to short cut some of this learning curve by asking outright for recommendations.
Quick orientation - I am an old stereo buff who had to pack away my serious equipment when I relocated. I just pulled them out of storage and age or lack of use has taken a toil. I recently started looking for upgrades to get my overall system up to par. I have two stereo systems; for speakers, I have a pair of Acoustic Research 3a's (which are going to the shop for new surrounds and L-pads) and a pair of Bose 901's (which are newer and fine). I know many consider the 901's a cheap gimmick speaker, but I really do like the spatial characteristics and presence created by the direct/reflected sound. While not terrible, the Bose definitely do not have the bass I would like. So, I am looking for a subwoofer to complement these speakers.
Initially, I was looking at the big box/amazon type offerings, doing the bargain hunting thing. I was ready to choose between a Polk PWS505 ($250)
12" BIC ($200), or Infinity PS212 ($350). But then I came across the
"Official Craigsub rankings" thread and the Home theater Hi-Fi Subwoofer Review Archives and started wondering if among all of these models of subwoofers there might be better options.
I was ready to pull the trigger on a AV123 MFW-15 which craigsub rated so highly (especially for the price). However, I had pause when I saw the >25% cost added for shipping, and went back for more justification to spend the extra jack. I notice that the AV123 MFW-15 is not being recommended much in recent threads, so I'm wondering if something better has come along?
Application - Exclusively for music, so I don't really care about infrasonic performance. For the money, I'd rather have tight sound in the audible frequencies without things getting jumbled up because my sub is reproducing 16Hz artifacts in the recording (or turntable rumble - yes, I'm that old).
Ideally the sub would employ a filter to prevent infrasonic effort.
I don't want to rattle the windows. I like the sound to fill the room, but most of my friends turn the music louder for listening. When I'm not dedicated 100% to the sound experience, I will be listening at a much reduced level, so I need a sub which can do its job reasonable well at lower volumes. I'll be pairing the sub with "full range" speakers (Bose 901's).
I'm not sure which room this will be in, but the largest is 24X17@11.5 ft. high.
Budget - What a tough question. I know that there is always an incrementally better product at an incrementally higher cost. Ideally, I'd like to keep it under $500, and under $350 would be great! I'm ignorant of subwoofer offerings, but know that with most products there are usually a few select products which kind of set the standard for their price point. If this is true of subwoofers, then I would use the gaps between these models to figure out where to set my budget.
Time/skill - I woodwork and could build a sub box. However, I'm not sure it is practical in my price range. If there is an outstanding ready-to-build design or kit available, it is worth considering.
Sorry for the ramble, but I wanted to cover all of the bases I can think of.
All recommendations, thoughts, and comments are welcome.
Thanks,
Kurt
