Newbie help with subwoofer purchase

[TvGuy]

Hey everyone I'm sure this question is answered multiple times on here but I humbly request a recommendation.
I am currently using a JBL E150P Subwoofer. Not the greatest sub in the world but I am new to the home theater scene and thought it was decent at the time of purchase plus I got it on clearance so I wasn't complaining then. Lately its lack of oomph is disconcerting to me and I am looking to upgrade to a sub that I can feel but whose presence is suttle.
The rest of my Speakers are as listed; JBL EC35 as my center, and the JBL E20 Bookshelf speakers as my mains. I have two older DCM tower's, big monsters with 10" woofers that drowned out my center but they sound decent now that I use them as my surround speakers and the E20's for the mains. I'm surprised at how well IMO they sound together. Overall I am happy with the clarity and how well the sound moves from left to right and front to back but my sub is not cutting it.
Any thoughts? Would adding a second E150P improve this? Or am I in the need for an entirely new sub. I only have $600 to spend so I know my choices are limited but any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You All.

 

[j_garcia]

Adding a second sub identical to the one you have will give you quite a bit more output, but it will not give you any additional extension. So the question is, what area do you feel this sub is lacking in? Where you have it placed in your room and whether or not you have it calibrated correctly can be a factor as well.

There's this guy on sale for $349 - add to cart to see price (it was offered even lower than that for one day at one point). It's one of the better subs from JBL, as most of their others aren't really all that specacular.

 

[jaxvon]

I think you should scrap the 150p and opt for a new sub. In your price range, I would consider an SVS PB10-ISD or, if you can shell out a little more than $600, an SVS PB12-ISD. Either of these will shame your JBL.

 

[j_garcia]

I think you should scrap the 150p and opt for a new sub. In your price range, I would consider an SVS PB10-ISD or, if you can shell out a little more than $600, an SVS PB12-ISD. Either of these will shame your JBL.

I'd have to agree - Under $500, the PB-10 is tough to beat in my book. (probably should have mentioned that too).

 

[deftech]

At the risk of sounding like a parrrot check out svs. I bought a used 25-31 pci off audiogon for $300 and am VERY impressed with it. I have heard alot of good things about hsu as well.

 

[jaxvon]

I have a Hsu STF-1 myslef. The reason I didn't recommend the Hsu is that it sounds like you're doing more HT and you'll appreciate the extra depth the SVS can deliver over the Hsu.

 

[Thunder18]

Here's one to take a look at

The Infinity CSW-10 goes down to 22 Hz, has a 650 watt amplifier and includes R.A.B.O.S. Room Adaptive Bass Optimization System. Cnet had a very favorable review. I myself has the PS-12, but for the price, if I was in the market right now, this is the one I'd get.
Here's a link to the lowest price I've seen from an authorized dealer $499:
http://www.electronics-expo.com/product.jsp?x=CSW10&zipz=11001
Just for comparison, you can go to circuitcity.com where it retails for $999 and is currently on sale for $950.
Here's a link to cnet's review:
http://reviews.cnet.com/Infinity_CSW-10_black/4505-7869_7-31301795.html
Here's another link to a Sound a Vision review:
http://manuals.harman.com/INF/HOM/Miscellaneous/SoundandVisionBeta.pdf

 

[Sheep]

The Infinity CSW-10 goes down to 22 Hz, has a 650 watt amplifier and includes R.A.B.O.S. Room Adaptive Bass Optimization System. Cnet had a very favorable review. I myself has the PS-12, but for the price, if I was in the market right now, this is the one I'd get.
Here's a link to the lowest price I've seen from an authorized dealer $499:
http://www.electronics-expo.com/product.jsp?x=CSW10&zipz=11001
Just for comparison, you can go to circuitcity.com where it retails for $999 and is currently on sale for $950.
Here's a link to cnet's review:
http://reviews.cnet.com/Infinity_CSW-10_black/4505-7869_7-31301795.html
Here's another link to a Sound a Vision review:
http://manuals.harman.com/INF/HOM/Miscellaneous/SoundandVisionBeta.pdf

For 950, you can get much more subwoofer then that. I will parrot it up, and recommend an SVS aswell. Get what ever you can in your price range


The Sheep

 

[j_garcia]

For 950, you can get much more subwoofer then that. I will parrot it up, and recommend an SVS aswell. Get what ever you can in your price range

He said it is selling for only $499, which is not bad with the RABOS.

The JBL I mentioned earlier also has free shipping...and got a decent review from Tom Nousaine. The PB-10 is $429, will hit 18Hz (subsonic filter kicks in at that point) and has a 700w peak amp.

 

[TvGuy]

What I feel the E150P is lacking is actual LFE. I have it calibrated well I believe but watching the beginning of Star Wars Episode II when the queen's ship flies by for example, the subwoofer just blares and rattles so I have to turn the volume to a little past half way. At this point there is a nice bass extension over my speakers but thats all it is just added bass, you can't really feel it. I believe A friend of mine has that JBL model you mentioned j_garcia and I remember being really impressed with it. The same scene in Episode II played through that sub with authority and you could really feel it in your chest. I'll have to confirm with him if he indeed has the S120PII but it looks like it in that picture. Excellent options here guys I've got allot to think about, The Free Shipping Is nice on that JBL.

 

[Tomorrow]

What I feel the E150P is lacking is actual LFE. I have it calibrated well I believe but watching the beginning of Star Wars Episode II when the queen's ship flies by for example, the subwoofer just blares and rattles so I have to turn the volume to a little past half way. At this point there is a nice bass extension over my speakers but thats all it is just added bass, you can't really feel it. I believe A friend of mine has that JBL model you mentioned j_garcia and I remember being really impressed with it. The same scene in Episode II played through that sub with authority and you could really feel it in your chest. I'll have to confirm with him if he indeed has the S120PII but it looks like it in that picture. Excellent options here guys I've got allot to think about, The Free Shipping Is nice on that JBL.

I have owned the JBL S120PII (new) and it was junk. I traded it in on, and was happier with, an Hsu STF-1. I'm now the proud owner of an STF-3 and wouldn't be without it for HT and music.

If you want a good (!!) sub for a reasonable price, buy Hsu or SVS. No question.

 

[TvGuy]

Decided, But now what?

After serious thought I have decided to go with SVS. I've read allot of good reviews for both the PB-10 ISD and PB-12 ISD. So my question now is will I notice enough of an improvement if I go with the PB-12 ISD or will the PB-10 ISD do enough for my HT needs?

 

[jaxvon]

Call up SVS and ask them what they think. They're the best ones to judge your subwoofer choice based on your room, tastes, etc. as they know their subs better than anybody.

 

[mfabien]

Call up SVS and ask them what they think. They're the best ones to judge your subwoofer choice based on your room, tastes, etc. as they know their subs better than anybody.

I'll second that suggestion.

 

[TvGuy]

I ordered the PB12-ISD. Thanks to everyone for their expert advice. Much Appreciated.

 

[j_garcia]

I ordered the PB12-ISD. Thanks to everyone for their expert advice. Much Appreciated.

Congrats! I'd say it will be just a tiny improvement...

 

[Tomorrow]

I ordered the PB12-ISD. Thanks to everyone for their expert advice. Much Appreciated.

You come back and give us your impressions of the sub, TvGuy! Heh heh. We accept "OMG!!!" as validation.

 

[BJP]

I ordered the PB12-ISD. Thanks to everyone for their expert advice. Much Appreciated.

Great choice. I just ordered a 20-39PC Plus. SVS is doing great business, their PC subs were backordered until October 10th. Now they are backordered 4-5 business days. This will be a huge upgrade .