Subwoofer-on-a-budget questions

[chapelhaudio]

I am looking for a sub as I begin to build a sound system. However, between buying a new AV receiver (Marantz SR5010) and bookshelf speakers (2 x Martin Logan Motion 15's...quality over quantity for now) this week, my budget is tapped out for a while. I want a decent sub for under $300 or $400 that will not degrade the music.

Any suggestions of brands/models to look at within this challenging/limited budget? I spotted a few used and new 12" Polks and Klipsch in this price range with 300-400 Watts continuous. Not a ton on Craigslist in my area right now, but I saw a Polk DSW PRO660wi, Klipsch Synergy Sub-12, Klipsch RW12D "Reference" Series. Excuse me if these models are anathema to the audiophiles, but I am new to this hobby..and my bank account is what it is.

I found an Martin Logan 10" sub on Craigslist. Unfortunately the seller doesn't know the exact model and he's out of state so I can't inspect myself to to determine whether it's the 10" Dynamo 500 or 700w (those are model #'s, not # of Watts). (I'd post the link, but since I'm new to audioholics, the site won't let me post links yet...Spam-prevention).

My living room: 18.5 x 14 feet, with 9 foot ceilings and all Hardwood floors. Two windows on one of the 14 foot walls, and sliding glass doors on the opposite end (sometimes these are open to an enclosed sun room with brick floors). On one 18.5 foot wall there is a fireplace one one side (no windows); on the opposite 18.5 ft wall there is a door at each end, no windows. This room has a couch and two low leather chairs.

 

[tyhjaarpa]

For your budget you could get a pair of either of these:
https://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1200-12-120-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-629
https://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1500-15-150-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-634

If you told us your location maybe some 1 could try to look your local craigslist if there are any worthy used ones around your price range.

Edit: Of course there are SVS sb/pb-1000, but its 100 over your budget.

 

[fmw]

I don't recommend products that I don't use myself so I will recommend one that I do use in my second floor stereo system. It is the BIC F12. This sub doesn't perform particularly well loud but for music it is perfectly competent. Just don't overdo it. If you hear the obvious support of the sub then you overdid it. If it just fills out the bass pleasantly, then you will like it. $200 or so on Amazon.

If you want a truly great sounding sub you are in the wrong price category. So just understand that there are compromises at this price level. I'm sure there are other inexpensive subs that can do the job. I just haven't used them myself so I can't comment.

 

[KEW]

This is a no-brainer!
Now, while they are on sale, spend $240 for dual SUB-1200's. It is a well designed sub. I played the torture-test lead-in to "Edge of Tomorrow" on them. Of course they did not shake the house like my Rythmiks or JL Audio subs did, but 1) They made some good solid bass, and 2) They made absolutely no bad noises.

In other words, this sub is designed to limit itself before it does bad things or tears itself apart. Getting the advantage of a pair to smooth the bass throughout the room is going to give you a sub setup for $240 that is amazingly competent!

http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1200-12-120-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-629?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=pla

PS-I suspect that the SUB-1500's are as well designed, but have no experience with them. Howeverr, since they are not on sale and you can get 2ea. 1200's for just a little more than a single 1500, the 1200's are a much better value.
However, if you happened to be hell-bent on spending $400, I don't think you can do better than a pair of the 1500's.

 

[chapelhaudio]

Thank you, folks, I'll be looking into those options.

@tyhjaarpa I am in the Raleigh/Chapel Hill area of NC.

 

[chapelhaudio]

Thank you, folks, I'll be looking into those options.

@tyhjaarpa I am in the Raleigh/Chapel Hill area of NC.

There is a Klipsch Sub-12HG Synergy Series 12-Inch 300-Watt Subwoofer, regularly $500 for $230 right now. It has a BASH amp. Thoughts on this one?

http://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-Sub-1...E|B00S4H1QWW|B00S4H4B1A|B00S4HA4GQ|B00414VRH6

 

[fmw]

There is a Klipsch Sub-12HG Synergy Series 12-Inch 300-Watt Subwoofer, regularly $500 for $230 right now. It has a BASH amp. Thoughts on this one?

http://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-Sub-1...E|B00S4H1QWW|B00S4H4B1A|B00S4HA4GQ|B00414VRH6

There is no logical reason to think it would be any better or worse than the others. At its regular price, however, it would be a poor choice.

