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
whknopp0713
179 posts
 
I am really happy with the NHT Subone. $800 msrp, street price is less. It has line level and LFE connections that can be used simultaneously, and a controller box with the level, hipass and rolloff adjustments. This takes the electronics out of the vibration-filled speaker cabinet and puts them where you can reach them. Integration is seamless and the sub is great for music, too. It has a 250watt amp from Sunfire (no hum at all. BTW, if your amp hums, it's probably broken). I was reluctant to add a sub but I'm glad I did.
johng
3 posts
 
In this price range, if you're looking for good overall performance and smaller footprint, i'd suggest one of the cylindrical models from SVS (http://www.svsubwoofers.com) or HSU (http://www.hsuresearch.com). These are internet-direct companies that provide EXTREME bang for the buck, very good customer service.

I own a pair of SVS 20-39's with the Samson S1000 outboard amp. VERY satisfied. In your price range, you could buy a passive from their line or a powered cylinder.

I would urge you to investigate both companies and read the comparison reviews on thier websites.

Good luck,

JohnG
rklepl
3 posts
 
I've been through a few subs recently, Sunfire, HSU, Velodyne, and here's what I settled on: A Pinnacle Baby boomer for music crossed over at 80hz via a M&K external passive filter. I have the 10" cube located between my Axiom M60's, together they sound awesome on music.

For Home theater in addition to the Axiom's and Pinnacle, I have the Earthquake SuperNovaIV 12" sub placed right behind my couch and oh my God, it ROCKS the concrete foundation on movies.

In short, the Pinnacle is great for music, and the Earthquake blows away everything else I've tried for HT. And for a 15" cube that is amazing!

Good Luck, let us know what you ended up with!

PatrickS
thafiz
3 posts
 
I think the most overlooked objective when shopping for a sub is getting the right design for your listening room. You first need to decide whether you want a front-firing, downward firing, bipolar or other. Then you should shop for the best sub in that catagory.
In my smaller listening room, front-firing subs just overpower the room. I need a downward firing sub (HSU) to spread the bass out more evenly. I found this out by trial and error. I started with a good sub (an M&K V-125), which sounded good in the store, but sounded less than optimal in my listening room. My room had uneven bass responce that didn't sound very good this way.
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