Need subwoofer advice for new home theater build

[3db]

There is no reason not to go passive if you can accommodate the space on your equipment rack. You can get as much amplification as you want. You can get amps that have all kind of nifty features like the iNuke DSPs. If the amp ever went bad, replacing it is not as much of a hassle, especially if the plate size is different for a plate amp that is no longer being made. Its easier to cool and ventilate a rack amp to insure a longer life. It can lessen the weight of the subwoofer. Passive allows for so much more flexibility.

Again, many ID Sub vendors offer choices in their plate amps with all kinds of nifty features. Cooling isn't that big of an issue with class D amps and I've never had a plate amp fail in my 15 + years of owning subs. But too me there is no distinct advantage.

 

[tommy2tone]

wow, i have to thank all of you for your contributions. after glancing through the responses quickly i now know, i'm going to have to re-read everything, carefully. for some reason, i was not receiving email notifications of the replies, i'm going to have to fix that or just keep checking here daily. i was originally thinking of getting the svs pb2000, but i didn't want to mention it because i feared it may skew the results of the question. you guys are way more tech savvy than myself and i really appreciate it. i was just tired of all the big box store surrounds set ups i've had and wanted something that would satisfy for years to come. and as far as the room dimensions, they will vary. we plan on moving within the next five years, but in the mean time the set up is for a roughly 15x18 foot room. i'll reply again after reviewing the replies more carefully. thank you all again, you've been a tremendous help so far.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

There is no reason not to go passive if you can accommodate the space on your equipment rack. You can get as much amplification as you want. You can get amps that have all kind of nifty features like the iNuke DSPs. If the amp ever went bad, replacing it is not as much of a hassle, especially if the plate size is different for a plate amp that is no longer being made. Its easier to cool and ventilate a rack amp to insure a longer life. It can lessen the weight of the subwoofer. Passive allows for so much more flexibility.

You beat me too it, but I was going to say those things.

It's not the first time, of course.

Externally powered subs can also save us money.

For example, the dual Funk 18.0 internally powered subs would have set me back over $6K. But I got the externally powered Funk 18.0 for around $4K, which is a whopping $2K savings!

You want limiters? External amps have them.
You want EQ & DSP? External amps have them and more.

You have the money (and space) and you want the best ultimate sub? Get the flagship Funk 18.2 subwoofer, which has.... oh, guess what? That's right... External amp/EQ/DSP.

I think internal amps are only for convenience and limitation in cost and space.

It's the same in subwoofers as it is in AVR.

We're just doing our part to spread the love.

 

[shadyJ]

Externally powered subs can also save us money.

You want limiters? External amps have them.
You want EQ & DSP? External amps have them and more.

You have the money (and space) and you want the best ultimate sub? Get the flagship Funk 18.2 subwoofer, which has.... oh, guess what? That's right... External amp/EQ/DSP.

I think internal amps are only for convenience and limitation in cost and space.

There are plate amps with all those DSP features and limiters, but not as many to choose from, and, like you said, they tend to be more expensive for the same performance and feature set. There are a lot more amps to choose from for those who get outboard amps.

 

[3db]

There are plate amps with all those DSP features and limiters, but not as many to choose from, and, like you said, they tend to be more expensive for the same performance and feature set. There are a lot more amps to choose from for those who get outboard amps.

Do you have examples of prices for amps and plate amps with comparable features? I would like to dwleve into this a little more. However, your assertion for cooling problems and weight is really stretching as I would hope the majority of the weight (in excess of 98% of a sub's weight is driver and enclosure.

 

[tommy2tone]

ok, guys, after looking through all the posts, i think i'm going to have to go with the HSU VTF15h, due to it's large range, clarity, and customization, along with of course it's price. thank you all very, very much.