Need help with subwoofer purchase.

[Reggie Died]

I've been slowly putting together an extremly cheap system over the past 6 months, and i've come to the last component; the subwoofer.

My system consists of Paradigm Titans for mains and surrounds, a Paradigm CC-150 for a center, and a pair of Polk Audio R30's as rear surrounds.

This is all powered by a Yamaha HTR-5760.

Here in lies my question; should i stick to a small subwoofer budget, and go for the STF-1? Will this match the rest of my components in terms of quality/price ratio? I know the STF-1 won't go down as low as others, but will this be something i will truly miss, considering i'm already limiting the fidelility of the sound by having low end speakers? Unfortunatly i live in Canada, and havn't been able to find a place anywhere that demo's the STF-1.

On the other hand, if I do decide to increase my budget, what are your opinions on these woofers;

HSU STF-2 : $549.50 + taxes
Velodyn DPS 10: $474.99 after taxes
Polk Audio PSW12 : $474.99 after taxes.


THanks for any help

Cheers,

Reggie

 

[jaxvon]

I think you might try going for the STF-1 right now and stay good on your budget. If you were to step up, I'd have to say STF-2. It IS the most expensive, but it's got great response and more power than the velodyne.

 

[Spiffyfast]

I don't know if those amounts were in Canadian or not, but this will be in US dollars. Have you thought about an SVS PB10-ISD runs $429, 300 watt amp and goes down to 20hz. This is what I'm probably going to get to acompany my Paradigm Monitor system I hope to purchase in a few weeks. Heres the web addy.

http://www.svsubwoofers.com/subs_pb10_isd.htm

Sorry to throw more options out there, but from everything I've read this is the best bang for you buck

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

I don't know if those amounts were in Canadian or not, but this will be in US dollars. Have you thought about an SVS PB10-ISD runs $429, 300 watt amp and goes down to 20hz. This is what I'm probably going to get to acompany my Paradigm Monitor system I hope to purchase in a few weeks. Heres the web addy.

http://www.svsubwoofers.com/subs_pb10_isd.htm

Sorry to throw more options out there, but from everything I've read this is the best bang for you buck

Spiffy is correct. For that kind of money, rule out the Velodyne and Polk. Especially Polk for subwoofers. You want SVS or HSU. All you need to do is call them and they'll recommend which sub will work best in your room. There is a point to "overkill" on a sub, especially in a smaller room or with a less powerful setup.

 

[Reggie Died]

Appreciate the last two replies. I had a feeling that Polk woudln't compare to HSU, but was thinking Velodyne woudl be close.

However, I'm not considering SVS, so I think HSU will be my answer.

Unfortunatly, I'm still struggling between the STF1 and the STF2. I know the STF2 is better, and is worth the extra $200 bucks. I can probably not go drinking a few nights and be able to afford the STF2. But at what point should i draw the line with the subwoofer and say "this is too much for my Paradigm Titan system"?

I"m going to call my local HSU dealer and see whether they have a trade in program. Failing that, possibly an at home demo.

Thanks for the replies guys,

Reggie

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Unfortunatly, I'm still struggling between the STF1 and the STF2. I know the STF2 is better, and is worth the extra $200 bucks. I can probably not go drinking a few nights and be able to afford the STF2. But at what point should i draw the line with the subwoofer and say "this is too much for my Paradigm Titan system"?

I"m going to call my local HSU dealer and see whether they have a trade in program. Failing that, possibly an at home demo.

That's a no brainer to me, but make the call anyhow. In the end, I'd go with the STF2. I'd never settle for an 8" woofer, especially if I could budget for a 10" from the same mfg (I thought it was only $100 difference). The only 8" I would ever consider is the triple 8" Martin Logan sub, and it defies logic with the unequalled sound it puts out (just heard another one today at a Parade of Homes). Problem is, the price. STF2 will grow with you, while the STF1 may not cut the bill in the years to come as your system progresses. Nice choice, BTW.