 

[KEW]

I am a big fan of dual subs. I definitely would not get one Klipsch instead of 2 sub-1200's. The Klipsch may or may not be better than the 1200, I am not familiar with that model. I have a Klipsch sw-310 that retails at $1000 and commonly sells between $500 - $600 and it is sloppy; the 1200 is a much cleaner sounding sub.
Not sure about model you mention, but Klipsch can definitely make a crappy sub!

 

[afterlife2]

Klipsch Sub-12HG is a well regarded budget sub and it is highly recommended at AVS forums. The Dayton 1200 is great for music(It's on my 2.1 system), but for HT I've never tried it.

 

[chapelhaudio]

If anyone happens to know Martin Logan well enough determine which model appears in the following Craigslist, please take a look... The seller says it's 10" but doesn't have a model #. If 10" it would likely be one of the following models or a predecessor: 500 model (120 Watt) or 700w model = 300 Watt (continuous).

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/eld/5353720995.html

The photo doesn't seem to match the photos at Martin Logan's specs page:
https://www.martinlogan.com/dynamo/specs-compare.php

 

[tyhjaarpa]

If anyone happens to know Martin Logan well enough determine which model appears in the following Craigslist, please take a look... The seller says it's 10" but doesn't have a model #. If 10" it would likely be one of the following models or a predecessor: 500 model (120 Watt) or 700w model = 300 Watt (continuous).

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/eld/5353720995.html

The photo doesn't seem to match the photos at Martin Logan's specs page:
https://www.martinlogan.com/dynamo/specs-compare.php

By the pictures I would say it is the dynamo 500 as it doesn't have the logo on top.

For 300$ you are better of getting 2x Dayton sub 1200 imo. Or 2x Dayton sub 1500 for 400$.

 

[KEW]

If anyone happens to know Martin Logan well enough determine which model appears in the following Craigslist, please take a look... The seller says it's 10" but doesn't have a model #. If 10" it would likely be one of the following models or a predecessor: 500 model (120 Watt) or 700w model = 300 Watt (continuous).

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/eld/5353720995.html

The photo doesn't seem to match the photos at Martin Logan's specs page:
https://www.martinlogan.com/dynamo/specs-compare.php

Looks like the original Dynamo. It is sealed and could be configured to face forward or down.
The SUB-1200 is definitely a better sub (I have the Dynamo and the 1200).

 

[KEW]

Here is the Dynamo I have (actually have a pair). I bought them for $325 each closeout in 2009.

You can check pictures here. Looks like the craigslist guy has the support frame upside down!

http://www.amazon.com/MartinLogan-DYNBLD-Dynamo-10-Inch-Subwoofer/dp/B000FIJA6W

Edit: The CL pics are a little deceiving. this is essentially a 12" cube with knobs sticking out the back and feet underneath - it looks much bigger in the CL pic - probably due to being closer than the cabinet behind them and using cell phone camera.
Also, he re-positioned them into the down-firing position before taking a pic of the backs. When they are front firing, the amp-panel is on the bottom.

 

[chapelhaudio]

Hello, folks. Now that Christmas is over I wanted to update you with my decision. I won a bid on ebay for a new Martin Logan Dynamo 1000w subwoofer (500W continuous) This is a $1000 sub and somewhow I won the bid at $539+ shipping. I'm extremely pleased, and felt going $200 over my budget for something that was normally $600 over my budget for something I'll hopefully use for a couple decades was the right decision. At some point I had to stop the research and felt confident given my satisfaction with Martin Logan bookshelves. It adds a whole new dimension to music (the bookshelves were lacking on the bass), and for movies...oh my...My sister almost started crying during the scene in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes when all the apes apes are chasing the people through the forest. As my house began to shake, my sleeping daughter came down and said she didn't like the thunderstorm. A Center speaker would clarify dialogue in movies, and I'd love to add surround speakers eventually, but so far it's great....a world better than using computer speakers for the past 7.5 years.

Thanks for your help and responses during the decision-making process!

 

[KenM10759]

Good job! Welcome to the new addiction.