Need input on budget subwoofer for 100% music in large-ish room

[spenceuiuc]

I currently have an Energy EPS-12 subwoofer (12", ported), but the amp is fried. I am mulling over replacing the amp (~$100) or upgrading the sub all together. I felt like the Energy must have a peak in response in the mid-bass range, because it didn't get super deep and wasn't very musical.

So, I am looking for input on a budget subwoofer for 100% music in large-ish room. Here is what I'm working with:

• Budget: $300 (which was increased from initial budget of $200)
• Room size: 20' x 24' x 8' total, open b/t living, dining, kitchen
• Front speakers: Infinity p363
• Receiver: Onkyo 8160
• Listening: 100% music (from instrumental, folk, to EDM and hip-hop)
• Goals: I am looking for the lows to be filled in evenly across the low end of the spectrum for music, and some driving bass for dance parties

In looking at reviews, I've identified several options in that price range. Here is what I have so far:

• Energy EPS-12 ($100, to fix the existing. Also game to build a new enclosure if that would make it sound better)
• BIC F12 ($200)
• TWO x Dayton Audio SUB-1200 ($251)
• Cadence CSX-12 Mark II ($270)
• Bic Acoustech PL-200 ($280)
• HSU STF-2 Subwoofer ($330)

However, a lot of these seem to be old-ish models. I am wondering:

• Are there are new models that should be considered?
• What are your recommendations, pros, cons of each, based on my situation?

Thanks a ton for your input, everyone!

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I'd recommend looking on CL for used PA Active Subwoofer, something like this one:
https://www.zzounds.com/item--BEHVQ1500D

 

[Seth=L]

I currently have an Energy EPS-12 subwoofer (12", ported), but the amp is fried. I am mulling over replacing the amp (~$100) or upgrading the sub all together. I felt like the Energy must have a peak in response in the mid-bass range, because it didn't get super deep and wasn't very musical.

Those subs were never meant to dig super deep and you're right about the mid-bass hump. I recall them sounding "thumpy" and kind of mushy.

So, I am looking for input on a budget subwoofer for 100% music in large-ish room. Here is what I'm working with:

• 
  
• Budget: $300 (which was increased from initial budget of $200)
• Room size: 20' x 24' x 8' total, open b/t living, dining, kitchen
• Front speakers: Infinity p363
• Receiver: Onkyo 8160
• Listening: 100% music (from instrumental, folk, to EDM and hip-hop)
• Goals: I am looking for the lows to be filled in evenly across the low end of the spectrum for music, and some driving bass for dance parties

At this budget your options are limited.

In looking at reviews, I've identified several options in that price range. Here is what I have so far:

I'll do these piece-meal style.

• Energy EPS-12 ($100, to fix the existing. Also game to build a new enclosure if that would make it sound better)

Not worth fixing. The driver is a weak point to springboard from, it's basically early to mid-90's driver design in it's most vanilla form, not worth putting into a new cabinet.

• BIC F12 ($200)

BIC are usually pretty good subwoofers on a tight budget and they look pretty nice. I've only done a little research on them, but they get compared with the likes of HSU's entry level offerings.

• TWO x Dayton Audio SUB-1200 ($251)

This can be tricky especially in an open floor plan such as yours. If you had trouble with sub placement and settings before with just one sub prepare yourself for a lot more crawling around on your hands and needs trying to tweak these two working together. If you can put up with that this may work well and you may even consider doing a pair of the sub-1000s.

• Cadence CSX-12 Mark II ($270)

I have no experience or knowledge about this subwoofer, so I won't comment on it.

• Bic Acoustech PL-200 ($280)

Basically steps up the power an extra 100 watts over the F12 and a touch more extension. This might be a serious contender, again, I don't have any personal experience with the BICs, only a little research I've done.

• HSU STF-2 Subwoofer ($330)

I've owned this one, I miss it. It was punchy and head plenty of output for such a small subwoofer. I enjoyed it immensely for music.

However, a lot of these seem to be old-ish models. I am wondering:

• 
  
• Are there are new models that should be considered?
• What are your recommendations, pros, cons of each, based on my situation?

Thanks a ton for your input, everyone!

There may be others worth considering, but the prices would certainly be the challenge. Because these subwoofers aren't on the bleeding edge their prices are more appealing. At your budget I think you could do well with a few of these models.

If I were forced to choose I'd either get the HSU STF-2 or take a chance on the well received BIC PL-200.

I like life simple.

 

[Seth=L]

I'd recommend looking on CL for used PA Active Subwoofer, something like this one:
https://www.zzounds.com/item--BEHVQ1500D

I could see how that would make sense in a music only system. I wonder if the Infinity P362s could keep up with it? They should I would think.

Edit: The deviation could be a bit hairy.

Frequency Range 40Hz-200Hz (-10dB)

Are there other pro-subs with a flatter response?

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I could see how that would make sense in a music only system. I wonder if the Infinity P362s could keep up with it? They should I would think.

Edit: The deviation could be a bit hairy.

Frequency Range 40Hz-200Hz (-10dB)

Are there other pro-subs with a flatter response?

New - unlikely, but used - Very possible to find nice JBL or Yamaha at OP's budget

 

[TheWarrior]

I think used is your best option at this price point.

Think about it this way, a subwoofer (for HT) includes an amplifier, a big magnet (assuming its not a complete POS) and a sturdy box(repeat last comment), there's no way to offer all of that in a respectable package for cheap.

If that doesn't work, keep saving, hope for a holiday bonus, add gift certs to your wish list, whatever! You do have audioholism, don't you? ;-)

 

[Seth=L]

I think used is your best option at this price point.

Think about it this way, a subwoofer (for HT) includes an amplifier, a big magnet (assuming its not a complete POS) and a sturdy box(repeat last comment), there's no way to offer all of that in a respectable package for cheap.

If that doesn't work, keep saving, hope for a holiday bonus, add gift certs to your wish list, whatever! You do have audioholism, don't you? ;-)

Buying used may require intimate knowledge of these products if one is to get what they're after. Of course we can help with that, but it requires a lot more effort regardless. Not saying it isn't worthwhile though. I pretty much exclusively buy used audio equipment. I can't even tell you what the last new piece I bought was. Maybe it was those Insignia bookshelf speakers that were all the rage about 4-5 years ago. I didn't keep them of course, I think I paid like $50 for the pair when they were on sale.