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Need a new subwoofer for music > HT in main room

Room is 24' x 15' with an opening for 2 hallways at one end. 9' ceilings.
NAD T760 powering Monitor Audio Silver 7i with Gold Center, no rears.
Room is far from empty (plenty of sound damping). Hardwood floors.
Currently have an old M&K 8" sub that should be relegated to less-demanding work - honestly it's fine for music - I just noticed it get a little unhappy recently during a movie, and later with some loud music. I need a little more, but not a TON. I do not want a situation where the bass carries throughout the house far exceeding the carry of the MA speakers.
Since I listen to mostly music and don't care about the whole extreme-home-theater bass-shaking experience so much, I'm thinking about the following subs:
  • SVS SB-2000
  • Hsu ULS-15 MK2
  • Rythmik F12-300
I was originally thinking about something from Monitor Audio (W12?), but from some reading it sounds like I can get a better sub for the same $$$, or as good of a sub for less $$$ (latter preferred).
There are a couple on the classifieds that caught my eye, but I know nothing about them.
Would appreciate being able to save $$$ and buying used if the sub meets my needs. Options include:
  • Axiom Audio EP500 v3 $375
  • NHT B-12d $395
  • NHT CS-10 $325
  • REL Acoustics R-205 $350
TIA!
erikkellison
big_greg
6,567 posts
 
For music the Rythmik is probably your best choice, but that model might be a little under-powered for your space.  The HSU is probably the best "bang for the buck" in terms of power and output. 

I have owned subs from all three companies and (in my opinion) Rythmik and SVS are better made and better controlled than HSU products, but HSU may have upped their game since I owned one.  The last HSU sub I owned was a VTF-3 MK3.  I haven't owned any of their sealed subs.  I hear good things about the ULS-15.  I know a lot of people like them. 

I think you'd be better off with two subs, or increasing your budget and getting a sub that has enough output to provide more headroom in a room that size.  Another brand to look at is Power Sound Audio, their owner came out of SVS and they make good subs and offer a 60 day trial period.
mzkmxcv
777 posts
 
@big_greg

PSA’s owner didn’t just come from SVS, he’s literally the V in their name. He makes good subs too; for wanting subsonics I would go Rythmik, but if you only care about 20Hz and above, PSA is a excellent rival.

SVS’ higher end models are not as good for the money due to the digital screen, room correction, mobile app, etc. that they include, so if you don’t need those (I already have DSP upstream), then PSA and Rythmik are more bang for buck.
flat4
53 posts
 
IMO you can't go wrong with PSA. Absolutely love mine for music! The customer service is the absolute finest I have ever experienced.
big_greg
6,567 posts
 
@mzkmxcv  Yes, I knew that.  I've spoken with Tom Vodhanel via email about their subs and he is super knowledgable and helpful.  I would say the same about Brian and Enrique at Rythmik.
flat4
53 posts
 
Yes I agree with Rythmik and also Nathan Funk of Funk audio. Those were my top 3 choices.
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