your choice for best 'consumer' subwoofer

[mike c]

if you were asked what subwoofer you would like for free, which would you choose? (just one)

you can add your own choices.

but i would have to exclude the following...
-subwoofers that are NOT for normal people like:
the giant propeller shaft thingy
the velodyne 1812
and those that exceed 4000USD

 

[Buckeyefan 1]

Martin Logan Descent or JL Audio Gotham.

 

[jaxvon]

Buck, the Gotham costs $7k, so it fails his limits. Just like this thing:

 

[anamorphic96]

Martin Logan without a doubt.

SVS and HSU would be close seconds along with Velodyne in 3rd place.

I know the 3 other companies are sub specialists but the Martin Logan subs blend in so well and offer some amazing low end extension and power. I have spent many many hours with these and they ALWAYS sounded tight and clean and never became flustered with any material.

The last bonus with ML's is the size.

 

[Sheep]

DD15

These tests speak for themselfs.

http://www.avtalk.co.uk/forum/index.php?t=msg&th=14733&start=0&rid=0&SQ=0

SheepStar

 

[Tomorrow]

DD15

These tests speak for themselfs.

http://www.avtalk.co.uk/forum/index.php?t=msg&th=14733&start=0&rid=0&SQ=0

SheepStar

What?! No nitpicking the methodology? Whatza matta with everyone over there? LOL.

 

[ninoe99]

How about the Axiom EP600 and EP500?

 

[einsteinjb]

Hmm. Do I get to audition all 3 first? If so I'd have to choose afterwards.

If not, as I've never heard any of these choices, I'd have to say gimme the most expensive one. I'll compare it to my buddy's SVS PB12 Ultra/2, which I adore. If I like it better than the SVS, I'll keep it. If I don't, I'll sell it to one of you guys and buy myself an Ultra/2. Yup that's what I'd do.

 

[mike c]

no demo. personally, i've only demo'd the sunfire true eq signature subwoofer

but ill buy the one you choose for a 100bucks!

 

[shokhead]

SVS Oh sorry,not on the list.

 

[Rock&Roll Ninja]

"consumers" don't pay $4000 for a subwoofer. insane audiophiles pay $4000 for a subwoofer. Consumers use the subwoofer that came with the HTiB.

Or if they just got a tax return, they might pay upto $250

 

[mike c]

insane consumers then
(i have yet to become one, maybe this month) im still using my HTIB sub!
im not yet crazy!

 

[dan_j_h.]

SVS Pb12-Plus/2

 

[dobyblue]

DD15

These tests speak for themselfs.

http://www.avtalk.co.uk/forum/index.php?t=msg&th=14733&start=0&rid=0&SQ=0

SheepStar

Here's one specifically about the Martin Logan Descent vs. Velodyne DD15

http://www.avtalk.co.uk/forum/index.php?t=msg&th=16971&start=0&rid=0&SQ=0

 

[RMK!]

Based upon SQ (I have heard both the Velo and the ML) alone this would be a tough call. But for about the same price the on-board EQ of the Velo gives it the edge in my book (but I'm biased having the DD-18 ).

 

[j_garcia]

DIY. All parts are easily available on the consumer market... I've heard the DD-15, but not the ML. IMO the DD-15 is a great sub, but have to say I would definitely never pay that much for it.

 

[AVRat]

I'll take the Def Tech TRINITY, thank you!

 

[---k---]

I got to demo a ML Decent in my room for a few hours a couple of weeks ago. I wasn't that impressed. I've heard/read some very well respected people say that it is a great sub, so I think my issues boiled down to room placement and setup. But, in the few hours I was allowed to play with it, I just couldn't get it to sound right. To me, it sounded tubby, and I drove it into compression at levels that weren't much above normal listening. My DIY subs, which at that time weren't setup that all that well either (have since moved them and redid the eq completely) really embarrassed the ML. But, I guess it probably isn't fair to say that, since I already admitted I had problems locating the ML to get it to sound good.

I've listened to a DD12 at another guy's place, and will probably have him over with it this weekend, and liked it. It is a typical, small sealed sub with really slick software. Therefore, I vote for the DD15.

 

[sokrman14]

I would have to go with REL Brittania B1. If I could have afforded it, I'd have taken it in a heart beat.

 

[Duffman-OOHYEAH]

I voted for the DD15 cause I love a big musical sub

But if I had 4g's to spend it would go to Mike @ ACI for twin maestro's if he would cut me a deal.

JR