Sub-woofer question

[ParadiseSound]

i have a 5.1 surround system in a very small area at one end of my 13x15 bedroom. Am definitely not an audiophyte (dont even know how to spell it). So to me what I have listed below sounds great. But my incentive to get all this this in the first place was the awful tinny sound of my flat screen tv. But I see all the comments on here about how important a good subwoofer is. I have a bottom of the line Sony SA-W2500 bought at Walmart for $100 about 4 years ago. Given what I list below as my current setup, what's the lowest price I can look at a replacement and what will it do for my sound?

Setup:
Sony Bravia 60" (recliner sits about 10' in front of it)
Pioneer VSX-LX101 AVR
Pioneer Andrew Jones BS-22 fronts and matching center
Sony BS-1000 surrounds (at each side of chair slightly above ear level)
Sony sub SA-W2500

Dont snicker too much, remember it makes me happy! Anyway would appreciate some info on better sub and how/if it would make my sound any better/different

 

[j_garcia]

I think it is easier to know what your max budget might be? At about $300 you will already get a really good sub in the HSU STF-2 and that's the one I'd shoot for.

http://hsuresearch.com/products/stf-2.html

Below that I'd say the Parts Express SW120 which will be around $150

http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1200-12-120-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-629

 

[tyhjaarpa]

Hard to recommend anything without knowing budget..

 

[rojo]

Since you're in a bedroom, I think the general consensus to stay with a 10" subwoofer to save space is a good one. To realize the greatest improvement, I recommend a ported sub over the Hsu STF2 that j_garcia recommended. I think you'd notice a significant improvement with either the RSL Speedwoofer 10S or the SVS PB-1000. Both reach 20Hz at satisfactory levels, which would offer an instant advantage over your Sony. They'll also play louder at much lower levels of harmonic distortion.

Think of it this way. Would you rather drive on the Interstate in a V6 Honda or in a 3-cylinder Smart car? They'll both reach 70, but one strains with much greater effort than the other.

And if those are out of your budget, you might consider the Monoprice 9723 (aka Monoprice 109723). It's a 12" so it'll be a bit more imposing on your floor space, but it is also a 20Hz performer. See this page for some other suggestions.

 

[ParadiseSound]

Since you're in a bedroom, I think the general consensus to stay with a 10" subwoofer to save space is a good one. To realize the greatest improvement, I recommend a ported sub over the Hsu STF2 that j_garcia recommended. I think you'd notice a significant improvement with either the RSL Speedwoofer 10S or the SVS PB-1000. Both reach 20Hz at satisfactory levels, which would offer an instant advantage over your Sony. They'll also play louder at much lower levels of harmonic distortion.

Think of it this way. Would you rather drive on the Interstate in a V6 Honda or in a 3-cylinder Smart car? They'll both reach 70, but one strains with much greater effort than the other.

Thanks much, I like the info and price of the SVS.

 

[rojo]

Thanks much, I like the info and price of the SVS.

If you can go up a few bucks more, the Hsu VTF-2 MK4 would be a nice upgrade from the SVS, and would get you into the chest thumping range of subs. It's the same physical width, but an inch taller and a couple inches deeper in footprint. It's probably more sub than you need for that space, though. If I were in the market, I'd probably say the RSL Speedwoofer 10s is plenty. Marshall Guthrie reviewed it.

 

[Mark of Cenla]

I have some of that same gear: the Pioneer BS22's, the Sony bookshelf speakers and the Sony sub. I am not using any of it right now, but someday will. All that matters is that you like what you hear, see, etc. Peace and goodwill.

 

[lovinthehd]

Budget, spl, max size and extension goals would be nice....i.e. what's the max amount you would spend, how loud do you need it to get and at what frequencies? How large a box (or boxes) would you like? Music and what kind, or movies, or a mix?

I do think a better sub would elevate your current experience, tho.