2. home-theater
  3. 1027637978

What to look for in a sub?

I've been pretty happy with my HT setup using a Yamaha RX-V1, a mix set of speakers from Definitive, Paradigm, Acoustic Research, and a really old Fosgate subwoofer. (Most of the fund goes to the 2-channel audio setup) I am moving to a new house with a smaller living room, and the sub is too big. (30"W x 30"L x 15" H) I need to find a replacement sub that will fit into the new living room. What criteria should I look for in a sub? Also any suggestions for a good sub (new or used) in the $800 range would be greatly appreciated, active or passive. (I currently have a Marantz 50w monoblock driving the Fosgate).
gundam91
quackymacky6f95
3 posts
 
The Earthquake Supernova 12" subwoofer can be had for around that price, maybe a smidge more new, and it makes a very hard hitting, very low playing, excellent blending subwoofer that will put out lots of low bass output at volume in even larger rooms if need be! It's better than just about anything commercially available in that price range for shear output and integration/excitement factor!
Good luck
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srama
41 posts
 
My recommendation is the ACI Force subwoofer. An outstanding little sub, with compact dimensions, that is flat to 20Hz, +-3db. Its performance is identical to the giant-killing Titan II LE (also from ACI) except for slightly lower output. Pricing starts at $749 for basic black to around $850 for real wood veneers. Check out specs at http://www.audioc.com.

elevick
2,636 posts
 
Hi,
Energy makes an awesome/tiny 8" sub for next to nothing. Paradigms are nice too. Any bigger and I'd consider Hsu. I hated my sunfire-buzz/humm and it danced around when worked hard. Pinnacle Baby Boomers are supposed to be really nice and tiny.
You will definitely benefit from a larger amp for the sub. 50 watts won't cut it. Janis Audio systems reccommends that by cutting all frequencies below 100hz you virtually quadruple the available power. Bass is power hungry. If your main speakers are getting 90 watts, your sub should get at least that but probably way more (depending on efficiency). Rule of thumb: you need to double your wattage to gain 3db, 10db increase will double the volume. Therefore, you need to approximately gain 9 x times the wattage to double the volume!
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