smallest and best sounding sub

[BobD]

I recently bought a SVS PB12-NSD and it was much too large for my family room. Had to send it back. Need to get something smaller so what are some of the best sounding, smaller subs?

I did find Snell subs that are about a 15 inch cube with a 10" woofer. So something that size or smaller would be good. Any thoughts?

 

[GlocksRock]

Check out the new sealed SVS subs, they are supposed to be really good.

 

[bmurphy2121]

Check out some Def Tech stuff they make small cube subs that sound real good I have the SuperCube I it has a 10" in it and it sounds great just a little expensive tho but it has great sound.

 

[Pyrrho]

I recently bought a SVS PB12-NSD and it was much too large for my family room. Had to send it back. Need to get something smaller so what are some of the best sounding, smaller subs?

I did find Snell subs that are about a 15 inch cube with a 10" woofer. So something that size or smaller would be good. Any thoughts?

"Small" and "good subwoofer" do not generally go together well. If it is a question of floor space rather than actual size, so that it can be tall, check out the cylinder subwoofers from SVS. If it has to be small, you will tend to pay more for less performance to get something that is pretty good, and it will never be the best that money can buy, no matter how much it costs, nor will it ever be the best value in terms of price to performance ratio.

 

[timmay8612]

"Small" and "good subwoofer" do not generally go together well. If it is a question of floor space rather than actual size, so that it can be tall, check out the cylinder subwoofers from SVS. If it has to be small, you will tend to pay more for less performance to get something that is pretty good, and it will never be the best that money can buy, no matter how much it costs, nor will it ever be the best value in terms of price to performance ratio.

+1. I went with a cylinder sub for that exact reason, couldn't recommend it more!

 

[rnatalli]

The SVS sealed units are nice. Also, Aperion makes some pretty small subs with dual drivers.

 

[jostenmeat]

I recently bought a SVS PB12-NSD and it was much too large for my family room. Had to send it back. Need to get something smaller so what are some of the best sounding, smaller subs?

I did find Snell subs that are about a 15 inch cube with a 10" woofer. So something that size or smaller would be good. Any thoughts?

You never mentioned budget so . . . the JL F110 has the following dimensions:
15.64 in x 12.92 in. x 17.27 in.

JL has generally been at the tops for performance per cubic inch. It wouldn't surprise me (I really have no idea), if your former sub outperforms this one, and the JL might give you some sticker shock, depending on current street pricing.

 

[KEW]

I recently bought a SVS PB12-NSD and it was much too large for my family room. Had to send it back. Need to get something smaller so what are some of the best sounding, smaller subs?

I did find Snell subs that are about a 15 inch cube with a 10" woofer. So something that size or smaller would be good. Any thoughts?

This is a good sub in a small package (11" cube):
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66783

The photon reviewed below is the same sub (for $900), just rebranded. Read this evaluation and see if it is a fit for you:
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/subwoofers/photon-8-subwoofer

Last, Here is where I posted photos (post #63) so you can verify that the VMS-8 is the same as the Photon for yourself:
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?p=695317&highlight=Velodyne#post695317

 

[Matt34]

You can always find the Velodyne SPL 1200/1500 on Audiogon.

 

[j_garcia]

Emotiva Ultra12 $599 14.5” wide x 14.5” high x 15.25” deep 22Hz

http://emotiva.com/ultra_sub12.shtm

If you can wait, the Epik Legend says they expect September shipping. That would probably be my choice, though it is larger than your specs.

 

[indcrimdefense]

how small is small is one question. have heard the def tech cubes before and they sounded good and had a very small footprint. i have a velodyne DD10 which is amazing for it's size, particularly for music.

 

[BobD]

Well I got the Def Tech. Supercube III. It's 10x10x10 and it sounds great. It adds just enought oomph to movies and music. It's exactly how I thought a sub should sound. Paid a lot for it, more than I paid for the MUCH larger SVS that I sent back, but I think it's worth it.

 

[sparky77]

A Tangband w8-740p combined with a Dayton SA-100 in a half cubic foot enclosure works very nice, I now have two running on my system and for less than $200 piece with diy enclosures I don't think you can get much better bang for the buck.

 

[vikebrian84]

Def tech super cube III, ive heard good things.

 

[Maestro]

I just got a used Velodyne SPL-8RBG. It's got a Class D amp and 2000 watts dynamic & 1000 watts rms power and a calibration mic & remote. Great value for the money. For a small sub it really makes a clean impact. If you don't mind pre-owned equipment you might be able to get a good deal on a small Velodyne or Sunfire on Audiogon.

 

[Maestro]

I see the small Emotivas are now going for under 300 bucks!

 

[ahblaza]

Emotiva Ultra12 $599 14.5” wide x 14.5” high x 15.25” deep 22Hz

http://emotiva.com/ultra_sub12.shtm

If you can wait, the Epik Legend says they expect September shipping. That would probably be my choice, though it is larger than your specs.

Hey John, good recommendation with the Legend, ordered mine today, estimated shipping mid October. For the OP check out the Epik site, I think you will be pleasantly surprised with what can be had with reasonable outlay of funds with preordering.

 

[lsiberian]

The JL Audio stuff is the best commercial sealed stuff I've seen. But the best sealed subs are the TC Axis based DIY ones. If you have access to a woodshop and are proficient with the tools you could always build your own sub.

 

[lowc]

I'm also looking for a small foot print sub..I would use it for 80% movies, dont listen to music on the system to much..I'm worried that a 10" or smaller sub will strugle with movies..I have 2 SVS Ultras right now with the Samson amp and its overkill, want to down grade. Any good 10" subs that can do the job..do i need 2 10" subs or would 1 12" be a better option?

 

[SJTrance]

Well I got the Def Tech. Supercube III. It's 10x10x10 and it sounds great. It adds just enought oomph to movies and music. It's exactly how I thought a sub should sound. Paid a lot for it, more than I paid for the MUCH larger SVS that I sent back, but I think it's worth it.

Congrats on the Supercube III. I've heard a lot of great things about that sub. The price is a bit high for my tastes. But then, I'm working with a Hsu VTF-3 MK3 and it's a massive sub! Have you calibrated that sub? If not, I would so that you know that you're getting the most out of it.

I'm also looking for a small foot print sub..I would use it for 80% movies, dont listen to music on the system to much..I'm worried that a 10" or smaller sub will strugle with movies..I have 2 SVS Ultras right now with the Samson amp and its overkill, want to down grade. Any good 10" subs that can do the job..do i need 2 10" subs or would 1 12" be a better option?

If we knew some additional information, it would help. What is your room size and all attached open space like an attached kitchen, etc. what is your price point? Right off the bat, I would say that the Emotiva 10" subs (two of them) would sound very nice indeed. Of course, it won't dig very deep and shake your fillings out, but the sound would be nice.