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Subwoofer recommendations for mostly music

I don't know anything about subwoofers, so be kind to me! I currently have some sort of Velodyne hooked up to my system. It doesn't seem to add a thing to my system - possibly because it's crap, or possibly because I don't have it set up correctly! I would like to get another subwoofer anyway, so would like some recommendations. It will be part of my HT system, but I really want one that is good for music. I listen to classical, classical rock, jazz and World Music for the most part.

I will be pairing it with bi-wired B&W CM4 speakers (center is a B&W CMC) and I use a Rotel RSX1055 receiver. (I know a lot of people here don't like B&W speakers or Rotel components, but please don't suggest that I upgrade this stuff first - I can't afford to and don't want to!)

Budget wise, I would prefer <$500, if possible - used is fine.
oakiris

Showing 11 responses by oakiris

oakiris OP
206 posts
 
"You might want to also consider just upgrading to a Floorstanding Monitor." Hmmmm - the B&W CM4s ARE floor standing monitors.... ??
oakiris OP
206 posts
 
Thank you all for your responses. I will check out all of the suggestions.

I forgot to check last night to see which Velodyne sub I have - I bought it at Circuit City so, not to stereotype a big box store or anything, I am assuming it wasn't hi-fi quality.

Then again, perhaps Newbee and others are right - I am expecting a great sonic difference when using the subwoofer, but there really shouldn't be one as the sub should just blend in with the system.
oakiris OP
206 posts
 
I finally checked my current subwoofer to see what it is. It's a Velodyne CHT-8. Now you know why I want to replace it!!
oakiris OP
206 posts
 
I have narrowed the field down to the HSU VTF-3 MK2 or the ACI Force. I would love to buy a REL, but they seem to be difficult to find - only sold by Sumiko Audio in the USA and rather expensive - and would love to get the ACI Titan, but it is way too expensive, too.

Which would be better??
oakiris OP
206 posts
 
I have read that passive subs can be better than active subs, since the enclosure doesn't contain the potential interference from an internal amp. But, I really don't have the room for another piece of equipment (another amp for the sub) so that is why I have been looking for an active subwoofer.

In case I change my mind, though, what amp to you recommend for a sub?? :-)
oakiris OP
206 posts
 
I really like what I have read about the Rocket Onix UFW-10. Great price and good looks, too! How important is it for a sub to be able to go below 25Hz?
oakiris OP
206 posts
 
Well, after all of this, and everyone's recommendations, I just bought the Onix UFW10. Your fault, newbie13. (j/k) I have spent the morning reading reviews by users, etc., and the Rocket really sounds like what I want. What finally tipped the balance, is that the company is based here in Colorado and I can pick up the sub from them tomorrow!

Thank you to all of you who took the time to help me with this decision.
oakiris OP
206 posts
 
Hi Sailfishben - At some point in this thread, I did post my Velodyne model - the CHT-8. nothing even close to the quality that the direct drive Velodyne's are reputed to have! Now you know why I wanted to replace it!

If I had the money, I would have gone for an ACI Titan, but my budget was pretty small, so, it's the Rocket for me instead!
oakiris OP
206 posts
 
Thanks Dave! I know that the sub may bottom out on some of the action movies, but I think it will do just the same. It is definitely better than the Velodyne I have, which only had an 8" driver and (I think) only went down to the mid 30's in low frequency Hz. And, I wanted a musical sub, so I got one. Maybe next year I'll add a second UFW-10 - or go for the 12" model Rocket is supposed to have out later this year.
oakiris OP
206 posts
 
I haven't yet watched any DVDs since I installed my new sub, but I have played a lot of CDs, and the Rocket UFW10 is wonderful for music! I hope to watch some DVDs later this week to see how it does with them.

Thanks again for the recommendation, Newbie13. :-)
oakiris OP
206 posts
 
I obviously don't have the experience to answer this, Aggielaw. All I can say is that my new, sealed, 10" sub is great for 2-channel music. It probably won't be perfect for HT, but I think it will be O.K.. I suppose if I find it unsatisfactory, I can add another HT-only sub to my system, but this one is a keeper for music!
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