Which dual subs for ~$2000 total? EP500?

[ohio]

I'm planning on running dual subs in a large acoustically reflective room to help with the fact that I have limited ability to treat the room. I'm planning to run two Axiom EP500s, but wondering if there are others I should consider. Planning to use an Emotiva UMC-1 pre-pro when they're available, so no auto-room correction, but it should have variable phase correction.

I know the axioms are a solid performer, but I'm specifically looking for subs that are easier to set up and calibrate in pairs, as I'm not looking forward to that process.

Looking to spend ~$2000... no more than $2500 and would be happy of course to spend less.

 

[jcPanny]

Sub options

Check out the new AV123 MFW-15 sub, you can get 4 of them for $2k. A good option for your room would be 2 MFW-15's with the real wood veneer for about $1200 plus shipping. Also check out the options from SVS and HSU in your price range.

 

[mike c]

look at dual SVS cylinder Ultras 1399 + 99 shipping or box ultras 1599 + 99 shipping

i have the Ultra and the EP500. if you hear the Ultra, you won't want the EP500. really.

honestly ... ANYTHING but the EP500 would do you good.

like:

quad HSU 3.3's (don't get the turbo on the 3.3's - not necessary, they're good the way they are) 699 + 100 shipping x 4 = 3200

 

[ohio]

Thanks for the advice. The MFWs are definitely on the list, though I just can't see a 15" sub being that quick/musical... I've been looking almost exclusively at 12" drivers. Unfortunately appearances are important so the HSUs and the SVS cylinders are out, but the SVS PB-12 Plus would work (especially with the Plus/2 on sale). Is that a clearly better option? I know this stuff is subjective, but I also know that almost any of these options are going to blow me away.

Also, having never calibrated a multi-sub setup, I AM intrigued by the Emotiva DRS-1, but obviously no one has had a chance to use it yet. I'd rather buy what is known when it comes to speakers (willing take risks on electronics though).

edit: oh, and definitely can't go MORE than 2 subs. Just barely got permission for more than 1.

 

[Midcow2]

Buy a Fathom on eBay for $2999

Check out this link MSRP $3400 Buy Now price $2999

http://cgi.ebay.com/JL-AUDIO-FATHOM-f113-SUBWOOFER-NEW_W0QQitemZ170198926886QQihZ007QQcategoryZ14994QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

This is for a JL AUDIO FATHOM f113 SUBWOOFER NEW. This is the biggest baddest sub and with it you will only need one!

Read this review: http://www.hometheatersound.com/equipment/jl_fathom_f113.htm

 

[mazersteven]

Check out this link MSRP $3400 Buy Now price $2999
This is for a JL AUDIO FATHOM f113 SUBWOOFER NEW. This is the biggest baddest sub and with it you will only need one!

The OP asks recommendations for "Dual" subs. He states a budget of $2K, no more then $2500.

So you recommend one sub for $3K.

 

[Sheep]

Thanks for the advice. The MFWs are definitely on the list, though I just can't see a 15" sub being that quick/musical... I've been looking almost exclusively at 12" drivers. Unfortunately appearances are important so the HSUs and the SVS cylinders are out, but the SVS PB-12 Plus would work (especially with the Plus/2 on sale). Is that a clearly better option? I know this stuff is subjective, but I also know that almost any of these options are going to blow me away.

There is no such thing as a quick subwoofer. They're called midrange and tweeters. You may want to give the subwoofer myths thread a read.

SheepStar

 

[Soundman]

Thanks for the advice. The MFWs are definitely on the list, though I just can't see a 15" sub being that quick/musical... I've been looking almost exclusively at 12" drivers. Unfortunately appearances are important so the HSUs and the SVS cylinders are out, but the SVS PB-12 Plus would work (especially with the Plus/2 on sale). Is that a clearly better option? I know this stuff is subjective, but I also know that almost any of these options are going to blow me away.

Also, having never calibrated a multi-sub setup, I AM intrigued by the Emotiva DRS-1, but obviously no one has had a chance to use it yet. I'd rather buy what is known when it comes to speakers (willing take risks on electronics though).

edit: oh, and definitely can't go MORE than 2 subs. Just barely got permission for more than 1.

I'll second what sheep said about subwoofer myths. I thought the same thing untill I started researching it. It's all about the design, not the size of the driver. I would not let that deter you. I have been looking at dual MFW 15's myself. All of the reviews I have seen have mentioned the musicality of this sub so I don't think it should be a problem. This sub doesn't go quite as low as say the Ultra 13, but it excells very well where most music is played.

