Looking for a new Subwoofer


I am looking to replace my Definitive Technology Supercube 6000 with a new subwoofer to augment my Fyne F-702 speakers. My listening room is about 13 x 22 ft with 8’ ceilings and an 8’ opening to the dining room to the left of the listening area. I try to avoid major products made in mainland China—in spite of their at times very good quality, and I have narrowed the brands down to Paradigm, Vandersteen, and JL Audio, specifically, a single Paradigm XR11 or dual Defiance X12s, the Vandersteen Sub Three with “required” crossover, and the JL Audio Fathom f110v2.  My budget is about $4K, with the XR11 and Fathom right at that price, the dual X12s at about $3K, and the Vandersteen with required crossover at about $5300 (including two crossovers, as they are sold in pairs).  I may be able to audition the Paradigms and the Vandersteen; a friend has told me the room correction software with the JL Audio sub is way behind that of the Paradigms.  In light of the excellent advice I have received in this forum, I wonder if folks out there have had an experience with these subwoofers and what they might recommend.  Many thanks.

mike4597

Definitely go with two subs over one, 

Totally agree.  I run 5 and its even better.

I love the REL subwoofer sound. Consider finding 2 used RELs.  They don't have to match, but probably best if they do. Mine don't. 

 

 

 

We are partial to SVS subwoofers in particular the model SB-4000 because it is the least expensive unit in their line with balanced XLR inputs. Room size, your listening habits and aesthetics will dictate the best subwoofer(s) size. Especially on long runs if possible drive these with a balanced output(s).

A major factor in subwoofer performance is proper integration using high and low pass filters for the mains and sub respectively.  Here is our video discussing subwoofer integration: Subwoofer Integration that Energizes Your Stereo System

OP, just take Duke’s advice and get his Swarm DBA system.  Read the reviews and in your price range.  Mine integrated seamlessly to my Magico S3 MK II’s in a relatively small room and transformed my system.

.