How much woof do I need.

[guggas]

Ok, I know I have 2 other threads, but I wanted to start a new one to talk specifically about Subwoofers.

I currently have the Pioneer 521 reciever and the Infiniti Primus theater 5- pack, and I am trying to complete my budget system with a subwoofer.

My room dimensions are 15 x 30 and one side of the room has a 7 foot wide opening into a 100sq. ft. room and the other long side of the main room has an opening into a 130sq. ft. room. I have been reccomended the 12" Dayton sub by a couple people as well as the Oulaw M8. I lean towards the Outlaw M8, but I'm concerned that it will not put out enough sound for my room, I'm just not sure how much sound a 8" sub can handle. My actual seating area is only about 15' x 15' ,but i assume the big openings are going to hurt me.

My uses are about 50/50 music/movies. Whats the best I can do with a room that size under $300? I would love to go with the pricetag of the 12" dayton, but if the sound of the Outlaw is WAY cleaner then I could pony up the extra...what do you think?

 

[j_garcia]

You cannot hope to fill that room with anything at $300. Having said that, Cadence has a sub at $400, the CSX-12 MkII that did well in my fairly large room (13.5'x24' with high vaulted ceilings) that might handle it OK. Otherwise you are going to be looking at going with something more like the Outlaw Audio LFM-1EX, Rythmik FV12, Epik Legend, or something similar, which are $500 and above.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

PA-150 could be found at $350. Tested by John Ricci it shown a serious potential in output, not too linear or transient but will do better than any other OP choices

Or go DIY:
I'm not an expert, but these two could be start for solid ported sub:
Dayton Audio RSS390HF-4 15" Reference HF Subwoofer 4 Ohm 295-468
and
Bash 500W Digital Subwoofer Amplifier 300-752

 

[j_garcia]

They have a build yourself kit also: Dayton Audio C1500K 15" Powered Subwoofer Kit 300-770

15", doesn't dig deep either, but should have the output and it ships free.

 

[Crackerballer]

I agree that you may not be able to "fill" that room for $300, but that doesn't mean you can't SIGNIFICANTLY enhance your experience with a good sub at your budget. I'd recommend an entry level HSU, or if you can spring up to $400, then one of their nice units like this:

VTF-1 Powered Subwoofer

 

[afterlife2]

These: Newegg.com - Energy S10.3 Subwoofer Each

 

[guggas]

Hmmm, can I get a 2nd on the Energy from Newegg? Or if not a second maybe some additional comments.

 

[j_garcia]

The previous version of the S10 is actually supposed to be decent, but I have not heard comments about that particular one. I'd say two of those might be fine as well.

 

[dkane360]

Don't forget to look for used subwoofers as well. Audiogon.com is a good source for used equipment.

 

[templemaners]

Audiogon.com is a good source for used equipment.

Correction - if you believe the people in this thread, it's not so good anymore...

 

[j_garcia]

Correction - if you believe the people in this thread, it's not so good anymore...

I'm not a fan of the new look either, but still a good source for components.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Correction - if you believe the people in this thread, it's not so good anymore...

Threads like this one is the reason I am not on AVS forums - 10 pages of rant about site redesign...
I actually like and hopefully site owners will restore all old functions and add new ones

 

[j_garcia]

I like AVS a lot less than the new Audiogon

 

[jcl]

There have been a few threads on low priced subs. This one may help

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/loudspeakers/76961-budget-subs.html

I have a pair of energy's 10.3 and like them a lot.

The outlaw audio m8's can be had for $449 a pair.
The Hsu stf-1 is $269 ea + $35 s/h.

Dayton, Cadence, and Bic are some others mentioned.

If you can't afford a pair of these now you can get one now and another later. Just realize subs in this price range don't compete with higher ranges (the rythmik f-12, svs pb12-nsd, etc.) That's why people often recommend saving up the money for a better sub.