Need Sub(s) for Small Room

[Bdrach]

I am converting a small 13' x 10' x 7.5' room into a mancave and the room still needs a sub. Use will be 60% gaming (mostly computer), 25% music, 10% tv (mostly sports), and 5% home theater. The sub will initially be in a 2.1 setup with a pair of ELAC B6s and a Denon S710W until I decide whether I want to upgrade the B6s (and move them to the rear) or just add a center and surrounds. For the moment, I have an $800 budget to spend on a subwoofer.

Though the room is small, I will regularly use two listening positions: (1) a desk chair in front of the computer and (2) a couch about three and a half or four feet directly behind the desk chair. I have read that two subs can provide smoother base response but lack the technical expertise to know whether a second sub would be a worthwhile option given how close the two listening positions are. I have looked primarily at Rythmik, HSU, and SVS, and have come up with some potential options for the room.

The Single Sub Solution

I have been looking closely at both the HSU VTF-2 MK4 and Rythmik LV12R because they are well regarded and seem to be excellent values. I wondered though if I might be happier with the performance of a VTF-3 MK5 HP, Rythmik LVX12, or SVS PB (or PC)-2000 or if going up to the $800 range gets me more sub than I need.

The Dual Sub Solution

I have not thought quite as much about a dual sub solution. Dual HSU VTF-2 MK4s are attractive because of the ability to change the number of ports. Dual Rythmik L12s are appealing because they are compact, make placement easier (no ports), and have that awesome sounding proprietary servo technology. I have also considered dual SB-1000s but the SVS subs do not seem to provide quite as much value at this price point as the MK4 or L12. The downside to this solution is that I would need to wait (probably until after the new year) to purchase the second sub because my current $800 budget cannot accommodate two ~$500 subs.

I prefer a single sub solution (simply because its easier) but don't really want to compromise on quality for convenience. I'd love to read your thoughts about whether to go with single or dual subs and your recommendations about which single sub and set of dual subs you recommend. Thanks in advance!

EDIT: I should have included this in my original post. Price is the only relevant WAF. For a dual sub solution, I could spend ~$1000 (i.e. two ~$500 dollar subs) with the second purchased three or four months after the first without creating tension. If I wanted to spend much more, however, my wife would need to be convinced. She appreciates incremental value, so if its there its not hard to convince her, but I would need ammo.

 

[shadyJ]

You might think about getting a Hsu ULS-15 mk2 and adding another down the road. Use it in 2EQ mode.

 

[Bdrach]

You might think about getting a Hsu ULS-15 mk2 and adding another down the road. Use it in 2EQ mode.

Thanks for the input! The ULS-15 MK2 looks like an excellent sub. I would likely be happier with a single ULS-15 MK2 while I wait to add a second than a single L12 but I would have to convince the wife that there is value in spending ~$400 more total on the MK2s over the L12s despite the small room size. My wife appreciates incremental value, so if its there its not hard to convince her, but I need ammo. Help me persuade her!

 

[shadyJ]

Thanks for the input! The ULS-15 MK2 looks like an excellent sub. I would likely be happier with a single ULS-15 MK2 while I wait to add a second than a single L12 but I would have to convince the wife that there is value in spending ~$400 more total on the MK2s over the L12s despite the small room size. My wife appreciates incremental value, so if its there its not hard to convince her, but I need ammo. Help me persuade her!

I would say that the ULS-15 mk2 will likely provide more SPL for the dollar than the L12 for starters. If you ever moved the sound system to a larger room, the ULS-15 will handle it just fine, whereas the L12 might struggle. Also, since you would not be running the ULS-15 as hard under any scenario, that means the sub suffers less stress, which in turn means the sub will last longer, everything else being equal. A dual ULS-15 mk2 system would likely be the last subwoofer system you will have because it is unlikely to leave you wanting for more, but a dual L12 system might leave you thinking about an upgrade down the line, which might mean selling it and taking a loss for something superior. I would be done with it and go for the ULS.

 

[KenM10759]

A room that size and the application....get a pair of these:

https://rslspeakers.com/products/rsl-speedwoofer-10s/

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I would say that the ULS-15 mk2 will likely provide more SPL for the dollar than the L12 for starters. If you ever moved the sound system to a larger room, the ULS-15 will handle it just fine, whereas the L12 might struggle. Also, since you would not be running the ULS-15 as hard under any scenario, that means the sub suffers less stress, which in turn means the sub will last longer, everything else being equal. A dual ULS-15 mk2 system would likely be the last subwoofer system you will have because it is unlikely to leave you wanting for more, but a dual L12 system might leave you thinking about an upgrade down the line, which might mean selling it and taking a loss for something superior. I would be done with it and go for the ULS.

+1

 

[KEW]

I think the L12 is probably the best fit for your description. A pair of them will comfortably manage that size room.
However, I would encourage you to get the ULS-15's because, as ShadyJ says, they offer more flexibility for moving them to a larger room down the road.
From what I know of the L12 and the ULS-15, both are good subs to keep for the rest of your life (barring amp issues). So consider future applications!

 

[KEW]

A room that size and the application....get a pair of these:

https://rslspeakers.com/products/rsl-speedwoofer-10s/

Just to be thorough, I would venture that these would be an especially good option if your spouse would get annoyed by hearing constant thuds, etc while you are gaming in your "cave". I believe they are well tuned for music and represent a great value for someone wanting to play music with quality bookshelf speakers. RSL should be somewhat applauded for naming this sub "Speedwoofer" in a time when BT speakers are specified as incorporating 2.5" "subwoofers".
I believe the Speedwoofer is an excellent product for a music-only system or apartment use (if you don't want to annoy the neighbors). They will add a decent thud to your gaming, but never get the full thrill of the larger models.

 

[Bdrach]

Thanks Guys! This is exactly what I needed. Two ULS-15's definitely look like the more future proof option. Now its time to convince the wife! Really appreciate the advice.

 

[Diesel57]

32 years being married to the same lady, convincing consist of alot of conversation and work but providing proof solidifies the work...Cheers