Ready for a sub

[Budgetbuyer]

The room I'll be using is a small finished attic that is roughly 27x10 and 1500 cubic feet. The staircase reduces the listening area to about 10x15. It will be both for music and HT, but I would put more emphasis on musical qualities. I'm about 90% sure I'll be starting with a pair of Ascend Acoustic CSM-170s for 2.1 and eventually completing a 5.1 system.

The three subs that I'm considering are the HSU STF-2, Emotiva Ultra 12, and ED A2-300. I don't think I can really go wrong with any of them, but I'm curious if one of those may outperform the others for music.

 

[GranteedEV]

Out of those three, I would get an Epik Legend

 

[Budgetbuyer]

Out of those three, I would get an Epik Legend

Well in fairness the Epik is $565 shipped and currently out of stock, the others are closer to $400.

Would I be equally wrong picking either of the three?

 

[its phillip]

My post is useless because I think any of the three would be more than good enough for your needs, particularly in a room that small. Maybe just get the cheapest one

 

[KEW]

I would go for the Emotiva.
Here are my reasons. You can evaluate how well or if they apply to your needs:
1) From the AH review: "Clean tight sound". I think this is an attribute of an acoustic suspension or sealed design, which the Emo is the only one listed.
2) Better the devil you know - Simply that it has been reviewed by AH so you know that it has no major failings, performs well, and has been pushed to the limits - "the Emotiva Ultra 12's limiter did a nice job of preventing distortion" which is really one of the most important attributes of a sub. No matter how it sounds otherwise, you don't want a sub that breaks up or distorts when you push its limits. Apparently the EMO does a nice job of regulating the LF SPL to avoid this. (this should never be an issue with music).
3) Smaller size increases placement options - As long as it gives you the output you need (and it does well on this count).
4) Warranty - I didn't actually check the others, but the Emo has a 5 year warranty on the amp and driver. Typically a sub will have 1-2 years on teh amp and maybe 7 or 10 years on the driver. However, IMHO, the amp is the part that matters - speakers just don't die near as often as electronics.

 

[Budgetbuyer]

Thank you guys. I was leaning ever so slightly towards the Emotiva, I believe that's the one I'm going with.

 

[tgraham81]

I'm in the same boat as the OP.

I've narrowed it down to the Outlaw LFM-1 plus or the Rythmik FV12, but I can't find any info on the FV12 or anyone whom owns it to get their opinion.

I need a sub that is great for HT and does music as well. Does anyone here have any experience with the Rythmik FV12 and yes i know the 15's are great, but they are out of price range.

 

[son-yah-tive]

Thank you guys. I was leaning ever so slightly towards the Emotiva, I believe that's the one I'm going with.

Yes, after looking for a couple months I went with the Emo-12. I was going with Polk 505 but, changed my mind. I learned more about the Emo-12 on this site. The review helped sell me. So, it's on it's way to our house as we speak. Most Subs are 5 year, and most of the amps are 2 to 3 year warranty. This is 5 and 5. Also FANTASTIC customer service.