I think you may be happier with good value home subs like Hsu or SVS. For more, look here:

https://data-bass.com/#/?_k=4ytvti

While I find the JL brand impressive, especially the room correction, for my modest needs they are far too overbuilt. I can get excellent results with a new sub from SVS or Hsu and an EQ.

I called JBL for advice about this and they told me the Pro subs were a better value as long as you had an XLR connection instead of RCA.

@jimmy2615 Wrote:

Pro/Studio Subwoofers

JBL SUB18 High-Output Studio Subwoofer (18")

See below:

Mike

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1221512-REG/jbl_sub18_high_output_studio_subwoofer.html/specs?ap=y&ap=y&smp=y&smp=y&smpm=e_f82b_uar&lsft=BI%3A6879&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4euclpm8gAMV1KeWCh02ugwAEAQYBiABEgJr7vD_BwE

@ditusa 

Make sure you order a 1 to 2 kW amp to go with that JBL! :)

Only 137 db max SPL ?!  Good info all, thanks.  Remember the one in the beginning of the Back to the future movie?  I had a VMPS larger sub once upon a time, looked like a small cedar chest-sized box with I believe dual 15 and 12 inch drivers.  That thing could move some air.

Big +1 @erik_squires re Hsu subs for sound quality and size. I have two- one on my AV rig which easily goes to 20 Hz and one for my smaller recording rig with JBL 4401 monitors.  The pro subs I’ve seen are generally much bigger and, as mentioned above, need external amplification. Don’t know why Hsu subs don’t get more love on AGon. 

@zgas-music In room my Hsu easily does 16 Hz. :)

Check out Sweetwater’s pro sub selection.  From $400 8 inch JBL to $5K 15 inch Genelec!  Must have dual balanced inputs for most all except Focal which offers a 2.1 LFE bypass input. They have great sales support as well. 

i think key is proper system integration so bass doesn’t “boom” but just sounds like low end extension from your main speakers. My 12 inch 600 watt Klipsch is set on first gain notch w my Focal Arias and notch two with Klipsch Fortes.  Can’t tell a sub is in the room but there is definitely a 360 degree low end drive that extends the soundstage.

Good luck! 

+1 trivema, "i think key is proper system integration so bass doesn’t “boom” but just sounds like low end extension from your main speakers".  My system has (4) JL esub 112's, was spec'd and installed by professionals and sounds fantastic.  For the purposes of this discussion I've never owned less expensive hardware or even a single sub in an audio room to have a comparison.  I doubt that I could spend more money and get better sound.  Nor would I accept any less sound quality to save money.

@jrrvjr Wrote:

i think key is proper system integration so bass doesn’t “boom” but just sounds like low end extension from your main speakers. 

Very true! See article below Fast Bass, Slow Bass - Myth vs. Fact:

Mike

http://www.soundstagenetwork.com/maxdb/maxdb061999.htm

@ditusa 

Thanks for that link.

@kb673 👍

Mike