 

[fredk]

Ohio. Axiom subs get a rough ride on this forum.

Some threads that might be of interest to you:

http://www.axiomaudio.com/boards/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=200764&fpart=1

http://www.axiomaudio.com/boards/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=206382#Post206382

The EP500 is still a good sub, but there are a lot of other good subs out there as well. The 500 has a flat frequency response, but seems to lack the thump that a lot of people like, particularly for movies.

I personally don't like that quality in a sub, but thats me.

At half the cost, you might also consider the Ep350v3. It seems to perform pretty much like the 500 (but dosn't go as low) for about half the cost.

Fred

 

[mike c]

err, because the truth hurts? its not the frequency response linearity that turns me off the axiom ep500. it's the fact that it tapers off the low end in any output that's NOT 85db and below. almost like it was designed to measure well in FR.

and for the record, the subs below are just as linear.

half the cost = getting into SVS PB12NSD and HSU 3.3 territory

i'd be afraid to put up my axiom ep500 against the two above.

 

[Matt34]

I would go with 2x HSU VTF-3 HO, proven performers that are readily available with 3rd party measurements to back them up.

 

[GlocksRock]

I say dual SVS 20-39 PC+ subs would rock the house and keep him right at his budget, maybe even just under if he calls SVS and can get a discount for buying 2.

 

[ohio]

Thanks all for the help! Given the price, your recs, and craigsub's list, I feel like I need to give the MFW's a shot. I've got 30 days, and if they work I'm always glad to pocket $1000 I thought I was going to spend... sort of a no-brainer.

Now, can anyone point me to a good guide for setting up duals (maybe "dual" is the wrong term as I don't intend to stack them), in terms of placement and phase matching? My expertise is pretty much limited to leveling...

 

[mazersteven]

Now, can anyone point me to a good guide for setting up duals (maybe "dual" is the wrong term as I don't intend to stack them), in terms of placement and phase matching? My expertise is pretty much limited to leveling...

http://forums.soundandvisionmag.com/audiovideo/board/message?board.id=40&thread.id=85848

 

[AVRat]

Exactly how big is your environment? I know you’re inquiring about dual subs, but have you considered a good single sub, SVS PB13-Ultra, combined with a Velodyne SMS-1 to aid in room response issues?

http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-pb13ultra.cfm
http://www.velodyne.com/products/product.aspx?ID=15&sid=527v578q

Light reading for dual setup options: http://www.harman.com/wp/pdf/multsubs.pdf

 

[ohio]

Exactly how big is your environment? I know you’re inquiring about dual subs, but have you considered a good single sub, SVS PB13-Ultra, combined with a Velodyne SMS-1 to aid in room response issues?

http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-pb13ultra.cfm
http://www.velodyne.com/products/product.aspx?ID=15&sid=527v578q

Roughly 25' x 15' x 11': one 25' wall is almost all windows, and the other is open into the next room for at least 15'. Hardwood floors, concrete ceilings. It is a very very active room. I have an area rug in the center, and the couches are heavy and leather, but that's all there is to absorb sound... down the road I may be able to get some smallish traps in the corners or between beams in the ceiling, but they won't be there anytime soon. Something like the SMS-1 may turn out to be a necessity... any competitors I should look at (is RDES still made?)?

 

[fredk]

I know you’re inquiring about dual subs, but have you considered a good single sub, SVS PB13-Ultra, combined with a Velodyne SMS-1

Has anyone experimented with dual subs vs. single sub and eq? I wonder which is more effective?

I know of at least two people who have put 4 subs in a room the size of Ohio's to deal with room response issues.

Fred

 

[fredk]

because the truth hurts

And when one is left with contradictory 'truths'?

The link to the SVS vs. EP600 makes for interesting reading.

Fred

 

[ThA tRiXtA]

Not going to attempt to sway you one way or another, but if you do decide to go with twin MFW-15's, make sure you get your order in before May 12th...

The prices are set to go up that day forward.

 

[darien87]

I can't believe no one has even mentioned the dual sub set-up that Emotiva's coming out with!!!!

Two 12" subs, a separate amp, all for $1000!!!

Don't know how they sound, but if they are anything like Emotiva's amps and speakers, they should be a great product at a great price.

http://www.emotiva.com/