Sub on a Budget

[Ito]

I was under the impression that espresso was dark brown, not black. Although if I am wrong, that is kind of epic and I might have to pull the trigger. Anyone have any picks of these guys in espresso, because the site's pictures kind of suck.

 

[Ito]

I just sent an email to Hsu to see if there was any chance they could include a black VTF-2 MK 3 in there thanksgiving sale. I'll leave any update once they get back to me.

Also, I know that there has been a few comments about the EMP subwoofer say that is rather meh compared to some other subs out there. I am a little turned off buy their smaller size and only 10" driver, but I love thier aesthetics, plus I could get 2 of them AND 10 thier 2 sets of their 5 channel speaker system for only $500...that just feels like such a steal.

 

[Ito]

Ok, so I really want to pull the trigger on a sub soon, since there are some amazing deals that will be gone soon.

There are two subs that are really at the top of my choices.
The first is the EMP deal, which is kind of mindblowingly cheap. They have their ES10i sub AND are tossing in a 5 channel system for $190. No matter how you slice it, that is INSANELY cheap. I could also benefit from the 5 speakers, as my current system's surround speakers are kinda weak and these would no doubt be an improvement (even if they aren't very attractive). Also, shipping is FREE. If I went with this deal, I would get 2 subs, which ends up costing $380. I find them to be very attractive, but I am slightly put of buy there lack of range (only play down to 35Hz) and their cheap price is kind of scary, makes me begin to doubt.

My other top choice is Outlaw's LFM-1 Plus. At $467 it is 90 bucks more expensive than the EMP's, but Outlaw is currently offering free shipping until December 1st (which is SWEET) which makes easily a better deal than it's hsu counterpart in pretty much all departments (I was more partial to the outlaw to begin with, especially in aesthetics because of the glass top). As a college student with no WAF, bigger is better . Also, their are positive reviews to back this sub while the EMP's are fairly new.

Just so you guys know what else I am looking at, I will tell you what else I am looking at:

The Aperion Bravus 8D looks awesome and is obviously getting some good reviews. I am turned off a bit by it's small size (I enjoy the look of bigger subs) and I just think that the Outlaw will be able to best it in pretty much all areas (except maybe looks) for a little less $$.

I was looking at the Hsu VTF-2 MK 3, but really, the Outlaw seems like it has the upper hand with the more powerful amp. Also, if you factor shipping into the price, the outlaw is much cheaper.

I do like SVS, but the PB10-NDS just doesn't seem like it compete with the other in the price range as well, as in all honesty, I don't find it attractive at all.

I've also considered the Elemental Designs A5s-300 Subwoofer, but I'm not sure the extra money would be worth it.

All that said, as a much as I am seem to be leaning towards the outlaw, the aesthetics, the extra speakers

 

[KASR]

Another vote for the Chrysalis by Velodyne starfire series.

 

[Gozone]

Any advice on which is a better sub "value" for HT use?

Polk Micro PRO 3000 for $450 delivered or the SVS PB12-NSD $650 delivered?

The numbers are confusing, The Polk is very discounted refurb from Polk Direct.

I have read many of the forums and struggle with the size and look of the HSU, SVS, eD etc. The Polk is nice looking and small. Will I really be missing a lot vs the much more recommended ID products?

room is 27x16
Pioneer vsx 23
polk tsi400 fronts
tsi200 rear
cs20 center

 

[fightinkraut]

One more suggestion, two of the Dayton Sub-100...currently on sale for $89 shipped, you could purchase two of them for the heck of it and see what you think, you'd likely have no trouble reselling them for at least that if you don't like them.

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-633

I've never had the chance to hear Dayton subs, but they seem to be a popular budget choice, especially when run in tandem.

Deal is good until Sunday.

 

[KEW]

If Amazon keeps it at $325, here is a great option. Especially if you are looking for a musical sub (it probably doesn't go as low as some others, but is tight and is definitely compact!):
http://www.amazon.com/MartinLogan-DYNBLD-Dynamo-10-Inch-Subwoofer/dp/B000FIJA6W

 

[Ito]

Right now I am thinking I am going to go for the Outlaw LFM-1 Plus.

Like I said earlier towards Dayton, seriously, they are fugly and I can guarantee it wouldn't be long before I would be looking into a new sub just based on looks alone...yeah, it's probably a bit stupid of me to be so caught up in looks, but it's just the way I am.

 

[Matt34]

Any advice on which is a better sub "value" for HT use?

Polk Micro PRO 3000 for $450 delivered or the SVS PB12-NSD $650 delivered?

The numbers are confusing, The Polk is very discounted refurb from Polk Direct.

I have read many of the forums and struggle with the size and look of the HSU, SVS, eD etc. The Polk is nice looking and small. Will I really be missing a lot vs the much more recommended ID products?

room is 27x16
Pioneer vsx 23
polk tsi400 fronts
tsi200 rear
cs20 center

Your going to lose output and range with the Polk but it is a decent sub, especially at that price. If size is a concern it's definitely a contender in the "small sub" category. If you can live with the bigger SVS it's going to give you more for the money.

 

[Ito]

Since today is the last day of the sales, I am either going to pull the trigger on the outlaw or 2 emps...

Any one want to convince me to wait or make a different purchase? Right now I am really leaning towards the outlaw.

 

[Ito]

I just placed the order for the outlaw! Can't wait to hear it!

 

[Adam]

I just placed the order for the outlaw! Can't wait to hear it!

Congrats! When is it supposed to arrive?

 

[Ito]

No official date, but looks like 1-5 for processing and another 5 or so days for shipping, so I'm going to go ahead and say 2 weeks