Second subwoofer now or not?

[Jack Hammer]

I just got offered a brand new in box (w/10year warranty) M&K VX760 sub for $350 (retails for $800), but I only have til tomorrow afternoon (Mon 9/11) to decide if I want it. It's agreat deal and I want to eventually add a second sub. Problem is I'm not sure if I want this or something bigger. Currently I've got a M&K VX860 sub (basically same sub but with a bigger amp) and am happy with it. That and I live in a very small place and don't have room for the sub yet.

Question is should I buy this and sit on it until I move into a bigger place (about 6 months) or save my money for something bigger, like this?

What do you guys think?
my system is in my signature

Thanks Jack

 

[mtrycrafts]

I just got offered a brand new in box (w/10year warranty) M&K VX760 sub for $350 (retails for $800), but I only have til tomorrow afternoon (Mon 9/11) to decide if I want it. It's agreat deal and I want to eventually add a second sub. Problem is I'm not sure if I want this or something bigger. Currently I've got a M&K VX860 sub (basically same sub but with a bigger amp) and am happy with it. That and I live in a very small place and don't have room for the sub yet.

Question is should I buy this and sit on it until I move into a bigger place (about 6 months) or save my money for something bigger, like this?

What do you guys think?
my system is in my signature

Thanks Jack

If you are after some meaningful lows, 150 watts of power is not much driving force.

 

[Jack Hammer]

If you are after some meaningful lows, 150 watts of power is not much driving force.

M&K is very conservative on their power ratings. The power rating they list is for continuous output, not maximum output. I've listened to more powerfully rated subs that don't come anywhere close to the output of these. I have an older K10 subwoofer (75W/ 8") in my bedroom that'll shake my entire (small) apartment, deeply and cleanly.

Any other input? Anyone?

Thanks
Jack

 

[mtrycrafts]

M&K is very conservative on their power ratings. The power rating they list is for continuous output, not maximum output. I've listened to more powerfully rated subs that don't come anywhere close to the output of these. I have an older K10 subwoofer (75W/ 8") in my bedroom that'll shake my entire (small) apartment, deeply and cleanly.

Any other input? Anyone?

Thanks
Jack

In that case, no need to ask the question. It is a bargain at that price, jump on it.

 

[Rob Babcock]

At that price I think I'd probably jump. Even if you need something larger down the road you'll have nice stuff for a secondary system, for a relative, or even be able to resell it at a good price. Of course, it depends upon you financial situation. If you can comfortably buy it without blowing $$$ you need for something else, I'd do it. A good deal is a good deal!

Plus, M&K does make very nice subs.

 

[Jack Hammer]

Decided to pass on it...

... I called M&K (very helpful) and they recommended for my system I save for something bigger. They said it will work fine and it is a great price, but in the long run if it's a bigger sound i want, then I should save up and go with a push/pull dual subwoofer. I'm looking at this... They recommended it as one possibility.
That and my finances aren't the best, I just upgraded my surrounds and bought a bunch of other stuff in the past couple of weeks.

Thanks

Jack

 

[Rob Babcock]

Can't beat advice right from M&K! And a bargain you really can't afford isn't a great deal. There's always good deals popping up.

 

[Club1820]

JackHammer, so how do you like the 860? I have one of my own that has been sitting in a box for the last 6 months! I am finishing my basement and will have my HT down there. Will be used along with at Rotel 1095 amp.

I can't wait to hook it up and give it a good listen!

 

[Jack Hammer]

JackHammer, so how do you like the 860? I have one of my own that has been sitting in a box for the last 6 months! I am finishing my basement and will have my HT down there. Will be used along with at Rotel 1095 amp.

I can't wait to hook it up and give it a good listen!

I'm very happy with it, it makes nice, clean, deep bass. Honestly, it's way overkill for my current (small) apartment. I have to turn it down to use at night, it shakes my neighbors place too. I'm going to upgrade it to a dual 12" push-pull model, those are amazing. I'll either use the 860 as a second sub or put it in another room. I think you'll be happy with yours.

