Sub advice, around $1000

[Bigotis]

I am replacing my DT Powerfield 1500 sub. My room is about 4000 sg ft with one open side. My mix is 80% music and 20% tv and movies. I am considering the HSU VTF-15h, the Chase ss 18.1, easy to add another so this is appealing to me, and the epik empire. I also have been exploring the ED and Rythmik offerings. I like the idea of duals to smooth out the sound, the Chase is the most economical to add another as the same amp would drive the second unit. I appreciate any advice.

 

[Nuance AH]

I am replacing my DT Powerfield 1500 sub. My room is about 4000 sg ft with one open side. My mix is 80% music and 20% tv and movies. I am considering the HSU VTF-15h, the Chase ss 18.1, easy to add another so this is appealing to me, and the epik empire. I also have been exploring the ED and Rythmik offerings. I like the idea of duals to smooth out the sound, the Chase is the most economical to add another as the same amp would drive the second unit. I appreciate any advice.

Do you have the capability to go the DIY route, or are you locked into going the commercial route?

 

[Bigotis]

Locked in the commercial route

 

[Nuance AH]

Locked in the commercial route

Fair enough. In that case I'd highly recommend the Rythmik subswoofers; great sound quality for the money! The only downfall IMO is they don't have the most powerful amplifiers, though you can pay more for the newer amps. Nonetheless, they are very nice for the money. With that said, your entire floor plan is 4000 sq. feet, or just that room? A 4000 sq. foot room is gigantic and would need a bunch of subwoofers IMO.

 

[Bigotis]

The room is 21x16x13, vaulted ceiling. I am leaning toward the Chase ss 18.2 because adding the second one later would be fairly cheap.

 

[timoteo]

What is your primary use for the system? Movies, music?

Do you want the slam that makes movies a ton of fun?

Go to AV Science Forums & search for the thread called "Shootout!" it compares the VTF-15h the Chase 18 the Epik Empire & ED something. Very informative!!

 

[Nuance AH]

The room is 21x16x13, vaulted ceiling. I am leaning toward the Chase ss 18.2 because adding the second one later would be fairly cheap.

Ah, I see: the ceiling height is what did it. For that sized room you'll want to go as big and powerful as possible IMO.

Did you see the results of the blind subwoofer shootout on AVS forum?

 

[Bigotis]

Yes I did, I would love to get the JTR but I am not willing to spend that much. I was suprised the Chase unit was not ranked higher. It makes sense though as the most expensive units were ranked tops. I think the HSU or the Chase unit duals later would be great for me, I think spending double my budget would not give me double the pleasure. I could be wrong, I wish I could audition all of them.

 

[timoteo]

For pure CLEAN output, specially in the 25-40hz range (where bass is most used & gives the most impact) the VTF-15h has it. At $879 its a beast. I had to tame it down a bit in m room. Combined cubic feet of space including other open rooms is 8000cuft. I do have it paired with the HSU MBm-12 though but that only handles 90-50hz. The 15h is set to cover 50-16hz.

The Epik would also give you tons of slam but i dont trust their amps. I had a couple subs that used the same amps as Epik & one died within 6months of being new. It wasnt until i sold it to a friend that it happened. But the amps always got real hot too. Personally id stear clear of Epik. Not because of performance issues but because of dependability worries.

Ive read more than once the Elemental Designs are powerful but lack a bit of detail. I like clean, accurate bass. HSU is known for just that.

I cant speak for Chase nor have i read much on them. Maybe someone else could chime in on ED.

 

[Nuance AH]

You've mentioned a couple times that you're thinking about getting two subwoofers eventually... Based on that, why not save for a dual driver setup right away? The Seaton Submersive, or Funk Audio 15.3 would probably be a mighty fine performer in your room. Also the Funk Audio 18.0.

15.3

18.0

 

[GranteedEV]

I am replacing my DT Powerfield 1500 sub. My room is about 4000 sg ft with one open side. My mix is 80% music and 20% tv and movies. I am considering the HSU VTF-15h, the Chase ss 18.1, easy to add another so this is appealing to me, and the epik empire. I also have been exploring the ED and Rythmik offerings. I like the idea of duals to smooth out the sound, the Chase is the most economical to add another as the same amp would drive the second unit. I appreciate any advice.

