Subwoofer Choice - Most bang for the buck?

[corysmith01]

Alright, so earlier this week I posted some thoughts on subs I was considering. I got lots of helpful responses. Based on responses/suggestions, I've narrowed them down to 3. However, I just want to field some input on these 3 and also, point out some hesitations on my part and figure out if those hesitations are warranted.

The 3 I've narrowed to are:

Adire Rava - $399
SVS PB10-ISD - $429
Hsu STF-2 - $399

As you can see, I've stayed right around $400, which is my budget. After compiling/reviewing, I've deduced that these are probably the best at that price point.

Now, here are the worries. First, with the Hsu. I live in an apartment building and will continue to do so for the forseeable future. This sub is the only one of the bunch that has a downward firing driver. My question is, will this matter? Meaning, will this sub (downfiring as it were) be more obnoxious to my downstairs neighbors than a foreward firing driver? It seems like a driver pointed at the floor would cause more havoc, but maybe not.

Next, with the SVS, the back panel is pretty bare bones. There and no speaker lines in. I don't use that now on my current (piece of s&*%) sub as I use the line-in connection directly from my receiver. Will I ever need those, or is this an acceptable thing to leave off of a sub?

So there you have it. Most importantly, I just want to get the best sounding, with the most output out of these three. Budget, at this point, is the most critical cosideration, so hopefully I've narrowed it down to some solid subs that agree with my rather modest spending limit. Any thoughts or experiences folks have had with them would be greatly appreciated.

 

[wafflebird]

Good choices

I will comment on the two concerns you have.

First on the down-firing sub;
Bear in mind that you are dealing with Low frequency, and keep in mind what low frequency does, It makes your walls vibrate dishes rattle .... You get my point. These sound waves travel through things. That being said I am sure there will be some difference in the sound level heard by your downstairs neighbors, but I think it would only be a slight difference given the nature of low frequency sound. Face it, if it is loud enough your neighbors will hear it, regardless of down-firing or forward firing orientation.

Second on the speaker outputs (Which I think you are talking about);

I will venture to say that most (Guys if I am wrong but in) HT enthusiasts do not use outputs from their subs to their speakers. Most folks use the receiver for all speaker output. So I am fairly certain that you need not bother with making whether a sub has this function or not the deciding factor in your decision. You do want to make sure whatever sub you purchase has a digital LFE input for sure.

I hope that this helps you, and rest assured you will be happy once you have made your purchase. I am in a Condo in South Florida and have the same concerns as you. I know there have to be times when the neighbor downstairs had to hear the Velodyne……. Hmmmm she just moved…… Do you think …… Naaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!

 

[corysmith01]

Thanks

Yeah, I figured that low frequency is going to travel through anything, but for some reason, it just seemed to make sense that a downward firing driver, aimed right at the floor, would be heard/felt more than one firing it's waves forward. But your point it well made...it's going to bother them regardless.

And as for the line level outs to speakers, that's what I figured. I just wanted to make sure. Maybe I'm wrong, but the line level out to speakers from the back of the sub seems a bit archaic...it seems as though most receivers now come equipped with a sub-out line. But, then again, maybe more high end applications can make use of this. In my case, however, it doesn't seem necessary. Which is good, 'cause I think I'm leaning towards the SVS...they all seem about equal, but the SVS has the upperhand in the looks dept IMO.

 

[Rock&Roll Ninja]

If you're using seperate pre-amps and amps, or an integrated amplifier, or even a stereo receiver for 2-channel music, then you won't have the option of a single "sub-out" connection like in a modern AVR.

 

[MDS]

I think the PB10-ISD is the best of the bunch and is my choice for upgrading as soon as I close on my house. SVS left off the speaker level inputs because few people need them. If they put all the extra inputs and controls that most people don't use for HT, the price would have to be substantially higher.

 

[Francious70]

Personally, I'd get the Rava. Adire makes some good stuff.

