Subwoofer suggestions

[Redbone]

Hello I recently put together a new surround system consisting of an NAD T753 and a set of newly designed Focal JM Labs Chorus S speakers. The system is used for music 60% and movies 40%. My room is 12x20 with hardwood floors and a brick wall at the rear. The system is great however it does lack the low end oomph of a subwoofer. The matching JM sub is to costly at $700 and it only plays down to 40hz, so I am seeking other options.

I know subwoofer placement and set up is very important but some good starting suggestions as to brand and model would be very helpful.

Requirements:

* Small attractive cabinet
* Tight, fast hitting, musical bass
* Should go fairly low 30hz or lower
* Under $500 is my price point
* Moderate power is fines as I have neigbors (duplex)

Thanks for any help in this matter as it has been a dilemma for two months.

 

[Rob Babcock]

Both HSU Research & Outlaw Audio made very good subs for $500 or less. The Outlaw LFM-1 is a collaberation with Hsu and is very similar to their STF line but with a single tuning frequency. Another excellent sub in that price range is the Adire Audio Rava .

There isn't a lot of competition to those subs at the price unless you an DIY.

Edit: I just noticed the Outlaw is closer to $600, a bit out of your stated price range. It's a nice sub, as is the SVS PCI for $549.

 

[Redbone]

The Rava is a great option but the 18" square cabinet could be a problem with the wife and the weight of 65lbs is interesting.

Anyone have any experience with the B&W ASW 300 or 600 they look as though they may be a good fit.

 

[Rob Babcock]

I think the B&W sounds a bit loose, but might be okay for HT. It's not very impressive for music though, IMOHO. But it is pretty.

A large sub can be difficult to deal with visually, but there's no replacement for displacement.

Bear in mind, too, that bass is mostly non-directional and the sub can often be placed out of sight. Yeah, easier said than done with a sub the size of the Rava, but you can place it behind or to the side of your listening position, too.

 

[Peppy]

Sub under $500

3 lettres...J.B.L. ... The Northridge E Series E150P 10 inch or E250P 12 inch both under $500... never know if your lucky might be able to find 2 E150p for under $600.

It happen to me 2 1/2 years ago with the PB 10. There's better in this world but "I" think you get the best for the buck with JBL

Good Luck

 

[Redbone]

JBL Huh? I will have to look into those as I consider the RAVA. Do any of the Hsu subs like the smaller STF's make any sense? And does anyone have any comment on the Cambridge Sound Works P500 or P200

I have also looked into the Athena P2 which I have not heard but seems to be a strong candidate for my application. The JBL concerns me a bit as I am matching it to a very advanced speaker the JM Labs Chours series. I am looking for maximum blending of tight fast hitting bass.

 

[Peppy]

There is bigger, better, and with deeper bass that a JBL E250P, but not under $500. But how it will match with your speakers....your are the only and the best judge of what question. Find a place for a demo because if you get the Athena and in 6 month hear the JBL... You will kick your

 

[cornelius]

I hear that the sub kits from Parts Express are pretty good, and a very cheap price.
http://www.partsexpress.com/webpage.cfm?&DID=7&WebPage_ID=242#kits

If anyone has any experience let us know.

n

 

[Yamahaluver]

You can get Yamaha's YST SW 1500 for around $500 and it is a great sounding sub but more suited to music than HT.

 

[Rob Babcock]

Actually, there's a couple really cheap Yammies that have some favorable reputations. Forgot about them. Leave it to Yamahaluver to remind me! I know the only magazine review I saw of the Cambridge wasn't exactly glowing, but they've had some good ones ('cause they manage to quote some raves!). They seem a bit overpriced for the air they move.

The Rava & the Hsu's are near-legendary. In the case of the Rava, it uses a 12" Shiva driver (and that one is legendary)- considering the woodwork & amp I doubt you could even build a good for for a lot less.

 

[Yamahaluver]

Actually, there's a couple really cheap Yammies that have some favorable reputations. Forgot about them. Leave it to Yamahaluver to remind me! I know the only magazine review I saw of the Cambridge wasn't exactly glowing, but they've had some good ones ('cause they manage to quote some raves!). They seem a bit overpriced for the air they move.

The Rava & the Hsu's are near-legendary. In the case of the Rava, it uses a 12" Shiva driver (and that one is legendary)- considering the woodwork & amp I doubt you could even build a good for for a lot less.

Yep the YST SW 315 is one great value for under $300. The Yamaha subs are tilted for music with the exception of the YST SW1500 which can do the shaking quite well.

 

[nm2285]

I'm using a Pinnacle Digital Sub 350 and am very satisfied. It's supposed to retail at $1200, but I bought mine for under $500 (which should make one wonder, but I love the performance).

It has 2 12-inch drivers in an isobaric conformation with a large amp all enclosed in a 15 inch cube. Sounds like it can meet your needs.

I bought mine from www.reliableaudiovideo.com

www.pinnaclespeakers.com has some reviews.

 

[Redbone]

I will look into the Yamies and try to listen to the JBL's but I really am interested in the Rava for the price it seems to really be quite a sub though it is rather large. So many choices so little time....

Thanks for all the suggestions thus far.

 

[remmib]

I tried the Yamaha sub

Tried the YST-SW215, it looks nice and small, but sounds boomy
and muddy. Granted, it's a $150 sub.

I am also looking for a small (physically) sub under $350,
some models in mind are:

Velodyne CHT-8
Hsu Research STF-1
Polk PSW303
JBL EP150
Infinity PS8

 

[Redbone]

What do people think of the Def Tech Pro sub 80? Any thoughts on that unit?

 

[Unregistered]

Redbone, looks like a nice system your putting together.... I'm using def techs fronts and center and have listened to the def tech pro 1oo sub... it's a good sub but I use a hsu sub....There hard to beat for the money and as rob babcock said there's a reason there so well thought of...

 

[Yamahaluver]

Tried the YST-SW215, it looks nice and small, but sounds boomy
and muddy. Granted, it's a $150 sub.

I am also looking for a small (physically) sub under $350,
some models in mind are:

Velodyne CHT-8
Hsu Research STF-1
Polk PSW303
JBL EP150
Infinity PS8

Truly unfair comparison, try comparing it to Yamaha's YST SW 315, 800 and 1500 and you will hear the difference. The 215 is really a bass module and not a true sub and it quite inferior to Yamaha's down firing models.

 

[zomax]

try energy s8

I've had mine for about a year and am very happy with its sound, esp. for music. It goes down to 27hz and costs about $350-400 if I remember correctly.

 

[Unregistered]

Looks like I am really leaning toward the Hsu sub unless I can be turned away. I am also seriously considering the RAVA.

I recenlty looke into the B&W 300 and it seemed to be boomy and a bit loose, also thought about the Dynaudio sub but they cost an arm and a leg.

 

[CyboLynx]

i bought my self an Athena AS-P400 and im satisfied buy its preformance .....