Sub choice in a 2.1 audio only system

[ematthews]

Looking for a sub in a music only 2.1 system. Room size is 14x14x8. Budget is 700. What would you choose for the above? Just looking for a few opinions in case I missed something in my research.

 

[Pogre]

This article was posted up not too long ago. I'd say it's perfect for you. Some good selections and impressions.

 

[ematthews]

Perfect. Thanks for the link.

 

[speakerman39]

Perfect. Thanks for the link.

Your room is about the same size as mine. I too prefer music to HT. I highly recommend that you take a close look at this one:

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/uls-15mk2.html


The ULS-15 MK2 comes in a bit above your specified budget. But, if you watch closely you can snag a B-stock for around $672 shipped! Mine was a B-stock and worked like a charm. Never could find anything wrong with it. Not much out there that is going to best the ULS-15 MK2 in its price range inmho. Found it to be very tight, punchy, and well articulated which is great for music. Even with HT, the ULS-15 MK2 really packs a punch! Best wishes!


Cheers,

Phil

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

I'll give a nod to the sb2000. It's a great little sealed sub.
Rythmik L12 is only 539.00. The lvx12 is 799, but personally would start there, since it will have more output capability and be just as musical.

 

[speakerman39]

Looking for a sub in a music only 2.1 system. Room size is 14x14x8. Budget is 700. What would you choose for the above? Just looking for a few opinions in case I missed something in my research.

Another sub comes to mind that has garnered a lot of attention as of late is the RSL 10S 10" sub. For a little more than your specified budget you could go duals. Here is a link:

https://rslspeakers.com/speedwoofer10s/


Here is the Sound & Vision review here:

https://www.soundandvision.com/content/rsl-speakers-speedwoofer-10s-subwoofer-review


Here is the Audioholics review:

http://www.audioholics.com/subwoofer-reviews/rsl-speedwoofer-10s


I still say the Hsu ULS 15 MK2 is the bigger bang for your buck. But, the RSL is certainly no pushover. Best wishes on your decision.


Cheers,

Phil

 

[ematthews]

Any thoughts on the Rythmik F8?

 

[shadyJ]

Any thoughts on the Rythmik F8?

Obviously it is not suited for deep bass. That might not be a problem depending on what music you listen to. Those drivers are bound to have a relatively high resonant frequency. I have heard the 8" Rythmik drivers integrated into a couple different speakers, they didn't sound bad. I don't see any advantage in the design though, unless you need a subwoofer with a very small footprint and you don't listen to content that has deep bass. It will not have much displacement either. Two 8" woofers will not even has as much surface area as a single 12", and the suspension on a typical 8" will not allow for a lot of excursion either. There are subs out there that can do both deep bass and mid bass well, so why hamstring yourself by getting a sub that can only do mid bass?

 

[ematthews]

Let me toss this out there for just a little more money. One HSU ULS 15 or 2 RSL speedwoofers? Maybe one HSU ULS vs the SVS SB-12 NSD? I think maybe 2 smaller subs for music might be better. On the fence now.

 

[speakerman39]

Let me toss this out there for just a little more money. One HSU ULS 15 or 2 RSL speedwoofers? Maybe one HSU ULS vs the SVS SB-12 NSD? I think maybe 2 smaller subs for music might be better. On the fence now.

I have owned the ULS 15 MK2 and (4) of the SVS SB12-NSD's, but not at the same time. However, both are excellent products. But, if music is your priority as in mine, then you would be well served with the ULS 15 MK2. Dual SB12-NSD's would smooth things out a bit.

Overall, the ULS 15 MK2 will have more output and punch. Feel free to give Kevin a call at Hsu Research. He knows these products very well and will not try to over sell you. Not to mention Kevin is a nice guy. Highly recommend the ULS 15 MK2! Best wishes!


Cheers,

Phil

 

[ematthews]

I was leaning that way but then I started thinking maybe two is better.. Two for one if you will..

 

[speakerman39]

I was leaning that way but then I started thinking maybe two is better.. Two for one if you will..

Why not get one for now. Then, when funds allow get a second? I got mine B-stock which was $672 shipped! It worked perfectly. No issues whatsoever. Just watch the Hsu site closely and maybe you can get a B-stock. You can even give Kevin a call and he will notify you when one becomes available.


Cheers,

Phil

 

[shadyJ]

If you aren't going to be listening at high volumes, there isn't a big reason to get the ULS-15 over two good subs of lesser output capability. BUT remember that you only really get the frequency response smoothing advantages of dual subs if you can place them where they will compliment each other's response. If you only have two predetermined locations for them and can not place them anywhere else, you may not get any benefit at all except for the extra headroom. The RSL subs look good, and I would also consider the VTF-1 mk3s. The VTF-1s have a tight CEA-2010 average of 110 dB at 40 Hz and above. That is very good performance in the music range. Although the ULS-15 mk2 is such a powerful sub it more than doubles that.

The thing is once you get something like a ULS-15 mk2, it is difficult to think of going back to small subs. I enjoyed the hell out of mine when I had it.

 

[KEW]

Let me toss this out there for just a little more money. One HSU ULS 15 or 2 RSL speedwoofers? Maybe one HSU ULS vs the SVS SB-12 NSD? I think maybe 2 smaller subs for music might be better. On the fence now.

Double check to make sure it has not changed, but I believe RSL used to pay shipping both ways so you could try their subs for free.
The benefit of dual subs depends very much on your room and the placement options you can live with, so that is a real wild card.
Unless you really like pipe organ and or electronica or techno stuff, I think you are more looking for a serious competent woofer then a subwoofer. Accordingly I expect dual RSL's is a good way to go for ~$800.
Understand that I have never heard the RSL's, but with the risk free policy, what do you have to lose? Rogers Sound Labs have a good reputation!

 

[awdio]

RSL is not known for their subs. It's also a small room and most likely space is at a premium, so i wouldn't recommend two. Getting a better single sub is the logical approach.

 

[ematthews]

Just to update this, I went with something totally different. Outlaw Audio had their big sale start Friday night. I went with the Ultra X12. I couldn't pass on the price. If it doesn't work out I will put it into my HT set up to replace the ML Grotto I.

 

[Pogre]

RSL is not known for their subs. It's also a small room and most likely space is at a premium, so i wouldn't recommend two. Getting a better single sub is the logical approach.

FWIW the Speedwoofer actually reviewed very well here at Audioholics.

I've always been a fan of 2 subwoofers. I've run with just one a few times and imo it's a pretty significant and audible difference. I have much smoother, better bass response with a pair.

Moot point now.

Just to update this, I went with something totally different. Outlaw Audio had their big sale start Friday night. I went with the Ultra X12. I couldn't pass on the price. If it doesn't work out I will put it into my HT set up to replace the ML Grotto I.

That looks like a pretty nice sub. A class H amplifier? Very interesting.