Paul

 

[inmypjs]

Have you looked at the Rocket ULW-10 subwoofer? It comes with a microphone that plugs into the sub for auto EQ of the major peak or dip in your room response.

Currently on sale at AV123.com for $399:
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=subwoofers&product=6.1

From Audioholics recommendations:

The very similar UFW-10 sub was recently reviewed by Patrick Hart and he found it to be an excellent performer and even more impressive value. The ULW-10 is small, but don't let that fool you, its an awesome performer. The inclusion of a singularly effective room-mode compensation circuit in the ULW-10 potentially makes it one of the flattest, most accurate, in-room response subwoofers at the lowest price available.

Pros:
Fine furniture appearance & small size = great WAF
Excellent wideband low-bass response
Powerful amp with flush, high-style controls
Auto SOS EQ for automatic room-mode correction
Impressive metal-pulp composite 10" cone
Die cast woofer frame with beefy motor structure

Cons:
No rubber foot option
Bass can get loose at high volumes.

 

[corysmith01]

Yeah, funny you should mention that one. That SHOULD have been on my list. I had totally forgotten about it. It has done really well with reviewers and seems to be pretty potent. Great...now have a 4th. Will I ever be able to make a decision? I guess I'll sit and ponder a few more days. I'm buying my LCR60 center channel tomorrow, so maybe that will curb my "wanting new equipment" bug while I continue to ponder which sub to get.

 

[Tex-amp]

If musical tightness and articulate bass is your top priority get the ULW-10. If louder and deeper for HT is your only concern get the SVS.

 

[Leprkon]

And as for the line level outs to speakers, that's what I figured. I just wanted to make sure. Maybe I'm wrong, but the line level out to speakers from the back of the sub seems a bit archaic...

I think that most sub manufacturers put line-level inputs on speakers for the people who like to use a smaller bookshelf mounted on a sub on each side, rather the go with tower speakers for a two-channel system. It's a pretentious audiophile set-up that may or may not have merit, but it's another market the sub guys can get in to with only a minor investment in their product.

I don't think the sub guys are actually intending the line-levels to be used in a normal HT application...

 

[mtrycrafts]

I think that most sub manufacturers put line-level inputs on speakers for the people who like to use a smaller bookshelf mounted on a sub on each side, rather the go with tower speakers for a two-channel system. It's a pretentious audiophile set-up that may or may not have merit, but it's another market the sub guys can get in to with only a minor investment in their product.

I don't think the sub guys are actually intending the line-levels to be used in a normal HT application...

Line levels may help those who pre wired in the old days of passive subs with speaker cables?

 

[aspaceintime]

my 2 cents...

I too had a budget of ~ 400. I decided to build mine from Parts Express. This thing rattles the house...Titanic Sub

 

[cbecker33]

I too had a budget of ~ 400. I decided to build mine from Parts Express. This thing rattles the house...Titanic Sub

I agree.....make your own.... It only cost me about $500 to make this one.

-chris

 

[corysmith01]

Yeah, I don't trust myself to build anything. And besides, the price for a buildable kit is only ~$50 less than one that comes to my door ready to be plugged in. Thanks though.

Now for another twist. So I had pretty much made up my mind on the SVS when I noticed last week that shipments were delayed and that they expected them to go out bt 2/14 and 2/18. Now, I went back today, and it was updated to reflect a ship date of 2/23. Sheesh. I wanna give 'em money, but I really want to get a sub soon...not have to wait around for another week. At this point, I think I'm ready to get the Hsu STF-2 and just call it a day. It's $30 cheaper and can be shipped today. Does any one else share these sentiments...that you want a piece of equipment so bad that you can't wait. From what I've read, I can't really go wrong with either, so why wait? Any thoughts?

 

[Fb111794]

Yeah, I don't trust myself to build anything. And besides, the price for a buildable kit is only ~$50 less than one that comes to my door ready to be plugged in. Thanks though.

