Subwoofer Help

[Hoikensnogin]

Hi, I'm building a sound system, and now I'm looking for a subwoofer.

My room is 14W x 15L x 11H. Thus far I have Klipsch RF-7s, RF-3s (rear surrounds), looking to get a RC-7 for the center. My receiver will be an Onkyo TX-DS898 when it arrives. Probably will buy a Denon 2200 universal player in the near future as well.

I will mostly listen to music, so I want a tight, precise musical sub, not a rumble box. I'm considering the Klipsch RSW-15, but I've read that you don't necessarily have to get the same brand subwoofer as your other speakers. I've also heard the the RSW-15 can't do much below 30 hz, don't know if that's true, but for that much money, I expect a truly fantastic sub.

I really appreciate the advice,

Kurt

 

[annunaki]

The klipsch not playing below 30hz is most likely due to it's design. It is probably (I am not familiar with klipsch) a ported design. The tuning frequency on the port is most likely higher than 30 hz or so. Below the tuning frequency, response rolls off at 24db/octave. This is most likely the cause of the lack of response. On a fifteen inch woofer, this seems ridiculous. I would suggest a sealed enclosure if you are looking for response well below 30 hz, as most ported enclosures are not tuned much below that point.

 

[Hoikensnogin]

The klipsch subwoofers are not ported. There is a rear firing 15", and a front firing 15" passive radiator...

 

[Rob Babcock]

If it were me, I'd look at some other brands. The Audioholics staff has a pretty good writeup/shootout with the Hsu & SVS subs- either would be a better choice than the Klipsch, IMOHO. Also the Adire Rava is a great sub that doesn't cost a lot ($400 + shipping, I think, factory direct).

 

[RLA]

Hi
You really need to look at the new Klipsch THX subwoofers They will provide
very high spl levels at very low Freq. They are a high power sealed design
and are very quick with awesome pitch and definition The SVS and HSU are good but the new Klipsch is better for the $$ I put them through the Subwoofer torture test with the Haunting (chapter when the girl is in bed and the ghost comes after her) the SVS and HSU both bottomed out at reference level the Klipsch did not even at +5 dB above reference
They are also very smooth and musical due to there sealed design
My favorite sub was the Revel B-15 untill the new Klipsch THX subwoofer came out Find a dealer in your area and check them out you will not be dissapointed

Cheers

 

[annunaki]

If too small of an enclosure is used with a passive radiator it can have adverse effects as well. A typical well tuned passive radiator is usually the next size larger in cone size, a longer xmech cone/suspension, or the same driver cone/suspension that is heavily damped. Either way, check out a few other designs. Also look into Adire Audio if you are looking for serious low frequency performance.

 

[RLA]

Subwoofers able to obtain low frequency's are not necessary good subwoofers anyone can take a low fs, high x-max driver stuff it into an enclosure add a long port and call it good Great subwoofers will have good pitch and definition, be able to play the entire lower frequency's with high spl levels (not just the lowest) with no audible distortion and remain composed and have amplifiers and a woofer motor structure that are able to maintain high spl levels indefinitely There are very few commercial subwoofer that will do the above

 

[Unregistered]

So I guess everyone should just forget about ever buying a subwoofer because it's very difficult to achieve the theoretical ideal in a commercial subwoofer? Is that your point?

 

[annunaki]

One other cause for the lack of low frequncy extension could simply be a lack of long linear excursion.

I think what RLA meant was that they tend to be expensive, not that they don't exist. A good subwoofer would have fairly even output over it's entire range. A good subwoofer would have response of say 20hz-100hz + - 3db <5%thd. A great subwoofer would have response of say 5hz-100hz + - 1db <1%thd.

 

[RLA]

No need to spend a ton of $$ if you can DIY
We have done a couple custom Infinite Baffle designs that would make the SVS and others sound like a wimpy toy crying for momma

 

[annunaki]

Going the DIY route can be very beneficial and cost effective, if one does not mind doing a little handywork. Make sure to do your homework. Find out exactly how woofers work, what makes a sub sound good (long linear xmax, and a low Fs, coupled with flat Bl/Kms curves), ect. If you have any specific questions pm me, I will do what I can to help you out.