The VS-18.1 looks pretty interesting indeed:

Our VS-18.1 CEA 2010 Graphs in one easy to read format - Chase Home Theater

 

[Nuance AH]

The VS-18.1 looks pretty interesting indeed:

Our VS-18.1 CEA 2010 Graphs in one easy to read format - Chase Home Theater

Looks like the amp completely failed in the AVS blind subwoofer test. Bummer, as Craig is a good guy.

With that said, I don't think the OP will find more performance near his price range than this:

Funky Waves

 

[Bigotis]

I noticed the amp failure also. I am going to research Funk Audio, thanks for the suggestion. This purchase is going to take more time than I had thought.

 

[Nuance AH]

I noticed the amp failure also. I am going to research Funk Audio, thanks for the suggestion. This purchase is going to take more time than I had thought.

It's all good buddy. If you take your time then the chances of you being 100% satisfied with your purchase will increase vastly. Happy hunting!

P.S. From what I gathered Funk Audio builds to order, so they'll build you something that isn't on their site if you want. No, I am not affiliated with them nor do I own any of their products; I just know good subwoofers when I see them.

 

[cschang]

Bummer, as Craig is a good guy.

A lot of different opinions on that.

I'll throw my 2 cents in for the Rythmik FV15HP.

This is a good report on a number subwoofers:

http://www.audioholics.com/education/loudspeaker-basics/subwoofer-measurement-data

 

[Bigotis]

The Rythmiks looks very impressive, I'm considering one. I think I'm going to take a break from researching all the opinions and data for a bit. Thanks for everyone's ideas, I really appreciate it.

 

[FirstReflection]

A lot of different opinions on that.

I'll throw my 2 cents in for the Rythmik FV15HP.

This is a good report on a number subwoofers:

Audioholics Subwoofer Measurement Data Compilation & Report — Reviews and News from Audioholics

+1 for the FV15HP from me! It's a really nice sub for music in a large space. Tremendous output in the 30-60Hz range where so much of the bass in music lives Not exactly hitting the $1000 price point though. If we're staying under $1000, the VTF-15H is very likely your best choice for mostly music in your large room.

 

[Nuance AH]

+1 for the FV15HP from me! It's a really nice sub for music in a large space. Tremendous output in the 30-60Hz range where so much of the bass in music lives Not exactly hitting the $1000 price point though.

It's close enough. The FV15HP and Funkywaves would be the only commercial subwoofers in this price range I would personally consider for that sized room. They really are excellent for the money.

Edit: the HSU Research VTF-15H looks nice too.

 

[MATMAN1970]

Looks like the amp completely failed in the AVS blind subwoofer test.

In all fairness, the amp that failed was an INUKE3000. That amp was not vetted, offered or recommended by CHT. The current recommended AMP is the Dayton SA1000 which appears to have functioned without incident for owners.


I have no opinion if that affected any outcomes or not. I feel those guys did a fantastic job with the shootout and makes me wish I lived in the mid-west so I could hear all these beasts.


All the advice you have been getting for subs is solid.

 

[Bigotis]

In all fairness, the amp that failed was an INUKE3000. That amp was not vetted, offered or recommended by CHT. The current recommended AMP is the Dayton SA1000 which appears to have functioned without incident for owners.


I have no opinion if that affected any outcomes or not. I feel those guys did a fantastic job with the shootout and makes me wish I lived in the mid-west so I could hear all these beasts.


All the advice you have been getting for subs is solid.

I've read through most of the threads about how the CHT was run in that shootout and it certainly wasn't run as Craig would have wanted or how others normally run it. It did very well in the two brothers shootout. The amp showing the clipping light doesn't concern me either as my volumes don't get close to the max volumes they were getting. Chase seems like the most bang for your buck in subs and Craig seems very knowledgeable and dedicated to his customers. Wish I could hear some before buying but I've done the same things with cars before so I 'm used to it. I appreciate all the the input.