Best micropro sub for LSi 9's

On3s&Z3r0s

I'm looking at getting a pair of LSi 9's in the not too distant future for 2-channel stereo only. The room is about 25' x 12' with hardwoods. Anyway, my question is about which micropro sub would work well with these. I'm considering the 2000 and up. Right now NewEgg is selling the 2000 for $450, which seems like a damn good deal if that sub will work in this application.

Again, I'm only going to be using this for stereo, not home theater, so unless I drop in the 1812 overture I don't really need to be feeling explosions out of the sub. Do you think the 8" 2000 is going to do the job? Any reason to go bigger? For 2-channel with the LSi's is there a big benefit to running two subs, one for each channel?

Any input is appreciated, thanks!

bklynNupe

+1

I don't have the answer for you, but I do have the same exact question and about the same room size!

cfrizz

What I have discovered is that unless you are in a very small room, the bass can sound lopsided if you only have one sub in a larger room. Having 2 subs on each side of the room will balance everything out.

I went from a very small livingroom to a much bigger one, and depending on where I sat I either heard the bass clearly (if I sat on the same side the sub was on) or I didn't.

I got a Polk DSW-400 sub to add to my Boston Accustics PV-600 sub & put it on the opposite side of the room & now I have bass throughtout the room.

So it is something for you to consider.

On3s&Z3r0s

So, basically, go with two smaller subs instead of one big sub? Does anyone have any thoughts on the LSi 9 + micropro combination versus bigger LSi's? Specifically, do you think the combination would be smooth enough to sound as good or better as the floorstanders? My guess is that maybe you'd get better bass out of the 9's + subs, but the 15's might be smoother across the frequencies it did hit. The 25's or a 15 + subs pairing would probably overtax my budget.

LessisNevermore

An 8" sub won't move enough air in a room that size, IMO. Most 8 inch-ers aren't very convincing at lower than around 40Hz. For that room, I'd go no less than 2 10" subs, or a single 12".

My bud has a PSW600 in a room much larger, and it doesn't do too bad at lower volumes. It might be perfect for your room.

I'm running a 12", and two 6 1/2" subs in a room very similar to your dimensions, and LSi9's. Very full sound with the smaller subs crossed over to handle mid-bass (what smaller speakers do best), and the 12" for everything south of 40Hz.

On3s&Z3r0s

LessisNevermore wrote: »

I'm running a 12", and two 6 1/2" subs in a room very similar to your dimensions, and LSi9's. Very full sound with the smaller subs crossed over to handle mid-bass (what smaller speakers do best), and the 12" for everything south of 40Hz.

Do you mind if I ask what brand / models of subs you're using, just for reference? And are you using some kind of active crossover network outside of the subs or just crossovers on the subs themselves? I'd have to spend some time thinking about how I'd hook something like that up and where I'd put all the boxes! (Not to mention the budgetary concerns, again.)

Amherst

It dosen't matter whether this is an 8" inch sub... it plays huge. It absolutely destroys the 12" Polk sub it replaced. The micropro 1000 paired extremely well with my LSI9's in a 23X14 room. The response was fairly even across the heavily furnished room. It reaches much deeper than 40hz.

The 1000 has the same amp and driver as the 2000. The 2000 has a few more toys, IR,ect.

I can not recommend this sub enough and think it should see more recommendations than it gets.

LessisNevermore

On3s&Z3r0s wrote: »

Do you mind if I ask what brand / models of subs you're using, just for reference? And are you using some kind of active crossover network outside of the subs or just crossovers on the subs themselves? I'd have to spend some time thinking about how I'd hook something like that up and where I'd put all the boxes! (Not to mention the budgetary concerns, again.)

The main sub is a Velodyne CHT-12 (nothing fancy, $500 when new)
The two smaller subs are Energy E-SUB2's.
I use a BFD only on the Velodyne, the Energy's are passive and running full-range from the L-R main channels. It's a bit of a strange set up, but it works very well.

Another aspect to consider is room treatments, when properly used and placed, they can tame an unruly room and help tighten up the bass response. Since I added bass traps and acoustic panels, my room response has improved leaps and bounds.

Amherst, what Polk sub were you using prior? Sorry, I'm just not impressed with the performance of 8" subs. Not the Micropro, the Sunfire, or the other megawatt+ tiny boxes. They can't change physics, a larger sub plays deeper than does a small one. No offense meant, I just don't care for the smaller subs as anything more than mid-bass.

mdaudioguy

Amherst wrote: »

It dosen't matter whether this is an 8" inch sub... it plays huge. It absolutely destroys the 12" Polk sub it replaced. The micropro 1000 paired extremely well with my LSI9's in a 23X14 room. The response was fairly even across the heavily furnished room. It reaches much deeper than 40hz.

The 1000 has the same amp and driver as the 2000. The 2000 has a few more toys, IR,ect.

I can not recommend this sub enough and think it should see more recommendations than it gets.

+1 Be wary of judging a sub solely by the size of its driver. Yeah, size does represent some measure of limitations, but don't forget about the PRs in the MicroPRO line. This 8" outperforms the 10" and 12" subs I previously had - easily. And, since the OP emphasizes music, I'd say this sub can do the job. I'm using a 2000 with a LSi7s for 2.1 in a 25 x 18 room. Barely enough, but it sounds wonderful. Maybe not the highest output for that room, but it sure sounds nice. I've heard stereo subs are the way to go, but haven't put my ears on 'em.

