Sub to Match New Setup

[Johnn1430]

So recently I have been piecing together a new AV system for my living room (17x15). What I have purchased so far is Yamaha RX-A550 and Ascend Sierra 1 with NrT upgrade. My next purchase will be a sub and then a center, not sure if I will complete the 5.1 any time soon. My budget for the sub is $500-$600, I have no experience with subs in this price range (or any price range) so all I have to go by is the posts I’ve come across on forums. A majority of sub forums mention SVS, I used Merlin and it suggested PB-2000 and PS-2000. Will either of these be too much for the Yamaha RX-A550 to handle or is there a better option. Also the SVS site recommends the Sound Path RCA Subwoofer Audio Cable, is this cable overpriced or on par with other quality cables. Pretty green with all of this but I have received excellent advice from this site. Thanks in advance for any feedback.

 

[markw]

You don't have to worry about your receiver being able to handle any sub: All AV Receivers put out a line level signal to feed the subwoofer, which contains it's own amplifier.

As for the cable, virtually any shielded interconnect with RCA plugs on both ends will work just fine. Quality and durability doesn't cost a fortune. Check Monoprice or Blue Jeans cables for moderately prices yet quite serviceable cables. Can't say how pretty they are, though.

FWIW, I use this cable and have no problems.

http://www.amazon.com/Mediabridge-ULTRA-Subwoofer-Cable-Feet/dp/B003FVX9FO/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1438407182&sr=1-3&keywords=subwoofer+cable

Other lengths are available.

Those SVS subs are very good but, as an alternative, you might want to check out Hsu, another well respected name. There are other brands and I'm sure others will chime in with their recommendations.

 

[shadyJ]

Skip the SVS soundpath cable, it is a bit pricey for what you get. The mediabridge cable that markw recommended will work just as well.

If you are looking for a sub in the $500 to $600 range, I would be looking at the Hsu VTF2 mk4, Rythmik LV12r, or the Outlaw Ultra-X12. Some new ones to look at in that range is the EMP I-12 and I-12/e. If you can splurge just a bit, get the Hsu VTF3 mk5, this should have a major performance advantage over all of these and also the SVS 2000 series subs, and only costs a bit more than the SVS 2000 subs. The VTF3 is by far my top pick in this price range.