Less than 1,000$ Subwoofer options – Suggestions?

[Kolia]

So I need a new subwoofer for my little (compared to some systems is seen here!) surround system. I have a Mirage LF100 (8in 100W) unit that I used to complement my bookshelves Mirage FRx3. It’s now totally eclipsed by my new setup (see below for details).

I use the surround for movies and gaming but musicality is more important to me. I would sacrifice some special effect bang for a better definition.

My local dealer is recommending the Martin Logan Abyss subwoofer. I’m interested and will probably get one to test in my house (room layout is less than perfect with an open space living/dining/kitchen) and play with it.

I would like some other options though and so I ask you guys what other subs are out there, below 1,000$ that I could look at?

Here’s my setup:

Receiver/amp: NAD T743 (5x50W)
Speakers: Front – Monitor Audio RS-6
Center – Monitor Audio RS-LCR
Rear – Monitor Audio RS-1

Thanks for reading

 

[j_garcia]

You didn't give a room size. Key factor. There are plenty of great options with that budget, such as the SVS PB-12 Plus ($949) or the NSD/2 ($899) and the HSU VTF-3 HO ($899) or with turbo ($999). Any of these will handle very large rooms.

 

[Kolia]

Room size is ~450sqft (base level of a 2 story town house).

Thanks for the suggestion, I'll check these out.

The Mordaunt Short Avant 909 from the suggested surround system might also be worth it ?

 

[j_garcia]

No. Their speakers are very good, but their subs aren't that great and won't even come close to those mentioned. A friend has the 907 sub and it is good, but far from great.

 

[mazersteven]

You didn't give a room size. Key factor. There are plenty of great options with that budget, such as the SVS PB-12 Plus ($949) or the NSD/2 ($899) and the HSU VTF-3 HO ($899) or with turbo ($999). Any of these will handle very large rooms.

Any of the subs J mentioned are going to be hard to beat.

I would drop SVS and HSU an e-mail and ask their opinion on what sub to get.

Give room size, music & movie preferences.

 

[Warpdrv]

Quick thought... filling a room with bass, you should be measuring in cu. ft.

with 8ft ceilings your at 3600 cu ft., with 11 ft your atalmost 5000 cu ft..
will mean a big difference to presurizing a room...

Bang for your buck is high with SVS and HSU, also don't forget to add into the mix Axiom's subs as well...

Lots of choices... email all the company's and see what they suggest.

 

[Kolia]

Thanks for the quick replies.

Where in Ohio is SVS? I couldn’t find an address on their web site…

 

[Kolia]

140lb ?!?!

What's powering that thing ? A black hole ? lol

 

[j_garcia]

Yeah, those subs aren't exactly small either Sort of a 2 person job moving them safely. The HSUs are a bit smaller. There are also the cylinder versions that are lighter than the boxes from SVS.

 

[mazersteven]

140lb ?!?!

What's powering that thing ? A black hole ? lol

140LBs of Awesome.

 

[Ryan8886]

140lb ?!?!

What's powering that thing ? A black hole ? lol

Depending on the model, at least a 325 watt BASH amp! Although, if you look down the 30+ inch long port of one of the SVS cylinders, you might THINK there's a black hole down there!
The SVS cylinders are a bit lighter, less expensive and less costly to ship than are their box subs...performance is the same. They ARE also a little funny looking. Not everyone's box of crackers!

 

[gene]

Yeah, those subs aren't exactly small either Sort of a 2 person job moving them safely. The HSUs are a bit smaller. There are also the cylinder versions that are lighter than the boxes from SVS.

I'd stick to box subs over cylinders if you can accommodate the box. Also keep in mind BIGGER isn't always better. It takes a lot of good engineering to make a high performance sub in a smaller enclosure. HSU does a great job of this and Velodyne perhaps best exemplifies this with their DD line (though they are costly) .

 

[Warpdrv]

140lb ?!?!

What's powering that thing ? A black hole ? lol

Yeah this thing is quite the monster.... but Im lovin it... heres a pic just for reference as to the size... HUGE-mungous... or Gynormous, whichever you like...

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/Warpdrv/home theater/SVS-PB12Plus2007small.jpg


Warp

 

[Kolia]

Yeah this thing is quite the monster.... but Im lovin it... heres a pic just for reference as to the size... HUGE-mungous... or Gynormous, whichever you like...

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d109/Warpdrv/home theater/SVS-PB12Plus2007small.jpg


Warp

Yes I've seen your post when you got it. What a beast...

 

[mkossler]

I'd stick to box subs over cylinders if you can accommodate the box...

Okay, I'll bite - why do you say this? Do you mean that you'd stick to boxes rather than cylinders in general, or just for the OP's usage? What are the factors that made you make this recommendation?

Obviously from my sig you can see I have a cylinder (and a small box). I am definitely not asking the question from a defensive position, but seeing as you are a person with significant credence on the matter I am very interested in the basis for your opinion.

Gotta make sure I'm doing right by my pals when they ask for advice

Cheers -

 

[j_garcia]

I have heard both the cylinders and the boxes from SVS and they don't sound different at all, so I'm curious where that came from as well.

 

[Sjmarcy]

I have heard both the cylinders and the boxes from SVS and they don't sound different at all, so I'm curious where that came from as well.

Yeah, what's up with that cylinder/box comment?

I just joined this forum, and read a few threads. I note the declaration: "Where audio and video equipment undergoes rigorous objective and subjective tests by our staff, ensuring that marketing slogans aren't the only guidelines for your home theater choices"....yet I see the President posting encoutgement for Axiom products, a site advertiser. Hmmm. And another post where a member was called a fanboy by an Audioholic staff member on a different matter?

What's up with the difference between this sort of thing and the Forum's written mission statement?

 

[speakerman39]

I'd stick to box subs over cylinders if you can accommodate the box. Also keep in mind BIGGER isn't always better. It takes a lot of good engineering to make a high performance sub in a smaller enclosure. HSU does a great job of this and Velodyne perhaps best exemplifies this with their DD line (though they are costly) .

Gene I understand that "bigger is not always better". Is it true that when a smaller enclosure is being used in the design that power can compensate for the lack of enclosure volume when compared to larger enclosures? In other words, smaller enclosure designs call for beefier aplification to get the same or nearly the same output of the larger enclosure sized subs. Of course, I could be wrong which would NOT be the first time. However, this is my take from learning more about sub enclosures and such.

 

[abboudc]

I'd stick to box subs over cylinders if you can accommodate the box.

Just interested if there's any particular reason?

You definitely get more placement options with the box even though it's bigger, whereas the cylinder almost has to go in the corner.

 

[abboudc]

Is it true that when a smaller enclosure is being used in the design that power can compensate for the lack of enclosure volume when compared to larger enclosures? In other words, smaller enclosure designs call for beefier aplification to get the same or nearly the same output of the larger enclosure sized subs.

A lot of the smaller subs are sealed. Sealed subs typically need beefier amps for the same output volume.