I need a better sub!

[SavidSelim]

Hello, my sub is really letting my system down. I have small B&W bookshelf speakers and i am happy with their sound and small size. I would like a sub that can pronounce the midbass and lower frequencies to back up my fronts a bit. The sub i have now came from a JBL 5.1 speaker package circa 2004. It is 300w and has a single 10" driver. It has a crossover at 60hz and LFE mode. Currently it is set for 90hz.

I would not like to spend more than $300. I know that isnt very much.

Could i mod my current sub to get better performance? I noticed that putting it on the side and facing the driver towards the listener sounds much better than facing it down. Is the weakness in the cab, driver, or amp? or is the thing better off given away?

HELP!!

-cheers

 

[GranteedEV]

Well first of all messing with placement/bass traps/parametric EQ may help.. you may just be getting nulls and peaks but I don't know for sure without measurements. With that said, the bookshelves are called upon for midbass (~60hz - 300hz) moreso than deep audible bass (~25hz - 60hz or so) that subs are mostly for. You may just be experiencing the limits of your bookshelves.

Anyways - In the 300 dollar type range, your best bet is probably something like

this
this
this
one of these two


If you can stretch your budget, my recommendation for what you want would probably go to an Epik Legend ($500) or DIY Tuba HT... those ought to really impress you for your needs!

 

[SavidSelim]

my speakers wont go lower than 78hz. My sub is set for 90hz cause i feel like the music sounds more full that way. right now the sub just booms and roars i would like something that would make music more lifelike i was thinking an 8" driver.... my current sub is turned way down.

those are quality options for sure, but i am looking for something transparent for music. would these be able to be acurate up to 90hz or higher?

is my quest to fill out the mids in my system out of reach?

maybe i just dont understand the true job of the subwoofer. does it just boom?<---- haha

 

[sholling]

I would start but moving the existing sub to a corner and see if that helps. Then I'd add the new one as a second sub.

 

[krzywica]

I would start but moving the existing sub to a corner and see if that helps. Then I'd add the new one as a second sub.

I would agree and take it a step further. Put the sub in your primary listening position. Now play some bass heavy repetitive music. Now crawl around the room on your hands and knees (yes like a crazy person) and find the spot where the bass is strongest, smoothest, and most full sounding. Put the sub there.

 

[GranteedEV]

I would agree and take it a step further. Put the sub in your primary listening position. Now play some bass heavy repetitive music. Now crawl around the room on your hands and knees (yes like a crazy person) and find the spot where the bass is strongest, smoothest, and most full sounding. Put the sub there.

=( the sub-crawl's not quite as easy when you've got a treadmill on one side of the room, a couch on the other, a fireplace on another corner, and a television /fronts along the front wall, and open back.

And your sub is around 450+ liters internal volume

 

[Chitown2477]

Sounds like you have a HTIB sub, which may leave a lot to be desired. Personally, I would go with the HSU sub that was recommended simply because I like ported subs. I also like eD subs but that may be over your budget. I would get at least a 10" sub. This is recommended because you have an open room that makes it harder to get good lowend bass.

You mentioned your sub is turned all the way down. Try turning it up and moving it around a bit - especially to a corner to load it a bit. That may help but your sub simply may not be big enough to give you what you are looking for.

I started with a HTIB and the first upgrade was my sub. The change in overall music quality and movie experience was absolutely amazing!!!

 

[krzywica]

=( the sub-crawl's not quite as easy when you've got a treadmill on one side of the room, a couch on the other, a fireplace on another corner, and a television /fronts along the front wall, and open back.

And your sub is around 450+ liters internal volume

If the OP is as concerned about SQ as he sounds while also being extremely budget conscious he will try whatever he can before he goes out and lays down the $$ for new gear.

 

[SavidSelim]

The above poster hit it right on. I will try to move the sub around in order to improve sound quality. I am not into big heavy bass music, but i want to hear all plucks of the upright bass when listening to jazz (some frequencies are much more pronounced). Piano is another difficult instrument for my sub to handle.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I would move the sub back about 8" and then start the fireplace...

 

[krzywica]

The above poster hit it right on. I will try to move the sub around in order to improve sound quality. I am not into big heavy bass music, but i want to hear all plucks of the upright bass when listening to jazz (some frequencies are much more pronounced). Piano is another difficult instrument for my sub to handle.

Sounds like its time to invest in an EQ. Even if you get a better sub or subs you are still going to have the dips and peaks that you describe. You have a few options.....

Velodyne SMS-1. Should be able to find a used one for under $250

http://www.velodyne.com/vproducts/series.aspx?seriesid=1211&v_area=a

SVS AS-EQ1. $750

http://www.svsound.com/products-parts-subeq.cfm

ED eQ.2. $100

http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_123&products_id=657

 

[GranteedEV]

Don`t forget using the Behringer Feedback Destroyer with REW!