Review of $229 Cadence XSub

[Methost]

UPS man delivered my Xsub today. First impressoin ... WOW. Very nice sounds. Let me start by saying that my HT is still in pieces and mostly in my office and un-calibrated. So I quick hooked up the Xsub to my Marantz SR8400 and paired it with a set of Axiom M22Tis. I quickly hooked up the sub via the LFE (is this better then using the speaker wires? The Xsub has two LFE inputs and I am supposed to use an RCA splitter if my receiver has only one LFE out. I used no splitter and hooked to only one input on the Xsub). So with no calibration and no surround sound, I still have to say that I loved the sub. Perhaps there was a bit more ... boom ... then I would have liked, but I wont judge it will I have it sitting in my HT and properly hooked up.

For $250, I think its a pretty damn good deal.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Glad you're happy with the purchase. It's hard to find a good budget sub. I think this one qualifies. No doubt there's a lot to be gained if you can increase your budget $200+, but until then, this one IMO makes the grade. Here's two photos of the magnet structure if anyone is interested:

 

[Methost]

Can some sound dampening material be added to this enclosure to reduce resonance? It's not too bad as it is, but I like just a bit more ... "punch'.

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Can some sound dampening material be added to this enclosure to reduce resonance? It's not too bad as it is, but I like just a bit more ... "punch'.

Try it. Normally a ported enclosure shouldn't have baffling, but it will definitely help reduce a "boomy" sound. What it will also do is trick the driver into thinking the cabinet is larger than it really is. Your sub's amp has the power to handle the extra baffling, so by all means, stuff some in and let us know what you think.

 

[Methost]

What about the duel LFE inputs on this unit. The manufacturer recommends using a Y connection and using both inputs on the amp from one output on the receiver. Why would this be? (I purchased a Y connection anyway, I would just like to know why I did).

 

[droeses58]

Try it. Normally a ported enclosure shouldn't have baffling, but it will definitely help reduce a "boomy" sound. What it will also do is trick the driver into thinking the cabinet is larger than it really is. Your sub's amp has the power to handle the extra baffling, so by all means, stuff some in and let us know what you think.

Buckeye,

ported enclosure don't need baffling? Hmm...maybe this explains why my sub project keeps bottoming at only moderate volumes? [dayton titanic 12" w/bash 500watt amp]

As far as the Y splitter, I think it has something to do with sending a little more "gain" [volume] to the sub so you don't have to turn up the gain on the sub so far?

 

[MacManNM]

Buckeye,

ported enclosure don't need baffling? Hmm...maybe this explains why my sub project keeps bottoming at only moderate volumes? [dayton titanic 12" w/bash 500watt amp]

As far as the Y splitter, I think it has something to do with sending a little more "gain" [volume] to the sub so you don't have to turn up the gain on the sub so far?

Don't mean to Hijack here, but can you give some details on the enclosure? Box size, port size and diameter?

 

[droeses58]

No problem, hijack anytime

Box volume 3.2 cubic ft.

Ports, I know this probably wasn't the best thing to do but I used 4 front firing at 1.5in. each by 8in long.

 

[Ron Temple]

Please explain how Buck got a red chicklet...

 

[MacManNM]

No problem, hijack anytime

Box volume 3.2 cubic ft.

Ports, I know this probably wasn't the best thing to do but I used 4 front firing at 1.5in. each by 8in long.

Try plugging 1 port and adding 2 inches in length to the other 3. That should help you out a bit.