Jack

 

[Club1820]

Jack Hammer, I was trying to send you a private message but couldnt? Anyway, I came across your signature and noticed you had an MK 860 sub. I was going to ask you what you thought. Lo and behold I had already asked you about it in this thread way back in Sept!!! LOL

Well, my basement is finished and I hooked up the sub. I've only had it hooked up about a month and I am somewhat dissapointed. It is great with music. I blends in real well with my main speakers and has alot of clean, tight bass. Sounds great even at very high, neighbor disturbing, levels!

Where I am dissapointed so far is when watching movies. It just doesnt rattle my sofa like I expected it to. I have everything calibrated with the RS SPL meter. Actually, the sub is set to about 10dBs higher than the rest of the speakers. The volume on the sub is set halfway to the REF level and I have it set to bypass to allow my Rotel 1068 pre/pro to set the crossover level at 80hz.

Even though I have it 10dB higher than the rest of the speakers, no real rumble while watching movies. I only got the response I wanted when I adjusted the level of the sub to "Max" on the Rotel 1068. Then, yes, my sofa shook! (watching Superman Returns)

I think part of my issue is that I am using it in my basement which is pretyy much totally open from the front of the house to the back. Although I do have the 860 sitting in a corner in the front. Actually in a sort of cubby hole built into the corner just for the sub.

Any ideas? Should I increase the level on the 860 higher than Reference level?

Just as an FYI - I do have a ceramic tiled floor. I added a floor rug, ottoman, and sofa so far. otherwise the basement is empty - no drapes, wall treatments, etc.

Thanks for your input!

BTW: I'm in Chi-Town also. GO BEARS!

 

[majorloser]

Jack Hammer, I was trying to send you a private message but couldnt? Anyway, I came across your signature and noticed you had an MK 860 sub. I was going to ask you what you thought. Lo and behold I had already asked you about it in this thread way back in Sept!!! LOL

Well, my basement is finished and I hooked up the sub. I've only had it hooked up about a month and I am somewhat dissapointed. It is great with music. I blends in real well with my main speakers and has alot of clean, tight bass. Sounds great even at very high, neighbor disturbing, levels!

Where I am dissapointed so far is when watching movies. It just doesnt rattle my sofa like I expected it to. I have everything calibrated with the RS SPL meter. Actually, the sub is set to about 10dBs higher than the rest of the speakers. The volume on the sub is set halfway to the REF level and I have it set to bypass to allow my Rotel 1068 pre/pro to set the crossover level at 80hz.

Even though I have it 10dB higher than the rest of the speakers, no real rumble while watching movies. I only got the response I wanted when I adjusted the level of the sub to "Max" on the Rotel 1068. Then, yes, my sofa shook! (watching Superman Returns)

I think part of my issue is that I am using it in my basement which is pretyy much totally open from the front of the house to the back. Although I do have the 860 sitting in a corner in the front. Actually in a sort of cubby hole built into the corner just for the sub.

Any ideas? Should I increase the level on the 860 higher than Reference level?

Just as an FYI - I do have a ceramic tiled floor. I added a floor rug, ottoman, and sofa so far. otherwise the basement is empty - no drapes, wall treatments, etc.

Thanks for your input!

BTW: I'm in Chi-Town also. GO BEARS!

Sounds to me like you need a second sub or a bigger sub.

Two M&K's would be better.

How about an HSU VTF-3HO w/turbo or SVS PB12-Plus/2?

 

[Sheep]

You should make your own thread with pictures of your setup. Maybe the placement isn't quite right.

If you're looking for shakes, go near field.

SheepStar

 

[phillyguy]

Any opening, doorway, etc. near your sub will suck the sound right out of it. Work on your placement, better yet, post a dwg of your setup and volume of room. You should then be able to get some really helpful replies. The setup and location make a HUGE difference in performance.