Now for another twist. So I had pretty much made up my mind on the SVS when I noticed last week that shipments were delayed and that they expected them to go out bt 2/14 and 2/18. Now, I went back today, and it was updated to reflect a ship date of 2/23. Sheesh. I wanna give 'em money, but I really want to get a sub soon...not have to wait around for another week. At this point, I think I'm ready to get the Hsu STF-2 and just call it a day. It's $30 cheaper and can be shipped today. Does any one else share these sentiments...that you want a piece of equipment so bad that you can't wait. From what I've read, I can't really go wrong with either, so why wait? Any thoughts?

Have you given up on the ULW-10 from av123.com? I believe it comes in several different veneer finishes all at the $399 price. Maybe one more "thing" to consider. Either way.... you won't go wrong with any of your choices. All four are great performers at their price point and will serve you well.

Good luck!

 

[corysmith01]

Well, I hadn't given up on it. My thought was...and I know this is superficial...but the look of the speaker just wasn't wowing me. Now, I know we all want to focus on performance, and hopefully my choices are negating performance for sake of beauty, but with the grill on the Rocket, it just looked so "plain-jane." There's no stamp/button designating who the designer/brand is, and, when I look closely at that covering, it looks a little *bleh*. Maybe it's the net and websafe colors, but it looks grey and drab.

I don't know. A little superficial? Yes. But hey, I'm an art director by profession, so the way things look is a big deal to me. If you look at the HSU and the SVS, they definitely have something going on in the looks dept. Call me crazy.

 

[bpape]

Decide on what you think is the best solution and stick with it. In the long run, waiting another week isn't a big deal. The HSU is a fine sub too though. Just don't let the ants in your pants get the best of you or you'll always be wondering......what if......

I understand the temptation. I waited over 14 MONTHS after I had money down for my processor. I waited almost 6 months for my scaler. Sit back and spend the time learning all you can on how best to place/tame whichever beast you end up with

 

[Fb111794]

Well, I hadn't given up on it. My thought was...and I know this is superficial...but the look of the speaker just wasn't wowing me. Now, I know we all want to focus on performance, and hopefully my choices are negating performance for sake of beauty, but with the grill on the Rocket, it just looked so "plain-jane." There's no stamp/button designating who the designer/brand is, and, when I look closely at that covering, it looks a little *bleh*. Maybe it's the net and websafe colors, but it looks grey and drab.

I don't know. A little superficial? Yes. But hey, I'm an art director by profession, so the way things look is a big deal to me. If you look at the HSU and the SVS, they definitely have something going on in the looks dept. Call me crazy.

I have seen MANY, if not all of the AV123.com offerings over the last several years and I will say this.... they make FURNITURE grade cabinets. Their finishes, veneer work and over all "Fit and Finish" take a back seat to no one. In fact the AV123.com factory produces speaker "cabinets" for MANY of the very well know European, as well as, American speaker manufacturers. They are top shelf when it comes to craftmanship.

AV123.com also makes the veneered boxes for SVS (or let me say.... were "rumored" to be making them.... so I don't ACTUALLY know this to be a fact). It is common knowledge though that they make a lot of the VPMS speaker cabinets.

But, bottom line is performance and all four of your choices are good ones. I don't think you will be dissapointed with any of your choices.

 

[corysmith01]

Alright, last thing to consider. When buying the fronts, I didn't consider having to purchase stands. When buying my center channel, I didn't consider the shelf I'd need for it. Long story short, I've pretty much shot my budget that I was adhering to....and the girlfriend isn't pleased. So, I came across the Athena AS-P400 for $299...a hundred bucks cheaper (not to mention no shipping costs) than everything else. Does anyone know anything about this sub. If I could save myself ~$100-$140 on the sub, things would be real kosher. I'm aware that this probably isn't at the level of the SVS, the Hsu or the Rocket, but is it a solid contender considering it's cost/performance ratio?

 

[bray]

Great Looking Sub!!

cbecker33
Good looking sub and great step by step pics. Thanks.
Although the dog doesnt look to happy about his role in the whole thing.
What kind of specs are you getting out of it?