Sub recommendation for Sierra-1s?

[MrHand08]

Hey there,

I am currently running a pair of Ascend Sierra-1s with an Outlaw RR2150 (100wpc - 8 ohms/160wpc - 4 ohms). While the system sounds very good, I am looking for more deep bass response for my 2-channel listening. I've been looking into purchasing a sub to fill the bottom end. I've checked with Ascend Acoustics and they recommend using the Rythmik Direct Servo sealed subs (they sell), which they told me integrated well with the Sierra-1s. I've started to look at SVS and Hsu too. I wanted to get some opinions on subs, cables, and placement recommendations. I'm running this system in my 23x14x8 living room which opens to 11x13 dining room. The living room is carpeted with about a 1/2 of padding underneath. I'm only using this system for music.

1) I've read about the issues with the RR2150's sub output being too low. I don't know if anyone is familar with this, but Outlaw has mentioned that they would modify the sub output voltage if necessary to correct this. Does anyone who had used an RR2150 know if there have been any issues with the sub out using a Rythmik sub? I'm looking at the F-12 SE. Here is a link to the specs for this sub:

Rythmik F12 SE Specs: http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/subs/f12se.html

2) Would a 12" sub be sufficient to fill the room? I don't have that much room for too large of a footprint, but I wasn't sure if I would be compromising any sound by not going with a larger sub (15"). Feel free to recommend other subs as well.

3) Most subs have a a left and right channel input. Based on the F12 SE sub and specs provided, what would be the best way to connect the sub to the single sub out from my receiver? Should I use a Y-cable to run the mono channel into both the left and right channels of the sub from the 2150? Will this make much difference in sound quality?

4) Am I better off using the sub's crossover or the Outlaw 2150's bass management?

5) I'm only going to use this system for music. Am I better with a sealed sub to fill the room?

6) My room is pretty cluttered, so placement of the sub will be a challenge. I have some room in near corner of the room, but it would to be placed next to a curio cabinet or next to one of the front speakers. Any suggestions on placement? I've attached a layout of the room with possible sub placement areas to help with this.

7) Any suggestions for sub cables? I've looked at the usual places: Outlaw, Blue Jeans, Cables to Go, BetterCables, Cables 4 Less, and Best Deal Cables.

8) The living room (2nd floor) is carpeted, so I imagine I would not need any vibration pads (subdude, gramma, etc.), unless I went with a downward firing sub?

Didn't mean to ask so many questions at once. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks all!

 

[jostenmeat]

What's your budget for the sub? For this 100% music scenario, if you have the funds, I might recommend JL Audio. The much smaller size will be nice for the LR and hopefully give you more placement options.

As for the placement itself, I would buy a rather long Monoprice cable, and try all of your options. Once you are finally sure of the final position, you can buy a shorter length cable if it makes you feel better. They're cheap.

I am helping a retired friend buy his first stereo system in decades. Coincidentally, the Sierra/JL/Outlaw combo is one of my recommendations for him.

You can find the F110 for about $1.2-1.5k. Ain't cheap, and the F112 will give you better value, particularly in extension. Still, I'm thinking of recommending the F110 to my friend because I think he'll still be extremely impressed for 100% classical music. It will really depend on his final budget.

I think the Sierra + JL combo will be very hard to beat with a pair of towers anywhere near that price range ($2,000-$2,500 depending on finishes chosen on both speakers and sub).


EDIT: Sorry I didn't answer your questions regarding bass mgmt. Will you PLEASE share what you know and find out about the Outlaw? Thanks. Also, JL does not offer high-level ins/outs if wanting to use the sub's low-pass in conjunction with the speakers, however, since you have an outlaw, this is not quite as important. It might matter if you ever changed your choice of integrated.

 

[AVRat]

Don't worry about driver size, it's all about overall design. The Rythmik would work well in your space. As would an SVS SB12-Plus or Epik Vanquish.

 

[mziegler]

I have been to a listening session with the F112, Hsu ULS 15, and Rythmik F15. The mains were the Sierras. They are all great, and you couldn't go wrong with any of them. Clearly the best fit and finish goes to the F112, and the F112 has the best SQ for music. It is also the smallest.

The differences in sq with alll three was minimal. The Hsu and Rythmik go lower (the Hsu goes lowest). The Rythmik is the least expensive. Since I am thinking of a new sub myself--I currently have a Hsu 3mk2--I am most inclined to the Rythmik, since cost is more of a factor for me. I would be thrilled with the Hsu as well, expecially since it has some nice options for finishes, and it has a pretty useful wireless option.

Appearance for me is important in my room. My perfect sub would be the D15E in a finish to go with my natural Sierras, so at the moment there is no perfect option. If you have the Sierras in black I would recommend that sub, unless its footprint is too large.

The Fathoms are the smallest, and the Hsu is pretty small too.

As I said earlier, you will be extremely happy with the sound of any of these subs--they are all great with the Sierras.

 

[MrHand08]

Thanks guys for your recommendations!!

Size and money are both an issue in my sub purchase. I wish I could hear all 2 before purchasing, but for now I may look to the Rythmik sub. I was impressed with the reviews of the f112, but the price seems to be slightly out of my range for now. My budget for a sub was around $1K.

The footprint is also a concern, since I'm not sure where I'll be able to place the sub. A couple places where it would fit may not be the place sonically. I would be able to match the gloss piano black finish of the Sierra's with the F12se. I just wasn't sure of the best sub for music that could fill my room (23x14x8 open room) and one that would integrate almost seamlessly with the Sierra's and still have a somewhat small footprint. (~15"-20" on all sides).

jostenmeat: I'll let you what I find out when I test the Outlaw's bass management.

Thanks!