Subwoofer: $100 or less

[calnbs]

I am looking to finish up on my PC surround sound. I won't be going over $100 (s/h included) for this system. (In the middle of building a new computer and not looking forward to spend anymore money).

Current system:

Onkyo 506
5 Insignia Speakers

Here are my choices on sub:

1) Polk Audio PSW10 10-Inch Monitor Series

2) Yamaha YST-SW216BL

3) Sony SA-W2500

I am leaning towards either the Polk or Yamaha. Both received good reviews from Amazon users. If it was your $100, which one would you go with?

 

[ParadigmDawg]

Maybe this one;
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=300-631

 

[mazersteven]

Maybe this one;
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=300-631

Beat me to it.

 

[Seth=L]

I am using a Sony SA-WM500 with my PC. It seems to perform quite well for the application (overkill really). One would think as ugly as Sony's subwoofers are that they have made every cutback possible on cosmetics to make it possible to get a great bang for buck on a mass produced subwoofer....one would think.

 

[calnbs]

I thought long and hard about Dayton subs, especially their 10 and 12 inch. Just been spending soo much money lately on things I don't really need, especially in such a weak economy. I was just trying to cut corners somewhere. . I often wonder how much better the Daytons are to the others. The shipping cost from Dayton is the determining factor I stay away from them at the moment.

 

[robmlisanti]

Try and come up with a few more dollars and get yourself the Velodyne VX-10 it's an amazing little Sub for around $150.00 !...I have it and love it ...read the reviews at the below link!

 

[j_garcia]

I can tell you for certain that the Polk is a waste of your time. I agree, stretch your budget and get something a little better; you won't regret it. Parts Express has a 10" and 12" also, which are $130 and $155 respectively.

 

[Adam]

I'm personally not a fan of Polk subs, but I have a good friend and a brother who have Polk subs and are very happy with them. My friend has what I think is an older model similar to the PSW10, and it puts out some good bass in his home. His sub is in a room that is completely open to a kitchen behind it and partially open to a large family room on one side. I honestly was surprised and impressed by how well it worked in his place.

 

[j_garcia]

I used to own that sub (PSW202, the previous version, same sub) and I wouldn't even call it a sub since it doesn't get down to 25Hz. -3dB is 40Hz. It has an RMS output of 50W. It is adequate to add bottom end to a smaller bookshelf speaker in a medium to small room, however when the going gets tough or you want more output from it, it won't cut it. It isn't garbage, but it isn't where I'd put my money either. ONE of my bookshelf speakers weighs almost 10lbs more than that sub

 

[skers_54]

Another option, if you are patient, is to try to find a used sub on Craigslist, Audiogon or eBay. You can save a good bit of money and get a better product if second hand doesn't bother you.

 

[j_garcia]

Another option, if you are patient, is to try to find a used sub on Craigslist, Audiogon or eBay. You can save a good bit of money and get a better product if second hand doesn't bother you.

Absolutely. I picked up a used HSU VTF-2 dirt cheap and resold it for the same price after a few months.

 

[calnbs]

Thanks for all the opinions so far. If it was for any other systems, I would have no problem shelling out money. My PC wont be my main system, it's actually my 3rd system....but for some reason, I'll be on my computer the most (but yet, I am willing to spend the least...?????). I already have MFW 15 for my Movie Theater, planning to get Elemental Design for my TV room. And now, working on this PC system.......for some reason, I want to go cheap.....LOL...I had no problem paying av123 $400 for shipping but I don't want to shell out another $100-$200 for a better sub? WTH is wrong with this picture. LOL.

Mazer and Greg,

I probly would take Dayton in a heart beat if it wasn't for shipping.


Seth=L,

I agree, Sony makes some ugly subs. That's why, its at the bottom of my list. LOL.

robmlisanti,

I looked hard at the Velodyne VX-10 when frys had them on sale as well. For some reason, I didn't pick one up.

skers_54,

Been looking real hard at Craigslist...I don't want to spend money on shipping. Unfortunately, Sacramento, CA seems to have a lot of crappy audio for sale.....

 

[calnbs]

Has anyone done a comparison between the BIC H100 vs BIC V1220? BIC H100 is consider a great budget sub but was wondering how the V1220 compare? Of course there is a price difference but I think I can pull out the BIC V1220 out the door for $150-160, compare to the H100 at $250+shipping.

If the V1220 is decent enough, I might stretch my budget for them.

 

[GlocksRock]

The Dayton sub is great, and the shipping on it isn't that expensive. They have excellent customer service as well... I have the sub 120, 12" sub, and the amp recently decided to fry itself when I was sleeping. It was still under warranty, so they gave me a RA # and I sent it back. There was no hassle at all, I just told them what happened, and the told me to send it in. They sent my replacement back pretty quickly, and they are even sending me a check to reimburse me for what it cost me to ship the amp back to them. I should be getting the amp tomorrow, so hopefully it will be in good order. I also got the 10" version for a friends system, and it's been great, with no problems.

 

[mazersteven]

The Dayton sub is great.

It's by far the best sub that has been recommended at that price point.

 

[WmAx]

Seriously, the Dayton is your best bet in that price range. Remember, also, it is directly built for Dayton. There is no middle-man distributor/retailer getting a cut; so it's maximum product for your money.

-Chris

 

[calnbs]

I guess the Dayton 12 inch subwoofer, it is. Thank you to all who contributed.