Please comment on my subwoofer choice

[Pycroft]

Hello all...

I'm new here, but have posted on many other A/V websites. I am about to purchase a sub and would like to hear if you think this will be a good fit. FYI, My budget was only 200 bucks, so I didn't have much to work with. Here is what I already have:

Onkyo SR606
Panasonic BD35K
Polk Audio CS1 - Center
Polk Audio Monitor 50's - Fronts
Polk Audio Monitor 30's - Surrounds

I am about to purchase a used Definitive Technology ProSub 800 to accompany the setup. I will be using it for 80% Home Theatre and 20% Music in a 22x18 family room.

Please comment if that sub will work well.

Thanks,

Pycroft

 

[Haoleb]

You didnt buy the one for sale on audiogon did you? I saw there was one for sale sort-of locally for 200. Just seemed like such a coincidence

 

[lsiberian]

I think Aesthetics are clearly lacking for that sub. It looks hideous in my mind. But the sound is decent. Still I refuse to have that ugly of a subwoofer in my house.

 

[Adam]

Welcome to the forum!

That's a decent sized room that you've got there. How tall are the ceilings, and is it open to other areas? I'm wondering about the total volume of that room.

You asked if it will work well, and that's why I'm asking about the volume. However, I can't imagine that it won't be an improvement over having no sub. The reviews on that sub seem pretty good, and if you are getting it for $200, that's not a bad price.

 

[Pycroft]

...

Hi all,

The room is quite large and opens into the kitchen. I figure, for 200 or under, getting this 300 watt RMS sub is probably the best I can do...and like someone said, it will defineitly be better than nothing - (Even if it is ugly...I can put it under an end table

Any further comments?

Pycroft

 

[jostenmeat]

I'd save some more money. It's not like you are adding this to an HTIB. Also, 300W doesn't really mean anything since some subs are a lot more efficient than others. And usually it's the bigger ones that are more efficient.

JMO

 

[Adam]

My question is this: can you audition it before you pay for it (or, alternatively, can you return it if you don't like it)?

A buddy of mine has one of the lower end Polks. It cost him something like $150 full retail. A lot of people here would scoff at that sub, but it works well in his room that is near the size of yours and opens into the kitchen and living room. I was impressed with how it worked with the rest of his system. It's small, but it does the job when combined with his other speakers and room acoustics. His wife would kill him (and then me) if he were to buy a sub like mine because it's too big.

My point is that the sub might be a very nice addition to your system, regardless of specs and what other people think of it. However, it would be nice (IMO) to be able to try it out before committing to buying it.

 

[Pycroft]

...

Adam...

Quick answer...NO When asking around I was told to look for something 150+RMS, as close to 30 db low frequency, and anything over 150 RMS would probably handle in a room that size. Hopefully this will do the job!

Any other comments from people?

Pycroft

 

[jostenmeat]

Again, I will repeat, wattage doesn't really mean anything here. Larger subs also tend to make more out of the available wattage as well.

My sub is 2500 watts RMS short term, and I bet I could use a second.

I still vote that you save up. A good sub is a key ingredient to the HT experience. You've come a decent ways, don't skimp here at a final and important step.

Also, I'm not even sure that 30db at a "low" frequency is even detectable by a human . . . ? I highly doubt it.

 

[Adam]

Also, I'm not even sure that 30db at a "low" frequency is even detectable by a human . . . ? I highly doubt it.

I assumed that it was a typo and was supposed to read 30 Hz.

 

[Pycroft]

...

I would love to hear comments on this sub:

Premier Acoustics PA-120

and...how would it compare to the Definitive TEchnology subwoofer I orginally posted about? I purchased the Def. Tech sub, will try it out, but may sell it locally if this one would be a huge upgrade. Remember, my budget is no more than 200 bucks, so please don't suggest some 1,000 dollar sub in stead

Thanks so much.

Pycroft