Store Bought Subs

[Rocky]

Ok, I know that many of you guys like to push SVS, and HSU and other such web-only manufactuers, but being in the market for a new sub, and having a very good experience with a local store, I would like to purchase from them. This is not to say that SVS, Hsu ect are bad, but I live in Canada and would not like to pay all of the duty required (around $200). The local supplier has access to just about every manufacturer such as PSB, Energy, Paradigam, ect. My budget is around $600-$700 CAD. Thanks in advance for any input.

Mike

 

[mike c]

Velodyne DLS-5000R

 

[Takeereasy]

Just to let you know HSU is available at retail locations in Canada so no duties or imports plus the chance to demo before buying, and there are authorized dealers in the GTA. I really do push HSU because the value is there for sure. You can go out and demo them. I'm not saying they are the greatest subs I've ever heard, but in your price bracket they are most certainly worth a listen IMO. I also like subs from all the manufacturers you listed, which wasn't true of energy until lately. I'm sure Sheep will chime in suggesting the Energy 12.3, but I don't know if you can swing it for $700. Here's a link to an authorized retailer that has a store in Toronto. For $700 you can grab a VTF-2, for $800 you can get and STF-3. I really suggest the STF-3, as it was the sub that impressed me the most and it is "upgradable" with the purchase of a "turbo" from HSU at a later date. That said the VTF-2 is a great sub, I'd throw it in against the 12" offerings from the manufacturers you mentioned. http://homedigitalav.com/HSUSubs.html

 

[Tex-amp]

The Mirage 12" is getting a lot of pub as a great buy.

 

[3db]

I recommend PSB subsonic6i not the older 6 it replaced

Ok, I know that many of you guys like to push SVS, and HSU and other such web-only manufactuers, but being in the market for a new sub, and having a very good experience with a local store, I would like to purchase from them. This is not to say that SVS, Hsu ect are bad, but I live in Canada and would not like to pay all of the duty required (around $200). The local supplier has access to just about every manufacturer such as PSB, Energy, Paradigam, ect. My budget is around $600-$700 CAD. Thanks in advance for any input.

Mike

The Subsonic6i and not the older subsonic6 was a clear winner in a subshoot out done by Sound & Vision Mag. It easily beat the Outlaw LFM1 besting it in all categories, played lower, played louder and had a more uniform power deliery across its operating spectrum. It easily thump's Paradigm's PDR12.
The Energy and the Mirage subs are getting quite the rep lately digging in quite low. Give them a isten. Like to pit them against the Subsonic6i and see how it all shakes out.

Another sub to look at is the Athena. Very respectable performance given the size of the driver.

 

[Johnny Canuck]

I went with the Hsu STF-3 but also liked the psb Subsonic 6i. If you feel better buying at a store get the psb. I also liked their 10" sub. Best 10" I heard for sure.

The Mirage was not anywhere near the psb.

I would agree with the previous post as I reserched this to death. Get the Hsu STF 3. I found mine for closer to $750 I seem to recall. It's just so solid. I have no worries of ever bottoming it out. Way more power than I need but a great feeling to know it's there if need be and I hardly have to push it. I didn't get that from the psb. It had to work harder it seemed to do the same effortless job by the hsu. Hope that makes sense. After blowing my last sub, Polk PSW404, I wanted confidence in my sub. ..There are Canadian retailers, no duty required. It is a huge sub though so I hope you have space.

JC

 

[Sheep]

The Velodyne DLSR5000 is over a grand mike. It not the cleanest subwoofer either. I preferred the Energy S10.3 to it.

As others have stated, HSU has Canadian distributors. One day (hopefully) SVS will do that same. Until then, I can't recommend them for you.

Look at the STF-3, and if you are concerned about size, the Energy S12.3 and S10.3 are good alternatives. Mind you, the STF-3 will outperform the S10.3.

The Mirage S12.3 (same thing as Energy S12.3) went head to head with a VTF-3 and did a great job considering its physical short comings. Its a great alternative, with good low end performance.

SheepStar

 

[mike c]

(sorry, was thinking USD) its over a grand there? DLS4000R then.

 

[Sheep]

(sorry, was thinking USD) its over a grand there? DLS4000R then.

1100 to be exact.

The 4000 isn't a great sub either. the STF-3 is cheaper, and would outperform it.

SheepStar

 

[Rocky]

how would the stf-2 stack up against the stf-3, because the stf-2 is almost $200 cheaper and I could have it sooner. Also, because of my small room size, would I even need an stf-3?

 

[howie85]

Go Big

In the larger picture down the road towards the future you will probably be happier with a better sub. The sting of pinching for the extra 200 will fade long before the regret of thinking what you coulda had ...IMHO

 

[df4801]

the DLS5000 is over a grand in Canada???

WOW! paid just over $550 with shipping for mine.

Maybe, not the "cleanest" for music, but hard to believe that the VTF-2 (around same price) would outperform it for movies.

 

[jaxvon]

I'd opt for an STF-3 tuned to 20Hz. It will go LOOOOW in your room, and have plenty of headroom to boot. In addition, you'll be able to use it in a bigger room. I'd be surprised if you EVER needed the gain at 5 in your room, probably at 3 with an STF-3 in 20Hz.

 

[zumbo]

NHT has great subs, if they are available in your area.

http://www.nhthifi.com/

 

[Takeereasy]

Rocky, the STF-2 is a really great sub at the price, but the STF-3 beats out any sub I've seen to date that costs less than $1000 easily. (actually the cheapest sub I've seen beat it was a Paradigm Servo that was way more) to be fair though most shops I've been in don't carry the greatest selection of subs, and when they do they cost so darn much for a good one. IMO the best buy per dollar on a sub up here is HSU at the moment. That said peruse local dealers and look for a closeout. Mirage is closing out there 12" and the price is great in the States, but I don't know about up here.

NHT costs an arm and a leg up here Zumbo, but they are very nice speakers IMO. They used to carry them at a local dealer but not enough demand for them I was told.