All -
Attached (hopefully) is my current HT configuration. As you can see - its nice and cozy. Everything shown is very much locked in like legos, there is in reality, only a few inches with which I can move (there is in fact a fence between the HT area and the gym area to keep toddlers out of the gym)
So, I am presented with an extremely difficult choice now that I am considering an upgrade to the PDR 12. That PDR is about 14 inches wide, 20 inches deep and 18 inches high. The chair and couch can be adjusted to accommodate an extra inch, MAYBE 2, wide. And that's the rub.
I would very much like a BOX subwoofer, for aesthetic and practical reasons. It will act like a coffee table and will barely be noticeable. However, given the size constraint, only very small box subs will fit.
This basically rules out EVERY high performing box sub (ie, something that digs low - 20 hz, is articulate and can play at reasonably high volumes (say 85-90 dB peak - that is, I won't really ever push this sub). Others that might fit are the Paradigm Seismics (cost goes way up - though I might consider audiogon), and the HSU VTF 2 Mark III. I tried to limit this to higher performing box subs that have a small footprint - but am open to other suggestions.
The other option are SVS cylinders. I e-mailed a rep, and showed him the configuration. He suggested the new PC plus, but locate it behind the chair in the corner (its a big fat leather chair) - problem is - given the height - it not only sticks way out - but will conflict with a Surround that sits right above the chair. Also, I am curious what others think about that location - I am worried that the chair might mute the bass - though I am sure the SVS reps knows all about this kind of thing (part of this question was also whether to go with 2 NSDs or 1 PC Plus - cost is about the same).
The other option is the PC NSD. Its shorter, and so actually fits behind the chair nicely.
Finally, this sub is ONLY for HT listening. I care only that it will play low and relatively loud, but be articulate (I suppose what I am looking for here is that "slam" factor). As I said, I probably will never really push this sub hard as my listening levels will never really exceed 85-90 dB).
the key question is will any of the box subs I mentioned be able to keep pace with either of the SVS cylinders? My sense is probably not based on the reviews I am reading on these box subs. They all generally seem limited to high 20s to 30s hz range before they really start to roll off.
If the cylinder route will give me the best result, I am leaning toward the NSD for space reasons, cost and WAF (and also the possibility of adding a second NSD for relatively low cost if I can somehow squeeze it in - which again, I think will be much easier than with the taller PC plus).
I know regardless it will be a real improvement over the PDR (which i fine, but I know is not a top performer) - thanks in advance for your comments/thoughts.