LessisNevermore

xcapri79 wrote: »

The Polk PSW1000's were the matching subs for the LSi9's. They work well and look good in a 2 channel

With the MicroPro series, I'd go with a MicroPro 3000.

The 3000 looks nice, but it's only about $1000 over what the OP mentioned.
He hasn't specified a precise budget, but I'm guessing that exceeds what he had in mind.:D

I'd look into the DSW PRO 600, if it has to be a Polk sub close to the $450 he mentioned.(even though it's $700) lol

mdaudioguy

LessisNevermore wrote: »

The 3000 looks nice, but it's only about $1000 over what the OP mentioned.
He hasn't specified a precise budget, but I'm guessing that exceeds what he had in mind.:D

I'd look into the DSW PRO 600, if it has to be a Polk sub close to the $450 he mentioned.(even though it's $700) lol

None available now, but MP 2000 (and an occasional 3000) were recently going for less than his budget @ http://stores.ebay.com/Polk-Audio-Direct. Something to consider.

On3s&Z3r0s

Thanks for all the info. I don't have a completely fixed budget... just to give an idea I'm trying to decide whether to put another $500 or so into a pair of SDA's (new tweeters and crossovers) or sell the SDA's and go with new (or at least newer) gear. Ideally, I'd like to keep it to about $1,500 plus whatever I could get for the SDA's which would be about $300 if I'm lucky. That would cover the 9's and two micropro 2000's or one 3000. Definitely wouldn't cover two 3000's at retail, but I'm not in a huge hurry, so I could watch Polk direct and the forums for a while to see if anything comes up.

There also seems to be a pretty strong preference for vintage Polk speakers on the forums, so I'm sure much of the sentiment in CP would run toward keeping the SDA's. But the LSi's have a better aesthetic appeal even with the subs, and from what I've heard myself and reviews I think they could hold their own against the vintage gear.

Anyway, sounds like the consensus on this thread is to go with at least one 3000 and maybe two if possible. I'll keep my eyes open for a few weeks, maybe see if I can score one 3000 somewhere and try it out with a pair of Vandersteen 1C's I keep around in case of emergencies. They're 2-way floorstanders but really need a sub to sound decent, so they could probably stand in for the LSi 9's while I figure out if one sub will do it or if I would need two.

Thanks again... hopefully bklynNupe got an answer he could use too.

comfortablycurt

xcapri79 wrote: »

The Polk PSW1000's were the matching subs for the LSi9's. They work well and look good in a 2 channel

With the MicroPro series, I'd go with a MicroPro 3000.

I've gotta strongly disagree with you there. I've heard the PSW1000's numerous times, and I've never really found them to be particularly musical.

Yes, they were the "matching" sub for the LSi series...but they were discontinued for good reason. They were somewhat problematic, and many of them had problems with the amps failing. That's why you see so many of them being sold second hand as "passive subs".


My next 2 channel speaker upgrade is going to be a pair of LSi9's...and I'll eventually add a pair of subs as well.

I've heard all of the MicroPro series except for the 4000, and I was very impressed by them. When I add the subs to the mix, I'll most likely go with the MicroPro2000's. Yes, they lack the depth and extension of larger subs, but they've got some VERY musical, tight, natural sounding bass.

For HT use, I'd definitely recommend a bigger sub, but for 2 channel, the MP2000 would be my first choice for a musical sub. They don't really need to dig down to subsonic levels for music. They can still dig down to 30hz or a bit lower with respectable output. These things can really surprise you with some awesome low bass output, considering their size/design.

Another sub that I've considered though, is the Epik Vanquish...but I've never heard one. They're a 12" sealed sub, and they're supposed to be excellent for music.

Amherst

If your on a budget consider the 1000. The sound of a 1000 = 2000. The only difference between those models are the extra toys. As has already been said here is the sub is musical, which is most important to me, and it has good reach. LSI 9's reach to 40hz by themselves, the micropro completes the little left behind. The sub is hardly "shabby" by any means in HT use to boot.

I think they are a very good bargain in the <$500 sub category (Polk Direct). They also blend well with other brands of speakers other than the Polk LSI series. Love mine.

cnh

Have to agree with Amherst and Curt above...unless you're going to be putting the 1812 Overture on an endless repeat cycle....the Micro pro 8" subs are very quick and 'musical' and that's what you want. As for physics...the 8" can still play low enough because of the massive power reserves....1000watts/2000 peak....and that is the way that one deals with small drivers in small boxes, you up the usual 100 watt RMS figure by 10 fold and you double your loudness. It's not going to rattle the substructure of your house but it's not going to whimp out either!

cnh

On3s&amp;Z3r0s

cnh wrote: »

Have to agree with Amherst and Curt above...the Micro pro 8" subs are very quick and 'musical' and that's what you want. As for physics...the 8" can still play low enough because of the massive power reserves...

cnh

Cool, that's what I was hoping to hear! I have heard a micropro 1000 in a medium size bedroom paired with RTi A3's. It sounded pretty good to me, which is why I was leaning toward Polk instead of some of the lesser known and more expensive brands that have a reputation for their musicality. But my room characteristics are completely different, so I didn't know if I could get by on the same. I was considering the 2000 because JR and Newegg seem to have a pricing war or something going on and they can be had for about $450... cheaper than I've seen the 1000 lately. Plus I was hoping the setup mic might help me dial in on placement, phase, etc.

So, now I'm leaning back toward the 2000 or a pair. I definitely don't need the bass to dominate and am really just looking for something to help out round out a kick drum or standing bass in the kind of music I listen to most often. Thanks again!