 

[Club1820]

ok. thanks for the replies so far. I will try to take pics and post. I really think its the room and not the sub. Like I said, it sounds great with music. Really pounds (especially at high listening levels, 70-80 on the 1068). It just doesnt pound with movies. At least not until I "max" the sub volume. Although I am only listening to movies at 50-60 on the volume. But anything higher would just be too loud anyway.

Thanks.

 

[majorloser]

ok. thanks for the replies so far. I will try to take pics and post. I really think its the room and not the sub. Like I said, it sounds great with music. Really pounds (especially at high listening levels, 70-80 on the 1068). It just doesnt pound with movies. At least not until I "max" the sub volume. Although I am only listening to movies at 50-60 on the volume. But anything higher would just be too loud anyway.

Thanks.

If I read your first post right, you're trying to fill a whole basement with sound. Even with a small house that's a lot of space.

I'll still stick with having multiple subs. One 12" sub is working hard to try and keep up with demanding movie soundtracks.

(But then again, I'm the guy thinking about buying a third sub)

 

[Jack Hammer]

Placement is important. I moved my couch up a foot or so a few months back and almost completely lost my bass. After unsuccessfully trying different locations, I ended up putting it back in it's original spot and pointing into the wall (away from me). I feel it in my couch now and it's gets loud. BTW, I'm on a ceramic tile floor in a basement too. Try different locations and pointing it in different directions.

Jack

(oh, you have to be a registered user to be able to send pm's.)

 

[Club1820]

(oh, you have to be a registered user to be able to send pm's.)

Yes, I realized that when it said under my user name - awaiting registration confirmation. I never received the confirmation email - probably because its a hotmail account.

Jack Hammer, what setting do you have your sub? Do you have it at reference level?

Are you bypassing the subs crossover and using your pre/pro's?

Also, is it level matched with the rest of your speakers or do you have it set at a higher level?

Thanks.

 

[Jack Hammer]

Jack Hammer, what setting do you have your sub? Do you have it at reference level?

I keep it is set at reference level.

Are you bypassing the subs crossover and using your pre/pro's?

I use an 80hz crossover set at my reciever bypassing the sub's.

Also, is it level matched with the rest of your speakers or do you have it set at a higher level?

Thanks.

I level matched all my speakers and sub and then I ended up adding 1-2 db to the sub. I forget the exact amount as I played with it til I found a level I liked that was good with both music and movies.

I don't know if you have read this article yet, crawling for bass, I think it will help you with your setup and/or placement. Sometimes a small change in location can make a big difference in sound. If you are looking for more 'feeling' of bass, you may want to consider a dual sub, an additional sub, or adding bass shakers to your couch.

BTW, I'm in Uptown, what part of Chicago are you in?

Jack

 

[dave1490]

I just got offered a brand new in box (w/10year warranty) M&K VX760 sub for $350 (retails for $800), but I only have til tomorrow afternoon (Mon 9/11) to decide if I want it. It's agreat deal and I want to eventually add a second sub. Problem is I'm not sure if I want this or something bigger. Currently I've got a M&K VX860 sub (basically same sub but with a bigger amp) and am happy with it. That and I live in a very small place and don't have room for the sub yet.

Question is should I buy this and sit on it until I move into a bigger place (about 6 months) or save my money for something bigger, like this?

What do you guys think?
my system is in my signature

Thanks Jack

it,s never a good deal if your constanly upgrading get the biggest you can and keep it. as long as the neibours dont complain.

 

[Jack Hammer]

it,s never a good deal if your constanly upgrading get the biggest you can and keep it. as long as the neibours dont complain.

This thread was started about 4 1/2 months ago. I ended up not getting it and saving for a bigger badder beast. I've had good luck picking up things at a very good price while building toward my ultimate goal and then getting rid of them for what I paid. It allows me to have nicer stuff now without wasting money. That is why I considered that particular sub at that price ($300+$50sh). I could have sold it next summer for around what I paid and had the use of it for next to nothing. I don't have any equipment that I paid full retail for.

Jack