Worth the upgrade?

[jeanseb]

To subwoofers expert out here: another upgraditis case.

I currently run a pair of Velo's DLS-5000R that I am pretty happy with. the run between 35%-45% of their power. I like my subs to be clean and flat (thanks to the SMS-1) and level match with the whole system.

It may sound like a dumb question, but would upgrade to stronger subs like PB Ultra 13 would make any difference if my Velo's can already fill the room?

Just need to know so I can sleep again. Thanks!

 

[GlocksRock]

With dual Velodyne 15's, I'd stick with that unless you plan on doing a pair of PB13s. Of course the Ultra will sound better, but you currently have the advantage of running dual subs which definitly counts for something. If you need more output, just turn the Velos up a bit.

 

[j_garcia]

That's a tough call. I agree, I do think the Ultra will sound better, though I am not sure on output. I've heard the dd15 with the SMS active and a Ultra in the same room and I doubt that even two of those guys would be as good as the Ultra.

 

[jeanseb]

I tought too it would sound better but will it worth the $3,000 investment?

 

[j_garcia]

I tought too it would sound better but will it worth the $3,000 investment?

I missed the fact that you were considering 2. I was referring to the fact that ONE will probably have as much output as both of your current subs and still sound better. Two Ultras would be awesomeness

 

[MidnightSensi]

I see them listed for 1700 each, which is 3400 before shipping.

I'd give your system a good listen and see what you think is the best step to upgrade. Running two SVS 13s would require some pretty large mains, maybe some Danley horns, JTRs or larger Genelecs (the 8" driver ones).

 

[jeanseb]

Freakin' "upgraditis"!!!!!!!!

I feel like I need to updrade something. But what?

A. Subs: One maybe 2 Ultra 13s (over $3k)
B. UMC-1 (around 800$)
C. XPA-5 (around 800$)
D. All of the above

??

 

[skers_54]

Like Sensi said, what do you feel is lacking? The SVS will provide much more low-end extension and output, but dual subs will give you an even response that a single sub will struggle to match. Is there a place nearby where you could demo an Ultra?

 

[GlocksRock]

Don't forget if you buy 2 or more ultras you get a 5% discount... which saves you $170. That sucks the Ultra's price recently went up by $100. Of course you can still do PC13 Ultras if the cylinder look is your thing.

 

[MidnightSensi]

Looking at your room, right now I'd consider a projector. For around the cost of the subs you could pickup a nice projector and budget screen, and in my opinion it would make more of a difference than upgrading your subs right now.

Next I'd consider a newer receiver with more HDMIs if you want it, bigger LCR's and use the towers you have now as rears, a 5 channel amp with some horsepower, then subs (active subwoofers or a passive-amp setup), then I'd nix the receiver for a pre-amp with balanced outputs, then I'd start looking at room treatments and quieting the room (A/C vents, so forth, to further lower your noise floor). This, all over the path of time, based on your budget and how technology goes.

Looking at your system now though, that room is begging for a projector and big screen on the wall. I'd start there. Then you'll say you need more sound to match the big screen, and start pondering some giant speakers and amps.

Happy shopping.

 

[jostenmeat]

+1 to Midnight Sensi. All of the walls are black already too. Sure, the ceiling and floor would benefit, but it's still better than what many have.

You could even do a false wall with AT screen!

Seymour AV cloth, fix it yourself or hire someone to help you, with a nice high contrast 1080p projector, and you'll still have money in the pocket when comparing to dual SVS. But the overall upgrade to the HT experience is not even close.

Or of course fixed frame. Or a dalite high power mounted in ceiling to drop over the current display.

Many possibilities to work out for whatever your particular requisites might be.

 

[jeanseb]

+1 to Midnight Sensi. All of the walls are black already too. Sure, the ceiling and floor would benefit, but it's still better than what many have.

You could even do a false wall with AT screen!

Seymour AV cloth, fix it yourself or hire someone to help you, with a nice high contrast 1080p projector, and you'll still have money in the pocket when comparing to dual SVS. But the overall upgrade to the HT experience is not even close.

Or of course fixed frame. Or a dalite high power mounted in ceiling to drop over the current display.

Many possibilities to work out for whatever your particular requisites might be.

I think you are right, a 1:2.35 projector would be insane.

Damn upgraditis!

 

[jostenmeat]

I think you are right, a 1:2.35 projector would be insane.

Damn upgraditis!

You can have your 2.35 within this budget with the Pana Ae4000, at $2k. It comes with 6 programmable presets for zoom, but I don't know exactly how awesome it is, but I bet it's cool. With a false wall, or heck, even just a fixed frame up on that black wall, that could be pretty cool. If 2.35, I'm voting for an enormous screen.

If say you are sitting 15' away from front wall, 140" would be the utter bare minimum IMO with 2.35 screen as that's just the tiniest smidgen larger than the THX rec for a 1.78 screen.

 

[MidnightSensi]

One thing to note with the 2.35s is then your 16:9 stuff is smaller. They are frickin' cool, but I still wanted to throw that out there.

Lay both out on the wall with painters tape.

Now sit in your chair in awe....

Projectors now are dollar for dollar probably one of the most cost effective upgrades out there.