The problem is this category delves into the commercial side, which isn't our forte. I could randomly pick something like the Danley TH221, which appears to have adequate extension for home theater backed by ridiculous output levels, but is it "the best"? I simply couldn't say.
I know the JTR Orbit Shifter and some of the Danley subs like the DTS 10 are intended for home use. But I take your point, this is such a niche market there isn't enough out there to compare.
That's how the game always plays out though. For just a little more.... The thing is, the PB1000 offers a well-rounded package with adequate output for most, extension down to 20Hz, and top shelf customer support. Obviously there's room for improvement if you're willing to spend more, but we've also got to draw a line in the sand at some point, and $500 is as good as any for an "entry level" sub.
Again I take your point, but it's hard to recommend a PB1000 when for only a little more you could have something a lot better.
In some aspects, yes, in others, not so much. There's also other factors like customer support which PSA has built a strong reputation for, while Jeremy is still the new kid on the block.
Despite Tom's protest, I don't see how the PS15x is inferior, except for a steeper rolloff below 16 Hz, which wouldn't effect much anyway. If I had to choose one based on measurements alone and blind to the brand, I would go with the Reaction sub. If I had to choose one based on sight alone, again the Reaction is a lot nicer looking. Reaction has thus far had very responsive customer support, and remember that PSA isn't exactly an old established company, it has only been around for what, three years? There is a lead time with the Reaction sub, but for that wait you get a clearly better driver, better amp, and better cabinet.
How so? The only objective metric available on the Hsu is internal CEA 2010 output numbers, and those don't indicate that the ULS-15 is hammering the XS15se by any stretch. There's no info on the F15 that I know of.
The ULS doesn't have the upper bass sensitivity of the XS15, but I think it will perform better down low. The ULS driver is based on the Adire Tumult 15 and the XS15 is using a Eminence lab 15 based driver. I'll take a Tumult 15 thank you very much, it promises better low end performance, and then there is other factors, like wireless connectivity, XLR connectivity (which turned out to save me a big hassle), speaker level inputs, ability to flatten out the response for 0/-1 dB over 15 - 200 Hz, a much nicer finish and aesthetic, a subwoofer that will not 'walk' away, and great customer support from a company that PSA is the new kid on the block in comparison to. All the same is true for the Rythmik sub as well. And, for an intangible, Rythmik and Hsu promote their products with a humility that completely escapes PSA, despite the superiority of Rythmiks and Hsu products.
Plus, the thing is ugly as sin anyway, which counts for something in this contest.
One thing I would love to see is someone paint a happy face on the cone of a big ugly bruiser like the Cap 2400.
