Sub sizing

[Smittyg]

I'm trying to size a sub based on a 20x15x8 room. Are subs rated to fill this volume so I know what size to get ?

 

[j_garcia]

Room size is definitely one of the things you need to consider. Not all manufacturers rate theirs based on cubic feet, but with most of the internet direct companies, you can give them those dimensions and your personal needs and they will recommend one that should fit the bill. Obviously, the second question would be: what is your budget? I'd expect to be looking at the $400-500 range for that size room minimum.

 

[biguns]

check out the HSU website. They give recommendations for their subs based on room size. What they recommend will carry over to most other QUALITY sub manufacturers as well. If HSU recommends a 12" sub with 250W continuous, something similar from another manufacturer should do the trick assuming the other specs and construction are similar.

 

[Exit]

SVS and HSU make subwoofers and will provide you with a specific model(s) recommendation based on your needs. SVS provided me with a specific range of Sound Pressure Levels (SPL) rated in dB for different sub locations and different states of tune (for low frequency extension). If SPL dB is unfamiliar, 60-70 dB is probably the SPL of your current TV when you listen to it. A jackhammer is probably about 110 dB. There is a scale of sounds versus dB level but I don't know where to find it. Maybe someone else can find it for you and post it. Subwoofers can produce up to about 105 dB to maybe 110 DB. You probably won't listen to it that loud but the extra power provides a reserve so your subwoofer doesn't drive into distortion.

 

[Jack Hammer]

check out the HSU website. They give recommendations for their subs based on room size. What they recommend will carry over to most other QUALITY sub manufacturers as well. If HSU recommends a 12" sub with 250W continuous, something similar from another manufacturer should do the trick assuming the other specs and construction are similar.

Not all consumers really know who is and who isn't a quality manufacturer. I used to think my $500 Aiwa bookshelf system was a "high-end" stereo system.

Even then, not all continuos ratings seem to have an industry standard for what that entails.

Jack

 

[biguns]

Not all consumers really know who is and who isn't a quality manufacturer. I used to think my $500 Aiwa bookshelf system was a "high-end" stereo system.

Even then, not all continuos ratings seem to have an industry standard for what that entails.

Jack

Agreed. It is difficult to do comparisons across manufacturers this way, but it can be done. I would consider "quality sub makers" to be Velodyne, SVS, HSU, Outlaw (this is HSU essentially). There are others of course.

Continuous power levels for subs must be taken with a grain of salt, because there are other factors that come into play. That said, I think as far as sizing a sub to a given room size, power and driver size are a good starting point. From there I would look at other specs as well, and ideally do an in-home demo to be sure.

 

[Exit]

I think everything said is good advice but no one said a specific recommendation. I would look at 12” -15” subwoofers in roughly the $600 price range and get manufacturer’s recommendations. The AV123 MWF-15 for $599 is a 15” sub that is just entering the market and it looks to be the deal to beat. SVS, HSU and others also make good subwoofers that are currently available as alternatives. On the low cost end, the minimum I would get is a SVS PB10-NSD 10” subwoofer that has good low bass extension down to 20 Hz, especially for its size and price of $429.